GEAPS announces new leadership

July 26, 2024 - With a new fiscal year comes new leadership. GEAPS has announced that Austin Carpenter will serve as GEAPS Board President. Carpenter, a member of GEAPS for nearly 15 years, is Sales Manager for Clear Creek & Associates, Goshen, Indiana.

Austin Carpenter and Chuck Kunisch

"A position I never thought possible, at a time that couldn't be better! Exciting things are happening at GEAPS including membership growth and Exchange growth with more to follow. I look forward to supporting the policies and vision the International Board of Directors has had over the past several years and paving the way for future leadership," Carpenter said.

Chuck Kunisch, who served as GEAPS President for the last year, now assumes the role of Chairman of the Board. Kunisch serves as Safety Director at Michigan Agricultural Commodities (MAC). Kunisch, from GEAPS Michigan Southern Ontario chapter, has been with GEAPS for more than 20 years.

"Being president of GEAPS this last year was one of the best experiences of my life, " Kunisch said. "The high point had to be Exchange '24. It was almost an unbelievable success. The people I have challenges and was it sometimes frustrating? Sure! But what we were able to accomplish made it all very worthwhile and I will certainly miss it. I know the organisation will be in great hands with Austin Carpenter taking over the reins as President of GEAPS. He will have a lot of support from GEAPS' board, all the GEAPS volunteers and a fantastic staff, including our new Executive Director John Caupert."

Additionally, Board Treasurer Bob Horvat, Cargill, was elected to fill the role of First Vice President and Alex Westlind, The Weitz Company, was elected to serve as Second Vice President.

With Horvat's new position, Director Jon Brown was appointed Board Treasurer. 

Others elected to the board include Sarah Fakhari, Cadrien Livingston and Ruchi Ryley. With Second Vice President Jori Templeton and Board Director Holly Betten's job changes making them ineligible to serve, candidates Adam Geers and Danny Lien will assume Director roles for the next year.

GEAPS encourages all members to get involved with the organisation through volunteer opportunities.

See the whole list of GEAPS Board of Directors HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Biodiversity photovoltaics combines climate protection and sustainable agriculture

July 26, 2024 - Electricity and biodiversity side by side in the field? Solar farms can be built to integrate crops and the natural environment, which can make a valuable contribution to conserving biodiversity. Agri-photovoltaics, the dual use of an agricultural land for both crops and solar energy, is a current topic that will be discussed at EnergyDecentral 2024 in Hanover, Germany from November 12-15. Modern module mounting systems with special panels make it possible to simultaneously grow crops and produce sustainable electricity on agricultural land.

When visitors to EnergDecentral will be discussing what sustainable Agriculture could look like in the future, one term is likely to come up again and again: Agri-photovoltaics, or 'Agri-PV' for short. "This refers to land that can be used for both agriculture and solar energy generation," explains Marcus Vagt, Project Manager, EnergyDecentral. The ambitious German climate protection targets can only be achieved if "we focus on the entire diversity of photovoltaic technologies and promote their expansion", says Vagt. This view is shared by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. The scientists from Freiburg, Germany, estimate the installable capacity in Germany for high-mounted agrivoltaics alone to be around 1700 gigawatts. In mathematical terms, around four percent of Germany's agricultural land would be sufficient to cover the current electricity demand in Germany.

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Solar power from the field

Because of their height of four to six meters, elevated systems are suited to shade-tolerant crops, which could be grown where hail protection nets or protective films are currently placed. With their semi-transparent modules, these systems provide sufficient light for photosynthesis. "Crops in turn benefit from the protection afforded by the solar modules,"explains Professor Dr Andreas Schweiger from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, where he heads the 'SynAgri-PV' research project on the plant-ecological aspects of Agri-PV systems. "It is in the shade that many plants begin to increase the growth of the photosynthetically active leaf material above-ground. This is relevant for lettuce, for example, as this part of the plant is of commercial interest," explains Lisa Pataczek, research associate in the project team.

