Feed Team Earns Select Pride
posted on Monday, December 18, 2023
Keeping pigs fed and satisfied with the proper nutrition is a critical component of pig farming, which is why we are happy to recognize the people who run the “control center” of our feed department.
Led by Ben Habrel, the director of feed and nutrition, the feed order team comprises Nikki Ferrell, Mickey Bates and Hannah Holm.
This small but mighty team of four is the key point of contact for 18 different milling locations and processes 2,000 feed orders—approximately 43,000 tons of feed moments a week.
And order accuracy is essential. Each “lot” follows a feed formulation plan, which is different for each pig type and phase and changes as the pigs grow. Over a year, this team will set up 1,300 lots (groups of pigs), keeping all 14 diet formulations correct while coordinating the removal of any leftover feed in the bins on over 1,000 farms yearly.
The feed team provides 24/7/365 coverage to ensure barns receive feed so animals are cared for.
“I think one of the things we appreciate about the feed team is that they make every effort to help keep our managers and supervisors get the correct information, which helps us minimize feed vac services and those unplanned or emergency orders," said Bob Webb.
“I could not think of a better group of folks to recognize for their service to the farms and company,” said Kent Nolting with New Coop. “I’ve worked with the team for seven years. They always stay positive and pleasant and are committed to working through any situation.”
Kent refers to snow, tornados, icy roads, COVID and staffing challenges in the trucking industry. The feed team manages all of these situations in partnership with the toll mill and our production team, who always have a contingency plan ready.
“Ben is a wealth of knowledge, and he’s always there for us when we need a question answered,” said Kent.
Dean Runde, who provides a feed vacuum service to many of our finishers, agrees they are more than deserving. “The feed team is easy to work with and available anytime or day. We talk on the phone almost daily, and they are always professional organized and make our jobs much easier.”
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