Milling News
COMPANY UPDATES Education & training by Chris Jackson, Export Manager UK TAG Last month, I wrote about the need to better inform farmers of the world about technological advancements that will improve their outputs and profitability, along with the need for them to protect the environment for future generations; with most of whom now actively doing so. Nearly all farmers of my acquaintance are concerned with ensuring that their farms are there for their heirs and successors and along with their land and animals. However, this is often tempered by low product prices, which force them to take short cuts for profit. Like any business, profitability is key but primary producers are often forced to take low prices as they are producing perishable crops with short shelf lives. Marketing effects can be mitigated by cooperative marketing and strategic production plans, which inevitably have a capital demand available in the western world, but not generally so for the subsistence farmers of the world who are in a poverty trap. Efficient livestock production is a possible way forward and it’s here where training and education is key. With the contribution made by our primary producers is still so often not recognised because the work by its very nature means long working hours and dirty conditions; we are decried and recognition is now long overdue. Should the deserved level of recognition be afforded to primary producers, then perhaps the world will then see more young people encouraged to stay on the farms and produce the food that the migrants to the cities need. This week in the Philippines, we have seen small farmers from many islands travelling to Manila to see what technologies they could see at the Agri link exhibition; which would be appropriate to their own production base. This exhibition is different from so many that we attend worldwide as it aims to showcase animal breeding machinery along with technologies for smaller scale producers, rather than showcasing high end plant and machinery for the large and cooperate farming world. Here we saw multi national companies such as Honda and Kubuto exhibiting machinery 32 | November 2016 - Milling and Grain
designed for small-scale producers to make their working lives easier, which in turn will help their efficiencies. To maximise efficiency of food production we cannot succeed without a very efficient milling industry - a fact recognised throughout history. We are fortunate that as we develop genetics that are being made available worldwide in the livestock sector by artificial insemination and the transfer of embryos, a safe and disease secure method of transfer. Our millers are developing better methods of food production for the animals of higher genetic merit, so that they can realise their potential; whilst contributing to profitability and a more environmentally sustainable production system. The nutritionists are also looking at different sources of both protein and carbohydrate sources as traditional products such as maize are used in many different industries, again straining the adaptability of farmers to successfully utilise alternative feed sources. To make best use of products training at farm level is essential so that resources are not wasted. Stockmen need to fully understand the nutritional needs of their animals so that the correct diets are fed according to age and growth rate. This need also has to be balanced by access to clean drinking water in the correct quantities a reduction in water intake being the first sign of an impending disease problem. There is a need for practical training on farm by skilled operatives correctly assessed so that improved standards can be met and maintained. Whilst farmers worldwide are resourceful and innovative, we must never lose sight of the fact that all life is dependent on climate, without sunshine and rain in correct proportions there is no production. In the UK the harvest weather has been kind to the cereal farmers, but in large parts of Australia there is still widespread flooding which means a delay in planting if the floods soon subside then there may be some good cereal crops there in 2017. Forthcoming with Perendale I will be at the world’s largest indoor farming exhibition Eurotier where world-farming leaders congregate to see the latest technologies and machinery developments available on a very different scale to the Philippines. @AgrictecExports
General Mills has reportedly confirmed the expansion of cereal production in its Buffalo plant by including brands like Corn Chex, Honey Nut Chex and others. Notably, the facility already produces brands like Kix, Total, Lucky Charms, Wheaties, Cheerios, and Gold Medal flour. Notably, the expansion project involves an investment of US$25 million with public sector support coming from New York State of US$1 million grant. These funds are also provided in addition to the supply of low-cost hydropower and electricity from their Power Authority. The project also involves the purchase of new packaging equipment and upgraded ingredient systems. The project is expected to be completed in May 2017; with management reporting that 417 of the current workers at the plant will be retained.
Cargill is expanding its animal nutrition presence in the Philippines, targeting the livestock industry. Global animal nutrition leader Cargill announced the initiation of construction on a new premix feed solutions manufacturing facility in Malolos, Philippines to serve medium to large livestock farms and feed millers in the country. The site, which will be Cargill’s fifth animal nutrition facility in the country, will have a capacity of 20,000 metric tons of Provimi premix solutions annually. Construction on the facility started Oct. 25, with completion expected sometime in the Autumn of 2017, and will provide work for approximately 50 employees.