Randy Anderson, Chana, has made a career of developing and providing good nutrition for animals.

It only seemed natural for him to start his own feed business a few years ago, and this month he will open a brand new store which will offer food and equipment for farm livestock, pets, and other animals.

Anderson, 45, and his family are putting the finishing touches on a new building which will house a retail store and storage space just south of Chana on Chana Road.

The feed offered at the Anderson Feed Company can be formulated to fit an animal's specific health and nutritional needs.

"Proper nutrition is the key to keeping animals healthy," Anderson said. "If anyone has a question on nutrition, I may not know the answers, but I work with people who do. I work with people who have PHDs in nutrition."

Anderson has been in the feed business for more than 20 years.

For several years, he worked for a major feed company, but decided 12 years ago to quit that and start his own business growing and selling hay.

He raises and delivers pure grass and alfalfa hay grown on his 240-acre farm south of Chana.

"That opened some door for me with customers," he said. "I found out there was a call for low sugar hay for diabetic horses."

He then got into the feed business which is now expanding into opening the retail store.

His customers aren't just the owners of traditional farm livestock, he also sells feed and hay to zoos.

Anderson said the store will open in mid-October and will have hours on weekdays and Saturday mornings.

The store will offer feed for pets, cattle, hogs, horses, goats, alpacas, chickens, and rabbits as well as wild and domestic birds.

Feeders and waterers and animal care products will also be carried in the store.

"We have a real perk here in Ogle County with sales tax at only 6.25 percent," Anderson said.

He plans to expand his product line as necessary to meet customers needs.

"We plan to be here awhile," he said. "I love what I do."

For more information call 815-732-3338 or visit the website at nuzufeed.com.