However, this potential varies according to the climatic conditions and depends on the plants that are cultivated in such dual land use systems. "Most of the crops studied so far tolerate up to 15 percent of shading without any significant loss of yield," Schweiger emphasises. Berries, fruit and fruiting vegetables, for example, benefit from shading, while the yields of forage crops, tubers and root crops as well as most cereals suffer minimally. Corn, field beans, soybeans and lupins, on the other hand, experience greater yield loses.

Added value in climate change and tracking systems that follow the path of the sun

But this form of energy generation can do even more. "When water is scarce, plants benefit from less evaporation and therefore less water loss: the yield is higher than on the unshaded areas," says Pataczek. From the researchers' perspective, this stabilising effect on crop yields makes agrivoltaics a promising option in areas prone to drought "The technology not only helps to mitigate the effects of climate change in regions already classified as dry," explains Schweiger.  "It will be particularly important for regions that will come to face increasing water scarcity in the future."

At EnergyDecentral 2024, exhibitors will showcase a variety of standardised solutions consisting of photovoltaic modules, mounting structures and operation and maintenance systems that can be adapted to the needs of different crops in different climate zones and agricultural areas. In contrast to conventional monocrystalline modules, which are statistically oriented towards the sky, vertically installed bifacial modules capture direct sunlight on both front and back panes and convert this into electricity. Industry analysts generally agree that vertical concepts and movable solar trackers will prevail on arable land in the long term. The latter control the solar panels dynamically so that they are always aligned at the optimum angle to the sun. The area directly under the tracker can be used to promote biodiversity, for example by planting a strip of flowers.

Optimum yield through deep learning

"We see great potential for tracked systems with perfectly coordinated tracking algorithms, particularly in the field of agrivoltaics with its many different crops and systems," says Hannes Elsen, Product Manager at Zimmermann PV. In the 'DeepTrack' research project, the company from Eberhardzell therefore built a tracked PV system on the Fraunhofer ISE test field in Freiburg, Germany. Based on this, the project consortium developed a digital twin that links monitoring and modelling tools with weather forecasts thanks to deep learning.

"In a first step, we developed control sequences that were geared towards the optimal elecriticity yield of bifacial solar modules or precisely to the needs of a specific plant under agrivoltaics," explains Dr Matthew Berwind, team leader at Fraunhofer ISE. The next step is now to combine the two approaches. "Calculating this sweet spot is challenging, but possible thanks to our AI-based concept," says Berwind. By early 2025, the researchers want to refine and validate the digital twin by continuously comparing it with actual performance data.

Open spaces as an opportunity for biodiversity

"The expansion of solar parks offers an opportunity to positively influence biodiversity in our cultural landscape. Well-planned ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems can provide a refuge for different species groups over several decades," emphasises Robert Busch, Managing Director of the German Association of the New Energy Economy (bne). This includes, for example, a wide sunlit strip between the rows of modules and water permeability between the individual modules. In biodiversity PV systems, there is also neither fertilisation nor the use of pesticides, but instead gentle area maintenance without mulching. "If biodiversity PV becomes the standard, tens of thousands of hectares will be protected for biodiversity every year." At the same time, biodiversity PV is attractive for farmers: while land is permanently lost in traditional solar farms, its status as 'agricultural land' is retained.

DLG's biodiversity projects

The DLG, the organiser of EnergyDecentral and EuroTier is active in several biodiversity projects, including “BioMonitor4CAP” (Project number 101081964) funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program, that aims to develop, evaluate and test affordable and reliable systems for monitoring biodiversity for application on agricultural land. DLG is also partner of the ConservES project for research on increasing biodiversity in intensive wheat farmland across four EU countries.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Service contractors: Results come down to training

July 25, 2024 - High-volume belt conveyor systems are among the most hazardous pieces of equipment in any bulk handling operation. Maintaining the delicate balance between production demands and efficiency can be a challenge for any internal maintenance team. To control labour costs and improve safety, operators often enter servicing agreements with outside contractors to perform routine maintenance or to retrofit new equipment during a shutdown.

MSTs gather near a heavy-duty conveyor specifically set up for training purposes, ready to properly install new equipment.

Although outside contractors may be experienced, they often lack the proper training and specific knowledge needed to offer adequate servicing and installation of modern equipment designs, Moreover, this gap in expertise might limit what recommendations to common problems they offer, causing them to default to antiquated equipment or debunked solutions. This is why it is so crucial for contractors to have ongoing training that ensures they use modern techniques, install the latest equipment and operate to workplace safety best practices.

