EuroTier 2024: Conference program for livestock farmers and veterinarians

July 30, 2024 - EuroTier, the world's leading trade fair for professional animal husbandry and livestock management will take place from November 12-25, 2024, at the exhibition grounds in Hanover, Germany. The EuroTier exhibition and its technical programme, is organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society).

Under the guiding theme 'We innovate animal farming', the innovation platform for the global livestock industry offers an array of conferences and evening events. These include the International Cattle & Pig Event, the International Poultry Day 2024 with the Poultry Event in the evening, the three-day bpt Congress for Veterinarians as well as the Inhouse Farming Event that takes place for the first time.

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• EuroTier 2024: Spotlight on current topics in the livestock sector
• EuroTier 2024: Trade fair’s topics attract great visitor interest

EuroTier is the platform for leading events in the international livestock sector. This is the venue where livestock farmers, agribusiness and experts meet up for networking and professional exchange. Together with the DLG's partner organisations, EuroTier 2024 will once again offer topical conferences and evening events:

• International Cattle & Pig Event on November 11, 2024
• International Poultry Conference on November 11, 2024
• International Poultry Event on November 11, 2024
• Inhouse Farming Event on November 11, 2024
• Animal Health Event on November 14, 2024
• International Conference on Ukraine and Moldova on November 13, 2024

A mix of international keynotes, round tables, award ceremonies, all with ensuing networking sessions will ensure a relaxed atmosphere for the exchange of ideas.

International Cattle & Pig Event - with a visit from Nebraska 

The International Cattle & pig Event will take place on the eve of EuroTier on November 11, 2024, from 18:00 in the Convention Center, Room 2. Titled 'Global markets and local frameworks - how pioneering farmers fit the future', the event explores opportunities as a result of the rising demand globally for animal proteins. Producers in highly efficient regions of the world stand to gain. In parts of Europe, however, the current framework conditions, which includes the Green Deal, may lead to increased efforts towards extensification. What is the situation and how are leading dairy, beef cattle and pig farmers adapting? These and other topics will be discussed by experts from North America and Europe at this year's International Cattle & Pig Event, a prelude to EuroTier.

The Cattle & Pig Event will be opened by Hubertus Parton, President of the DLG. The keynote speaker is Dr Jim Pillen, current Governor of the State of Nebraska, USA, and founder and owner of Pillen Family Farms, Inc Tom Dunne, President of European Dairy Farmers and Gert van Beer, President of European Pig Producers, will be contributing their views to the subsequent panel discussion: 'Global markets and local frameworks - how pioneering farmers fit the future'. The closing address will be given by Georg Geucke, Chairman of the Board of the German Livestock Association (Bundesverband Rind und Schwein). Tickets for the event are priced at €49 and will be available in the online ticket store from August.

After the speaking session, the Bundesverband Rind und Schwerin eV, the German Livestock Association (BRS) and umbrella organisation for the production of cattle and pigs in Germany, will be inviting guests to the adjoining 'Agrill' informal gathering. At the joint barbecue event, attendees will have plenty of opportunity to interact with each other while experiencing the barbecue food - prepared on a tractor with a front-loading barbecue.

International Poultry Day 2024

Even before the official start of the trade fair, the poultry sector will take centre stage at EuroTier on the 'International Poultry Day'. The invitation event will kick off on November 11 at 15:30, starting with the 'International Poultry Conference' in the Convention Center at the exhibition grounds.

Under the heading 'Poultry for a healthy planet', the focus of the keynote speeches will be on sustainable poultry farming, including carbon footprint. The subsequent panel discussion will explore the development prospects of the international poultry industry. The central question is: 'What constitutes a sustainable poultry industry?' Renowned speakers and industry experts will offer their perspective and highlight possible solutions.

The day will conclude with the International Poultry Event. The exclusive networking format for invited guests offers the ideal platform for professional exchange in the poultry industry.

Inhouse Farming Event 2024: Premiere that promotes knowledge-sharing

On Monday, November 11, at 18:00, the Inhouse Farming Event 2024 will take place for the first time, premiering at the EuroTier venue, in the Convention Center. The theme of the new networking event is 'Tackling the elephant in the room: Renewable energies for future farming and food systems'. At the gathering, professionals from the emerging sector of indoor farming will meet up with professionals from established energy markets for a mutual exchange of knowledge and experience. Together, synergies and new investment opportunities will be identified. The event is aimed at innovative companies from the energy sector and the field of 'Controlled Environmental Agriculture' as well as political decision-makers, research and educational institutions and the media. The event is organised by DLG and FarmTechSociety.

