AFIA opens registration for Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance Training

January 19, 2024 - The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has opened registration for its upcoming Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) for Animal Food Training. The course, which will be held June 4-6 at The Inn at Opryland in Nashville, Tenn, is one way to meet the requirements for a PCQI.

"We feel as though completing this training is the best way to understand current Food Safety Modernisation Act regulations for animal food, as well as their application in animal food producing facilities," said Paul Davis PhD, AFIA's director of quality, animal food safety and education.

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The Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA) requires one or more designated PCQIs in each facility to develop and oversee an animal food safety plan. Developed by the FSPCA, the 20-hour course provides the 'standardised curriculum', which is recognised by the Food and Drug Administration as adequate for PCQI training.

The training will cover topics including:

• An overview of the FSMA requirements for animal food.
• Current Good Manufacturing Practices requirements.
• Animal food safety hazards.
• Overview of the food safety plan.
• Hazard analysis and preventive controls determination.
• Preventive controls management components.
• Process preventive controls.
• Sanitation preventive controls.
• Supply chain applied controls.
• Recall plans.

The course is limited to 60 registrants. To receive the early-bird registration rates of US$699 for AFIA members or US$999 for nonmembers, register by March 15.

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.

4B Group opens new office in UAE4B Middle East – official opening ceremony, with Carl Braime, 4B Group Sales Director (left) and Zakaria Rasras, 4B Middle East Managing Director (right)

January 12, 2024 - The 4B Group, a world-leading supplier of bucket elevator and conveyor components, is delighted to announce that it has opened a new office in the UAE. The new subsidiary, 4B Middle East, located in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, is now fully operational under the leadership of Managing Director Zaharia Rasras.

4B Middle East – official opening ceremony, with Carl Braime, 4B Group Sales Director (left) and Zakaria Rasras, 4B Middle East Managing Director (right)

The 4B Group specialises is the design, manufacture and supply of components for the bulk material handling industry. The 4B product range includes elevator buckets, elevator bolts, elevator belting and belt fasteners, forged chain, level controls and hazard monitoring sensors and control systems that reduce the risk of explosions in hazardous areas and minimise downtime through predictive maintenance.

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4B has been serving customers in the Middle East for many years, across many industries ranging from grain handling to fertiliser and cement. With its local office in the UAE 4B will be able to be closer to their customers and available to provide on-site engineering and after sales support, both services which are at the heart of 4B's company philosophy.

4B sets itself apart from its competitors by being much more than a sales and distribution company. 4B's mission is to provide practical engineering solutions that improve the safety and efficiency of materials handling plants. 4B's Tech Team can help with the upgrade of existing elevators and conveyors, make recommendations for new equipment or recommend hazard monitoring equipment and sensors to protect their customers' installations.

Zakaria Rasras, Managing Director of 4B Middle East, is looking forward to the challenges ahead; "The opening of the 4B Middle East Office brings us closer to our customers in the region and enables us to better support them with technological material handling solutions. The Middle East is an area of strategic importance with great resources and is a region of significant economic growth. With the industry I 4.0 revolution; decision makers are increasingly aware of the need to save energy, and increase productivity through improvements in processing efficiency, while protecting the environment. They are also conscious of the high importance of quality and safety across their businesses. 4B has positioned itself to help businesses meet these objectives."

Carl Braime, Group Sales Director attributes much of the company's success to its focus on innovation; "We are focused on supplying high quality components and providing innovative engineering solutions and services to make material handling systems that are smarter and more efficient. 4B Middle East is 4B's 8th International Subsidiary extending the company's global reach and we are looking forward to strengthening relations with existing customers and building new ones throughout the Middle East."

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.

AFIA awarded federal funding to support global market access opportunities

January 10, 2024 - The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is pleased to receive over US$170,000 in federal funding for fiscal 2024 through the US Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service's (FAS) Market Access Program (MAP). With additional roll-over funding, AFIA's 2024 MAP funding stands at nearly US$200,000, providing the animal food industry more opportunities to broaden market access in and support the export of US animal food products to Vietnam and China.

"We express appreciation to the USDA for acknowledging AFIA as the foremost authority in the animal feed, feed ingredient and pet food trade," said AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman. "The US animal food industry has the potential to sustainably enhance the efficiency and quality of global animal nutrition practices and pet food diets. However, existing foreign regulatory and policy constraints hinder fair competition for these products in foreign markets. We appreciate the opportunity to continue collaborating with the USDA to overcome these trade barriers to promote our products."

You may also be interested in: 

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With the recently secured MAP funding, the AFIA is positioned to continue its work on expanding the US animal food industry's US$7.5 billion-worth of exports. The work entails conveying to Vietnamese and Chinese stakeholders the benefits-such as utility, safety and quality-that US animal food products bring to farmers in terms of improved animal production and health. It also includes providing pet owners with information about the importance of complete and balanced pet diets to help their pets live longer, healthier lives.