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Modern equipment & techniques training

As the global leader in belt conveyor accessories and material flow technology, Martin Engineering technicians are often invited to offer solutions to serious conveyor issues. For example, a common complaint from customers is that the belt cleaners currently installed on the belts are ineffective. The perception of the operator is that the product is defective or just plain 'garbage'. Upon inspection, the technicians often find the equipment was simply, not installed properly, not adequately maintained (improper intervals, over-tensioned, etc) and/or, inappropriately specified to match the application requirements. All these issues can be addressed through proper training.

That's why Martin Engineering ensures its team of Martin Service Technicians (MSTs) are up to date on the latest techniques and bulk handling technologies by conducting regular, intensive weeklong 28-hour training sessions like the most recent one in spring of 2024. MSTs who have been with the company for a few months to a few decades regularly receive refreshers on their existing knowledge and to learn about new products and practices.

From deep mines to large cement plants, the goal of the training is to ensure Martin's customers experience maximum efficiency and productivity in their bulk handling systems and are provided with the highest standard of service that complies with safe workplace best practices at every step.

"As factory-trained MSTs, it's not just our experience but also our knowledge that allows us to provide a solution for our customers," said Blayne Anderton, Martin Service Technician. "For an expert contractor to come in and do the job professionally and safely is one less stress the customer needs to worry about."

Considerations when entering a service contract

A service contract can reduce labour costs and ensure conveyor systems run efficiently. This has proven to reduce unscheduled downtime, improve system safety and lower the cost of operation. To improve project outcomes for every visit, service technicians should:

• Walk the Belt to identify safety issues and obstacles to system efficiency.
• Carry the correct certifications to provide the service safely.
• Have the training required to properly complete maintenance and installation tasks.
• Observe workplace safety best practices for every project including lockout/tagout/tryout and assistance-required procedures.
• Possess the knowledge and experience to identify/offer economical solutions.
• Provide a Walk the Belt report with photos tracking the project and any recommendations.

Martin Engineering's MST training hours are not just in the classroom but also hands on, working with operational life-sized equipment specifically designed to simulate real world environments. The most recent training week featured product training (install and maintenance), safety training (confined space entry, energy isolation, manlift, first aid and CPR), and skills training (welding). With a focus on the details, MSTs were taught the most efficient methods of installing Martin's newest products from the innovative CleanScrape Primary Cleaner to the labour-saving Modular Transfer Point Kit.

"Martin is uniquely positioned because while we're on the site we're walking the belts and creating detailed reports with pictures," Jesse Beasley, Martin Service Technician, pointed out. "We offer ongoing knowledgeable support, not just installing our equipment and leaving."

Training resources

Martin Engineering has long been recognised as having the most comprehensive onsite and on-line conveyor training programs in the world. The training textbooks, 'Foundations, The Practical Resource for Cleaner, Safer, More Productive Dust & material Contro'l and 'Foundations for Conveyor Safety', written by established industry experts, have become standard in several vocational programs with 22,000 copies currently in circulation worldwide.

The company also has the largest free online archive of training resources in the Foundations Learning Center presented by knowledgeable and engaging trainers. The Learning Center uses a mix of text, graphics, videos, webinars, online events and live experts available to answer questions. These free resources have democratised conveyor safety training globally, allowing for refreshers amongst both internal staff and contractors if questions about conveyor maintenance arise.

Managing risk for better production

Operation managers and safety managers alike are encouraged to go over reports created by MSTs and consider their recommendations. The internal Martin Engineering training program has ensured that suggestions offered in Walk the Belt reports are informed observations that can help improve production and safety, as well as forecast any issues that might result in unscheduled downtime or equipment damage. This allows operators to plan future improvements and better control costs.

"Our service technicians are basically the face of Martin; they're the front line," concluded Mike Moody, Business Development Manager for Martin Engineering. "Our MSTs are factory-trained service professionals who are fully aware of everything that needs to be looked at to make sure systems are safe and working best for our customers."

