Nancy Chapman
Paul Plouviez, founder of Promega Feeds and Supplements, along with Shizuko Shimada, has purchased Bench Creek Ranch to further their goal of raising the highest-quality natural beef on the American market. Seeking a healthier way to feed cattle without synthetic additives, Plouviez and ranch manager Sarah Porter have collaborated with nutritionists Stephen E. Duren, M.S., PAS, Ph.D., an expert in equine nutrition and exercise physiology, and Jonathan Beckett, M.S., specializing in endocrinology, to develop a proprietary feed for their beef program.
Promega, derived from “Pro” (professional) and “mega” (omega), is a high-quality flaxseed product rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The feed blends peas, rice, and flax processed through a seven-step extrusion method to ensure maximum digestibility. The result is a product free of chemical additives, artificial colors, and hormones, making it a non-GMO and gluten-free option. Promega feeds contribute to better animal health, sustainable agriculture, a food chain enriched with natural omega-3, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The Seven-Step Process
Promega’s unique extrusion process ensures the highest-quality feed supplements. The steps include:
- Flax Selection: The finest flaxseeds, sourced directly from growers, are chosen for their consistency and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Proprietary Formulation: Ingredients are measured to exacting standards, optimized for the specific needs of the animals.
- Mixing: Ingredients are blended to ensure each batch is nutritionally consistent.
- Grinding: Raw ingredients are ground to achieve uniform size and texture.
- Steaming and Extrusion: The blend is steamed under high pressure to eliminate impurities and remove linseed oil, a known equine allergen. This step enhances digestibility for both ruminant and monogastric animals.
- Drying and Cooling: The feed is thoroughly dried and cooled in a controlled environment to maintain consistent quality and improve shelf life.
- Packaging: The final product is packed into 25-pound pails, 50-pound bags, or 250-pound bulk bags to ensure freshness and quality.
This process results in a feed rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which Bench Creek Ranch utilizes for its own operations. The ranch also markets the feed to other livestock owners for use with chickens, cows, goats, horses, hogs, rabbits, sheep, and fish.
Proven Benefits
Studies have demonstrated significant benefits from incorporating Promega Flax Extra into livestock diets:
- Beef Cattle: Adding Flax Extra to finishing rations for 30–60 days has resulted in daily weight gains of 4–6 pounds, improved marbling, and higher-quality beef at harvest.
- Dairy Cattle: Feeding Flax Extra has increased fat content and production in milk.
Promega and Bench Creek Ranch have sponsored several 4-H and FFA animals for the 2025 Churchill County Junior Livestock Show in April.
Equine and Poultry Benefits
Promega Flax Equine Supplement provides advantages such as reduced inflammation, improved joint health, enhanced sperm quality, and improved airway function. The supplement is non-GMO and gluten-free, with sugars and starches removed during processing. It is suitable for all classes of horses and promotes healthier diets for equine, similar to the benefits humans experience when reducing sugars and starches.
For poultry, Flax Extra serves as a complete feed, enhancing health and productivity. Benefits include omega-3 enriched eggs, reduced cholesterol, stronger eggshells, improved immune function, enhanced feather growth, and decreased dust mites.
Local Manufacturing and Availability
Promega products are manufactured and produced locally in Fallon, Nevada, and are available at Fallon Big R and other Big R stores, Abe’s Hay, as well as online at Amazon, Walmart.com, and Chewy.
For more information, visit the Facebook group Promega Feed, PromegaFeed.com, or contact:
- Paul Plouviez (Owner): (818) 519-4172
- Sarah Porter (Ranch Manager): (775) 217-5425
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