Applications for the American Feed Industry Association’s 2012 Feed Mill of the Year award are now available. The program, which names a winner and a runner-up, recognizes overall excellence in feed manufacturing operations, emphasizing safety, quality, regulatory compliance, operating efficiencies and overall industry awareness of food safety. AFIA is pleased to partner with Feedstuffs on the program again this year.

One of the benefits to applying for the award is that each applicant receives benchmarking information at the end of the competition, regardless of status by the end of the competition. Many cite the receipt of benchmarking data as the top reason for applying. Companies have used the feedback to improve their overall standing in the program, as well as to improve their facility in the areas of safety, quality, efficiency, housekeeping and government compliance.

The application process begins by filling out the online survey. Once applications are processed and scored, site visits to the top finalists by an inspection team from AFIA and Feedstuffs will occur. Final selection is based on a combined scoring of the application and personal visit. The winner will be announced in the fall.

“Last year, over 80 feed facilities applied. In part, this can be attributed to the benchmarking data provided to all applicants,” Keith Epperson, AFIA vice president of manufacturing and training, explained. “The data can be used compare standards across the industry, already useful tool for any mill to have; but especially so in these times of increased industry regulation.”

Both the winner and the runner-up will be permitted to use appropriate logos for one year to promote their accomplishments. The top two facilities also receive features in the AFIA Journal and Feedstuffs.

Cargill Animal Nutrition of Wooster, Ohio, is the 2011 Feed Mill of the Year winner and Southern States Cooperative’s Winchester Mill in Winchester, Kentucky, was named runner-up. More information on the top two facilities of 2011 can be found here.

“To be recognized externally by winning AFIA’s Feed Mill of the Year is a huge accomplishment,” said Susanna Wright, manager of the winning 2011 facility. 

Participation is limited to feed mills with current AFIA memberships. To apply for the 2012 program, please complete the online application. The application can also be found on the homepages of AFIA and Feedstuffs. The application fee for the program is $35 per facility. Companies who want to enter multiple facilities must pay the fee for each.

Payment should be mailed to AFIA at 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 916, Arlington VA 22201. To ensure payment is credited properly, please type “FMOTY 2012” in the memo line of the check. Applications are due by May 31.

Questions specific to the application may be directed to Keith Epperson at (703) 558-3568. For other questions, contact Sarah Novak, AFIA vice president of membership and public relations at (703) 558-3574.