Courtesy of Fran Minnaert

Midwest Edition Electronic Newsletter

July 17, 2006
Volume 1, Number 3

I drove by a school in Omaha last week and noticed a sign that read “First day of school - August 14th.” It is hard to believe that we are over half-way through summer now that we have the 4th of July holiday behind us. Have you ever noticed that the summer months go by faster than the winter months??!! What does this all mean?----to me it means we need to be thinking about fall and winter selling events. Take the time to schedule some type of event at your store that will draw animal owners. Keep one thing in mind when planning your event----people like “edutainment”. Make sure it is educational and entertaining.  If you can accomplish those two things, then they will come back for more.

Another signal summer is beginning to wind down is that your local county fairs will be held later this month. Don’t forget to attend. Take this opportunity to visit with your customers and prospects on a social basis. They appreciate it when you take the time to see how their kids have done at the fair especially if they fed one of our Show Feeds to their animals.

If you enrolled in the Move Up To The Edge promotion that was outlined in last month’s newsletter, you should have received your 50 – “Buy 2, Get 2 Free” coupons and POS material in the mail. Watch for your name in the ads that will be running in four regional horse magazines this month. One of the requirements to receive the free bag coupons was to build a Horseman’s Edge display in your showroom. Make sure you get that completed and send me a picture (preferably digital). If you did not enroll, you will still receive the discounted price of $1/bag on Horseman’s Edge 12 sweet or pellet. The $1/bag price reduction began on July 3rd and is an ongoing price concession.

Fran
Fran Minnaert
Retail Specialist
16405 "W" Street
Omaha, NE   68135
(402) 650-6150

E-Mail:  fminnaert@landolakes.com

Calendar

July 25-27     RETAIL SOLUTIONS EXPO -  Reno, NV  (Click here to view Reno Expo flyer)    (Click here for Expo Sign-Up Form)

July 31-Aug. 4   BROOD COW SYMPOSIUMS IN WESTERN & CENTRAL SD

Aug. 15-17   DAKOTAFEST AT MITCHELL

Aug. 18   ENTRY DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER CHOW FITTING CHALLENGE - Beef Grooming Competition - at Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock
                Exposition in Omaha..  (See details in Companion Animal section below.)

Aug. 22-24    RETAIL SOLUTIONS EXPO - Arlington, TX   (Click here to view Arlington Expo flyer)   (Click here for Expo Sign-Up Form)

Sept. 12-13   RETAIL SOLUTIONS EXPO - St. Paul, MN   (Click here to view St. Paul Expo flyer)  (Click here for Expo Sign-Up Form)

Sept. 12   UPPER MIDWEST CONFERENCE FOR FEED DEPARTMENT MANAGERS & FEED DEALER OWNERS - Meet with your
                peers throughout the Upper Midwest and share ideas to learn from each other.  Stay on the cutting edge of nutrition research and
                technology from Land O'Lakes Purina Feed livestock teams.  Find out what's happening in the ingredient market.  A MUST attend
                conference if you want to maximize sales, growth and profits.  (Click here to view details and registration information)

Sept. 26-28   RETAIL SOLUTIONS EXPO - Savannah, GA   (Click here to view Savannah Expo flyer)   (Click here for Expo Sign-Up Form)

      
        Make plans to attend a Retail Solutions Expo this year!  Two events in one!  Buying Expo and Retail
        Experience Training Conference!  Over 100 exhibiting companies plus feed . . .

        Buying specials, training sessions, prices and more . . . Retail Solutions Expo -- The Total Retail Experience!
          Ask your Land O'Lakes Purina Feed Representative for details.  You can't afford to stay home!

Building Your Business

This Spring and Summer, we are seeing increased interest in Advance Retail Services (ARS) and Premier Services.  If you are interested in a store renovation, a new look or a new location, please give me a call.  Attached is an article that Brian Delgado, Manager of Communications for Land O'Lakes Inc., has written in reference to the exciting pace of our store Grand Openings.

(Click here to view "Retail Feed Grand Opening -- One of Many in 2006")

Handling Coupons/Coupon Redemption

Have any questions about handling coupons and redemption procedures?  Click here for FAQ's on this subject!
(Click here for Coupon Redemption Form)

Retail Solutions Expos

Attend a Retail Solutions Expo this year!  (Check the Calendar section of this newsletter for dates, places and meeting details!)

