Letters Lisa FROM
At BioZyme®, values are a critical component of our identity, decision-making processes and overall success. The BioZyme values have helped us create a positive and purpose-driven work environment for over 60 years. For many of these 60 years, BioZyme had three values. These included Research, Innovation and Outreach or Giving Back.
Why these values? Because they are who we are and why we exist. The value of Research ensures our products have an undeniable impact on the animals our customers work so hard to produce and love. Innovation encourages creativity, risk-taking and learning. Giving back is a value of high importance because we believe we have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the broader community. These three values have served BioZyme well for a very long time.
There is a push and pull relationship between staying true to your values and allowing yourself to change and progress. After all, one of our values is innovation, which is often synonymous with some type of change. Growth, at any level, requires change. When an entity grows, it must change. Think of children as they progress through the stages of infant, toddler, teenager, adult – or a calf from newborn to weaning.
So, how do you change but stay true to your values?
The answer, we’ve found, is a one-degree change. The one-degree change feels slight; after all, it is just one tiny little degree. Yet, a one-degree change can be extremely powerful. As an example, prior to fancy avionics, pilots, especially in the military, were often taught about the 1-to-60 rule. Basically, it means that a one-degree off-set will put you off one mile from your intended destination at 60 miles from start. Traveling 600 miles? You’ll be 10 miles from where you thought. Small changes (good or bad) can make a big difference in outcomes.
So, in 2024, BioZyme’s commitment remains deeply rooted in our values, as well as to growth. Growth of our business, growth of our dealers, growth of our outreach. This growth will require many one-degree changes. We are excited to present these to you, our dealers, throughout the year as we whole heartedly believe they will also contribute to your growth.
A few of our own examples to illustrate the concept:
- The integration of Vita Charge products into Sure Champ and VitaFerm that began in January. This is one-degree change (only the brand name/look of the product) that we believe is already having an impact. We launched the “new look” at National Western Stock Show in Denver with great feedback and many comments about folks being excited to get their hands on the VitaFerm Cattle Drench. [Read more about the change on page 4].
- The launch of VitaFerm ONE in February. To say this is just a ONE-degree change (pun intended) feels a bit odd to those of us that have worked extensively on it for nearly a year, but all in all it is just a small change to open a BIG door of opportunity to have a product to position as a year-round mineral. And that’s what one-degree changes are all about.
If you know us very well, you know we aren’t going to stop there. The excitement we have for some of the one-degree changes we are developing for this year is extensive. The opportunities have never felt bigger. And for that we are very thankful.
LISA NORTON, PRESIDENT & CEO lnorton@biozymeinc.com
EVEN A ONE DEGREE SHIFT IN YOUR THINKING CAN CAUSE
A MASSIVE CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE OVER TIME
- Mary Morrissey
AND BEYOND VITA CHARGE ® PRODUCTS IN 2024
In 2024, BioZyme will integrate the Vita Charge ® products into two more popular brands. The production cattle products like Stress Tubs and five-liter Cattle Drench will be marketed under the VitaFerm ® label. All gels, Liquid Boost ® and the 32-ounce Cattle Drench will be marketed under the Sure Champ ® label.
“Both of the Sure Champ and VitaFerm names are really well-known brands within our industry. We feel that this transition will be a simple one with some good education, and perhaps less confusion with an extra brand,” said Lori Lawrence, Senior Manager of Supplement Marketing. “We have spent months working on this project, and we know we will continue to provide an undeniable impact to the livestock industry with our Vita Charge Technology, now found in our customer’s favorite BioZyme brands.”
All formulas will remain the same, only brand names will be slightly different, but the products will be marketed “with Vita Charge Technology” to help eliminate any confusion. For example, Liquid Boost will become Sure Champ Liquid Boost with Vita Charge technology. Same formula, same great results.
One product name will change. The Vita Charge Gel will become Sure Champ Appetite Plus®, indicating more of its direct impact to the animal.
highly susceptible to the impacts of stressful events. Simply put, any type of stress, even psychological stress, affects the gut mucosa, diminishing its protective function. This protective function is crucial to prevent harmful inflammation and preserve the animal’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients,” he said.
