Basemin Frequently Asked Questions

What is BaseMin?

BaseMin is a proprietary blend of high-quality, feed-based Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium-Calcium Carbonate for use in dairy rations. Each BaseMin formulation is customized to meet the specific macromineral needs of your dairy operation. Buffer and Salt can also be blended into the BaseMin product to increase the inclusion rate.

Who is GLC Minerals?

GLC Minerals is a fifth-generation, family-owned business serving the agricultural mineral market of Wisconsin for over 80 years. Innovation and customer service are hallmarks of our company as we strive to establish and maintain long-term relationships. Our staff is fully committed to delighting our customers with the highest quality products and services.

Is BaseMin right for my dairy operation?

We find those dairy operations greater than 1,200 milking head are typically capable of capturing cost savings by unbundling ration purchases and taking advantage of farm infrastructure and economies of scale. Most of our BaseMin customers work with Nutritionists who serve the dairy owner in partnership with the feed mill or co-op. Typically, BaseMin will be stored in a covered bay inside a commodity structure or feed center.

Who arranges transportation and monitors inventory on the farm?

GLC Minerals arranges transportation and delivery. Product is delivered in a belt trailer and deposited into the designated bay. Our logistic partner is committed to following your established receiving and on-farm protocols. GLC also monitors the BaseMin inventory within established reserve requirements. We stand committed to keeping your operation running.

What type of quality assurance protocols are in place in support of the BaseMin product?

GLC Minerals is a Safe Feed/Safe Food (SF/SF) Certified American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) manufacturer of quality feed ingredients. BaseMin is fully supported by an established SF/SF certification program and HACCP protocols. In addition, GLC Minerals quality program is further supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification. Mineral quality, formulation, and blend consistency are further verified by 3rd party laboratory testing.

Is BaseMin made up of by-products?

GLC Minerals processes carbonate minerals to meet customer and market requirements. This results in feed minerals which range in particle size from large to very fine in size. The chemistry of the feed mineral remains the same regardless of particle size. BaseMin is specifically manufactured and blended to reduce sift and sort in the mix while optimizing bioavailability to the cow. BaseMin is not comprised of any by-product material or considered a co-product of our manufacturing process.

What type of shrink can you expect using BaseMin?

Shrink is an important consideration when evaluating moving away from a macromineral pre-mix. No dairy operation is the same. Our customers typically report shrink in the 2-3% range. GLC Minerals stands ready to work with your feed mixer, dairy manager and nutritionist to meet this expectation.

Back to Agronomy

Agronomy Frequently Asked Questions

How is this better than Aglime?

UltraCal and InstaLime will change pH more effectively than aglime because lime from GLC Minerals is purer and processed to a fine powder.

How is this better than pel-lime?

UltraCal and InstaLime are purer and processed to a finer powder, than some pel-lime products. We do add a small amount of moisture to ensure it spreads well. Since there is no costly pelletizing, our products save growers a lot of money while enjoying increased yields.

What is the difference in UltraCal and InstaLime?

UltraCal is a high calcium lime that is low in magnesium. It is a perfect fit for heavier soils and for corn silage and alfalfa. InstaLime is a dolomitic lime that is high in magnesium. It is perfect for lighter soils, extremely low pH soils and potatoes.

How do I know what product to use?

Our agronomy team can help you determine the best product for your needs. We recommend having a current soil test to help guide the decision.

Isn’t all lime the same?

No, lime is quite different from quarry to quarry. Besides differences in calcium and magnesium, there are big differences in purity and finesses of grind. These factors determine how effective the lime sources will be and whether you will see a yield increase.

How do I buy your product?

We sell all our products direct to growers. To start your order, click here.

Can I apply it myself?

Yes, if you have dry application equipment, we can deliver GLC Mineral products to your field. We also have dry application equipment available for your use.

Do you offer customer application?

Yes, we work with several third-party applicators who can get your lime applied correctly and in a timely manner.

Do you offer delivery?

Yes, our logistics team can schedule your shipments. Alternatively, you can arrange your own freight if you would prefer. We recommend you ship in an end dump trailer and not in a hopper bottom.

Can I have my local ag retailer buy and apply your products?

Sure, we are more than happy to work with your local ag retailer. Have them contact our agronomy staff.

Isn’t fine ground lime more prone to drift?

Yes, fine ground lime is more prone to drift. To solve this issue, we have developed proprietary equipment to add a small amount of moisture to your lime at loadout. Our products are shipped with 4-6% moisture content to ensure accurate spreading and to reduce drift.

How do I know how much to apply?

You soil test will tell you how much lime to apply. In most cases we recommend using the number recommended by your test. Our agronomy team can also review application recommendations with you.

What can I expect in terms of results?

Since no other products match GLC Mineral’s purity and fineness of grind, you will see fast, effective change of pH with Ultra Cal and InstaLime. With MegaSol you will see higher yielding and higher quality crops.

What is MegaSol?

MegaSol is custom processed gypsum from GLC Minerals is 20% calcium and 16%sulfate sulfur processed to a fine powder (69% passing 100 mesh). MegaSol is perfect for soils that are calcium deficient and for crops requiring high amounts of calcium like alfalfa, corn silage or potatoes.

What is the difference between Lime and gypsum?

Lime contains carbonate which increases soil pH. Gypsum contains calcium sulfate which supplies crops with calcium and sulfur nutrition. At higher rates it can improve water infiltration and improve many aspects of soils.

Where should I use MegaSol?

MegaSol should be used on soils that need calcium and/or sulfur but do not require pH change. It can be used on all crops that need calcium and/or sulfur nutrition, for example: corn silage, alfalfa and potatoes.

How do I learn more about GLC Minerals products for my farm?

Learn more by scheduling a consult with one of our agronomy team members here.

How is MegaSol better than pelletized gypsum?

MegaSol is similar to pelletized gypsum in purity. Both products are processed into a fine powder. We do add a small amount of moisture to ensure MegaSol spreads well. The main difference is that MegaSol is not pelletized. Since there is no costly pelletizing process, our products give growers the opportunity to save money and still enjoy increased yields.

How is MegaSol different from synthetic gypsum?

MegaSol is a naturally mined gypsum. It is extremely pure. So pure that is is also used in animal feeds, so you can trust it is safe for use on your farm.