Lonecowboy said:
Loomix is a great product but it is only as good as the distributer is.
a good distributor can control consumption and make it work the way you want it to.
a poor distributor is like a yo-yo
tank full, tank empty, tank full, tank empty for several days, tank full, etc.
AMEN, Brotha!
Cooked or pressed tubs are going to retail for anywhere between $70-100/tub, or $700-$1000/ton. Zero consumption control, hard to handle, must pick up empty tubs or your place will look pretty trashy, and, EXPENSIVE.
Cubes will run anywhere from $500/ton and up, depending on ingredients, etc. Must be delivered, whether it's every day, every 2 days, etc. You can put out 2 pounds per head, but the boss cows will still get more than their share while the more timid cows get less than they require. There is always a mob scene when you put it out, and within a short time the rumen bugs you fed have died off and there is nothng out there to excite the next generation of rumen bugs. It takes 2 pounds of cubes to equal the energy found in one pound of LOOMIX. You are paying for fines, whether you buy bagged or bulk, they must be stored (barn or bins), and, most folks invest in a hopper of some kind to mount on a pickup. This equipment can and does wear out over time, plus, it's kinda spendy to buy in the first place.
Unlike other liquids out there, LOOMIX is consumption controlled. In my area, I charge .27 cents/pound. Normal feeding rate this time of year is 1-1.5 pounds per head/day. Bitter is 25% protein, sweet is 12% with 3% urea added to both, and both "flavors" contain the same chelated mineral package. The dealer should provide the troughs free of charge, and move the troughs as you move the cattle, again, free of charge. There is no competition for the LOOMIX, so even the timid cows get their share. Cattle will generally hit the trough several times a day to get their fill, instead of drinking it right down like it's sweet tea. LOOMIX has received a patent for fiber digestion. We digest 34% more fiber than any other product on the market. This means your cattle will get more out of your poorer quality forages than they would otherwise. I've had cows put on 2 full body condition scores in the fall on nothing but CRP grass and LOOMIX. LOOMIX is available with IGR for summer fly control. Various other things can be added to the liquid, especially chelated mag in the spring to control grass tetany. Some meds can also be added with no problems, but they may not be cleared to add by the Feds. LOOMIX is heavier than water, so any snow or rain finding its way into the trough will rest on top, be drank off, and you are right back to the good stuff. It does not freeze, and will pump and flow at -40F.
I've been doing this for 15 years. If it didn't work, I wouldn't be selling it. Lonecowboy is 110% correct...it all comes down to dealer service. Poor dealers don't stay in business very long.
I don't know where in Colorado you are, but LOOMIX is headquartered in Johnstown, CO. We have some wonderful dealers out there, among them Monte Vista Co-op in Monte Vista, there's a good dealer right in Johnstown, can't think of the name of the dealer in Sterling right now, and my good friends Barb & Gale Martin at Bob Walter LOOMIX in La Junta.
LOOMIX was purchased by ADM this past June. It has been a good fit for all involved. We also have access to the dry line offered by ADM. Of course, for a couple of years now LOOMIX has also offered it's own line of mineral and tubs. We are also introducing a high fat liquid this fall for folks who need more energy. I think the website is still www.loomix.com. Look it up and feel free to call the toll free number at headquarters. Any of the friendly folks there can answer any questions you may have and will let you know who your closest dealer is.
Good Luck!
So giving 15# every third day would be like giving
