News
May - June 2013
NEWS
AIC launches feed adviser register
T
he Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC ) has launched the Feed Adviser Register ( FAR) to assure the standards of advice in livestock nutrition in the United Kingdom, particularly in terms of addressing the needs of the greenhouse gas action plan. While the production and safety of animal feed is assured by the various schemes operated by AIC Services (FEMAS, TASCC and UFAS), until now, there has been no corresponding standard to underpin the advice that accompanies feed onto the farm. As well as providing a means for livestock adviser s to de monst r ate profe ssion al
competence, FAR will also actively address the challenges within the greenhouse gas action plan to reduce emissions from livestock. Initially, FAR aims to establish a common level of competence across various livestock classes by adopting a ‘manager-verified’ approach; employees will have their level of competence approved by their managers. “FAR will be largely web-based, through a dedicated website (www.feedadviserregister. org.uk) in order to minimise operating costs,” said John Kelley, managing director of AIC Services. “The Register has been devised by the industry for the industry and we aim to
deliver a cost-effective service.” The annual cost has been set at £105 a year, but AIC members are eligible for a £45 discount to reflect the confederation’s investment in developing the register. In addition, further ‘early bird’ discounts are available for those who sign up early. The website will allow registration and provide a wealth of information training, relevant events and much more. Feed advisers and animal nutritionists with two years or more proven experience can join the register as full members. For new entrants and those with less experience, t here is a ‘developme nt ’ status registration.
On-going membership will require verification of core competencies. “Training is an impor t ant element of the register and the website provides a wealth of resources to help develop skills and facilitate training,” said George Perrott, head of AIC’s feed sector. For established advisers, FAR provides a way to regularly u p d at e t h e ir k n ow l e d ge , especially in newer areas such as reducing emissions from livestock. It will also help new entrants and their employers devise training programmes for career advancement. FAR also offers qualification procedures for individuals working alone.
Perten launches dough mixer and analysis system
P
erten Instruments has launched a new dough testing instrument - the micro-doughLAB. A small scale (4 g) dough mixer and analysis system which determines the quality and processing characteristics of flour and dough, the microdoughLAB can be used to screen breeder lines, develop rapid and small scale methods and to establish the performance, specification, water and mixing requirements of flour. The small sample size is ideal for researchers, wheat breeders,
grain handlers, millers and bakers with limited sample and/ or valuable samples. It enables users to save time and money by accurately and quickly identifying the best flour for their application. The new product uses d o u g h L A B f o r W i n d ow s (DLW) software. It is easy to use, compact, reproducible, accurate, and cleans up quickly. Micro-doughLAB now does the job of two traditional doughtesting instruments: evaluating both the viscous and elastic properties of dough in a single instrument.
A mixing stage develops the dough to measure absorption (amount of water required for a dough to reach a defined consistency), dough mixing profile (development time, stability, softening and other quality parameters) and two elasticity stages determine elasticity of dough at optimum and over mixed consistencies. Micro-doughLAB can also predict the processing characteristics and bread making potential of wheat flour for straight dough bulk fermentation, sponge and dough, rapid processing and Chorleywood Bread.
Integrated temperature control, variable temperature and energy input rates and high torque range make the micro-doughLAB versatile enough to test wheat meal, flour, semolina, rye, durum, triticale, other grains and flours, additives, and full formulations for milling, baking (bread, cake, pastry, pizza crust, biscuit, cookie and cracker), pasta and A sian products (steam bread, noodles and flat bread).
Viterra invests more than US$20m to upgrade Saskatchewan elevators
V
iterra Inc. is investing more than US $ 20 million to upgrade four of its Saskatchewan, Canada grain terminals at White Star, Humboldt, Waldron and Ituna. The upgrades will see increased rail capacity at the elevators and a significant increase in storage space at both White Star and Humboldt. "This significant reinvestment in our grain handling network demonstrates our on-going commitment to operational excellence and leadership in our industry. By improving our rail and storage capacities
&feed milling technology
Grain
in t argeted areas, we are creating further value for our farm customers at the local level, as well as our suppliers and end use customers across North America and beyond,” said Kyle Jeworski, president and CEO for North America, Viterra. Storage capacity will increase threefold at White Star and double at Humboldt . Rail capacity will expand at White Star, which is situated on the Carlton Trail Railway. Further rail capacity expansions at Viterra's Humboldt, Waldron and Ituna facilities will also ensure a more efficient service
for the farming communities in those areas. The facility upgrades are consistent with Glencore's commitments to increase Viterra's projected capital expenditures in Canada. "Viterra has a strong history of maintaining high quality assets in the communities in which it operates. This project is the latest in a series of improvements designed to increase our level of service and, combined with the knowledge and expertise of our grain marketing specialists, further strengthen our partnership with local producers," Jeworski added.
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