International Conference - EU integration and development of livestock production in Moldova and Ukraine 

The European perspective of further development is one of the most important political priorities in Moldova and Ukraine. Both countries strive to join the European Union. The preparation process requires adjustments in the agricultural sector and in livestock production in particular. These include not only the implementation of a range of quality and production standards, but also measures for environmental protection, biodiversity protection and traceability. Representatives from politics, agriculture and farming as well as trade associations from both countries will convene on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 10:00 to 12:30 at EuroTier 2024 in Hanover. Discussions will centre on strategies for the direction of animal production, taking European integration into account.

The event is organised by DLG, the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue and the German-Moldovan Agricultural Policy Dialogue. The title of the conference is: 'Eurointegration of the animal production sector - current challenges and prospects for Moldova and Ukraine'.

Three-day bpt congress at EuroTier 2024 - The German Association of Practicing Veterinarians.

The annual bpt Congress of the German Association of Practicing Veterinarians (bpt) is one of the most renowned training events for practicing veterinarians in German-speaking countries. The three-day program offers Germany's ATF-recognised training courses (ATF = Academy for Veterinary Training) for small animal, equine and livestock practice as well as for practice management and food safety. Aimed at veterinary assistants, a one-day training course with content related to the main veterinary program will be offered. In 2024, the bpt Congress will take place once again partially in parallel with EuroTier, from November 14-16, 2024. 

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.

Omas reduces energy costs and CO2 emissions in new mill

July 30 , 2024 - Moulins Soufflet, a pioneer in sustainable supply chains in France, continues its growth trajectory. The company has solidified its position as an innovator with a strong focus on environmental issues, highlighted by the inauguration of a new milling plant in Corbeil-Essonnes. This ultra-modern mill, which began operations in 2023 after years of construction, exemplifies Moulins Soufflet's commitment to investing in innovation and modernising production equipment. It also aligns with the objectives of Episens, the wheat division of the Invivo group, which aims to enhance to wheat value chain through a sustainable approach across the entire supply chain. The project has not only resulted in significant reductions in production costs but has also lowered C02 emissions.

At the heart of this impressive five-story project is the diligent work of Omas Industries, an emerging leader in the sale of machinery and equipment for grain milling. François-Xavier Lecointre, Production Director at Moulins Soufflet, stated: “We were fortunate to have a very reliable partner in Omas.” In recent feedback, Moulins Soufflet expressed a highly positive opinion about the services provided by Omas Industries through a letter of recommendation. The company praised not only the quality of customer service and the timeliness of deliveries but also the advanced technology of the machinery. The patented KERS system by Omas has brought significant energy savings and benefits to the entire production chain.

“Omas Industries has proven to be a partner very attentive to our needs” Lecointre continued. “Their commitment and precision from the design phase of the mill to the realization of the machinery have been fundamental. They offer a tailor-made service, meeting our most unique requests, which benefits the flours we produce, improving their quality and quantity.”

Designed on five floors within a completely new building and equipped with the latest technology, this new mill incorporates the latest innovations in the milling industry, being automated, computerized, connected, and digitized (4.0).

This complex, equipped with a cutting-edge grinding process, more environmentally friendly, allows to meet the new demands of customers of Moulins Soufflet: a diversified flour offer, from T38 to T65 and the guarantee of new standards of quality management, energy and food safety.

The infrastructure of the Corbeil-Essonnes pole has an important storage capacity of wheat and flour (68 storage cells for wheat and 48 for flour) that allows to isolate each batch of wheat and flour and thus ensure perfect product traceability, from the field to the furnace, especially through blockchain technology.

In order to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint, the mill has been built on 5 floors to benefit from the gravitational force to work the best products. The plant also boasts an innovative motorization that allows to reuse the unused energy, for a total electrical energy saving of 30% compared to a traditional motorized mill.

The strategic location about 50 km from the Soufflet Agriculture silo of Pézarches (grain collection and storage site without treatment after harvesting) optimizes the supply of the mill, with grains intended for the production of flour such as Baguépi - Responsible Flour. Finally, 15% of the grain that reaches the production pole is transported on barges.

