Ever Wonder Who’s Behind Country Companion Chicken Feed? Let’s Spill the Beans!

Hey there chicken folks! If you’re like me you’ve probably tossed a bag of Country Companion chicken feed into your cart without givin’ much thought to who’s actually makin’ this stuff. I mean, as long as the hens are happy and layin’ eggs, right? But lemme tell ya, knowin’ who’s behind your feed can make a big diff in how you care for your flock. So, who makes Country Companion chicken feed? It’s MFA Incorporated, a farmer-owned cooperative that’s been kickin’ it in the agriculture game for over a hundred years. And trust me, there’s a lotta cool stuff to unpack about ‘em!

In this post, we’re gonna dive deep into MFA Incorporated, the brains behind Country Companion, and why that matters to us backyard chicken keepers or small-scale farmers. We’ll chat about what makes their feed stand out, the different types they got, and how to pick the right one for your birds. Plus, I’ll throw in some tips I’ve picked up along the way. So, grab a coffee (or a sweet tea if you’re like me), and let’s get into it!

Meet MFA Incorporated: The Folks Behind Country Companion

First things first let’s talk about MFA Incorporated. These guys ain’t just some big corporation churnin’ out feed for profit. Nah, they’re a cooperative which means they’re owned and run by farmers just like many of us. Based out of Columbia, Missouri, MFA has been around for over a century, helpin’ folks in the Midwest and beyond with all sorts of ag stuff—feed, fertilizer, seeds, you name it.

I love that MFA is a co-op because they get it. They’re not sitting in a fancy office coming up with new products; they’re out there, connected to the land, listening to what real farmers need. That kinda dedication shows up in Country Companion chicken feed. That made me a little more sure about what I was giving my hens. It’s like buying from a friend who has your back, you know?

MFA’s got a long history of keepin’ quality high. In their facilities, they follow strict rules to make sure that every bag of feed is the same. They’re all about getting it right, from choosing the right ingredients to mixing them just right. In our case as chicken owners, that means our birds are getting the food they need to get strong and lay good eggs.

Why Knowin’ the Maker Matters for Your Flock

You might be asking, “Why should I care who makes the feed? My chickens eat it, so they’re good.” ” And I get it—I used to think the same. But here’s the thing: seeing who’s behind your feed shows how much care went into it. People who work for MFA have been doing this for decades and know that a happy hen means better eggs or meat for your table.

Plus, when ya know the maker, you can dig into their values. MFA’s all about supportin’ farmers, which means they’re likely sourcin’ ingredients with some thought behind it. If somethin’ changes in the feed—like a new formula or whatever—you got a better shot at understandin’ why, ‘cause you know who to ask or where to look. It’s peace of mind, plain and simple.

What’s So Special About Country Companion Chicken Feed?

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Country Companion itself. This ain’t just any old chicken feed. It’s designed with different stages of a chicken’s life in mind, which is super handy whether you’re raisin’ chicks from scratch or keepin’ a bunch of layin’ hens.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes this feed stand out:

• Tailored Nutrition: They got specific feeds for chicks (starter), young hens (grower), egg-layers (layer), and even meat birds. Each one’s got the right balance of stuff to help your birds at that stage.
• Variety of Forms: You can pick between crumbles, pellets, or mash, dependin’ on what your flock likes best. I’ve found my hens go nuts for pellets, but yours might be different!
• Balanced Ingredients: We’re talkin’ corn, soybean meal, some wheat bits, plus vitamins and minerals. It’s all mixed up to make sure your chickens ain’t missin’ out on nothin’ important.
• Reliable Quality: Thanks to MFA’s tight control over how they make it, you’re gettin’ the same good stuff in every bag. No weird surprises.

I remember the first time I switched to Country Companion for my layers. I noticed they seemed perkier, and the eggshells got a lil’ thicker. Might just be me, but I swear knowin’ it came from a trusted source made me feel like I was doin’ right by ‘em.

Breakin’ Down the Types of Country Companion Feed

One thing I dig about this feed is how they’ve got somethin’ for every kinda chicken. Lemme break it down for ya so you can pick what’s best for your crew.

Pickin’ the right feed is easy—just match it to your birds’ age or purpose. I made the mistake once of givin’ layer feed to some young pullets, and lemme tell ya, they didn’t grow as fast as they shoulda. Lesson learned! Check the bag for guidin’ tips if you’re unsure.

What’s in This Stuff? A Peek at the Ingredients

If you’re curious like me, you wanna know what’s goin’ into your chickens’ bellies. Country Companion keeps it pretty straightforward, though the exact mix depends on the feed type. Generally, you’re lookin’ at:

• Corn: Main energy source. Keeps ‘em fueled up.
• Soybean Meal: Packs in the protein for growth and egg-makin’.
• Wheat Middlings: Adds some extra fiber and nutrients.
• Vitamins & Minerals: All the lil’ extras to keep ‘em healthy, like calcium for strong shells.

