Should You Buy in Bulk from an Animal Feed Dealer? Pros and Cons

Buying feed in bulk sounds like a smart move. And sometimes, it is. You get a better rate, fewer delivery hassles, and your animals stay fed without constant runs to the store. But bulk isn’t for everyone, and it’s not always the right answer. It depends on what you’re feeding, how much space you’ve got, and how predictable your needs are.

Here’s the thing. At Ward & Van Scoy, we’re not just another animal feed dealer. We’ve been doing this for nearly a century, and we’ve seen every kind of farm operation you can imagine. So let’s break this down honestly. Here are the real pros and cons of buying in bulk.

The Pros

It’s more affordable per pound.
That’s probably why you're even considering it. When you buy by the ton, you’re getting a lower price. We offer an extra 4% off when you pay with cash or check. And for 4-ton loads or more, delivery is free. That adds up.

You can get feed customized for your animals.
If you’ve got dairy cows, laying hens, meat goats, or anything in between, we can formulate feed to match what they actually need. No guesswork. We look at your forage, your operation, and your goals. Then we build a mix that works with what you're already doing. Bagged feeds can be great, but they’re not always a perfect fit.

You don’t have to restock as often.
Running out of feed halfway through the week is a headache. Buying in bulk means fewer interruptions. You’re covered, and you’ve got one less thing to think about.

The Cons

You need proper storage.
Bulk feed doesn’t work if you’re just stashing bags in a shed. You need a clean, dry, pest-proof space. If you don’t have it, you’re asking for spoilage or waste, and that’s not saving you anything.

There’s a minimum order.
Our custom mixes require enough volume for proper blending and transport. If you're only feeding a few animals, bulk might be more than you need. We won’t oversell you.

Once you commit, you’re committed.
When you buy a ton or more of feed, you’re locked in. If you want to experiment with different blends, ingredients, or brands, it’s smarter to start smaller.

What to Do if Bulk Isn’t Right (Yet)

That’s why we also offer custom-bagged feed and minerals. You get the same formula flexibility without having to order several tons. It’s a good in-between for smaller farms or if you’re still dialing in your program.

We carry everything from Nutrena horse and poultry feed to our own New York State Feeds. Whether you’re feeding rabbits or racehorses, laying hens or beef cattle, you’ll find what you need in our lineup.

Conclusion: Know When Bulk Makes Sense

Bulk feed makes a lot of sense for the right setup. If you’ve got the animals, the space, and the routine, it’s an efficient way to save time and money. If you’re not there yet, no problem. Bagged or custom mixes can still deliver exactly what your animals need without the extra pressure.

At Ward & Van Scoy, we work with full-time farmers, weekend hobbyists, and everyone in between. If you’re weighing the pros and cons, come talk to a team that gets it. We’ve been a trusted animal feed dealer that Owego farmers have relied on for over 99 years. No upselling. Just real help.

Whether you need a single bag or four tons, we’ll make sure you’re fed right.