“We are proud to have been chosen by Moulins Soufflet as a partner for their project," said Pietro Barbalarga, Sales Director at Omas Industries. “France has been a very rewarding market for us, with many mills needing flexible and efficient production to meet the increasing demand for diverse products. We are seeing great feedback because our Flexy mill enables our clients to process a wide variety of grains and legumes.”

“The massive global population growth expected by 2030 will inevitably lead to a renewed focus on the role of food” states Luigi Nalon, CEO at Omas Industries. “We are certain that the search for alternative proteins and the need to significantly reduce environmental impact will drive the development of the milling sector in the coming years. This is why we are already working to create Factory 4.0, a place where the digitization of machines and work processes improves people’s activities, reduces operating costs, optimizes production and helps the growth of emerging markets, in a way that is sustainable for people and the environment.”

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.

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.

Unlikely food processing technology combo KOs large suspended solids

July 25, 2024 - The food processing industry depends on industrial strainers to separate unwanted suspended solids from liquids and slurries. However, conventional strainer methods can prove to be unreliable and lead to extensive maintenance, particularly in cases where the debris or solids are of substantial size and there is a significant amount of suspended solids present.

Fortunately for food processors, the utilisation of a novel blend of industrial wastewater technologies now allows for the efficient removal of solids without the need for extensive manual labour, worker exposure to messy or potentially hazardous substances, or constant maintenance. Specifically, the design involves a one-two punch combination of a macerator, which breaks down large solids into smaller fragments, and an automated scraper strainer flexible enough to efficiently filter out larger debris along with tiny particles. This innovative solution can even accommodate high solids loading without clogging.

The combination of these two established technologies is already being applied to some of the toughest, dirtiest food processor straining applications. 

Overcome traditional limitations

Duplex strainers are often used in continuous flow processes that cannot be shut down for cleaning purposes. Duplex basket strainers employ two distinct chambers that function independently. When one chamber needs cleaning, the flow is seamlessly diverted to the alternate chamber, enabling the removal and cleaning of the first basket.

Cleaning is a messy, laborious process that involves equalising pressure between the baskets, diverting flow to the off-line chamber, opening the cover, manually removing the clogged basket and cleaning it before refitting the basket, ensuring the seal and tightening the fasteners.

If an operator fails to adequately clean the basket strainers for any reason, both strainers can become clogged at the same time. This comprises the filtration process, resulting in quality issues or unexpected downtime until the problem is resolved. For many food processors, this can occur simply due to having insufficient personnel to keep basket strainers clean along with their other duties.

"As an alternative, a combination of established complimentary technologies such as a macerator and an automated scraper strainer can essentially 'knock out' even the toughest problems related to large solids and high solids loading in an automated way," says Robert Presser, Vice President of Acme Engineering Prod, a North American manufacturer of industrial self-cleaning strainers. The company is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer of environmental controls and systems with integrated mechanical, electrical and electronic capabilities.

In this configuration, a macerator would be installed upstream to reduce large solids down to a manageable size. The capabilities of the automated strainer are crucial to the process as well, according to Presser.

"Although the macerator cuts up the biggest solids, the strainer must still be able to separate both relatively large pieces and tiny particles while handling high solids loading without becoming obstructed," explains Presser.

In the case of Acme, the OEM's automated scraper strainer is designed to continually remove both very large and very small, suspended solids from liquids and slurries. Cleaning is accomplished by a spring-loaded blade and brush system, managed by a fully automatic control system.

Four scraper brushes rotate at 8 RPM, resulting in a cleaning rate of 32 strokes per minute. The scraper brushes get into wedge-wire slots and dislodge resistant particulates and solids. This approach enables the scraper strainers to resist clogging and fouling when faced with large solids and high solids concentration.

Blowdown typically occurs only at the end of the intermittent scraping cycle when a valve is opened for a few seconds to remove solids from the collector area. Liquid loss is well below 1 percent of total flow.

If additional pressure is required to clean the screen, Acme Engineering can addd an inexpensive trash pump to the blowdown line to assist in removing the solids from the strainer sump.

"Since the solids are small, a little trash pump can pressurise the blowdown line to evacuate solids from the strainer. The combination provides quick ROI because operators no longer have to monitor and clean out heavily loaded basket strainers, resulting in substantially less labour and downtime," says Presser.

