The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is hosting its 2024 Feed Mill Management Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee, addressing the growing complexities and escalating costs in poultry and egg production feed manufacturing. Scheduled for March 7-8 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown, this seminar aims to provide insights into the latest technologies and techniques for efficient and effective feed mill operations.
Darrin Poole, the program committee chair and corporate feed mill QA manager at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, emphasized that the seminar's agenda is comprehensive, covering a range of topics relevant to those involved in poultry feed production. The program will include discussions on technical operations, inventory management, energy cost savings, trucking mandates and more.
Key topics to be covered at the seminar include updates on regulatory and food safety measures, such as the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act); strategies for elevator belt and bucket selection; die specifications for production; and updates from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), DOL (Department of Labor), and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). The seminar will also address crucial areas like inventory management, challenges in feed trucking, and the sanitary transportation rule, alongside discussions on boiler operation, feed mill biosecurity and virtual tours of new mills.
A significant focus will be on cost-saving strategies in feed mills, particularly regarding energy and electrical use. The seminar will also explore predictive maintenance programs and technological updates, including in-line NIR (Near Infrared) and mycotoxin testing, as well as liquid application systems.
In addition to the educational sessions, the seminar will feature the presentation of the American Feed Industry Association and USPOULTRY Integrator Feed Facility of the Year Award, recognizing excellence in the field.
The planning committee for the 2024 seminar includes notable industry experts like Larry Hooper of Cobb-Vantress, Richard Obermeyer of Aviagen Inc, Kevin Campbell of Simmons Foods Inc., Trey Nelson of George's, Inc., and Dr. Wilmer Pacheco from Auburn University, under the leadership of Darrin Poole. This event represents a significant opportunity for professionals in the field to stay updated on industry trends, challenges, and solutions.
