Milling experts share knowledge

Milling executives attend hands-on course at the International Grains Program.

Mill owners, directors and managers from around the world traveled to the Inter- national Grains Program Nov. 5-9, 2012 for the Buhler-KSU Executive Milling short course. The course was held at Kansas State University’s International Grains Program and the Hal Ross Flour Mill where 15 participants experienced a hands-on learning opportunity.

The course was led by Tobias Naenny from the Buhler Training Center in Uzwil, Switzerland. Assisting him were two Department of Grain Science and Industry faculty members John Steinfort, Buhler adjunct instructor, and Shawn Thiele, milling operations manager.

In describing the course, Steinfort says, “The course is designed to educate milling executives and non-operation managers on all aspects of the milling process, which will help them to make better business and managerial decisions on a daily basis.”

One participant eager to learn was Luis Villaverde, director of Guatemala operations with Molinos Modernos. Villaverde was grateful for the experts who shared their expertise and the background of milling. He found the information useful as his company begins to expand their wheat mill.
“I was interested in the knowledge and being able to take advantage of the expertise from the people in the business. This course allowed me to better understand the business as a whole,” Villaverde says.

Luis Villaverde Mayo, Molinos Modernso, S.A., Guatemala; Jose Puig, Galletas Puig, Venezuela; and Carlos Puig, Galletas Puig, Venezuela, look at the equipment in the Hal Ross Flour Mill.

Throughout the week participants were in the classroom learning the basics of flour milling and then headed to the mill to apply those principals. From the Hal Ross Flour Mill to the Shellenberger Hall milling laboratory, they had the opportunity to put their skills to the test. These trainings allowed participants to learn about purifiers, milling machinery, proper cleaning procedures and the milling process.

“Going to the mill for workshops was very rich,” Villaverde says. “I have learned about the properties of the grain and the milling process from breaks all the way to getting the flour.”
Not only did the experts teach the participants, but the participants were able to network and learn from each other. Villaverde says he enjoyed exchanging ideas with other participants and seeing how their companies handled situations.

This is just one example of the many partnership trainings offered through IGP. In addition to flour milling and grain processing, IGP offers trainings in the areas of feed manufacturing and grain management, and grain marketing and risk management. For more information about training opportunities at IGP visit the IGP website.