The gut can become dysfunctional within minutes following exposure to stressful situations such as transportation, vaccination or negative interactions with other animals or caregivers. Although these adverse effects may be brief, they undoubtedly create a gateway for significant issues to arise.
On Vita Charge® Research and Development
“BioZyme’s work, which extended over several years, involved in-depth research and analysis to understand the intricate ways in which AO-Biotics® Amaferm® and MOS interact with biological processes. The result is a comprehensive understanding of their synergistic effects, ensuring that products with the Vita Charge Technology always deliver a positive result,” Ipharraguerre explains.
What is Vita Charge Technology?
According to Ignacio Ipharraguerre, Ph.D., Director of Research and Innovation, the primary focus of products with the Vita Charge Technology is to rapidly safeguard the gut from potential harm. The gut serves various vital functions, including a crucial role in maintaining animals in optimal health and wellbeing.
“Unfortunately, the inner layer of the gut, known as the mucosa, undergoes rapid renewal, rendering it
The result is a COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS, ensuring that products with the Vita Charge Technology ALWAYS DELIVER A POSITIVE RESULT “ “
Stress also tends to deplete certain nutrients more than others. This is largely due to the “fight or flight” response prioritizing the support of the heart, lungs and muscles. During this physiological survival mode, the digestive process also ceases to be of high priority. The body will either immediately try to get rid of any undigested food (causing diarrhea) or will simply slow down.
The Vita Charge Technology is comprised of a unique blend of ingredients to help support these challenges that an animal faces during or after the stress response. This provides undeniable impact to livestock, embodying BioZyme’s overall purpose to provide “care that comes full circle.”
How to Position the Vita Charge Technology
It’s important to note that these are the same products you’re accustomed to selling. They have just received a new brand name and look! There have been NO formula changes.
Products with the Vita Charge Technology were designed specifically to target stress, the singlelargest challenge in every livestock species. They work well when given before, during or after a stressful event.
PREVIOUS LABELS
The Vita Charge Technology blends together specific ingredients to minimize the effects of stress such as:
• B Vitamins
• Vitamin E
• Salt, Sugar and Potassium Chloride (electrolytes)
• Zinc
• MOS
• AO-Biotics® Amaferm
Additional ingredients are added or substituted for products that address particular stressors, such as the Sure Champ Climate Control Gel – formulated to support animals during temperature stress.
NEW LABELS
NEW LOOK SAME FORM ULA
SUCCESSFUL CHICK DAYS TIPS FOR ENSURING
Chick Days are right around the corner, and we want you to find success during this springtime commerce boom. We offer some tips on preparing for Chick Days and positioning products like Backyard Boost®
Tip #1: Know Your Customer
Identifying your target customers during Chick Days is essential. Are they seasoned chicken raisers, backyard hobbyists or first-time enthusiasts trying poultry production? These customers are looking for different things from their dealers, but you can service all of them if you’re strategic.
Tip #2: Create A Wowing Lineup of Chicken Products
Beyond live chicks, dealers can enhance their product lineup with an array of supplies and accessories. This encompasses coops, nesting boxes, bedding and other essentials. Creating an all-in-one shopping destination ensures customers have convenient access to all products required for a successful experience. Don’t make investments that don’t match your community’s needs.
The nutritional well-being of poultry is a top priority for all customers. Dealers can elevate their offerings by including a variety of nutritional supplements and feeds, including specialized feeds for different life stages, ensuring optimal growth and egg production.
Stock up on Backyard Boost Products
Backyard Boost® Defense
A liquid supplement for poultry designed to support digestion and a healthy immune response. By adding this green liquid to their fresh water daily, you will promote water intake and hydration.
Backyard Boost® Daily Essentials
A pelleted protein supplement for poultry designed to maximize digestibility and egg production.
Backyard Boost® Busy Balls
A prebiotic treat to help bounce boredom amongst the flock.
Tip #3: Merchandising for Brick-&-Mortar Stores
A well-merchandised store isn’t just a place to buy supplies—it’s a hub where engaged customers will want to spend money and acquire information. Transform your store into a destination with eyecatching arrangements that draw customers in, highlighting the diverse array of chicken products you have available.
