METZER FARMS

Company Information

1. Company Name: Metzer Farms
2. Company Address: 26000 Old Stage Road, Gonzales, CA 93926, USA
3. Company Headquarters: Gonzales, California, USA
4. Company Industry: Agriculture, Poultry Farming
5. Company Revenue: Estimated between $5 million and $10 million annually
6. Current Carrier(s): Likely uses USPS and other carriers with experience in shipping live poultry, such as FedEx. Due to the delicate nature of their products, they may prioritize shipping partners that specialize in live animal delivery.
7. Potential Shipping Needs:
   • Live Poultry Shipping: Metzer Farms specializes in hatching and shipping live ducks, geese, and other poultry. Shipments require specialized handling and fast transit times to ensure the health and safety of the animals.
   • High-Volume Seasonal Demand: Peak seasons in spring and fall may result in higher shipment volumes, with needs for increased carrier availability and flexibility.
   • Supplies and Equipment: The farm also sells poultry-related products like feed, brooders, and incubators, which require regular ground shipping.
8. Brief Description About the Company:
   • Founded in the early 1970s, Metzer Farms is a family-owned hatchery in California, known for producing and shipping high-quality ducklings, goslings, and other waterfowl. The farm provides live poultry to customers across the United States, including small farms, homesteaders, and individuals interested in raising ducks and geese. Metzer Farms is well-regarded for its focus on animal health and quality customer service, including a strong focus on genetics and breeding standards.
9. Key Executives and Contacts:
   • John Metzer – Owner and Operator (active in online forums and communities focused on waterfowl and poultry farming)
     • LinkedIn
   • Leah Metzer – Manager (oversees customer service and operations)
10. Recent News and Developments:
    • Educational Outreach: Metzer Farms frequently updates its blog and YouTube channel with educational content on duck and goose care, attracting a dedicated customer base interested in ethical and informed poultry raising.
    • Improved Shipping Processes: The company has invested in refining its shipping procedures to minimize travel times and stress on live animals, emphasizing animal welfare.
    • Growth in Backyard Farming: As interest in backyard poultry has surged in recent years, Metzer Farms has expanded its offerings and increased production to meet demand.
11. Company History and Milestones:
    • 1972: John Metzer founded Metzer Farms as a small hatchery.
    • 1990s: Expanded to become a leading supplier of ducklings and goslings across the United States.
    • 2000s: Introduced new genetic lines and a broader range of waterfowl breeds.
    • 2020: Saw a significant increase in demand due to the rise in backyard farming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
12. Customer Reviews and Feedback:
    • Customers generally praise Metzer Farms for the health and vitality of their poultry, with many noting the animals arrive in excellent condition despite the challenges of live animal shipping.
    • Some complaints revolve around occasional delays or challenges related to the logistics of shipping live animals, but these are often seen as issues beyond Metzer’s control.
13. Competitor Analysis:
    • Murray McMurray Hatchery: Another popular hatchery offering a wide range of poultry, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
    • Cackle Hatchery: A family-owned hatchery that ships a variety of birds across the U.S., with a similar customer base of small farms and backyard enthusiasts.
    • Ideal Poultry: Known for its extensive catalog of poultry breeds, Ideal Poultry has a large market share in the hatchery business.
14. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives:
    • Metzer Farms focuses on ethical breeding practices and emphasizes animal welfare in its operations. The company follows humane shipping practices, including ensuring that the live animals are transported safely and with minimal stress.
    • The farm also encourages sustainable practices in backyard farming through its educational resources, promoting responsible and informed poultry raising.
15. Market Position and Industry Trends:
    • Metzer Farms is positioned as a top provider of ducklings and goslings in the U.S. with a strong reputation in the niche waterfowl market. Backyard farming has grown in popularity, especially post-pandemic, contributing to increased demand for high-quality live poultry. As consumers continue to prioritize sustainability and animal welfare, Metzer Farms’ focus on ethical breeding and shipping positions it well in this expanding market.

Sales Call Plan Questions

1. Prospecting Call or Existing Customer: Prospecting
2. Customer Needs and Goals: The primary needs likely include reliable, time-sensitive shipping solutions for live animals that meet USPS regulations for shipping live poultry, as well as options to expand or handle peak seasonal demand.
3. Value Decision Maker: John Metzer (Owner and Operator) or a logistics manager focused on shipping operations.
4. Second Contact: Leah Metzer, who manages customer service and operations.
5. Meeting Objectives:
   • Understand the current logistics challenges Metzer Farms faces, particularly around seasonal peak demand and maintaining animal welfare standards in transit.
   • Discuss options for streamlined, reliable live poultry shipping solutions that ensure timely and humane delivery.
6. Actions to Drive Meeting Objectives:
   • Prepare information on USPS’s live animal shipping solutions and highlight any improvements that USPS could offer over current arrangements.
   • Provide examples or case studies from other agricultural or hatchery clients who use USPS for similar shipping needs.
7. Anticipated Customer Objections/Concerns:
   • Concerns over reliability and handling of live shipments, as any delays or mishandling could impact animal welfare.
   • Potential cost concerns, especially for expedited services that may be necessary for live shipments.
   • Interest in consistent communication and tracking to reassure customers about the safety of their orders.

Additional Information

• Website Research:
  • Website: https://www.metzerfarms.com
  • Terms of Service: Typically found on the website’s footer under customer service or policies.
  • Privacy Policy: Available at the bottom of their homepage.
• Contact Information:
  • Phone: +1 (800) 424-7755
  • Email: metzinfo@metzerfarms.com (for general inquiries)

This detailed profile should provide a comprehensive understanding of Metzer Farms’ operations, customer needs, and shipping challenges, especially related to live poultry logistics.