Blitzer Delivery Service: A Case Study with the Yoder Family
For the Yoders of Millersburg, IN, duck farming is more than a business—it’s a family tradition spanning more than 30 years. With this background in mind, when Fritz and Doreen took over the farm from Fritz’s father in 2023, they knew they’d have their hands full. Today they manage a two-stage duck operation with two barns, each housing about 5,500 birds. They raise an average of 13 flocks per year, all while Fritz balances a full-time job in town.
Time-Saving Service from Blitzer Delivery
To help with their busy schedule, the Yoders look to Blitzer from Michiana Equipment. With its 12-foot van, Blitzer provides free delivery and pickup to approximately 500 barns within a 30-mile radius of Middlebury, IN. This service is especially valuable for people like the Yoders, who rely on horse and buggy transportation and benefit greatly from the time saved by home delivery.
Discovering Blitzer
The Yoders aren’t sure of how they first learned of Blitzer, but the news was a relief. As Fritz recalls, “My first thought was, ‘Good, that will be nice.’ Ever since we took over the farm, Michiana has been our go-to source for equipment.” Knowing that Michiana also offered deliveries was like icing on a cake.
How Blitzer Works for the Yoders
Ordering is simple: Fritz calls in his order, and Blitzer delivers it on the regular route days—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. There’s no minimum order requirement, and even the smallest items are delivered. “They’ll come out for the littlest thing that you need,” Fritz notes. He was surprised by the lack of restrictions and the willingness of the service to accommodate any request.
Blitzer delivers nearly everything Michiana Equipment supplies—waterers, feeders, electrical products, auger motors, sprayers, disinfectants, and more. Orders placed by 7 AM are delivered on the next scheduled route day, and the service also handles pickup and return of broken barn equipment that Michiana can repair in its shop.
Memorable Moments
Fritz shared a number of things that he’s appreciated with Blitzer. Once, when his medicator was completely inoperable, Michiana delivered a spare so he was never without one, swapping it back once his was repaired.
He is grateful for the care shown by the drivers. As with any poultry operation, biosecurity is a top concern for his family, and Fritz is thankful for how Blitzer drivers avoid entering the barns. Instead, they drop off and pick up items at the house to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
As Fritz continued sharing more of his experience, he said one situation most stood out to him. In an effort to solve a medicator issue, he had called Michiana for help. A technician walked him through troubleshooting and then sent out replacement tension rings via Blitzer. The parts cost only a few dollars, but the prompt delivery and support left a lasting impression. “This was impressive to me—that they would come out to help me for any dollar amount,” Fritz says.
The Impact: Convenience, Expertise, and Peace of Mind
Blitzer’s service has made life significantly easier for the Yoders. Fritz values the convenience of not having to leave the farm or take time off work. (The expertise of Michiana’s technicians—who can walk him through any issue over the phone—adds another layer of support. “They have specialists for almost every piece of equipment, and I can talk to any of them on the phone,” Fritz notes.)
The entire family benefits from the service. Deliveries and pickups happen even when Fritz is away at his job, saving valuable time. Doreen agrees: “You’ve used them a lot, and that’s saved you a lot of time.” The process of picking up equipment slated for repair is also seamless and biosecure—Fritz simply places the parts by the garage, and Blitzer handles the rest.
Looking Ahead
The Yoders plan to continue using Blitzer as long as they’re farming. Fritz sums it up simply: “We plan to continue to use them as long as we continue farming. That’s the way I think now, at least.” For anyone considering the service, his advice is direct: “Just do it. There are no disadvantages to using them, especially since it’s free.”
What about you? Are you ready for the convenience and service of Blitzer—with no minimum delivery amount? Call Michiana Equipment at 844-477-3268 or send us an email!