Why Buying Feed from a Local Mill Is Better Than Big Box Stores

Reedy Fork Farms Organic Feed

If you're raising chickens, livestock, or other animals, you know how important high-quality feed is. While many people default to buying from big box stores, there’s a better option—your local feed mill. Purchasing from a local mill provides fresher feed, better pricing, a reliable supply, and direct customer support.

I personally buy my feed from Reedy Fork Farm in Elon, NC, because they are the only organic mill in the state. They also have several drop points throughout western NC each month, making it easy to access fresh, high-quality feed. Here’s why you should consider switching to a local mill, too.

1. Better Pricing

Local mills often offer better prices than big box stores. When you buy from a chain retailer, you’re not just paying for the feed—you’re also covering shipping costs, middleman markups, and retail overhead. Local mills eliminate these extra costs, allowing them to sell fresher feed at a lower price. Many mills also offer bulk discounts or loyalty programs, which can save you even more money in the long run.

2. Fresher, Higher-Quality Feed

One of the biggest benefits of buying from a local mill is the freshness of the feed. Feed from big box stores can sit in warehouses or on store shelves for months before you buy it. Over time, nutrients break down, oils go rancid, and the feed loses its nutritional value.

Local mills produce feed in smaller batches, meaning you get a fresher, more nutrient-rich product. This can lead to healthier animals, better egg production, and overall improved performance.

3. A Direct Point of Contact

When you buy from a local mill, you’re not just another anonymous customer—you have a direct relationship with the people making your feed. If you have questions about ingredients, nutrition, or special formulations, you can talk to someone who actually understands what’s in your feed.

At a big box store, employees often have limited knowledge about the products they sell. If you need help with a specific dietary need for your animals, you’re likely out of luck.

4. No Dependence on the Supply Chain

Big box stores rely on complex supply chains that are vulnerable to delays, shortages, and price spikes. If there’s a transportation issue, ingredient shortage, or major disruption (like we saw during the pandemic), feed availability and prices can fluctuate drastically.

By buying from a local mill, you’re not dependent on these unstable supply chains. Local mills source ingredients regionally, reducing the risk of shortages and ensuring a steady, reliable supply of feed when you need it.

Switching to a local feed mill is one of the best choices you can make for your animals, your wallet, and your peace of mind. With fresher feed, better pricing, personalized service, and a more reliable supply, it’s clear that local mills beat big box stores every time.

If you haven’t already, find a local mill near you and see the difference for yourself! 🐓🌾