Spring Microingredient Trends: Calcium Chloride, Salt, Limestone & Magnesium Oxide

What to Expect When Sourcing Feed Ingredients this Spring

Spring brings warmer temperatures, budding trees and changes in ingredient needs across our industry. In this month’s blog, we’re breaking down the trends we’ve historically seen this time of year - as well as how you can plan to finish the cold season strong.

Microingredient Availability in Spring 2026

What’s the availability of calcium chloride, salt and limestone this time of year?

Spring is a season of transition, and the same can be said of these three microingredients. Let’s take a look at each and what we expect based on historical trends. 

Calcium Chloride: March marks the tail end of calcium chloride needed since the weather will be getting warmer. 

Salt: This microingredient sees a slightly lower volume in early spring, but tends to remain steady. 

Limestone: Limestone stays steady with a slight dip in early spring as well.

We typically expect a leveling out for salt and limestone once the weather officially warms, and while calcium chloride is available year-round, it’s not needed when the weather is warmer. However, there are alternative microingredients available depending on your operation. One microingredient that may not be on your radar is magnesium oxide. 

What are the benefits of magnesium oxide?

This microingredient has been named in recent years as a “vital but underexplored element” for poultry nutrition. Magnesium deficiencies in poultry can manifest as poor muscle growth and poor egg production. When this element is increased in poultry feed, often farmers will see better muscle growth and egg quality. 

Additionally, this microingredient also supports poultry during the stress of hotter months. When the weather is warmer, it’s important to ensure poultry are continuing to eat at their normal levels and staying adequately hydrated. Adding this supplement to the feed supports their overall health and nutrient absorption during these warmer months.

What’s the availability of magnesium oxide this time of year?

Magnesium oxide is typically available all year round, regardless of the weather. If you are looking for a supplemental microingredient for poultry feed, this may be a strong alternative when other microingredients aren’t as readily available. 

Securing Reliable Partnerships  

While salt and limestone may have a slight dip this time of year, they should remain available in the coming weeks regardless of the fluctuating temperatures. However, don’t sleep on alternative microingredients such as magnesium oxide. This is a stable and often underutilized microingredient that provides poultry feed with the necessary nutrients as the weather warms. 

If you haven’t already, now is a good time to look at procurement specialists and partners who can help you with your microingredient needs.

How do I find a reliable partner for sourcing microingredients?

Working with a partner to source microingredients should be a smooth process. From understanding price options to the product arriving at your front door (so to speak), clear communication and transparency are key to this relationship.

A reliable partner should also have clear communication with an easy-to-reach team full of knowledgeable individuals. Not being able to see - or get a clear answer on where - your ingredient is during any part of the process simply causes unnecessary stress.

Planning for your Spring Procurement

As spring unfolds towards the warmer months ahead, understanding seasonal microingredient trends puts you in a stronger position to maintain consistent feed quality for your operation. While salt and limestone experience minor fluctuations, alternatives like magnesium oxide offer reliable year-round solutions that shouldn't be overlooked.

If you have questions about spring availability or want to discuss how magnesium oxide might fit your needs, reach out to our team. We're here to help you make informed decisions that support your operation's success through every season.

The Harris Crane Process 

We know the importance of reliable, trusted relationships, especially when you can’t plan for every scenario that may impact product delivery. With multiple supply points and carriers and a team that is personally accessible, we serve our clients with the highest standards. 

If you are interested in learning more about how we can help your large-scale agriculture operation, call us at 1-800-432-7755.