Alternatively, the sump can be replaced by a cylinder bracketed by two gate valves that open and close as needed to remove the solids waste.

"When you are ready to empty the cylinder, you close the top gate valve momentarily and open the bottom one by depressing a button to dump the accumulated solids into a receptacle like a dump truck or a conveyor bucket so there is no manual handling required," says Presser.

Acme has already worked with plant operators and managers to implement a wide range of specialised straining systems for difficult applications with exceptionally large solids or very high solids loading.

According to Presser, adapting strainers for the specialised filtration of uncommon liquids and slurries requires not only expertise but also collaboration with the processor as well as some design iterations.

"For unusual applications, it may take a few attempts to get it right. You may have to adjust the timing and frequency of cleaning as well as adjust the screen slot and size. There are quite a few variables involved," concludes Presser.

Food processors depend on the filtration of liquids or slurries to meet quality and regulatory standards. When the removal of large solids or managing excessive solids loading exceeds the feasibility of manual basket strainer cleaning, integrating a combination of highly effective technologies may be the best decision.

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.

IFEEDER adds new resource to Animal Food Industry Sustainability Toolkit

July 24, 2024 - In its mission-driven work to provide the US animal food industry with tools to support industry members in developing and advancing internal sustainability programs, the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) has added new materials to its Animal Food Industry Sustainability Toolkit. The new resource defines 16 material issue areas identified as important for consideration in animal food industry sustainability efforts.

"As the animal food industry continues to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability, the need for well-defined, actionable guidance has never been more important," said Lara Moody, IFEEDER Executive Director. "This new resource addresses that need by describing the scope of each issue in conjunction with real-world examples underway within the industry."

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In phase one of its Sustainability Road Map project, IFEEDER identified 16 key issues that are material to the animal food industry and its stakeholders. These issues span three main pillars: People, Planet and Governance. The new, comprehensive resource, launched Monday, offers detailed descriptions of each issue, insights into its potential value to the industry and illustrative examples from industry members that highlight the tangible benefits of addressing these issues. The materials developed through this project will be added to the toolkit and are also available for all animal food industry stakeholders on IFEEDER's website.

IFEEDER's Animal Food Industry Sustainability Toolkit, initially launched in 2023, aims to provide business leaders within the animal feed and petfood industry with practical resources for developing their internal sustainability programs, responding to stakeholders' requests and communicating their sustainability stories. The complete toolkit is available for free to American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) members and IFEEDER donors on IFEEDER's website and available for purchase to nonmembers in AFIA's Online Store.

This project was completed in collaboration with animal food industry members and students at Iowa State University, led by Kurt Rosentrater, PhD, Professor in the department of agriculture biosystems and engineering. IFEEDER also thanks Hill's Pet Nutrition and Kent Nutrition Group for their generous support of this project.

To access these resources or learn about this project, visit HERE. IFEEDER will continue to add industry examples to this resource as they are made available. Those interested in contributing to this project, or future sustainability-related topics, are invited to contact IFEEDER 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.

Farming the most valued profession behind only nursing, says public

July 22, 2024 - Britain's farmers and growers have been named as one of the public's most favoured and valued professions, second only to nurses, a new survey commissioned by the NFU can reveal 74 percent of the public have a favourable view of farmers and growers, recognising how hard they work through rain and shine, to produce food for the nation.

It also shows 91 percent of respondents feel that farming is important to the UK economy, demonstrating the key role agriculture business play in kickstarting growth for Labour's new mission-led government.

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The survey will be published at the NFU's first parliamentary reception since the general election, taking place in the House of Lords.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: "We're incredibly grateful to the public for their continued support of British farmers and growers. When we're out in our fields, sheds and glasshouses we never take it for granted and it spurs us on to get the food onto their plates.

"The results of the survey show it is vital the new government recognises how much the public value our farmers and growers and the climate-friendly, nutritious food we provide. This will be a key focus at our reception with new MPs today."

New MPs and Peers are set to hear that:

• 89 percent of the public feel it is important that Britain has a productive farming industry.
• 85 percent of people support increasing self-sufficiency in UK food production.
• 87 percent of people think it is important that trade deals ensure animal welfare standards are the same in countries we import food from as in the UK.