Create Themed Sections for Ease-of-Access
Many dealers have success organizing their store with themed sections that mirror the journey of raising chickens. This not only simplifies the shopping experience for customers, but it also makes it easier for you to keep track of what you’re selling the most of.
Educate Customers About Products In-Store
Knowledge is key—empower your customers with information about each product. Engage them through interactive displays and informative signage. An educated customer is a confident customer, more likely to make purchases that ensure the success of both their flock and your business.
BioZyme Can Help Make the Most of Chick Days
Most standardized retail merchandising supplies can be requested through the Online Dealer Center via the SAMM Center or through your Area Sales Manager.
BIOZYME ® TEAM
DEDICATED TO HELPING DEALERS
Care that comes full circle is something that all of us at BioZyme® believe in wholeheartedly. We are constantly assessing how we can better utilize our resources to provide that care. We also know that some of our best resources are our people. In 2024, we’ve restructured to ensure that our dealers have people helping them out every step of the way.
Meet the Dealer Action Team
The Dealer Action Team is available to make dealers aware of the various tools available to them, educate them how to use them and award them points for taking action. Jennifer Miller leads the team as the Dealer Recruitment and Retention Manager. Rowdy Pope and Tori Seward are the Dealer Action Administrators and will be contacting dealers on a regular basis to answer questions and provide dealers with upcoming action opportunities.
“We know that action equals growth, and we encourage our dealers to take action! Any action they take will help them grow their business as a whole, and in addition, we will reward them for their efforts,” Miller said.
Dealers earn points for actions they take, from hosting a producer meeting, to completing the Master Dealer Program, submitting a customer list and more. A complete list of actions can be found in the Dealer Action Plan or in the Online Dealer Center. If you have done something unique, please contact Miller or the marketing team (marketing@biozymeinc.com) to be rewarded.
Miller emphasized that her team will be working to educate dealers on the resources BioZyme provides. One resource she would like dealers to know more about is the Message Board in the Online Dealer Center.
“It’s a great tool to look up topics about past questions that others have had. If you or one of your customers has a question about a product, chances are someone else has had that same question in the past, and you can search by topic or product,” she said. “You can also submit your own question, and one of our nutritionists or employees will post a timely response.”
Customer Service, One Phone Call Away
Have a question about an order, shipping logistics, or Return Merchandise Authorizations (RMAs)?
Madisyn McCauley, Customer Service Administrator, is knowledgeable across a wide variety of topics and only a phone call away. You can get in touch with her by calling (816) 238-3326 or emailing mmccauley@biozymeinc.com.
SAMM Store Assistance is Available
Do you have a question about the SAMM Center? Or perhaps you need materials for the approaching Chick Days. Jody Purvis, the Marketing Support Administrator, ships all SAMM store orders, literature and apparel. She can help you get the signage you need to make your displays pop! Contact Jody at jpurvis@biozymeinc.com.
We want to see you GROW your business in 2024! From the Dealer Action Team to Marketing and Sales Support, we have the people to help you succeed!
TORI SEWARD Dealer Action Administrator
JENNIFER MILLER Dealer Recruitment and Retention Manager
MADISYN McCAULEY Customer Service Administrator
JODY PURVIS Marketing Support Administrator
8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
Justin Doubet – Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota (816) 596-8795 jdoubet@biozymeinc.com
Jenette Masarie – Colorado, Wyoming, Utah (816) 344-5746 jmasarie@biozymeinc.com
Scott Farmer – Southwest Texas, New Mexico (816) 596-8778 sfarmer@biozymeinc.com
Kevin Glaubius – Nebraska (816) 344-5762 kglaubius@biozymeinc.com
Shane Schaake – Kansas (816) 344-5773 sschaake@biozymeinc.com
Jason Bow – Oklahoma (405) 227-8691 jbow@biozymeinc.com
Troy Goretska – Iowa, Illinois (641) 344-2087 tgoretska@biozymeinc.com
Morgan Weinrich – Missouri (816) 344-5757 mweinrich@biozymeinc.com
Chris Kyle – Arkansas, Louisiana (816) 596-8790 ckyle@biozymeinc.com
Jalen Johnson – Minnesota, Wisconsin (608) 635-6000 jjohnson@biozymeinc.com
David Sinclair – Indiana, Michigan (816) 344-5752 dsinclair@biozymeinc.com
Ty McGuire – Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee (816) 344-5874 tmcguire@biozymeinc.com
Hardy Goodman – Florida, Georgia (816) 344-5767 hgoodman@biozymeinc.com
Toby McCormick – Alabama & Mississippi (816) 596-8789 tmccormick@biozymeinc.com
BIOZYME® ADDS TO ITS TEAM COMPANY NEWS:
BioZyme® is excited to announce some recent hires and staff changes.
