By Joshua Schuetz
In 2020, Jason Schaefer embarked on a mission to reduce livestock feed costs for his company, Abundant Ag LLP. “Feed typically accounts for 70 percent of the cost of raising a pig,” Schaefer explained. “I wanted to shave off 5-10 percent from that number.”
To achieve this, Schaefer developed an innovative approach: turning processed food scraps into feed. “We take food manufacturing processed scraps, mix them, dry them, and feed them to our pigs,” he said. This method proved to be a superior alternative to conventional feed. Schaefer started out with a small, 4,000-square-foot facility dedicated solely to his pigs, aiming to evaluate its effectiveness compared to a traditional corn-soy diet.
After two successful years, Schaefer decided to scale up. He connected with CEDA team member Hillary Tweed in Benson, who helped them locate a building in town. By March of this year, Abundant Ag had commenced operations in their new 48,000-square-foot facility. While the company is small, with two full-time employees and additional part-time help, Schaefer is optimistic about future growth. “As we grow, we need to ensure we can sell our product and secure a steady supply. I’m hopeful that in five years, we will have 10 full-time employees.”
Schaefer said Tweed’s assistance was invaluable. “She was my go-to person for everything from the initial steps to closing and continues to support us today,” Schaefer praised. Her guidance was crucial in overcoming numerous obstacles, making her an integral part of the project’s success.
The city’s support has benefited both Abundant Ag LLP and the local community. “There’s hardly a day that I don’t go out into town to buy something, whether it’s food or tools,” Schaefer shared. This local spending highlights the positive economic impact of the business on Benson.
Abundant Ag LLP’s innovative approach not only reduces feed costs but also promotes sustainability. “Most of our product, the processed waste, would go to the landfill. Instead, we pay for what comes to our plant, turning a cost into revenue for manufacturers,” Schaefer explained. This process results in pigs consuming 50 pounds less feed to reach market weight, achieving the same growth efficiency.
Reflecting on the city’s business environment, Schaefer expressed his satisfaction with Benson’s focus on fostering business growth. “I live in a bedroom town with very little business. Benson, with CEDA and Hillary’s support, truly understands the benefits of business and helped me overcome the obstacles I faced.”