As wildfires swept through countless acres of Southern California, Bill Cramer of Star Milling Company made an immediate decision. A couple of phone calls later, Star Milling Co. had donated over 40 tons of feed to numerous locations in San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties. The generous contribution was distributed with the help of the San Diego Humane Society, Animal Control, Pierce College and other organizations to ranches and feed stores that carry Star Milling Co. products. The donated hay pellets replaced a percentage of the feed that was lost in the fire and sustained displaced animals for the duration of the evacuations.
The decision to assist those in need was effortless for Cramer, who has spent much of his life growing and changing with the family-run company. Cramer’s father, Richard, purchased the Perris, CA mill in 1970, and for over 25 years, Star Milling Company has provided conscientious service to the livestock and pets of Southern California. As Star Milling Co. is local to their patron base, transactions between distributors and dealers are made personally and customers are constantly in contact with their supplier. Thus, when a large part of their clientele was suddenly and drastically affected during the fires, Star Milling Co. responded instantly. Additionally, strong relationships with distributors and dealers aided in getting the provisions to where they were needed without delay. Stacy Kuhns, who has worked with Star Milling Co. to supply the equine industry for the past 16 years, reports hearing that one of their customers lost his home and his farm. “We’re doing everything we can to reach him right now,” she explains.
Originally solely a producer of chicken feed, Star Milling Co. now makes carefully cultivated products for various livestock and project animals, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, emus, ostrich, poultry, and even fish. The inventory also includes a line of show feeds that are specially formulated for optimal nutrition and performance, making the line ideal for 4H and FFA projects and fairs. Star Milling Co. is associated with Ace Hi, Kelley’s, Integrity, and Diamond brand horse feeds, which are developed using top quality ingredients and are then extruded, making them easier to digest. “We truly understand the commitment of pet owners to their companions, and since we’re a small, local business, we feel that we can provide the best possible product because we get constant feedback from our customers,” verifies Kuhns.
As Southern California recovers from the devastation of the fires and livestock and agricultural industries adapt and evolve, Star Milling Co. will also transform to meet the new needs of commercial stock and pet owners, offering support where it is necessary. What began as a 3,000 chicken operation has grown to point of providing rescue resources for countless beloved animals. Now that’s a formula that works.
For more information, please contact Star Milling Co. at 800-733-6455 or visit www.starmilling.com.