Who Owns Nutrena Chicken Feed? The Complete Ownership Story Behind Your Flock’s Favorite Food

Have you ever stood in the feed store, bag of Nutrena chicken feed in hand, and wondered who actually makes this stuff your chickens gobble up so eagerly? I certainly have! As a backyard chicken keeper for over 5 years, I’ve gone through countless bags of various feeds, but Nutrena has been a consistent choice in my coop. Today, I’m diving deep into the ownership question many poultry enthusiasts ask: who exactly owns Nutrena chicken feed?

The Short Answer: Cargill Owns Nutrena

Let’s not beat around the hen house – Nutrena Chicken Feed is owned by Cargill, Incorporated, a privately held multinational corporation that’s one of the world’s largest agricultural companies. This ownership places Nutrena within a vast network of animal nutrition products and services, giving the brand access to Cargill’s extensive resources and expertise.

But there’s much more to this story than just corporate ownership. The relationship between Cargill and Nutrena has deep roots and significant implications for the quality of feed you’re giving your flock.

A Century-Long Journey: The History of Nutrena

Nutrena didn’t start as part of Cargill. The brand has a fascinating history spanning over 100 years:

• 1920: Miller-McConnell Grain Company established in Kansas City, KS
• 1921: Nutrena is registered with the US Trademark Office
• 1922: Nutrena is granted a patent by the US Patent Office
• 1925: Nutrena introduces the first colored bag in the feed industry (pretty revolutionary for its time!)
• 1926: Nutrena becomes the first feed company to introduce cod liver oil, rich in vitamins A&D, in its feed
• 1929: Nutrena introduces the first pellet mill

The big change came in 1945 when Cargill purchased Nutrena’s stock, which doubled the size of Cargill’s feed business. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era for Nutrena, positioning it for significant growth and innovation under Cargill’s umbrella

What Cargill’s Ownership Means for Your Chickens

When a massive corporation like Cargill owns a feed brand, it has real implications for the products you’re buying. Here’s how Cargill’s ownership impacts Nutrena chicken feed:

1. Research & Development Muscle

Cargill invests heavily in research to develop innovative and nutritionally superior feed formulations. For example, in 2021, Nutrena relaunched its NatureWise poultry feed line with improved formulas containing essential oils, prebiotics, probiotics, yeast culture, and vitamin D3 specifically designed to maximize egg production and improve egg shell strength.

This kind of product development isn’t cheap and Cargill’s deep pockets allow Nutrena to stay at the cutting edge of poultry nutrition science.

2. Quality Control Standards

From raw material sourcing to final product testing, Cargill’s established quality control protocols guarantee consistency and safety in every bag of Nutrena feed. They employ rigorous testing of raw materials to detect contaminants such as mycotoxins and heavy metals, follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), conduct regular facility inspections, and maintain traceability systems to track ingredients throughout the supply chain.

3. Manufacturing Footprint

Nutrena chicken feed is manufactured in multiple facilities across the United States and Canada, ensuring regional availability and efficient distribution. These facilities are owned and operated by Cargill. The specific manufacturing location for a particular bag can usually be found on the product label.

This extensive manufacturing network means fresher feed with shorter transportation times to your local feed store.

4. Nutrition Expertise

Nutrena benefits from the expertise of Cargill’s team of animal nutritionists and veterinarians who contribute to feed formulation and overall animal health research. This team approach ensures that Nutrena feeds are scientifically balanced to meet the specific nutritional needs of different types of poultry at various life stages.

Nutrena’s Chicken Feed Product Line

Under Cargill’s ownership, Nutrena has developed a diverse range of chicken feed products to meet different needs:

Starter/Grower Feeds

Designed for chicks from hatch to approximately 8 weeks, providing high levels of protein and essential nutrients for optimal growth.

Layer Feeds

Formulated for laying hens, these feeds are rich in calcium for strong eggshells and balanced in nutrients for consistent egg production. Both organic and conventional options are available.

NatureWise Poultry Feed

Often features added prebiotics, probiotics, and essential oils for enhanced gut health and immune support. In 2021, this line was relaunched with improved formulations.

Country Feeds Poultry Feed

A more economical option that still provides balanced nutrition. In 2020, Nutrena expanded this line to include Country Feeds Duck Feed, designed specifically for duck flocks.

