The Canadian International Grains Institute, in conjunction with the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, will offer a Canadian Feed Technology Course in Winnipeg from April 17 to 19.

The course will include updates on changes in feed manufacturing technologies and provide training on such as aspects as least cost formulations and changes related to food safety regulations. CIGI director of research and business development Dr Rex Newkirk says it will be primarily of interest to those involved in the hands-on production of feed.

Dr Rex Newkirk-Canadian International Grains Institute:

It typically is, for example, staff in a feed mill. They might be an expert in a particular area but need to have a breadth of understanding in the plant so they can fill in other areas and also understand the full implications of the process or to trouble shoot areas within plant.

There's also interest from producers that are producing on farm and need to understand how the process works and how they can apply some of these things to their own farm.

In livestock production, particularly in hog production, feed manufacturing is your largest expense and so being able to ensure that your production is not affected by changes in your manufacturing practices or formulation and having a consistent product is essential.

Being able to do it in a cost effective and efficient manner is essential because I believe it's something like 65 to 70 percent of your cost of producing hogs is feed if not more.

By going through this training you get a much better understanding of how it all fits together and where you can make efficiencies and make sure you're making a consistent product.