Mr Bradshaw continued: "As outlined in the Labour manifesto, food security is national security. To ensure we deliver on this shared mission and that the public continues to see a safe supply of food in the face of climate change and a volatile global outlook, confidence is key. But confidence of agriculture businesses is at an all time low.

"As the industry that underpins Britain's largest manufacturing sector - food and drink - which is worth £146 billion to the economy, it's imperative that policies from the new government revitalise the confidence of farm businesses. The number one priority to achieve this long-term confidence is for government to set a UK wide agricultural budget of £5.6 billion. It is not just 'more money for farmers' but an investment that means farmers and growers can do more of what the public value them for; delivering more climate friendly, high welfare food, delivering for the environment, increasing clean energy production and kickstarting economic growth."

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.

EuroTier 2024: Spotlight on current topics in the livestock sector

July 22, 2024 - EuroTier, the world's leading trade fair for professional animal husbandry and livestock management, will take place in parallel with EnergyDecentral, the leading international trade fair for decentralised energy supply, in Hanover, Germany, from November 12-15 2024. Under the guiding theme ' We innovate animal farming', the trade fair offers an international technical programme on the latest developments in cattle, pig and poultry production. 

An additional area is dedicated to horses and addresses the current issues affecting horse farms. Farming professionals will also be able to explore the topics 'Direct farm sales and on-farm slaughter' as well as a range of professional topics in feeding. The DLG stand offers presentations and expert talks on topics such as sustainability, animal welfare, digitalisation and the promotion of young talent in agriculture.

You may also be interested in: 

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Many countries are now calling for a complete ban on pig tail docking, citing the argument that an intact curly tail is regarded as an important welfare indicator, particularly for finishing pigs. Current solutions from the industry will be presented in the DLG Spotlight called 'Pig Farming without tail docking' at EuroTier. At the Expert Stage for Pigs, specialists will discuss best practice examples daily over the four event days with the aim of raising awareness of tail docking so that investments in infrastructure, management and marketing pay off for animals and humans in the long term.

Other key topics at the Expert Stage for Pigs including gut health, sustainability, animal welfare, emission reduction, digitalisation and appropriate management tools for pig farming. In addition, current results from ongoing national and international projects will be presented throughout the event. 

'Expert Stages' for dairy and beef farming professionals

Several expert stages are dedicated to dairy and beef production, where practical information and current project results will be presented during the trade fair. Starting with hygiene in the calf housing and the three pillars of dairy cattle feeding, the focus will be on how dairy farmers can balance falling milk prices and healthy feeding. Another focus will be on grassland management, crop recording and silage management. Relevant to farms with experiencing hot weather spells, EuroTier will present the options available on how to reduce heat stress in cattle and minimise antibiotics when drying off dairy cows. Digital assistance systems already play a major role in cattle farming. Further opportunities for sensor-based AI systems on dairy farms and other innovations for digitalisation in livestock farming will be presented.

The TopTierTreff feature is once again the international marketplace for top genetics in Hall 11, where leading German and international breeding companies and organisations from the dairy and beef cattle sector will present breeding animals.

Automation and robotics take centre stage at the Barn Robot Event. Under the new FarmRobotix brand, seven feed pusher robots will be presented live as part of daily live demonstrations in a dedicated area. Both events are expected to attract interest from dairy and beef farmers at EuroTier.

AI in the poultry house and the World Poultry Event

With the aim of presenting the practical use of AI-supported technologies in the poultry industry, the DLG (German Agricultural Society) - the organiser of EuroTier -, is preparing a spotlight on this topic. 'AI in poultry farming' in Hall 17 will include manufacturers of AI-supported solutions who will be presenting working solutions to interested visitors.

The Poultry Expert Stage, which is located next to the new feature on AI, invites visitors to attend numerous high-calibre specialist presentations on all aspects of the poultry industry. Scientists, consultants, staff from subsidised projects and other international industry experts will be presenting innovative approaches in poultry farming. The World Poultry Show is also back at EuroTier - the platform for the international poultry industry. Exhibitors along the entire production chain can be found in Halls 16 to 18 at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds.

A must for horse farms

EuroTier is devoting special attention to horses this year. Over the four event days, two specialist presentations on the Expert Stage of the DLG stand in Hall 13 are dedicated to horse husbandry. Topics covered will include the design of runs, weather protection, feed production, feeding and manure utilisation. Staff recruitment and retention are further highlights.

