Written by Bester Feed & Grain
As all farmers in South Africa know, choosing the right manufacturer for animal feed is vital.
Your choices can impact everything from the cost of the feed to quality, nutritional value, consistency, and even availability. All of these things can have a direct effect on both the animals and the farm as a whole.
When choosing a manufacturer for animal feed, there are some key factors you need to take into consideration. This makes it easier for you to make informed decisions about the feed and the manufacturer you select. Before making a long-term purchasing decision, you must look at more than just the price. In this article, we will look at some of the top things that farmers should consider when looking at animal feed manufacturers.
Some of the Key Things to Check
Above: https://freerangestock.com/photos/136825/close-up-of-a-checklist.html
Before choosing a manufacturer for animal feed, and certainly before signing any sort of contract, there are a few key points to check. This includes:
Quality of the Ingredients
One of the key things you need to check is the quality of the ingredients, as this has a direct impact on nutrition and the health of your animals. Make sure you look for high-quality grain, minerals, proteins, and vitamins to ensure your animals get the nutrients they need to thrive. Find out how the raw materials are sourced and tested before production.
Guidance on Nutrition
Another thing to check is whether the manufacturer has nutritional expertise, as different animals will have differing nutritional needs. A reputable manufacturer should have the expertise to provide practical guidance based on the animals you are raising on the farm. Feed needs to be formulated based on the nutritional needs of the animals. Some manufacturers even offer customised formulations, which can prove invaluable.
Manufacturing Processes
It is also worth checking the manufacturing processes before choosing a feed manufacturer in South Africa. Find out more about how the feed is manufactured, stored, and handled. Check that there are proper testing processes in place and that strong hygiene standards are adhered to. This helps to ensure product consistency as well as reducing the risk of contamination.
Reliability of Supply and Delivery
A very important thing you need to check is the reliability of supply and delivery, as failure on these points could prove disastrous for any farmer. You should find out about the manufacturer’s production capacity, look at their distribution network, and see what their track record is like when it comes to maintaining stock levels. You can even look at reviews of the company from other farmers to find out more about their reliability and reputation.
Cost of the Feed
Of course, cost and your budget also have to be considered when choosing a feed manufacturer in South Africa. However, don’t focus solely on the cost per bag or tonne. Instead, you should look at the bigger picture, taking the nutritional quality, consistency, reliability, and overall suitability of both the feed and the manufacturer into consideration.
Making the Right Choices
By taking these factors into consideration, farmers in South Africa will find it easier to find the ideal manufacturer to partner with. This means better nutrition for the animals, a smoother-running farm, and greater peace of mind.
Feature photo: https://www.needpix.com/photo/1363904