Paul Homb
Retail Development, Land O'Lakes Purina Feed
(815) 541-3406
     E-Mail:  phomb@landolakes.com

Early Weaning Beef Calves

What are the Advantages/Disadvantages of early weaning?          How early can calves be weaned?          What's best for the calf?

Read this interesting article by Greg Lardy, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist NDSU and Russ Danielson, Associate Professor NDSU . . .
(Click here to view article)

Wild Bird Chow® Suet Cake Line

An IMPROVED line of Wild Bird Chow® Suet Cakes will be available from Richmond DC beginning July 24th!

(Click here to view product information)

To view the new labels (note improvements in upper left-hand corner of label), click on products below:

                Click here to view New Suet Snack
                Click here to view New Sunflower Surprise
                Click here to view Woodpecker Pack
                Click here to view Cardinal Cake

Winning Results

This month's edition of Winning Results^TM -- Feed N' Read  should have arrived.  This new 48-page paper highlights all of our 2005 winners.  If you didn't receive your copy, ask your salesperson how you can obtain a copy of Item SP 5188.  
(Click here to view Winning Results^TM Flyer)

Birders' Bargain Bucket

You can order these great kits and build your Wild Bird Chow® brand!  Also, participate in the Dealer Display Contest and have customers participate in the consumer promotion! 

(Click here to view details on the Birders' Bargain Bucket Promotion)      

(Click here for Birders' Bargain Bucket Order Form)

Show Chow Fitting Challenge

Land O'Lakes Purina Feeds is sponsoring a Cattle Fitting Competition at the 2006 Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock Exposition in Omaha.  The event is open to all 4-H members.  We are asking each dealer to contact their local Extension Agent in an effort to make sure a team from every county is represented at this event.  Entry deadline is August 18th.  (Click here for more information on the rules/eligibility and for details on this event)


 

Horseman's Edge® Promotion

Move Up To The Edge!  As stated in last month's newsletter, Horseman's Edge® has undergone several improvements . . . PLUS, we have DROPPED THE PRICE  $1/bag!!!   With higher fat levels, improved levels of lysine and the addition of Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, Horseman's Edge 12 can be positioned as an excellent quality mid-priced horse feed.  It does not compare to Omolene or Strategy, but it does have several advantages over Country Acres.  For the dealers who enrolled in the "Move Up To The Edge" promotion, make sure you utilize your 50 -- "Buy 2 bags and get 2 bags FREE" coupons to upgrade your horse owners from Country Acres and to grow your overall Purina Horse Feed business.

If you enrolled in the Move Up To The Edge promotion that was outlined in last month's newsletter, you should have received your 50 -- "Buy 2, Get 2 Free" coupons and POS material in the mail.  If you do not have your kit and/or coupons, please call Cindy Hoelzer at (314) 317-5173.  See advertising slick that you can use to promote the Horseman's Edge® summer promotion and your Dealership.  (Click here to view Horseman's Edge® ad slicks)

(Click here to view Comparison Data between Country Acres and Horseman's Edge®
 

Horse Sales - $ $ $

Why make stable calls???   Click here to see what this business could bring you this year!

Exclusive Pet Food - Get Fresh!  Growth Drive

Remember, last ship date is July 31st for our PMI Nutrition GET FRESH Growth Drive.  Qualify for rebate for 10%, 15% or 20% growth over same period last year.  To access Participation/Order Form and complete details, click here. 

Pet Food Industry Statistics

Here is some pet industry trend information you may find interesting and useful --   Click here to view Pet Food Industry Trend Statistics

• Purina Mills, LLC - www.PurinaMills.com
• Mazuri Products - www.mazuri.com
• Show Chow Products - www.showchow.com
• PMI Nutrition Products - www.pminutrition.com
• Internal Revenue Service - www.irs.gov
• AgBusinessMail.Com - www.agbusinessmail.com
• FeedDealer.com - www.feeddealer.com
• Small Business Administration - www.sba.gov
• Strategic Mapping & Data Services - www.sm-and-ds.com
• United States Dept. of Agriculture - www.usda.gov

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Contact Information:

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Feed Dealer Electronic Newsletter
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