On Wednesday, November 13, the DLG and FN (Fédération Nationale, German Equestrian Federation) will jointly organise the 'Horse Theme Day'. Starting at 10am on the Expert Stage with an expert talk on the topic of 'Work organisation, automation - how can I organise everyday life on my farm?', the event then leads on to guided tours of selected exhibitors focussing on horses in the areas of technology and equipment. Further specialist presentations in the afternoon will round off the programme for horse farms.

An all-round view of feeding

As a central topic in livestock farming, feeding occupies the largest exhibition area at EuroTier. Feeding topics and trends can be further explored on all Expert Stages in the technical programme. At the DLG stand, farming professionals can access the new online searchable collection of feedstuffs and gain insight into the properties and nutrient content of around 1300 feedstuffs.

Direct farm sales and on-farm slaughter

The direct sales of farm products is becoming increasingly important for consumers as it guarantees transparency and freshness. The topic 'Direct farm sales and on-farm slaughtering' at EuroTier will focus on mobile slaughtering and highlight its central role in the farm sales of agricultural products. This includes the legal background to marketing and effective marketing measures with a focus on social media and practical insights through reports from farm stakeholders. Another key topic at EuroTier will be the various marketing channels for direct farm sales. The trade fair will also highlight how to ensure profitability of this sales model.

Promotion of young talent and award ceremonies at the DLG stand

At the DLG stand, the topics of sustainability, animal welfare and environmental protection - from field to plate - will be addressed and brought to life. Exhibits on reducing emissions in and around the housing, the new DLG sustainability certificate for pig production and the DLG animal welfare programme for dairy cattle farming will round off the offering. For the first time, the DLG will be offering visitors beef tasting. These tasting sessions include meat from several breeds and will challenge visitors' senses and focus on the different sensory characteristics of dairy and beef breeds.

In addition to award ceremonies and talks on promoting young talent and the shortage of skilled labour, the role of data, data platforms and AI as well as the use of digital tools to save resources will also be discussed on the stages at the DLG stand.

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.

Flexicon marks 50 years

July 19, 2024 - Flexicon Corporation, a privately-held firm and world leader in bulk handling equipment and systems, is commemorating its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Flexicon Corporation's World Headquarters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA.

"Fifty years ago, my father had the foresight to solve a simple conveying problem. Today, our company provides solutions for food, chemical and a range of other industries with everything from stand-alone equipment to automated plant-wide systems that solve the most difficult bulk handling problems," says David R Gill, CEO.

Founded by William S Gill in 1974, the company began manufacturing 'flexible screw conveyors,' a term coined by the company. Their simplicity, reliability and economy made them popular not only for basic conveying jobs, but also for demanding applications previously satisfied by more complicated and costly conveyors.

Flexicon advanced the application of these conveyors faster and further than any other manufacturer, being the first to introduce 115mm, 150mm and 200mm diameter screw/tube combinations that elevated conveying capacity more than 10-fold in an 8-year period.

As the capabilities of its conveyors grew, so did the company's expansion into pneumatic conveying systems and tubular cable conveyors, as well as upstream and downstream equipment including: bulk bag dischargers, bulk bag fillers, bulk bag conditioners, bag dump stations, drum/box/container dumpers and weigh batching systems.

The company now offers 'Quick-Ship' delivery on popular models of flexible screw conveyors, bulk bag dischargers and bulk bag conditioners, boasts over 25,000 installations, and offers a lifetime performance guarantee on equipment and systems.

In addition to stand-alone units, the company began engineering and manufacturing automated material handling systems complete with sophisticated control packages produced in-house for multi-point bulk storage, processing and packaging applications, many of which involve difficult-to-handle materials, sanitary requirements and explosive environments.

A separate Project Engineering Division manages large-scale bulk handling projects across the chemical, mineral, food, dairy and pharmaceutical industries worldwide.

To meet demand for its full line of bulk handling equipment, the company has expanded its US and overseas manufacturing operations 14 times, including the doubling of its World Headquarters in Bethlehem, PA in 2015.

Flexicon now holds 36 patents in 13 countries, operates manufacturing plants in the United States, UK, Australia and South Africa, and maintains sales offices in France, Germany, Spain, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

"We are extraordinarily proud of our history and our people whose inventiveness, skill and dedication have propelled our non-stop growth over the last 50 years," says Gill.

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.