Operating under the MAP framework, the FAS partners with trade associations, including the AFIA, and other collaborators to jointly fund the promotion of US agricultural products and commodities internationally.

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.

Goudsmit develops compact pipe magnet separator

January 9, 2024 - Waalre-based Goudsmit Magnetic has developed a new pipe magnet that requires half the installation height of its predecessor and is also twice as strong.

The recently developed pipe magnet with stainless steel housing requires a lower installation height and achieves a higher flux density of 12,000 Gauss.

Manufactured entirely from stainless steel, the magnetic separator contains a core of neodymium (NdFeB) magnets and creates a flux density of 12,000 gauss. The conical-shaped magnet core contains more pole plates, so even 30 μm particles stick to more engagement points. This results in a higher degree of separation and also makes it possible to capture smaller metal particles in addition to coarse ones. Steel particles present in the product flow such as bolts, nuts, washers, screws, small metal balls, broken threads and clips can be effortlessly separated from grains, corn, flour, wheat flour and other incoming goods flows. The new magnet system is suitable not only for mounting in free-fall pipes, but also for pressure pipes. 

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Low installation height & compact design

The 12,000 gauss pipe magnet was developed in response to specific market demands. The first requirement was to develop a pipe magnet with a low installation height that, with a small adjustment in terms of pipe length, can be easily integrated into existing processes. This, together with the high flux density, means that the magnet can already be used as goods intake. An additional advantage is that the pipe magnet captures smaller metal particles in additional to large metal particles, improving product quality. This prevents dust explosions and damage to machinery, resulting in production stoppages.

Quick access for easy cleaning

Despite the strong permanent magnetic core, the magnet is easy to clean. Through the door with vertical suspension, inspecting for contamination levels is seconds work. The magnet can be opened and cleaned by hand or scraper. Smaller metal parts, such as balls or broken threads, can be easily pushed above the tapered top of the magnetic core and then removed. This is an improvement over previously designed versions. To prevent the magnet from being opened during the production process, it is possible to fit the stainless steel pipe magnet with a safety switch.

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.

Novus has solutions for European dairy market

January 9, 2024 - Dairy farmers in Europe wanting to enhance component yield, minimise feed costs and nitrogen emissions, and optimise cow comfort - ultimately creating a more sustainable industry - can now turn to Novus for help.

The intelligent nutrition company is now providing its nutritional feed solutions and expertise to dairy farmers in key markets in the European Union.

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"Novus is well positioned to partner with dairy farmers in Europe due to its products and services that can positively impact regional challenges like feed efficiency, milk production and environmental sustainability," says Edwin Westreicher, Dr. sc. agr. habil., dairy technical services manager for Novus in Europe. "We're excited to bring our innovations to this market where we know they can make a sustainable difference and support dairy farmer's financial goals."

Sustainable Impact

Known for strong environmental protections, regulations throughout the EU have required cows to be more productive. As milk yield per cow has increased the total number of cows is decreasing in many countries in the EU. Regional Dairy Sales Manager Freek van Essen, DVM, says the production demands on cows make Novus an ideal partner for ambitious dairy farmers.

"Our dry methionine product, MHA Feed Additive, is an effective methionine source that is shown to maximise milk component yields, especially during times of milk fat depression and heat stress," says Dr van Essen. "This is a concern that is sure to grow as summer temperatures in parts of Europe to continue to climb year after year."

Understanding that a balanced organic trace mineral program can help maximise herd performance and reduce feed costs, Novus also offers Mintrex Bis-Chelated Trace Minerals to support reproductive performance and immune system health as well as help improve hoof hardness and milk component yields.

Partnering Across Europe

Novus is currently partnering with dairy farmers, compound and mineral feed suppliers, and nutrition consultants in Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands but has plans to expand its offerings to additional parts of the EU in the coming years.

Dr Volker Seidl, Novus managing director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and strategic accounts, says he's confident those managing farms and supporting the dairy industry in Europe will welcome Novus products and expertise in the market.

"We have the opportunity to help dairies in Germany and Benelux do more," he says. "More for the animal's welfare, more for the environment, more for the producer. In focusing our attention on this market, we are helping build a more sustainable future for the European dairy business."

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.

AFIA releases 2024 education program and events schedule

January 5, 2024 - The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has released its 2024 schedule of conferences and online education courses. Registration for several of these events is already open at the AFIA website.

"As we look at the 2024 calendar, it promises to be an amazing year for AFIA events," said Jessica Morse, AFIA's director of meetings and events. "Like always, our events will offer a top-notch networking opportunities, insights from industry leaders and educational resources that will empower animal food industry employees' professional growth!"

