by Blake SandnesRMS Roller-Grinder’s Josh Tracy recently spoke with Collin Groff of Groff Julius about the current market and what it takes to set up a new feed mill. Groff Julius focuses on turnkey capital projects for grain handling and feed manufacturing. They are experts in getting feed mill operations up and running, from initial design to choosing the feed mill equipment to the finished product.
Getting Started
Groff reports that the industry for feed mills is only growing. The company is seeing increasing demand for new or expanded facilities. New generations of owners need guidance on setting up new operations and increasing production at existing facilities. Groff offered some essential basics to start.
Start With Traffic Flow
Any good feed mill design begins with the layout, which must take into consideration the traffic flow for the facility. This is the foundation for an efficient process and the starting point for a successful setup. One of the most important aspects of this is where trucks come in and out for loading and unloading.
Consider Production Capacity
Another foundational aspect of the facility is production capacity. This information determines more than just the animal feed milling machine you choose. Production capacity also affects other elements of the design, including mixing, conveyance, receiving, and loading/unloading.
What Are Your Ingredients?
Finally, as part of the initial plant planning, it’s essential to consider the feed ingredients that will be used in the facility. The various ingredients that go into animal feed flow differently through ingredient bins, which informs the overall setup and equipment selected.
Choosing Feed Mill Equipment
A comprehensive foundational plan for a new feed mill is just the starting point. Then comes the choice of livestock feed mill equipment to actually make the product. This choice of feed mill machine takes into account the size and fit in the facility, machine quality, machine capacity, and future needs.
Choosing the Right Feed Mill Machine for the Job
There are several basic factors to consider when choosing the equipment for a feed mill operation. One of the most obvious is size, shape, and fit. The equipment selected must fit the space it’s meant to operate in.
Next, think about a machine’s capacity and durability. Many facilities operate 24 hours a day and need equipment designed to run non-stop. The chosen equipment should be able to handle the planned operations and production capacity.
Planning for the Future
While considering all of the more obvious and basic factors like size, capacity, and running times, new feed mills also need to think about the future. It’s easier and more cost-effective to build a higher capacity facility now than to expand later.
This is important when it comes to choosing a mill for more than just capacity. It also helps to think about quality and the company behind the equipment. Will they provide good, consistent customer service and maintenance over the years? Changing out equipment is a big expense that ideally is avoided by choosing the right machine.
Roller Mills vs. Hammer Mills
Animal feed milling machines come in a few different forms. One important consideration is a traditional hammer mill versus a more advanced roller mill. A hammer mill is a lower cost option, but it’s not always the best option. Grains ground by roller mills have better flow ability, which makes the process more efficient.
Roller mills also provide a more consistent product, which is essential in animal feed, both for animal health and for operations at the feed mill. According to Groff, anecdotal evidence shows that roller mills produce more digestible feed that improves gut health in hogs and increases output in dairy cattle.
A roller mill can also provide greater flexibility, especially the RMS VersaMill®. It allows operators to change the grind with the click of a button and to get an accurate particle size with less waste material.
Partner with RMS and Get the Support You Need
Setting up a new or expanded feed mill is a big project that requires planning and expertise. The professionals at Groff Julius and RMS Roller-Grinder can help. Contact us today to discuss your equipment needs.
