At the Feed Store

Ep. 13 - Diamond V: How Postbiotic Yeast Culture Supports Gut Health, Immunity & Performance in Beef Cattle

In this episode, Erica from Feeders Grain sits down with a technical representative from Diamond V, an 85-year-old feed ingredient company out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to break down what this product actually is, how it works, and why it's been a staple in livestock nutrition for decades. The guest clears up one of the biggest misconceptions right away: Diamond V is not a yeast — it's a postbiotic, produced through a controlled fermentation process that generates stable metabolites designed to support gut health and immunity from the inside out. From feedlot steers to cow-calf operations, this conversation digs into real-world applications and the research backing them up, including a peer-reviewed meta-analysis of 20 feedlot studies and immune challenge research tied to their newest product, NatureSafe. They also cover the topics every producer needs to hear: The difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics and why it matters when choosing a product How gut health directly drives feed efficiency, gain, and profitability Why a sick animal that backs off feed can derail your entire performance margin The critical role of colostrum quality in calf survival and getting the next generation off on the right foot How Diamond V fits into every stage of a cow's production cycle, from calving through breeding season Why the data has to be convincing and robust before a producer can justify the cost, and how Diamond V's 150+ peer-reviewed studies back that up Whether you're running a feedlot, a cow-calf operation, or raising direct-to-consumer beef, this episode breaks down a practical, research-backed tool that supports animal health, reduces reliance on medication, and helps protect your bottom line. Diamond V - https://diamondv.com/ [https://diamondv.com/]

Ep. 12 - Farm Wealth: Insights with Mary Jo Irmen of Farming Without the Bank

In this episode, Erica from Feeders Grain sits down with Mary Jo Irmen, author of Farming Without the Bank, to explore a powerful financial strategy that's changing how farmers manage money, debt, and succession planning. Mary Jo explains the Infinite Banking Concept—a system that uses dividend-paying whole life insurance as a financial tool to create your own "bank," giving you control over operating capital, investments, and long-term wealth. From funding cattle purchases and covering operating expenses to navigating estate planning and preserving generational farms, this conversation dives into real-world applications farmers are using today. They also tackle tough but critical topics like: Why traditional banking can limit farm growth How to reduce dependency on operating loans The role of life insurance in estate planning and generational wealth The harsh reality of "fair vs. equal" in farm succession How poor planning is causing farms to be lost—not lack of work ethic Whether you're just starting out or planning for the next generation, this episode highlights a practical tool that can help you take control of your finances and protect your legacy. Mary Jo's website: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/

Ep. 11 - Feeding for Performance: How Vitalix Tubs Support Herd Health Year-Round

In this episode, we sit down with Shelby Cornelius, District Sales Manager for Vitalix, to talk about the nutrition program behind the iconic "blue tub" seen across ranches and rodeos nationwide. Shelby shares the story of how Vitalix grew from a single plant in Nebraska into a nationwide brand with five manufacturing locations — all while staying focused on doing one thing exceptionally well: producing high-quality livestock supplement tubs. We dive into how Vitalix tubs support producers through every stage of production, including: Weaning and receiving calves Supplementing protein during winter grazing and corn stalks Supporting cows through calving and breeding season Improving herd performance with targeted mineral and nutrition programs Shelby also explains what makes Vitalix tubs unique — including their use of technologies like Diamond V, Zinpro minerals, and NatureSafe, and how those ingredients help support immunity, reproduction, and overall herd health. We also cover practical questions producers often ask: How many cattle should share a tub? Why consumption rates vary in the first few weeks Why tub formulation changes by region and season The real cost-per-head-per-day of supplementation Plus, we discuss how these tubs aren't just for cattle — Vitalix also offers solutions for sheep, goats, and horses, helping producers simplify nutrition across their operation. If you've ever wondered what's really inside the blue tub — and how it can impact herd performance, conception rates, and profitability — this episode breaks it all down.

Ep. 10 - The Evolution of Cattle Feeding: Insights With Chris & Karen of Green's Welding

In this episode, Erica with Feeders Grain and Farm Supply visits Green's Welding in Appleton City, Missouri, to sit down with Chris and Karen and hear the story behind their family-owned ag manufacturing business. What started as a 10-year-old learning to weld through 4-H has grown into decades of innovation in cattle equipment — all built with farmers in mind. From repairing old creep feeders to designing durable bulk bins, bunks, creep feeders, and UTV feeders, Green's Welding has focused on one thing: making feeding cattle easier, safer, and more reliable. In this conversation, we cover: The history and growth of Green's Welding from a two-car garage to multiple buildings Why their bulk feed bins are built heavier and designed for better feed flow How real-world farm experience drives product design and improvements What sets their cattle bunks, creep feeders, and UTV feeders apart Common feeding mistakes and how to extend the life of your equipment Why family-owned manufacturing still matters in agriculture Chris shares how listening to customers — and thinking about what would make life easier for older farmers — has shaped every product they build. This episode is packed with practical insight for cattle producers, farmers, and anyone interested in ag equipment built to last. 🔧 Built by farmers. Tested on the farm. Designed for real life. 👉 Learn more or view available products at feedersgrain.com

Ep. 9 - From Farm Repair Shop to Nationwide Manufacturer | With Kevin from Werk Weld Inc.

In this episode, Erica Lantz of Feeders Grain & Farm Supply sits down with Kevin from Workweld to explore the story, craftsmanship, and quality behind one of the most trusted names in livestock equipment. Workweld began as a small farm repair shop in 1982 and has grown into a 40,000 sq. ft. U.S.-based manufacturing facility serving over 150 dealers across the United States. In this conversation, we cover how Workweld designs and builds heavy-duty, long-lasting equipment for real producers who demand reliability. Topics covered in this episode include: * The history and growth of Workweld manufacturing * U.S.-sourced steel and material quality * Creep feeders, bunks, hay feeders, and Handy Hoppers * Custom-built livestock equipment for unique operations * Bottomless silage bunks and easy-clean design * Livestock shelters built to withstand extreme wind * Why heavier gauge steel makes a real difference * Standing behind products and dealer-first relationships Whether you're running cow-calf pairs, feedlot cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, or show livestock, this episode gives an inside look at why quality-built equipment matters and how Workweld supports producers long after the sale. Available through Feeders Grain & Farm Supply Questions about availability or sizing? Reach out — we're happy to help match the right equipment to your operation. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more producer-focused conversations, equipment insights, and ag industry stories.