July 2026 Newsletter

A Busy Summer!

This past month, our team has been running all over! Between World Pork Expo, the Exposition Show, Iowa Swine Days, and further education at the Cattle Market Symposium, we are working hard to better educate ourselves on buzzing industry news and innovative new products! Be sure to reach out to your sales representatives for all the latest.

Pictured: Tim Christensen & Casey Lawson

Sales Marketers:

 Andrew Quail 712-260-3858

 Chad Seaman 712-260-7281

 Dan Regnier 712-260-6720

 Harvey Williams 641-640-0741

 Joel Thomsen  712-260-9912

 Lee Geerdes 712-363-0157

 Office/Tom Johnson  712-262-5552

Billing Announcement: Please be patient with our team as we continue to work through our new invoice emailing system! Thank you!

Battle of the Businesses 

(Pictured: Casey Lawson, Dale Irmiter, Dan Regnier, Jade Schleisman, Mitch Cahill, and Brent Pillars)

In June, we participated in the Spencer Chamber of Commerce's Battle of the Businesses to fight local food insecurity! The donations collected by our team, as well as other local businesses in Spencer, Iowa, will support the people of Clay County through Upper Des Moines Outreach. We ag-folks decided to support this outreach program the only way we know how... by the pallet size. We donated 548 cans of Spaghettios, canned fruit, and Sloppy Jo mix!

While we may have placed third in this year’s competition, we plan on coming back stronger next year.  Be sure to stay tuned for next year’s efforts!

Jim Higgins loading his tractor

Delivery by Tractor?

At Spencer Ag, we deliver and load almost any type of vehicle with our feed and health products. Over the years, we’ve overstuffed VW Bugs with woodchips and SUVs with 200lb. mineral tubs, but this month takes the lead! “It’s not every day we get an account loading feed into a tractor at the store,” shares Tom. He had to capture the moment when loading the bucket of Jim Higgins ’ tractor when he came in for feed.

---

What’s on a feed label and why it matters

Jason Warner, Extension Specialist at K State

Feed manufacturing is an essential component of animal agriculture production and the feed milling industry is a complex business. Making high quality, consistent feed and getting it to where the end user needs it in the desired time frame is not an easy feat. However, what is easy is to give little consideration when we purchase that bag or tub of feed to how challenging the feed manufacturing process is and why quality control is so important to help ensure product integrity. This is why proper feed labeling is a critical aspect of the milling industry and here we will review important points with feed tags that have implications for both manufacturers and consumers. 

Objective of proper feed labels

The primary goal of proper feed labeling is simply to help protect and ensure the wellbeing and health of all people and animals. This includes everyone involved in both the manufacturing and live animal production sides of the process and the ultimate downstream consumers of animal protein products. Feed tags are necessary for 1) the manufacturer to know what they are providing and 2) the purchaser to understand what they are buying and how it should be properly fed to their livestock.  Accurate, complete and clear feed labeling helps ensure fair and transparent commerce.           

Industry guidance

While feed manufacturers follow state and federal regulations, much of the guidance for the overall industry is provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The AAFCO is an organization that helps set industry standards for items such as what information needs to be on a tag and how it is presented, how ingredients are defined, and usage of analytical techniques among others. Essentially, the AAFCO functions to provide consistent direction and counsel for state and federal regulatory agencies, again to help ensure that animal and human health is safeguarded.  As an example, of the role of AAFCO would be to help provide a consistent layout of required information on a feed tag such that the information provided for a beef protein supplement would be listed in the same format and order on the affixed label regardless of the manufacturer.

Main areas of a feed label

Commercial feeds are products that anyone can purchase at a retail level, sometimes referred to as “floor stock” feeds. For these feeds, regardless of the type of feed or manufacturer, the main areas in which pertinent information on a tag must be provided and examples of wordage that may be used include: 

1. The brand name (Any Name Feeds, Inc.)

2. The name of the product (25% Beef Cube)

3. A clear statement of purpose (A protein supplement for beef cattle)

4. A guaranteed nutrient analysis (Crude protein (minimum)…25%)

5. An ingredient statement (Processed grain by-products)

6. Clear feeding/usage directions (Feed 2 to 5 pounds per head per day…)

7. Manufacturer information (Any Name Feeds, Inc., Anytown USA)

8. A net quantity statement of the amount in the container for sale (Net weight 50 lb) 

A precautionary statement is also often included on labels but not always as it depends on the formulation and intended use. An example of a precautionary statement would be “Store this feed in a cool, clean, dry location.” If feed contains any medicated additive then medication claim and guaranteed drug level statements are required. 

Likewise, if the medication requires a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) such as chlortetracycline or tylosin, then an additional precautionary statement referring to the restricted use of the drug must be prominent on the label. Manufacturers may elect to include a lot number and date of manufacturing which are helpful for tracking purposes, particularly for products that are marketed through distribution channels that involve multiple retailing outlets. 

Considerations for custom feeds

Custom manufactured feeds largely refer to a mix or formula that only one producer requests and receives and are not available for commercial retail sale. Most commonly these involve feeds made in larger bulk quantities. Label requirements for custom feeds vary by state but in general the following information is required:

1. Purchaser’s information 

2. Manufacturer’s information 

3. Date of sale

4. The name or description of the product

5. List of ingredients and amount included in the mix batch

6. Percentage or amount of nutrients (if specified by the purchaser)

7. Amounts, directions, warnings, and withdrawals for medications (if included)

Regardless if it is a floor stock or custom manufactured product, it is the responsibility of both the mill and purchaser to have a clear understanding of the feeding directions, medications used if included, and other items of precaution.* If the directions on a feed label are unclear or inconsistent with your method of feeding or desired feeding rate, consult with the manufacturer for guidance. Open, clear communication among everyone is essential to help ensure products are used in alignment with their intended purpose ultimately safeguarding animal agriculture production and our food supply.     

Warner, Ph.D., is an Extension cow-calf specialist with the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University.

*While knowing what is on the label is important as producers, we at Spencer Ag Center work hard to ensure clarity and transparency on our feed labels. Listed below is an example of what a typical feed tag looks like for us.