Education
Why Non-GMO Feed?
It's not a marketing trend. It's a decision about what goes into your animals — and ultimately, into you. Here's what we actually know, what the science says, and why we built our entire store around it.
What “Non-GMO” Actually Means
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is a plant or animal whose genetic material has been altered using laboratory techniques — typically to introduce traits like herbicide resistance (RoundUp Ready corn and soybeans) or insect resistance (Bt corn). The modification happens at the DNA level, inserting genes from other organisms.
Non-GMO Project Verified means the ingredients in a product were grown from non-genetically-modified seed and produced through an audited supply chain. It does not automatically mean organic (though organic must be Non-GMO by USDA rules). Non-GMO Project Verified is an independent third-party standard — not self-certified by the brand.
The vast majority of commodity corn and soybeans grown in the United States are GMO varieties. Because corn and soy are the two most common ingredients in conventional livestock feed, most conventional feed is GMO by default — not as a deliberate choice, but simply because Non-GMO grain costs more and requires separate handling to avoid commingling.
What the Science Says (Honestly)
Our approach: We're not going to overstate what the science says. Major regulatory bodies (FDA, EFSA) consider approved GMO crops safe to eat. We're going to tell you what the actual differences are and let you decide.
Herbicide Residue Is the Real Concern
The primary GMO trait in corn and soybeans is herbicide tolerance — specifically to glyphosate (Roundup). This allows farmers to spray herbicide directly on growing crops. Peer-reviewed studies have found glyphosate residues in animal feed ingredients and in animals fed those ingredients. The World Health Organization's IARC classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015, though the EPA and EFSA have not reached that conclusion. The science is genuinely contested. What is not contested: Non-GMO and organic feed has lower residue levels by design.
Fixed Formulas vs. Variable Commodity Blends
Many conventional feed brands use “variable formulas” — they substitute ingredients based on commodity prices. If corn prices spike, your bag might contain more milo or wheat middlings without any label change. The brands we carry (Kalmbach, Hillsboro, KOFFI) use fixed formulas — the ingredients don't change based on commodity markets. Your animals get the same nutritional profile every single bag.
Ingredient Transparency
Non-GMO certified supply chains require documentation at every step — from the seed to the final bag. That documentation requirement tends to produce more traceable, higher-quality ingredients overall. It's not magic — it's accountability built into the sourcing process.
What Farmers Tell Us About Non-GMO Feed
These are commonly reported outcomes — not scientific claims or guarantees. Individual results vary.
🐔
Chickens & Laying Hens
- ✓ Richer, deeper yolk color (especially soy-free)
- ✓ Firmer egg whites reported by many customers
- ✓ Improved feather quality and coverage
- ✓ Reduced offensive manure odor with soy-free
🐐
Goats & Dairy Animals
- ✓ Cleaner milk flavor reported by dairy goat producers
- ✓ Improved coat quality and sheen
- ✓ Consistent ingredient profile = consistent production
- ✓ KOFFI organic option for certified organic dairy operations
🐷
Hogs & Heritage Breeds
- ✓ Heritage breed producers report better fat quality on Non-GMO feed
- ✓ No-corn no-soy Hillsboro formula popular for pastured pigs
- ✓ KOFFI soy-free swine grower for certified organic finishing
🐕
Dogs
- ✓ Valu-Pak FREE contains no corn, wheat, soy, or gluten
- ✓ Owners report improved skin and coat within weeks
- ✓ Reduced stool volume = better digestibility
- ✓ Common food sensitivities often trace to corn, soy, or wheat
Why We Chose These Brands
Our owner has a chemistry background from Auburn University. When evaluating feed brands for BooneTop Farms & Feed, the evaluation went deeper than marketing brochures — it went to the actual formulations, the certification audits, and what goes into the bag.
Kalmbach Feeds is family-owned in Ohio, Non-GMO Project Verified across their product line, and uses a fixed-formula approach. Their LifeGuard® probiotic blend is a real addition, not a label claim. No byproducts. No antibiotics.
Hillsboro Feed Company in Hillsboro, Alabama has operated as the only Non-GMO certified feed plant in Alabama since 2008 — that's not a recent trend for them, it's their entire business model. They also offer no-corn no-soy formulas using a peanut base, which is genuinely rare.
KOFFI (Kentucky Organic Farm & Feed Inc.) is an Amish and Mennonite farmer cooperative in Guthrie, KY producing 100% USDA certified organic feed in 50 lb bags. The closest certified organic mill to our part of Tennessee. For farmers who need the organic certification for their own operation, KOFFI is the answer.
Valu-Pak is made by Specialty Feeds Inc. in Memphis — genuinely local. The FREE line is our dog food recommendation for exactly the same reasons we choose Non-GMO livestock feed: real ingredients, no fillers, no corn/soy/wheat/gluten.
We raise chickens, goats, and pigs on this same feed. We eat the eggs, drink the milk, and eat the pork. That's not a slogan. It's why we chose these brands over everything else available.
Our Standard
We only sell feed we feed our own animals.
Fixed Formulas
Every bag has the same ingredients — not whatever commodity is cheapest that month.
Third-Party Verified
Non-GMO Project and USDA Organic certifications aren't self-reported — they're audited.
GMO vs. Non-GMO Feed: Key Differences
| Factor | Conventional / GMO Feed | Non-GMO / Organic Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Formula consistency | Variable formula — ingredients substituted by price | Fixed formula — same ingredients every bag |
| Herbicide residues | May contain glyphosate residues from RR crops | Non-GMO and organic crops have strict limits |
| Ingredient sourcing | Commodity pool — limited traceability | Audited supply chain required for certification |
| Soy-free options | Rare in conventional lines | Available from Hillsboro, KOFFI, and Kalmbach |
| Corn-free options | Essentially unavailable in mainstream brands | Hillsboro offers no-corn no-soy peanut-based line |
| Organic certification | Not applicable | KOFFI is USDA Certified Organic |
| Price | Lower per bag | Higher per bag — often better feed conversion |
| Availability in TN | Widely available | BooneTop Farms & Feed is the local source |
Ready to Make the Switch?
Come by the store — we'll walk you through what's in stock and help you pick the right feed for your animals and your budget.
1460 Highway 100 West, Centerville, TN 37033 · Mon/Thu/Fri 10am–6pm · Sat 10am–3pm