At the Feed Store

Erica Lantz

Welcome to a new experience with your trusted local farm, ranch, and home supplier. With more than 65 years of service, we are now operating under new ownership and are dedicated to providing an excellent customer experience. Feeders Grain & Farm Supply has assembled an impressive inventory over the years to cover virtually all your needs. We draw on our experience and have complemented our offerings with the additional products our customers have requested. We invite you to stop in, look around, and let us know what your supply needs are. We aim to earn your trust and cultivate a long-lasting relationship.

  1. Apr 16

    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/

    23 min
  2. Mar 12

    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.

    17 min
  3. Jan 9

    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

    23 min
  4. 12/17/2025

    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.

    13 min
  5. 12/01/2025

    Ep. 8 - Behind the Gates: A Tour of Sioux Steel Company

    Hi friends, Erica here with Feeders Grain & Farm Supply. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Sioux Steel Company and sit down with Beth and Duane for a tour and conversation about their family-owned business. As a dealer, it's always exciting for me to see where the products I sell come from—and let me tell you, Sioux Steel has a story worth sharing. A Legacy of Quality Since 1918 Sioux Steel's roots stretch back over a century to 1918 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. What started with furnaces, ductwork, and floor registers expanded in 1929 into the agricultural world—adding oil tanks, livestock equipment, and eventually the wide variety of products they're known for today. Now in their fifth generation, Sioux Steel continues to provide everything from grain bins and livestock equipment to engineered fabric buildings and oil containment systems. Their reputation? Solid, durable products built to stand the test of time. The Famous "Lifetime Warranty Gate" One of the biggest talking points at Sioux Steel shows and dealer conversations is their lifetime warranty gate. And yes—you read that right. If a gate can no longer do its intended job (holding livestock), Sioux Steel will repair or replace it. These gates carry a gold sticker, a badge of confidence in their durability. While hinges aren't included under the warranty, the gate itself is built to handle years of livestock pressure. Farmers know these aren't just gates; they're investment pieces. Buy once, use for decades.  HiQual: Built for Heavy Duty In addition to the gold-standard Sioux Steel line, there's also the HiQual brand—easily recognized by its signature brown color. These gates and panels are especially popular in the Dakotas and the Northwest, where heavier livestock and harsher climates demand tougher equipment. The HiQual guarantee backs their Super 6 and Cattleman's gates—built with notch tubing and fully welded frames for extra rigidity. They've even been used for bison operations. If you're looking for equipment that can take on extreme conditions, HiQual is the go-to. More Than Steel—A Family Culture What impressed me most during my tour wasn't just the products but the people. Sioux Steel is a fifth-generation family business that treats its employees like family, too. Walking through the shop, I could see the pride their team takes in producing quality work. As a family business owner myself, I know how important it is to partner with companies that not only deliver great products but also care about their dealers and customers. Sioux Steel checks both boxes.  Proudly American-Made Another thing that stands out? Sioux Steel sources American-made steel. They can even provide melt and pour certifications for projects that require them. By partnering with local and American businesses whenever possible, they keep quality high while supporting other family-owned companies. It's relationship-driven work—knowing your vendors, calling up a partner when something needs to be expedited, and building trust at every step.  Why Sioux Steel Matters to Farmers Yes, Sioux Steel products might cost a little more upfront. But as Beth and Duane reminded me, "You buy it once, and you're done." Farmers don't have time to keep replacing equipment—they need products that can hold up to daily use, season after season. And that's exactly what Sioux Steel has been doing for over 100 years: producing quality equipment built by people who care.  Final Thoughts Touring Sioux Steel was more than just seeing how gates and bins are made—it was a chance to witness the values behind the brand: quality, integrity, and family. For me as a dealer, it reaffirms why I'm proud to carry their products at Feeders Grain & Farm Supply. So next time you see a Sioux Steel gate with that silver sticker—or a HiQual brown panel out in a pasture—you'll know there's over a century of craftsmanship, pride, and family tradition welded into every piece.

    9 min

About

Welcome to a new experience with your trusted local farm, ranch, and home supplier. With more than 65 years of service, we are now operating under new ownership and are dedicated to providing an excellent customer experience. Feeders Grain & Farm Supply has assembled an impressive inventory over the years to cover virtually all your needs. We draw on our experience and have complemented our offerings with the additional products our customers have requested. We invite you to stop in, look around, and let us know what your supply needs are. We aim to earn your trust and cultivate a long-lasting relationship.