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

UK Flour Millers offers online training resource samples, beginning this week

July 25, 2024 - Employees interested in UK Flour Millers' Distance Learning Programme can now access learning samples from each of the seven modules. Flour millers, employees in roles across flour mills and other industry players in the United Kingdom (UK) and overseas can access these resources online. 

UK Flour Millers, the trade association for the flour milling industry in the UK and Ireland, is a global leader in milling-related training and development. By providing access to these sample materials, students in the 2024-2025 course year can learn more about the Distance Learning Programme offerings.

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Individuals can explore a public-facing version of UK Flour Millers' Virtual Mill, along with sampling resources for the seven Distance Learning Programme modules. This initiative is part of the enhanced 2024-2025 course year, set to begin on September 1, 2024, with a new, user-friendly online registration page.

"We're excited to offer this preview into our Distance Learning Programme," Steve Faerber, UK Flour Millers' training manager said. "It's a great way for potential students or students enrolling in another module to understand the value and breadth of our training programme before selecting a module. Everyone should take advantage of this opportunity!"

The Distance Learning Programme's revamped training materials and Virtual Mill provide an immersive learning experience designed to meet the needs of modern flour milling professionals - but it is open to other employees as well. For over a century, UK Flour Millers has enhanced the programme to reflect the industry's demand for skilled professionals. 

Flour millers, employees working in other positions at flour mills like engineering, sales, health and safety, and beyond, and other industry players like those working in fuel, baking, packaging, and many more are encouraged to view the sample resources, download the Distance Learning Programme course guide for more information, and register for a module before August 12, 2024.

To learn more, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Dr David Wicker honoured with PSA Distinguished Poultry Industry Career Award

July 25, 2024 - Dr David Wicker, Vice President of live operations at Fieldale Farms Corporation, was honoured with the 2024 Poultry Science Association (PSA) Distinguished Poultry Industry Career Award, sponsored by the US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). The award recognises outstanding contributions by an industry leader. In addition to sponsoring the award, USPOULTRY also makes an annual contribution to the PSA Foundation on behalf of the recipient.

"USPOULTRY is delighted to honour industry leaders embodied by David. He has devoted numerous years of his career to finding solutions for poultry and egg industry issues, including improving broiler production sustainability. We believe that David's work has truly helped to grow and improve our industry," said Nath Morris, President of USPOULTRY.

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Dr Wicker earned his bachelor's degree in science and doctoral degree from Clemson University. He served as a biochemist in the US Army from 1973 to 1975, then worked as a technical service nutritionist at International Minerals and Chemicals Corp until 1978. From 1978 to 1980, Dr Wicker was the director of nutrition, ingredient purchasing, research and feed production at Bayshore Foods. Before Bayshore Foods, he was a breeder hatchery manager at Country Pride Foods until 1982. From 1982 to 1995, Dr Wicker worked at Degussa Corp, where he was manager of animal research and technical services from 1982 to 1988 and director of applied technology from 1988 to 1995. He joined Fieldale Farms Corporation in 1995 as director of nutrition and technical services, a position he held until 2007. He then served as director of live operations for three years before becoming vice president of live production in 2010, a role he still holds.

Dr Wicker initiated a graduate program at Degussa Corp that allowed students to tour amino acid, vitamin and mineral plants, enhancing their industry knowledge and interactions. At Fieldale Farms, he established a successful grower program known for its low turnover and effective growers. From 1982 to 1994, Dr Wicker sponsored up to five amino acid research trials annually, organised two technical symposiums each year, and delivered 10 to 15 customer presentations. These efforts, which included offering free amino acid analysis, advanced the use and knowledge of amino acids in the poultry industry. His work contributed to many nutritionists formulating diets based on amino acids by the late 1980s. Dr Wicker continues to collaborate with amino acid experts to improve broiler production sustainability and reduce feed costs.

