Challenge
Challenge Summary: Umbarger Show Feeds needed a grinding system that could maintain consistent particle size while supporting higher production at its new facility.
Solution
Solution Summary: RMS Roller-Grinder supplied Umbarger with roller mills featuring AccuGap controls and software integration that connects directly with the mill’s operating system.
Result
Result Summary: Operators can now change grind profiles quickly while maintaining consistent particle size across shifts.
Overview
Umbarger Show Feeds has been in operation since 1939. What began as a local grind-and-mix mill now serves customers across roughly 45 states.
When the company built a new feed mill facility, the design included two pellet mills and a new grinding system to support greater feed mill automation.
According to Russell Reed, Vice President of Operations at Umbarger Show Feeds, the team evaluated several roller mill manufacturers before selecting RMS.
For Umbarger, RMS had the roller mills and automation system that best aligned with the goals of the new facility.
Problem
Designing a new facility allowed Umbarger to rethink its grinding process. While the previous mill had supported production for years, the new plant needed higher throughput to supply two pellet mills. The system also needed to maintain a consistent particle size across multiple feed formulations while remaining easy for operators to manage.
Frequent product changes added another challenge. In addition to grinding feed, the plant occasionally cracks corn, requiring multiple mill configurations. Production slows when operators manually recalibrate the equipment between setups, and even small differences in roll settings can alter the grind profile. That variation affects feed consistency and pellet quality.
The team wanted feed mill automation that would standardize the grinding process and remove guesswork from equipment setup.
Solution
RMS installed a 12×24 Triple Pair roller mill with automation in 2019, followed by a 9×36 Pellet Crumbler in 2020. The grinding system supported Umbarger’s feed mill automation goals with AccuGap controls that automatically maintain the correct roll position during operation.
Instead of manually adjusting the rolls, operators select a stored grind setting through Umbarger’s automated feed mill control system. The mill then positions the rolls automatically to match the selected configuration.
As Reed explains, “AccuGap takes the guesswork out of it for us.”
This type of integration reflects the growing use of automation technology for feed mills, where grind settings and recipes are managed digitally rather than recalibrated manually.
RMS also provided on-site support during commissioning, training Umbarger employees on operating procedures, maintenance tasks, and the automated lubrication system.
Later, when Umbarger began using its crumbler, RMS engineers returned to optimize the machine’s product flow and resolve early issues.
Results
The upgraded grinding system has simplified daily operations at the Umbarger facility.
Operators can quickly switch between grind settings without manually recalibrating the mill. Once the correct configuration is selected, the machine adjusts automatically and maintains the target grind profile.
That consistency has reduced variation between shifts. Reed says the team can rely on the mill regardless of who operates it.
“Whether it’s the new guy or the guy that’s worked down there for 20 years… you just know that it’s going to be right.”
With automated grind control in place, Umbarger can manage product changes more efficiently while reducing manual adjustments between runs.
See Why Feed Manufacturers Turn to RMS
Feed manufacturers choose RMS roller mills to bring practical feed mill automation into their operations.
Our roller mills, crumblers, and related equipment help streamline grinding while maintaining consistent particle size. With integrated controls and stored settings, our systems support a more efficient automated feed mill without complicating day-to-day operation.
Just as important, our team works directly with customers before, during, and after installation. From startup support to ongoing service, RMS remains a reliable partner as your operation grows.
If you’re exploring automation technology for feed mills, talk with our team about the roller mill solutions built to support modern feed manufacturing.
Contact us today to discuss the right milling system for your feed mill.
