From Farm Roots to Feed Innovation: How Cory Braund Built a Flourishing Calf Feed Business

Cory grew up farming alongside his parents, eventually taking over the operation after his father passed away. Like many producers, he raised Holstein steers from bottle to finish. He faced many challenges—particularly inconsistent calf supply and difficulty sourcing the right feeds— which pushed him to start formulating his own. That decision changed everything.

With some mentorship and increasing demand from other calf raisers, Cory began producing feed not just for himself, but for others. What started as a solution to a farm problem quickly turned into a business opportunity. As demand grew and his original setup was outgrown, Cory made a pivotal decision: step away from farming and focus entirely on feed production.

Relocating to a more accessible location, the business expanded rapidly—largely without advertising, fueled instead by strong word-of-mouth within the calf-raising community.

A Region Built for Calf Nutrition

Cory’s success is closely tied to the unique dynamics of his region. Within a roughly two-hour radius, there are an estimated 100,000 calves on milk at any given time. The area is heavily influenced by Amish farming communities, where large-scale calf raising and cooperative partnerships are common.

This concentration of calf operations creates an ideal environment for a specialized feed mill—something Cory recognizes may not translate as effectively in other parts of the country.

The Clean-Feed Difference

At the core of Cory’s business is a commitment to producing exceptionally clean calf feed.

Unlike many mills, his facility is designed so that calf and grower feed equipment never handles ground feeds. This dramatically reduces the risk of contamination and fines—an issue he believes even the largest feed companies struggle to manage. This specialization has become his competitive edge.

Looking ahead, Cory plans to take that control even further. By the end of 2026, he aims to install an in-house pellet mill. Currently, outsourcing pellet production can introduce inconsistencies, including “dirty” pellets. Bringing this process in-house will allow him to fully control pellet quality and reinforce his clean-feed promise.

Expanding Into New Markets

Growth isn’t stopping with calves. Through industry connections, Cory is preparing to expand into goat feed production. The transition is a natural one—calf and dairy goat feeds share similar ingredients and processing requirements. With the local dairy goat industry growing quickly, this move positions the business to capture additional demand without significant operational overhaul.

Built on Service and Trust

Cory’s operation is small by design, with a four-person team that prioritizes responsiveness and relationships.

Customers have direct access to the owner, and issues are handled quickly through straightforward conversations. For smaller growers, this accessibility and flexibility are invaluable.

Operationally, the commitment to quality is just as strong. The mill maintains strict protocols to ensure zero fines and zero cross-contamination. Even transportation is managed carefully—trucks hauling calf feed are never used for ground feeds.

Challenges Along the Way

Like any startup, Cory’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles.

• Ingredient sourcing was a major early hurdle, with suppliers hesitant to work with a new, small operation. It took nearly three years to build the relationships needed for consistent supply and competitive pricing.

• Financing remains the biggest growth constraint. Many of Cory’s customers need access to feed financing, but existing programs tend to favor large co-ops. Without a viable solution, expansion is limited despite strong demand.

• Facility development has also required significant effort. Unable to invest in a new multimillion-dollar mill, Cory renovated an older, largely unused facility—balancing hands-on construction with daily operations.

Retail as a Strategic Add-On

Alongside the mill, Cory operates a small retail storefront offering feed, bedding, and livestock supplies.

The goal is to provide convenience for local customers while supporting the mill’s operations. The store also helps justify front-office staffing and has recently seen increased traffic as word spreads and the community reconnects with the location.

Closing Thoughts

Cory Braund’s journey from family farmer to specialized feed mill owner highlights what’s possible when practical experience meets innovation and persistence. By focusing on a clear niche, maintaining uncompromising standards for feed cleanliness, and building strong relationships within his community, he has created a business that continues to grow through trust and reputation.

As he looks toward expanding into goat feeds, adding in-house pellet production, and exploring new product innovations, the future of his business is full of opportunity.

Thank you, Cory, for taking the time to share your story and insights. Your dedication to quality, service, and continuous improvement is evident—and there’s no doubt that your business is well-positioned for continued success in the years ahead!

Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.