Dr Wicker has been on the South Carolina Poultry Federation Board of Directors since 2006, serving as chairman from 2012 to 2013. He is also a member of the National Chicken Council (NCC), where he participates in the Grow-Out Committee; the Animal Welfare Guidelines Revision Committee; and the National Animal Health Monitoring System Committee. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct assistant professor at Clemson University and has been involve in review and advisory committees for the University of Georgia's Department of Poultry Science. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the South Carolina Department of Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship Competitive Grant Program.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Robotics in livestock farming

July 25, 2024 - Robot-assisted automation for animal husbandry is developing fast with many new applications now available. Farm managers are actively employing these technologies to increase productivity while reducing costs and combating rising shortage of skilled labour. Ultimately this leads to improved working conditions as well as enhanced animal welfare, animal health and benefits to the environment.

This ties in with the maxim 'we innovate animal farming', the chosen theme for EuroTier 2024 exhibition, which will take place in Hanover, Germany from November 12-15, 2024. Farming professionals will be looking forward to the DLG's (German Agricultural Society) new platform for robotics, digitalisation, automation and AI in agriculture: FarmRobotix. This time, the Barn Robot Event will focus on feed pusher robots in dairy barns.

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Robot-assisted technologies leading to automation in agriculture is developing rapidly. Autonomous, adaptive agricultural systems play an increasing role in practical farming, as skilled labour is becoming scarce. With the help of sensor and electronics, many of these new systems can now assist farms with such a scenario.

Robotic solutions are increasingly employed in agriculture, including animal husbandry. However, robots for livestock farming can differ significantly from the technologies applied in arable farming. Often the role of robotics in animal housing is to improve animal welfare but also to reduce environmental impact, optimise working conditions and ensure profitability.

Major technological advances

Robot technologies in animal husbandry are increasingly used to support the automation of work processes. Compared with robot-assisted systems of the early days, the progress of these advances is significant.

Andreas Pelzer, Head of the Haus Düsse Agricultural Centre of the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture, believes that any process in livestock farming that can be automated will be automated in the medium term. He compares the development with the mechanisation of agriculture 100 years ago, except that robots are now doing the work. Automation has already existed in animal husbandry for decades, for example in pig feeding. Digitalisation has now brought intelligence to automation. "Robots are not just there to automate a process, but also to implement it intelligently," emphasises Pelzer.

Advantages for farms

Agricultural businesses can benefit greatly from automating processes with robots. And the benefits increase with each new automotive process that is added.

• One significant factor is improved efficiency and productivity when robots can take on mundane, repetitive tasks that used to take up a significant proportion of farmers' working time, such as milking, feeding and mucking out.
• Robots free up time that the farmer can spend doing other tasks that previously may have been neglected. This includes intensive animal monitoring observation. 
• Autonomous robots can contribute to improving the quality of life of farm managers and their families and employees. Fixed working hours - early mornings and weekends - may no longer be necessary.
• Farms can increase the number of animals if the farm manager and employees are relieved of time-consuming daily tasks.
• Robots can sometimes help combat the shortage of skilled labour.

Animal welfare and the environment benefit

"Robotics also offers significant potential in the areas of animal welfare and the environment," adds Andreas Pelzer. "Being milked by a robot is much less stressful for the cow than being milked by a stressed human," says Pelzer. She can decide for herself when to be milked and she can find consistent conditions in the milking parlour every day. In bull fattening, the feed provided by robots is much more orientated towards the individual needs of the animals. Interaction with the robot can work to motivate the bulls to move more and, in the best case scenario, can stimulate them to consume more feed. The feed quality is also better, as the feed is always presented fresh.

Pelzer cites robot manure removal as an example of improved environmental impact. The problem with manure scrapers is that they spread piles of manure over a wide area and thus significantly increase the area for ammonia emissions. A floor cleaning robot, on the other hand, can pick up the freshly deposited manure piles in a targeted manner.

Milking robots made the start

Robots have been used in animal husbandry in Germany since the late 1990s. At that time, the first milking robots were adopted in domestic dairy farms. "Milking was a labour-intensive and very complex process that was now automated. Robotic solutions have given farmers many advantages in terms of working hours and quality of life," emphasises Professor Dr Wolfgang Büscher, Head of the Department of Livestock Farming at the Institute of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Bonn, Germany. Today, following many years of development, the systems work seamlessly and cannot only recognise whether the dairy cows are healthy but can carry out quality control in the background.

