Feed mill managers play an essential role in the livestock and poultry industry as they oversee the production of feed for farm animals. One must possess excellent managerial skills, technical knowledge of feed production, and a passion for animal agriculture to succeed in this field. If you want to be one, here are some steps (and tips) you can follow.
Acquire the necessary education and training.
To become a feed mill manager, you need to have a degree in animal science, feed science, or a related field. Your courses should cover animal nutrition, feed manufacturing, and quality control. You can also attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to learn about the latest advancements in feed production. Two US universities offer programs in feed milling, NC State and Kansas State. For more info visit https://feedmilling.ces.ncsu.edu/ and https://www.grains.k-state.edu/academics/feedsci/.
Gain relevant work experience.
You can gain experience by working in a feed mill or the animal agriculture industry. This will help you develop practical skills and knowledge about feed production, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols. You can also work as an assistant or supervisor in a feed mill to gain experience managing staff and operations.
Develop excellent management skills.
As a feed mill manager, you will be responsible for supervising employees, overseeing production, and ensuring feed quality. You need to have excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills. You should also be able to solve problems, make quick decisions, and adapt to changes.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends.
The animal agriculture industry is constantly evolving, and feed production is no exception. You need to stay up-to-date with new technologies, equipment, and trends in feed production. Ensure you attend industry conferences, read industry publications, and network with other professionals.
Ensure quality control.
Feed quality is critical to the health and performance of livestock and poultry. As a feed mill manager, you must ensure that the feed is high quality, meets regulatory standards, and is safe for consumption. You should implement quality control programs, conduct regular testing, and adhere to industry best practices.
Ensure safety and compliance.
Feed mills are potentially hazardous environments, and safety protocols must be in place to prevent accidents and injuries. Ensure that your staff is trained in safety procedures and that all equipment is well-maintained. You should also ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Foster positive relationships with customers and suppliers.
Feed mill managers should maintain positive relationships with customers and suppliers. This involves good communication, timely delivery of feed, and prompt resolution of any issues or concerns. You should also build a network of suppliers to provide high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Becoming a feed mill manager requires a degree in agriculture or a related field and experience in feed production and management. You must also be passionate about animal agriculture, be up-to-date with industry trends, and prioritize quality control, safety, and compliance. With these qualities and skills, you can manage a successful feed mill and contribute to the growth of the animal agriculture industry.
Salaries in Feed Milling
Each year Continental Search, a recruiting firm specializing in the animal sciences, publishes a free salary survey of feed milling professionals. Get your FREE copy at https://continentalsearch.com/ebook/2022-feed-mill-industry-salary-survey/.
To connect with a recruiter in feed milling, contact Maria Codilla at maria@continentalsearch.com
Maria Codilla
Practice Manager
Continental Search
Ocean View, DE
www.ContinentalSearch.com
About the Author
Maria Codilla is a NAPS Certified Personnel Consultant and Practice Manager for pork production/processing at Continental Search. Because of her impressive interpersonal skills, Maria has successfully moved up the ranks at Continental Search, where she now leads the recruiting team in animal sciences.
Connect with Maria on LinkedIn or email her at maria@continentalsearch.com to learn more about the latest job opportunities in swine farm management, nutrition, genetics, and veterinary sciences.