Now, a heads-up: this feed ain’t certified organic, so if you’re all about that organic life, you might wanna look elsewhere or check if MFA’s got other options. Also, it’s not marketed as GMO-free, meanin’ some ingredients might be genetically modified. For me, that’s not a dealbreaker, but I know some folks care a lot about it.

Another thing—some of their starter feeds might have meds in ‘em, like stuff to prevent diseases in chicks. If you’re goin’ for no antibiotics or meds, make sure ya read the label and grab the non-medicated kind. I’ve done both ways dependin’ on my flock’s needs, and it’s worked out fine.

Where Can Ya Get Country Companion Feed?

Good news: this feed is easy to find if you live in or near the Midwest. MFA has places to sell it and works with co-ops and other farm shops to get the word out. You can look at MFA’s website to find a dealer near you. I usually go to a nearby feed store that sells their products. It’s really helpful, especially if you’re running low and need to quickly restock.

Tips for Storin’ Your Feed Right

I’ve learned the hard way that how ya store feed matters a ton. You don’t want it goin’ bad or gettin’ eaten up by critters. Here’s what I do to keep my Country Companion feed fresh:

• Keep it Dry: Store it in a cool, dry spot. Dampness is the enemy—mold can grow quick.
• Use a Tight Container: I got a big plastic bin with a lid that keeps rodents out. Trust me, mice will find a paper bag in a heartbeat.
• Don’t Stack on Ground: Put it up on a pallet or shelf. Ground moisture can sneak in.
• Check Dates: Most bags last 3-6 months if stored right. Look for a “best by” or made-on date to be safe.

I had a bag go bad once ‘cause I left it in a humid shed. Never again! Keepin’ it right means your chickens get the good stuff every time.

Can Ya Mix in Other Foods with This Feed?

Heck yeah, you can! I love tossin’ my hens some treats—bits of veggies, fruit scraps, even some bugs if I’m feelin’ generous. But here’s the catch: don’t overdo it. Keep those extras to less than 10% of their diet. Too much, and you’re messin’ with the balance of nutrients in the feed. I’ve seen folks go overboard with table scraps, and their egg production dropped. Keep it a lil’ treat, not the main meal, ya feel me?

Benefits of Choosin’ Country Companion for Your Flock

So, why pick this feed over the gazillion others out there? Here’s what I’ve noticed and why I keep comin’ back to it:

• Solid Nutrition: It’s got everything balanced for growth or eggs, dependin’ on the type.
• Trusted Source: Comin’ from MFA, a co-op with farmer roots, I feel like it’s made with care.
• Easy to Find: At least where I’m at, it’s stocked in most feed stores. No hassle.
• Supports All Stages: Whether I got chicks or old hens, there’s a feed for ‘em.

I ain’t sayin’ it’s the only feed you should ever use, but it’s been a reliable go-to for my small flock. My birds are healthy, layin’ steady, and I ain’t breakin’ the bank neither.

A Lil’ More About MFA’s Commitment

Let’s circle back to MFA for a sec. I can’t help but admire how they roll. Bein’ a cooperative, they’re all about givin’ back to the folks who own ‘em—the farmers. That setup means they’re always tryin’ to solve real problems, not just pushin’ products for a quick buck. Their history in agriculture goes way back, and they’ve stuck to keepin’ quality high while adaptin’ to what farmers need today.

When it comes to makin’ feed, they’re on top of it. They got fancy processes to check ingredients, mix accurately, and test nutrients. That kinda attention makes me trust that what’s in the bag is what my chickens need. And if somethin’ ever goes wonky, I got a feelin’ they’d fix it fast ‘cause they answer to farmers, not some distant boardroom.

How to Pick the Right Feed for Your Needs

If you’re new to this chicken-raisin’ gig or just switchin’ to Country Companion, pickin’ the right feed can feel a bit overwhelmin’. Don’t sweat it—I gotcha. Here’s my quick guide:

1. Know Your Birds’ Age: Chicks need starter, young hens need grower, layin’ hens need layer. Meat birds? Get the broiler mix.
2. Check Your Goals: Want eggs? Go layer. Want meat fast? Meat bird feed’s your jam.
3. Read the Bag: Each type’s got feedin’ tips. Follow ‘em to avoid mess-ups.
4. Ask Around: If you got a local feed store, chat with ‘em. They might know what works best in your area.

I usually keep a mix of feeds if I got different age groups. Takes a lil’ extra space, but it’s worth it to see ‘em all thrivin’.

Wrappin’ It Up: Why Country Companion’s Worth a Shot

So, there ya have it—Country Companion chicken feed comes from MFA Incorporated, a farmer-owned co-op with a ton of heart and history behind ‘em. Knowin’ that gives me a lil’ extra confidence when I’m pourin’ it out for my hens. Their feed’s made to fit every stage of a chicken’s life, packed with balanced goodies, and backed by folks who really care about agriculture.

Whether you’re just startin’ out with a few backyard birds or runnin’ a small farm, givin’ this feed a try might just be the move. I’ve seen my flock do well on it, and I reckon yours could too. Got questions or wanna share how it’s worked for you? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your stories! Let’s keep our chickens cluckin’ happy together!