A small group of Twin Cities techies and entrepreneurs are working together on a new agriculture startup that provides organic chicken feed to farmers across the state.
Founded earlier this year, Mile Four hopes to cash in on the growing trend of "backyard chickens," flocks raised by hobby farmers on small plots of land, usually around their home. The birds provide numerous benefits for their owners. In addition to laying high-quality eggs, they also feast on unwanted pests.
Mile Four delivers organic chicken feed directly to farmers on a subscription basis. They can plan to receive feed on a weekly or monthly basis.
Mile Four Founder Luke Huebner grew up in rural Minnesota four miles away from the nearest town. Huebner's family has been growing feeds and grains in the heartland for five generations. Huebner, a marketer by trade, knew he wanted to get involved in the family business. He landed on an organic chicken feed subscription service after connecting with local backyard chicken enthusiasts.
"They're kind of a low-maintenance pet to have," Huebner said. "Really all you need is a yard."
Huebner currently lives in downtown Minneapolis, but plans to move to a new house where he can have chickens of his own. He believes that there's a lot of potential in the chicken market. He estimates that the industry for backyard chickens is experiencing 25 percent year-over-year growth.
In Minneapolis, residents can have up to 30 chickens on their property. Annual permits can be purchased for anywhere from $25 to $100, depending on the number and types of birds they plan to care for. Chicken owners must also notify neighbors of their plans and complete required fowl education.
Prior to founding Mile Four, Huebner started two other businesses: Zip Scanners and Traffik Online Marketing. He still owns Zip Scanners, a company that sells police scanner radios. Both businesses were bootstrapped. Huebner plans to follow the same model for building Mile Four.
"Bootstrapping is a very different world," he said. "You end up working just a preposterous amount and you take on a lot of risk. But I get to do whatever I want – we can move and pivot really quickly."
Mile Four currently has six employees. As the company continues to grow, Huebner hopes to expand the number of items in its product line and eventually sell the birds themselves.
"Consumers care more about organics and locally sourced food than ever before," Huebner said. "Chickens can be pets, but they also provide fresh eggs for their owners and their families."
