Photo credit: U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council.
The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council led 10 feed milling industry stakeholders from Colombia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and Panama to Iowa State University for a weeklong program focused on advanced feed manufacturing, mill management and storage practices.
The interactive sessions at ISU’s Kent Feed Mill & Grain Science Complex were designed to help participants improve operational efficiency, maintain ingredient quality and maximize the nutritional value of U.S. corn and co-products.
The course combined classroom instruction with hands-on training in hammer and roller milling, particle size analysis, batching and mixing, steam generation and conditioning, pelleting, cooling and post-pelleting applications.
Participants also received practical instruction in mixer uniformity, pellet durability and hardness testing, as well as methods for maintaining the quality of stored grains, distillers dried grains with solubles and other feed ingredients.
The program addressed challenges faced by feed industry customers in hot and humid climates, including maintaining ingredient quality during storage, limited training and inadequate investment in storage and processing equipment.
The visit also included tours highlighting the U.S. corn value chain. USGBC member POET hosted the group at an ethanol plant in Iowa Falls, where participants observed DDGS production. A local farm also provided an opportunity to see U.S. corn production firsthand.
The training builds on USGBC efforts to work with international customers to demonstrate the advantages of U.S. corn and co-products while addressing challenges related to processing, storage and end-use applications.
Some companies represented in the program have previously participated in commercial trials designed to demonstrate and maximize the value of U.S. corn. The Council said these efforts provide continued engagement with important regional customers.
Maintaining corn quality throughout transit and storage remains a priority for international end-users. The training is intended to help customers improve their handling and processing practices while supporting the competitiveness of U.S. corn in global markets.
Source: U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, "Global Feed Milling Leaders Attend Iowa State University Training Course"