Organic Grain/Feed Sources

[enggass]

Looking for some organic grain that doesn't break the bank with shipping.
Not the likes of Blue Seal Organic Life, but real grain like Countryside Naturals.
I have been going in on bulk orders with friends for Countryside Naturals, but even buying 450 lbs at a shot, we are still paying $17/bag for shipping.(Virginia to Maine)
The cost is $23.50/50lb before shipping which is reasonable, but I cannot afford to keep getting it with such high shipping costs.
Does anyone have any suggestions - besides making my own?(which is no cheaper unless you buy ingredients in bulk)

 

[Organics North]

I wish you luck..
I also wished some of the Conventional feed folks who say "organics is dying" would read this thread.(They could make a buck being a feed supplier.). Nearly every day some one asks the same question... Typically their is no easy answer if you do not live in states with a grain belt and a significant population of Organic minded folks..

ON

 

[vmdanielsen]

I have no advice but am subscribing to the thread because I would like more information also.

 

[enggass]

Does anyone on here use Green Mountain Feeds? Is it like a processed feed? or more like natural grains?

 

[vmdanielsen]

I feed green mountain feeds, purchased at my local Blue seal dealer. I feed a layer pellet. I have fed a corn scratch, but just today bought whole organic oats for scratch and hopefully sprouting. I paid $19.99 plus tax for them. The layer pellets list corn (I think) as the first ingredient which is why I want to switch to oats as scratch and 16% protein and I supplement my buckeyes with a cooked hamburger every other day as they do better with animal protein. My chickens seem to be doing well on it, though I would prefer more whole grains! I have not found whole grains unless I purchase them singly. Hope this helps.

 

[enggass]

Yes, thanks!
I have access to Organic Life by Blue Seal. Anyone using that?
Does Purina make an Organic Feed?

 

[Mak]

I use Blue Seal Organic Life. My chickens eat it quite well. They are plump and healthy, and lay 5-6 eggs/day (from 7 laying hens). It's pelleted, so it is processed. Does list corn as the first ingredient.
Not much choice in organic feed, tho, unless you want to mix it yourself, which does get pricey. My chickens do get free range time in warmer weather, and lots of veggie and meat scraps year round. I bake breads using organic, whole flours quite a bit, as well, and they get some of that when I have it. They are going through more of the bagged feed now that they don't get as much free range time.

 

[buckabucka]

While I don't remember the details, there was someone at the Common Ground Fair talking about starting an organic feed company in Maine. I put my name on the list of contacts to be notified if they ever really get this off the ground, but have not heard anything yet.
I can get organic layer feed in New Sharon (I do not remember the price). I've been buying the "all natural" feed, which is non-GMO, but not organic. $17 for 88 pound bag.

 

[LauraG]

I use the Green Mountain Feed as well. It comes right from VT which is alot closer to you than VA!

I used their non-medicated chick starter, then their grower, and now they are on the layer pellets.

My feed store carries it, but I did have them order the starter and grower.

Ask your feed store. Mine if ordered, and prepaid, had a 2 week lead time from the mill. (for the starter & grower- she keeps the layer in stock). It was then shipped to the store. Its all like $24/50lbs

I'm very happy with it

 

[enggass]

Quote:
Do you happen to remember where in New Sharon?

As far as the people at the Common Ground Fair, could it have been Maine Organic Milling (MOM) in Auburn? They are supposedly in the process of getting a bagging operation up and running and will begin making Chicken Feed. Check out this article:
http://www.mofga.org/Publications/M...Fall2010/OrganicGrain/tabid/1731/Default.aspx