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The event schedule is as follows:

• Jan 30-Feb 1: International Feed Expo at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) - Atlanta, Ga.
• Jan 30: Pet Food Conference at IPPE - Atlanta, Ga.
• Jan 31: AFIA Feed Education Program at IPPE - Atlanta, Ga.
• Jan 31: Feed Your ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance): How Feed Will Help Hit Sustainability Targets at IPPE - Atlanta, Ga.
• Jan 31: US Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service a Dialogue and Digest at IPPE - Atlanta, Ga.
• March 12-14: Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Conference - San Antonio, Texas.
• June 4-6: Food Safety Modernisation Act Preventative Controls Qualified Individual Training - Nashville, Tenn.
• June 17-20: Feed Industry Institute - Minneapolis, Minn.
• Sept 10-12: Liquid Feed Symposium - Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Nov 6-8: Equipment Manufacturers Conference - Bonita Sprints, Fla.

Early-bird registration for IPPE and AFIA's Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Conference ends on Friday, Jan 12.

The AFIA will also continue its partnership with Kansas State University to offer a five-week online course, 'AFIA-KSU 500: Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing.' The course will be offered between:

• Feb 6-March 12
• April 11-May 14
• Jun 4-July 9
• Aug 6-Sept 10
• Oct 10-Nov 5

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.

Exhibitors and livestock producers can preview EuroTier 2024 at IPPE

January 4, 2024 - Visitors at IPPE International Production and Processing Expo, from January 30 - Febuary 1, can find out more about EuroTier 2024 along with the focus themes of the trade fair for animal farming professionals in the fields of poultry technology and farm inputs at their stand in Hall B, stand B6040. DLG invites exhibitors, partners and visitors to their stand on January 31 at 4pm.

EuroTier, which takes place from November 12-15, 2024, in Hanover, Germany, will once again be the central meeting place for international farmers, contractors, dealers and other agricultural professionals. Organised by the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft - German Agricultural Society), EuroTier is the world's leading exhibition for animal production and livestock management. The innovation platform for the global animal production industry presents a complete overview of innovations, solutions and established standards for cattle, pig and poultry farming. Topics around specialist fields like sheep and goats, boarding horses, aquaculture, alternative proteins and direct farm sales complete the exhibition and technical programme. The core visitor target group is professional farmers and traders with the event covering topics and trends such as alternative stable use systems, climate and environmental protection and digitalisation along with many more topics for visitors to enjoy. 

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World Poultry Show - part of EuroTier 2024

The World Poultry Show, the platform for the international poultry industry, will offer a wide range of networking and professional exchange opportunities as part of EuroTier 2024 with several conferences, events and an international technical programme. Focus topics will be the CO2 footprints in poultry processing and animal welfare. The Spotlight exhibition 'AI in the poultry house' will showcase solutions for the poultry house of tomorrow concentrated in one special area. The Expert Stage 'Poultry' will provide daily information on current developments and innovations in the fields of poultry farming, animal health, feeding, management and marketing. The International Poultry Conference and the International Poultry Event present a mix of international keynotes and round tables. A get-together afterwards invites participants to exchange ideas across borders.

Guiding theme: 'We innovate animal farming'

Social and political demands, a challenging market environment, rising environmental standards and the desire for greater animal welfare are placing new demands on future-orientated animal farming worldwide. Modern livestock technology, with its high capacity for innovation, provides important answers and impetus, its innovations are not only problem-solvers for today's challenges, but also drivers for a sustainable and yet growth-oriented economy. Under the guiding theme 'We innovate animal farming', exhibitors at EuroTier 2024 will demonstrate in a variety of ways, which new, innovative approaches and strategies can be used to improve the efficiency, sustainability and ethical standards of animal farming.

Practical topics in the technical programme

In addition to what the exhibitors have to offer, EuroTier will be an exploring a wide range of practical topics in depth:

• DLG Prototype Club : teams of entrepreneurial software engineers will solve technical challenges set by exhibitors and will present prototypes.
• Agrifood start-ups: An exhibition and networking area for agricultural start-ups
• Barn Robot Event: Autonomous, adaptive agricultural systems are becoming increasingly important for practical farming. The Barn Robot is dedicated to the topic of automatic feed pushing in cattle barns.
• TopTierTreff - international market place for top genetics: Breeding companies and organisations from the dairy and beef cattle sectors present their breeding animals.
• EnergyDecentral: As a specialist trade fair, EnergyDecentral has established itself as an important platform for decentralised energy supply: resources - energy generation - intelligent energy
• In-house Farming: Feed & Food: The feature section focusses on self-contained food production systems, like vertical farming.
• System & Components: suppliers to farm equipment manufacturers will present components, including engines, drivetrains and spare parts.

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.