Specialty Feeds

Including Feather Fixer, introduced in 2013 as a unique poultry feed designed to help birds get through molt faster.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutrena Chicken Feed

I know you’ve got questions – I sure did when I first started looking into who makes my chickens’ food! Here are answers to some common questions about Nutrena chicken feed:

Is Nutrena chicken feed organic?

Nutrena offers both conventional and organic chicken feed options. If you’re looking for organic feed, check for the USDA Organic seal on the packaging to ensure it meets organic certification standards. These organic feeds use ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

What are the main ingredients in Nutrena chicken feed?

While specific ingredients vary by product, common components include:

• Corn (energy source)
• Soybean meal (protein and amino acids)
• Wheat middlings (fiber and carbohydrates)
• Calcium carbonate (for strong eggshells)
• Vitamins and minerals
• Added amino acids like lysine and methionine

Does Nutrena chicken feed contain GMOs?

Nutrena’s conventional feed formulas may contain GM ingredients such as corn and soybeans. However, their organic feed options are guaranteed to be non-GMO. If you’re concerned about GMOs, choose Nutrena’s certified organic feeds.

What is the shelf life of Nutrena chicken feed?

Typically, Nutrena chicken feed has a shelf life of 6 to 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored properly. To maximize freshness, store feed in a cool, dry, pest-free environment, preferably in airtight containers.

Where can I buy Nutrena chicken feed?

Nutrena products are widely available at:

• Local feed stores
• Farm supply retailers
• Some online platforms that specialize in agricultural supplies

I personally get mine at our local Tractor Supply, but availability varies by region.

How Cargill Has Shaped Nutrena’s Innovation Timeline

Since acquiring Nutrena in 1945, Cargill has driven a steady stream of innovations in the brand’s product offerings. Here’s a quick look at some key milestones:

• 2000: Nutrena establishes itself as a stand-alone brand focused on the ag-retail market segment, taking on the identity and logo we recognize today
• 2011: Introduction of NatureWise Natural poultry feeds and Country Feeds poultry feed lines
• 2013: Launch of NatureWise Feather Fixer for molting birds
• 2020: Introduction of Country Feeds Duck Feed
• 2021: Relaunch of NatureWise poultry feed line with enhanced formulations

My Personal Experience with Nutrena Under Cargill’s Ownership

I’ve been using Nutrena feeds for my backyard flock of 8 hens for about three years now, and I’ve noticed a few things that I think reflect Cargill’s influence on the brand.

First, the consistency is remarkable. Each bag I open has the same look, smell, and quality – something my chickens definitely appreciate! I suspect this is due to Cargill’s stringent quality control processes.

Second, when I switched from a cheaper store brand to Nutrena’s NatureWise layer feed, I noticed an improvement in shell quality within about two weeks. My Plymouth Rock hen, Pepper, had been laying eggs with occasional thin spots, but those disappeared after the feed change.

That said, Nutrena feeds are typically a bit pricier than some competitors. I’m paying about $2-3 more per bag compared to the generic options at my feed store. For me, the consistency and results justify the cost, but I know this is a consideration for many flock keepers watching their budgets.

Cargill’s Sustainability Commitment and Nutrena

One aspect of Cargill’s ownership that influences Nutrena products is their commitment to sustainable sourcing of ingredients. Cargill has established responsible sourcing guidelines that aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of their supply chains.

For chicken owners concerned about environmental impact, this corporate commitment means that Nutrena feeds are produced with growing attention to sustainability considerations – though it’s worth noting that conventional feeds still have a larger environmental footprint than organic options.

The Bottom Line: What Cargill’s Ownership Means for Your Flock

So what does all this corporate information mean for you and your chickens?

In my experience, Cargill’s ownership of Nutrena translates to:

1. Reliable quality – backed by extensive testing and quality control
2. Science-based formulations – developed by nutrition experts
3. Continuous innovation – with new products addressing specific poultry needs
4. Wide availability – thanks to Cargill’s extensive distribution network
5. Somewhat higher prices – reflecting the research and quality standards

Whether this makes Nutrena the right choice for your flock depends on your priorities and budget. Some backyard chicken keepers prefer to support smaller, local feed producers, while others appreciate the consistency and research backing that comes with a Cargill-owned brand.

Whatever you choose, understanding who makes your chicken feed and what that means for its quality is an important part of responsible flock management. Your chickens depend on you to make informed choices about their nutrition!

Have you used Nutrena chicken feeds? What has your experience been like? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

This article was updated September 2025 with the latest information about Nutrena ownership and product offerings.