A History Built On Relationships.
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.
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.”
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.
1928
Cereal Byproducts grows, adding offices in 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.