by Blake Sandnes
How Cameron Colony Improved its Poultry Feed Mill Grind with a VersaMill®
Problem
Cameron Colony uses wet corn in their feed grind, which tends to produce a lot of flakes with their current poultry feed mill equipment. They were looking for a solution to this problem that didn’t involve buying a dryer.
Solution
Not satisfied with the results they were getting from their current machine, Cameron Colony turned to RMS to find out if the VersaMill® could produce the desired particle size with wet corn.
Result
Cameron Colony now uses a VersaMill®, a unique industrial roller mill, with wet corn and gets the desired particle size with minimal fines and improved feed conversion ratios.
Overview
Our Ag Feed Sales Manager, Travis Huft, recently spoke with representatives from Cameron Colony in South Dakota about their experiences with the VersaMill®. Johnny Waldner, the Feed Manager, and Reuben Waldner, the secretary treasurer and Hog Manager, talked to Travis about their issues getting the right grind for turkey and hog feed.
The Waldners hoped RMS could help them find a solution for the problem of grinding wet corn. They wanted to get the right particle size and reduce flaking and fines without using a corn dryer before grinding.
Problem
Cameron Colony produces feed for its turkeys and hogs using wet corn. When wet corn goes through a grinder, it can flake. The Colony was experiencing up to 13% flakes in their feed. Drying the corn before grinding would help reduce flaking, but they wanted to avoid the cost of buying a dryer.
They also hoped that by improving the feed grind, they could improve feeding efficiency in their turkeys. Getting the particle size right is essential for optimizing the feed conversion ratio. Too many fines reduces the birds’ consumption of feed. A particle size that is too large also reduces consumption and uptake of nutrients.
Solution
Cameron Colony approached an RMS competitor looking for a solution. They said they could solve the problem of grinding wet corn while minimizing flaking, but that it would require a twice-daily change of pulleys and belts.
They then talked to RMS, who offered the VersaMill® as a solution. It’s different from standard roller mills in that it allows the operator to easily change roll gap, speed, and differential to get the most precise grind possible. Many previous customers report that the VersaMill® helps them achieve even very small particle sizes consistently.
The Waldners were skeptical that the VersaMill® could grind their wet corn without producing flakes. RMS took up the challenge and even added extra water to the corn before performing the grind.
Results
The results surprised and impressed the Waldners. The VersaMill® produced the desired 700 micron grind on the corn with no flakes. They were also pleased with the texture of the corn, a sharp grit that their turkeys prefer.
The lack of flaking was just the beginning of the benefits they saw once they began using a VersaMill®. They found a significant decrease in dust in the machine, and almost no fines in the finished product.
This produced two added benefits for the feed for both the Colony’s hogs and turkeys. Once they started using the VersaMill® they saw an improvement in feed conversion for the turkeys. Turkey feed conversion ratios average around 3.0, and the Colony was regularly getting 2.8 to 3.0. After using the VersaMill®, that number went down to 2.3, an amazing conversion ratio they had never seen before with their poultry.
The lack of fines also benefited the hog population. Fine particles in feed is a leading cause of ulcers in hogs, which can cause major health issues in the population. The Colony is currently raising sows, and since using the VersaMill®, they have seen no ulcers in the population.
The Waldners report these outstanding results from switching to a VersaMill®. They have also been happy with the customer service RMS provides, getting quick responses to their calls and questions. They are so happy with the situation, they have offered to let RMS refer potential customers to them, so they can share their positive experience with our products and service.
We love solving problems for customers like we did with the Cameron Colony in South Dakota. Facing similar grinding concerns or other production challenges? Let us help! Reach out to us today.
