Hickman's relies on a name-brand reputation. One major obstacle was the quality of feed and the high costs of shipping the feed in from California, which led to inconsistent shell quality and poor production curve results. When the feed mill was constructed it was home to the most efficient mini-mill in existence. It is imperative that feed manufacture be exact. Feed formulations are entered into the computer.
All formulations specify ingredients to the pound.
Our feed division's first customer for one year was Hickman's then-240,000 bird laying flock. Our goals were to lower production costs, increase egg production and maintain healthy flocks, and achieve laying consistency according to breeder recommended lay and consumption rate curves. These goals were achieved after one year. Interior and outer shell quality also improved and remained consistent. With an additional cage structure, Hickman's increased laying flock numbers.