Paul Hill, Nunn, Colorado, will serve as the Director of National Sales. In his role, Hill will lead half of the sales team, as Bob Burkham, transitions to Additive Sales Manager within BioZyme. Hill is a third-generation cattle producer, and he and his family currently raise registered Charolais and Simmental cattle. He is very active in the Colorado Simmental Association, where he serves on the board and is a co-junior advisor. Hill grew up in Southwest Missouri on a cow-calf operation, attended Fort Scott Community College and finished his degree at Missouri State University. He was previously in a livestock nutrition sales role for nine years but has a lifetime of cattle feeding experience and knowledge.
Along with his wife, Nia, he has three boys: Easton, Sutton and Hayden. Hill enjoys golfing, fishing and helping coach his boys’ baseball team.
“I am excited to lead a team that works for such a highly respected company that truly makes an impact on the lives of producers and the animals they care for each and every day,” Hill said. “I am excited to continue the BioZyme legacy with my competitive spirit and caring and determined heart.”
Angie Ruffoni is the new Marketing Brand Manager – VitaFerm® & Gain Smart® for BioZyme Inc. In her role, she will develop and execute strategies to promote the product lines within the beef brands of VitaFerm and Gain Smart. She will collaborate with others to build awareness and drives sales across all products within these brands.
Ruffoni brings vast marketing and industry experience to BioZyme. She most recently worked as the marketing manager for an ag technology company and has also worked as a marketing manager for a livestock pharmaceutical company. She previously owned a freelance marketing company, specializing in agricultural businesses and photography. Ruffoni earned a degree in Strategic Marketing from Cornell University. She grew up involved in showing livestock
on local, state and national levels and was president of the National Junior Swine Association Board. She completed internships with Sure Champ® and the National Pork Board. Ruffoni will work remotely from her home in Santa Rosa, California. She enjoys attending livestock shows, spoiling her mini dachshunds, spending time with family and cooking.
David Sinclair, Danville, Indiana, is the Area Sales Manager for Indiana and Michigan. He grew up on a diversified livestock farm in central Indiana, where his family raised swine and cattle. After he received a degree at Black Hawk East Junior College, he attended Kansas State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Sinclair participated on very successful livestock judging teams at both BHE and K-State. He has a strong background in livestock production, nutrition and marketing.
He and his wife, Cristy, have two children, Gavin and Katelyn. The family is actively involved in showing pigs, and they have a small sow operation. He also enjoys working outdoors and supporting his kids in all their extracurricular activities.
BREAKING NEWS! INTRODUCING
Do you want to see your dealership name on this page? Take action with Annabelle with these three valuable tips from this issue of VISION:
1. 2. 3.
When an entity grows, it must change. Small changes (good or bad) can make a big difference in outcomes.
Stock up on the newly branded Sure Champ® and VitaFerm® products with Vita Charge Technology that help animals in times of stress. You can’t sell what you don’t have in inventory!
Make sure to use signage and displays to make your Backyard Boost® and other poultry products stand out during Chick Days!
All for the Horses World Equestrian Center, Ocala, Florida
Bourbon Trail Jackpot Show Series Morehead, Kentucky
Central Plains Dairy Expo Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Iowa Beef Expo Des Moines, Iowa
Illinois Beef Expo Springfield, Illinois
KNEB Farm & Ranch Expo Mitchell, Nebraska
NCC – The Classic Kearney, Nebraska
Ohio Beef Expo Columbus, Ohio
Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo Fort Worth, Texas
West Plains Vet Supply Spring 2024 Trade Show Tunica, Mississippi
Western Farm Show Kansas City, Missouri