This week I attended the EcoFarm conference in Pacific Grove, California and had the opportunity to meet with a variety of people who make their living in organic farming. In this first of a series of three interviews conducted at the conference, I speak with Chris Wagner, head of sales, for Modesto Milling. Modesto Milling produces a range of organic feed products for cows, pigs, rabbits, chickens and other livestock.
PlanterTomato:
I'm here at the show today speaking with Chris Wagner of Modesto Milling. Chris thanks for speaking with me.
Chris Wagner:
Thanks for inviting me.
PlanterTomato:
To start off, why don't you tell us a little about Modesto Milling.
Chris Wagner:
Modesto Milling started in the early 1960's as a co-op for dairymen to make mixed grain for their dairies. In 1998, the co-op started making organic feed for its members and in 2007 we became a 100% organic mill.
PlanterTomato:
How does a chicken's nutritional requirements change over time?
Chris Wagner:
We start chicks on a product that is 22% protein in order to support the chicks growth. Also it's a crumble product that's designed for small birds. At approximately 4-5 weeks, we move them into a lower protein finisher pellet until they start laying. At that point, we move to a layer pellet that has 4% calcium to support egg shell strength.
PlanterTomato:
Is there a difference between the food that is given to chickens that are layers versus those that are meat birds?
Chris Wagner:
You can raise them identically, but meat birds are normally just grown out for 6 to 8 weeks, so you don't really use the higher calcium product.
PlanterTomato:
In my local feed store, they sell both pellets and crumbles. What's the difference between these two product forms? When do you use one versus the other?
Chris Wagner:
We pelletize all our feed, but we will crumble the pellets to make feed for smaller birds. As the birds get older, maybe 4 or 5 weeks, you can switch to a pellet and that allows for less waste.
PlanterTomato:
I know Modesto Milling also sells organic scratch because I give it to my chickens. What role does scratch play in the diet?
Chris Wagner:
Scratch is used to supplement a layer pellet or a broiler finisher pellet. It's not necessary, but it's whole grains and they enjoy eating it. Scratch also allows you to bond a little more with your chickens.
PlanterTomato:
Where can people find Modesto Milling products?
Chris Wagner:
We encourage people to call us because we enjoy selling directly to both large and small folks who are interested in organic feed. That's always been our focus, even as a co-op, our dairies tended to be the smallest dairies.
PlanterTomato:
Chris, thanks for speaking with us today.
Chris Wagner:
Thanks for Inviting me.
More About Buying Modesto Milling Products:
Modesto Milling products can be purchased at select feed stores and on-line. The company is also happy to ship to customers. If you have neighbors who keep chickens, or are part of a 4-H club, you may want to consider creating a "buying group." By banding together, the group can greatly reduce the shipping cost and receive Modesto Milling's direct pricing. Contact Chris Wagner ([email protected]) to discuss which feed and shipping options are best for you.
Chris Wagner of Modesto Milling
Thanks for the interview! I always opt for quality products and I love Chris' approach.
Posted by: mov media player | 09/18/2012 at 03:20 AM