In the next wave of mechanisation, automation systems were introduced for feeding, the second largest work position for cows. Professor Büscher: "And we are currently seeing more and more traditional manual work being carried out by robotics. Cleaning robots that move around with the animals in the housing and robots that mix, present and push the feed are still relatively new."

Robot-assisted systems are also used in pig and poultry farming, albeit to a lesser extent. "The possibilities for using robotics there are limited," says Andreas Pelzer. However, there are also appropriate solutions for pig and poultry farming, such as litter or washing robots for cleaning pig and poultry houses.

Investment costs often too high for smaller farms

Robotics in livestock farming offers great opportunities. However, the investment costs can be too prohibitive, especially for smaller farms. For example, a milking robot can cost well over €100,000, and the cost of cleaning robots can be in the five-figure range. Such high investments can often only be shouldered by larger farms, with the result that smaller farms lose competitiveness. 

FarmRobotix, the new DLG platform for robotics, AI and automation

The DLG (German Agricultural Society) has been focussing on the use of agricultural robots for many years. With its FarmRobotix, the DLG has now created a new platform for robotics, digitalisation, automation and AI in agriculture, which aims to provide knowledge transfer and networking. At EuroTier 2024, FarmRobotix will be presented as exhibits, technical programme and live demonstrations. In addition to daily presentations on the DLG Expert Stage, visitors can experience robots in action on special demo areas and gain practical insights into the operation of autonomous agricultural vehicles and equipment. The Barn Robot Event in Hanover, Germany, will focus on feed pusher robots in cattle barns. In live demonstrations, the robots will show how they can support cattle farmers in practical use on a prepared area.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

2024 USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder clinic

July 25, 2024 - At the recent USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder Clinic in Nashville, Tennessee, industry experts gathered to share strategies for enhancing hatchery performance during the two-day event. Attendees received valuable insights into implementing quality assurance programs, managing diseases, improving communication between hatchery and breeder personnel and improving ergonomics with robotics.

Kylie Bruce, operations associate at Cobb-Vantress, speaking at the 2024 USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder Clinic.

Chad Daniels, hatchery consultant manager at Jamesway, highlighted the critical role of hatchery quality assurance (QA) programs in optimising hatchery practices and improving outcomes. He emphasised the significance of thorough documentation in various aspects of the hatchery process, including tagging and labelling eggs before set, keeping detailed records of where incubators are located, documenting moisture loss throughout the incubation process, and more. Daniels explained that detailed documentation allows hatchery managers to analyse variations between individual trays. This analysis helps identify factors affecting fertility, hatch rates and embryo mortality.

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Hatchery Planning Company's VP of Sales Phil Hicks spoke on ergonomics in hatcheries and the implementation of robots to mitigate discomfort and reduce injury risk. Hicks referenced three labour reports, indicating that a 10 percent increase in robot use pet 1000 workers results in a 10 percent reduction in disability injuries reported among workers. As hatchery capacities grow, repetitive tasks are likely to rise. Thus, Hicks remarked that proper worker training, robotics and general ergonomic solutions will reduce team member injuries while improving production.

Kylie Bruce, Operations Associate at Cobb-Vantress, addressed disease mitigation in hatcheries, emphasising the importance of sanitation and proper cleaning. Because the health of newly hatched chicks can be severely impacted if they hatch within a bacteria-filled environment, Bruce advised following five measures when cleaning ip the 'little messes' every day. She further recommended monitoring external sources of contamination, such as egg truck drivers, and limiting their access to sensitive areas within the hatchery.

Pilgrim's Hatchery Manager Ashley McGovern highlighted the value of two-way communication between breeder farms and hatcheries. She encouraged the two sectors to include all personnel-managers, service technicians and quality assurance staff - in communication efforts. Essential information from hatcheries to breeders includes egg trailer and egg room temperatures, driver routes, buggy types, hatch trials or hatch issues, while breeders should share details about such things as flock life, culled egg disposal processes and egg flat collection methods. McGovern commented that developing a consistent data-collection program with agreed-upon established parameters where all parties are involved is crucial to success.

The USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder clinic offered invaluable strategies and expert to enhance hatchery practices, optimise worker safety and foster stronger communication between breeders and hatcheries, paving the way for improved outcomes and efficiency in the poultry industry.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.