A History Built On Relationships.

Historic stock exchange trading floor with men in suits and ties gathered around, busy with activities. Large boards display stock prices. High ceilings and arched windows in the background, indicating a historical setting.
A vintage photograph featuring five oval portraits of men in formal attire arranged on a page with the words 'CE-REAL' and 'SERVICE' between them. The men are wearing suits and ties, with one wearing a bow tie. The image has an old, historical appear
Vintage illustration of the Corno Mills Company plant in East St. Louis, Illinois, featuring industrial buildings with smokestacks and vehicles from the early 20th century.
Vintage advertisement for Cereal Byproducts Co., offering special quotations on feedstuffs. Features a map of the USA and a compass, highlighting their nationwide service via teletype, telephone, and telegraph. Locations listed include Minneapolis, C
A vintage photograph of a group of people sitting around a table in a restaurant. The group includes men and a woman, all dressed in formal attire. The setting has a mid-20th century ambiance.
Trusted Ingredient Sourcing & Agricultural Solutions Since 1917

1917-1920’s

Cereal Byproducts Company is founded by William O. Greene,

partnering with John Reid and Joe Matthews to trade grain

byproducts for animal feed. Despite the challenges of the post-

war agricultural recession, the company grows, opening offices

in St. Louis, Chicago, and Memphis.

Cereal Byproducts - Trusted Ingredient Sourcing & Agricultural Solutions Since 1917

1920

The post-war agricultural recession hits, nearly driving the company out of business. Despite economic challenges, Cereal Byproducts stays resilient, as reflected in their 1921 advertisement: “Business has returned from Hell. May was a good month. June will be better.”

Newspaper article announcing Miss Irene K. Reiser as manager of the Memphis office of Cereal Byproducts Co., highlighting her achievements and experience in the feed industry.

1923

Reid and Matthews sell their shares to three employees: William F. Becker, Elsor Heater, and Irene Reiser, one of the pioneering women in agricultural brokerage. Becker becomes president, leading the company until 1965.

Vintage advertisement celebrating "Ten Years of Service" by Cereal Byproducts Company, established in 1917, with cities listed: St. Louis, Chicago, Memphis, Buffalo, Minneapolis. Dated November 1927.

1928

Cereal Byproducts grows, adding offices in Buffalo and Minneapolis.

Advertisement from May 1929 by Cereal Byproducts Company announcing the move of their main office from St. Louis to Chicago. It lists the new Chicago address at 816-817 Postal Building and the St. Louis branch at 206 Merchants Exchange Building. The ad highlights improved service and mentions locations in St. Louis, Chicago, Memphis, Buffalo, and Minneapolis.

1929-1930

The headquarters relocates from St. Louis to Chicago. In 1930, they move into the newly opened Board of Trade Building, remaining there until 1975.

Vintage advertisement for Cereal Byproducts Company promoting service expansion to New England buyers and all sellers, featuring a map connecting cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Buffalo, and Memphis, offering various agricultural products. Includes text about a new office opening in Boston.

1930’s

Cereal Byproducts Company is founded by William O. Greene, partnering with John Reid and Joe Matthews to trade grain byproducts for animal feed. Despite the challenges of the post-war agricultural recession, the company grows, opening offices in St. Louis, Chicago, and Memphis.

Cereal Byproducts Company letter announcing closure of St. Louis office on June 30, 1932, with contact details and office locations.

1932-1934

Due to economic downturns, the company closes its St. Louis office in 1932 but reopens it two years later, signifying improved financial conditions.

Vintage document titled "Cereal Byproducts Company" celebrating its 25th anniversary in 1942. Includes a message of gratitude describing company history and service in the feed industry since 1917. Lists locations, active traders, and mentions traders in military service.

1937

With recovery underway, Cereal Byproducts operates offices in Chicago, Buffalo, St. Louis, Kansas City, Boston, and Minneapolis, expanding its reach across the U.S.

1940’s-1950’s

Cereal Byproducts Company is founded by William O. Greene, partnering with John Reid and Joe Matthews to trade grain byproducts for animal feed. Despite the challenges of the post-war agricultural recession, the company grows, opening offices in St. Louis, Chicago, and Memphis.

Cereal Byproducts Company anniversary letter marking 35 years in the feed industry, dated 1917 to 1952, with locations listed in Chicago, Buffalo, St. Louis, Omaha, Kansas City, and Minneapolis. The letter highlights the company's history, market service, and commitment to the feed industry.

1954

The Chicago Tribune recognizes Cereal Byproducts as one of the oldest and largest feed brokerages in the U.S., noting the advanced private communication lines connecting its offices, enabling fast transactions nationwide.

1960’s-1970’s

As operations expand, the headquarters remain in the Board of Trade Building until relocating to Mount Prospect, Illinois, in 1975, marking a new chapter of growth and modernization where it remains today.

Graphic with text "Cereal By Products Company Service" on a map of the USA with "1917" displayed.

TODAY

Cereal Byproducts operates seven offices across North America, supported by a team of over 40 traders. In addition, the company has an accountant and a logistics team spread across more than seven offices worldwide, with an eighth office opening soon in Michigan. This expansion continues to help meet the diverse needs of our feed customers.