AFIA opens ‘2012 Feed Mill of the Year’ contest

The program, which names a winner and a runner-up, recognizes overall excellence in feed manufacturing operations, emphasizing safety, quality, regulatory compliance, operating efficiencies and overall industry awareness of food safety.

 

One of the benefits to applying for the award is that each applicant receives benchmarking information at the end of the competition, regardless of status by the end of the competition.

 

Many cite the receipt of benchmarking data as the top reason for applying. Companies have used the feedback to improve their overall standing in the program, as well as to improve their facility in the areas of safety, quality, efficiency, housekeeping and government compliance.

 

“Last year, over 80 feed facilities applied. In part, this can be attributed to the benchmarking data provided to all applicants,” Keith Epperson, AFIA vice president of manufacturing and training, explained.

 

“The data can be used compare standards across the industry, already useful tool for any mill to have; but especially so in these times of increased industry regulation.”

 

Both the winner and the runner-up will be permitted to use appropriate logos for one year to promote their accomplishments. The top two facilities also receive features in the AFIA Journal and co-organiser Feedstuffs.

 

The application process begins by filling out the online survey followed by the online application. Once applications are processed and scored, site visits to the top finalists by an inspection team from AFIA and Feedstuffs will occur.

 

Final selection is based on a combined scoring of the application and personal visit. The winner will be announced in the end of the year.

 

Participation is limited to feed mills with current AFIA memberships.