Backyard bird-feeding sales have been booming during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving an unexpected boost to sunflower growers and processors.
“Suddenly people of all ages have been drawn to bird-watching as they spend more time at home,” says Travis Schmidt, account manager, CHS Sunflower. “They’re looking for tranquility and a connection to nature that makes them feel good.
As one of the nation’s top six bird food processors, CHS has participated in the groundswell. CHS markets Feather Friend® and Chirp® wild bird food to cooperatives and farm-supply and garden-supply retailers, produces private-label bird food such as Royal Wing (a former CHS brand, now owned by Tractor Supply Co.) and sells bulk ingredients to other bird food manufacturers.