Feed Quality Workshop Announced

May 10, 2002

The National Grain and Feed Association will conduct the 15th in an ongoing series of its feed quality assurance workshops on June 11-12 in Des Moines, IA. The workshop, which is being supported by the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, enables feed mill managers to custom-design their own feed quality assurance programs using as a model a program developed by the NGFA.

"Quality products and customer service are the keys to a successful feed business," said NGFA Feed Director of Feed Services David Fairfield. "Implementing a feed quality assurance program is a great way for a feed company to differentiate itself in the marketplace, gain customer allegiance and increase business volume. "While all types and sizes of feed companies will benefit by attending the workshop, it is particularly useful for small and mid-size companies that don't have the staff resources or time to start from scratch to develop a quality-assurance program," said Fairfield.

He said feed mill managers, feed production supervisors, grain and feed ingredient buyers, and personnel involved in loading, transporting and unloading feed will benefit from attending.

The NGFA noted that there is a regulatory incentive for implementing effective quality-assurance programs, since such mills may be a lower priority for inspection by the Food and Drug Administration and some state feed control authorities. FDA is considering launching a voluntary self-inspection pilot program later this year under which licensed medicated feed mills generally would be exempted from routine biennial inspections if they implement quality-assurance programs that meet the agency's current good manufacturing practice regulations. Those attending the workshop receive a certificate of participation.

Speakers include Brad Gottula, director of quality assurance and regulatory compliance for Land O'Lakes Farmland Feeds LLC, Fort Dodge, IA, and NGFA Director of Feed Services David Fairfield who had more than 20 years' experience in managing commercial feed mills for Cargill Inc.'s Nutrena Feed Division, Continental Grain's Wayne Feeds and Animal Nutrition Divisions, and Hubbard Feeds Inc. before joining the NGFA's staff in 2001.