Sanderson Farms' feed mill in Collins, MS has been recognized as the 2021 Integrator Feed Facility of the Year by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.
The award, which recognizes the highest achievement in feed manufacturing facilities, was presented during the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association's annual Feed Mill Management Seminar.
"Sanderson Farms' Collins facility demonstrates excellence in all of the Feed Facility of the Year scoring areas — safety, quality control and food safety, government compliance, housekeeping and facility appearance, productivity and efficiency, sustainability, employee development, and community and customer relations," said Gary Huddleston, director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs for AFIA.
"Their facility is also designed to incorporate future expansion and meet changing demands and needs."
Whether it is the formula for an innovative poultry feed or the formula for successful operation, Sanderson Farms' Collins feed mill has identified a unique formula for success at their facility that consists of safety, quality, regulatory compliance and employee development.
The national feed manufacturing recognition marks the second time the company's Collins feed facility has been recognized by the AFIA as the facility was first awarded the association's Feed Facility of the Year award in 2017.
"Achieving this type of national recognition for feed manufacturing not once, but twice is exceptional and demonstrates the employees' dedication to quality, efficiency, safety and regulatory compliance at this facility," said Mike Tamimi, director of production for Sanderson Farms.
"I am extremely proud of the efforts of the team at our Collins feed mill and look forward to all that they are able to accomplish in the future."
AFIA has been recognizing excellent feed manufacturing facilities through the Feed Facility of the Year program since 1985, with 2021 marking the first year that the association began issuing top industry awards to facilities in four categories: commercial dry, liquid feed, premix and ingredient and integrator.
According to feedback from program organizers, the award-winning Sanderson Farms feed facility prioritizes employee engagement and morale by including employees in daily conversations about safety while empowering supervisors to assist employees by providing personal attention through the company's training program.
