EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS CONFERENCE DISCUSSES OPERATING FOR THE FUTURE
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arco Island, USA was the place chosen to hold the American Feed Industry Association’s 20th annual Equipment Manufacturers Conference (EMC). Hosted by AFIA’s Equipment Manufacturers Committee, this year’s conference focused on ensuring a bright future for generations to come, from dedicated and evolving leadership today.
The conference covered a variety of topics, including issues affecting the future of operating and the industry, including the fixed ladder requirements in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s surfaces standard, international feed machinery standards, adopting legal practices for human resources and “breaking boundaries for operating excellence.” The conference was attended by 31 members of the feed industry, who all also took part in the annual four-person scramble golf tournament, which successfully raised over US $3400 to support the EMC scholarship fund, which raises money for students who wish to pursue careers in the grain or feed science industries. The lucky winners of the golf tournament were Mike Gauss of Kent Nutrition Group, Inc, Joel Newman of AFIA, Gary Huddleston of AFIA and Paul Phillips of Maxi-Lift Inc/ Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc. Industry leaders also discussed current policy issues, including updates on what’s happening on Capitol Hill and international trade. “What we do today can greatly affect the future of our industry,” said Gary Huddleston, AFIA’s Director of Feed Manufacturing and Regulatory Affairs. “By being proactive in participating in these issues that affect our industry, we ensure the future of the equipment manufacturing industry.” Milling and Grain’s General Manager of our USA Division, Fred Norwood, attended the proceedings and noted that Jess McClure, Vice President of Safety and Regulatory Affairs at the National Grain and Feed Association gave a very informative and interactive presentation regarding fall protection changes now in place and new ones that are being confirmed for long term compliance. “It was very enlightening to hear the concerns of the Equipment Manufacturers” notes Mr Norwood, as sin many cases they will have to retrofit existing products already installed, and in any cases re-engineer for the new fall protection devices.” The 2020 EMC will take place November 4-6th, 2020, in New Orleans, USA.
92 | December 2019 - Milling and Grain