Earlier this month, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) invited 14 young feed millers from Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEA&O) to Iowa State University’s (ISU’s) Kent Feed Mill to undergo a week-long training course to improve the efficiency of their operations.
The ISU Feed Mill includes state-of-the-art facilities and a classroom for groups to discuss milling theories and then apply them hands-on.
“Assisting these feed mill operators by improving their practical skills and knowledge is an investment in future demand for feed grains and establishes trust in the U.S. agricultural sector,” Floss said.
“Establishing relationships with these industry stakeholders now will also lead to stronger in-region trade servicing opportunities in the future that keep U.S. feed grains at the forefront of end-users’ minds when choosing their raw materials.”
The first stage of the program took place in the ISU Kent Feed Mill classroom, discussing Iowa’s agricultural economy, milling techniques, mash conditioning, batching and quality during storage. Hands-on training followed with sessions on particle size analysis, mixing uniformity, steam quality management, pelleting and mill management to fully equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to enhance their own operations.
Outside the training facility, the team went on a tour of an ethanol plant, organized by Iowa Corn, to see how distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are produced and the nutritional benefits of incorporating them into feed formulas.
The group also visited a family farm to see the management and soil conservation practices of U.S. corn that contribute to its quality and versatility.
“This short course was able to impart practical knowledge to feed mill operators from key markets in the SEA&O region in a way that they could take home and make immediate improvements in their operations,” Floss said.
“We are excited to continue working with these participants to further demand for U.S. feed grains and co-products in their mills.”
Learn more about the Council’s work in SEA&O here.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.