......and NOT pay feed store prices? Any ideas?

-- gita (gschmitz@directcon.net), September 09, 2001

Answers

You could check to see if there are any mills in your area, they will make your own blend or often sell another in ton quantities.

-- Skip in Western WA (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), September 09, 2001.

Around here we have what is called "Farmers Co-op". They have trains and trucks that deliver tons of grains and the Co-op does all the mixing and delivering.

-- r.h. in okla. (rhays@sstelco.com), September 10, 2001.

CHECK WITH SOME FARMERS,, MAYBE YOU CN BUY SOME FROM THEM,, OR GO IN WITH THEM

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), September 10, 2001.

At most feed stores, if you talk to the owner or store manager, you will get very close to actual commodity prices if you are buying by the ton, and using a "Co-op store" really helps, but I have had good luck dealing directly with the small local feed store also.

Because of ever-changing commodity prices, the margin of profit can be very slim, even slimmer on bulk purchases, so be aware that the feed store may not be able to offer much of a discount. Get a "Farmer's type" newspaper and check actual commodity prices before you haggle, then you will know your options.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), September 10, 2001.

Don't discount your local feed dealers either. Our local feed dealer in town will give you huge discount on your winter grains if you promise to purchase them. I will pick up my chopped corn for about a quarter of the cost that another customer buys it for, same truck, same mill, same store, just a handshake agreement with the owner. Discounts at feed stores on tons is very common, and much less expensive if you mix your own feeds. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), September 10, 2001.