The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), in partnership with Feedstuffs, named ADM’s animal nutrition feed facility in Bluffton, Ind., as its 2023 Premix/Ingredient Feed Facility of the Year. Gary Huddleston, AFIA’s director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs, presented the award Wednesday to plant manager Brent Weedman during AFIA’s Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Conference, happening this week in San Antonio, Texas.

“It is very obvious that the management staff at the ADM Bluffton facility is laser-focused on leading a well-oiled team in producing safe and high-quality animal feed,” said Huddleston. “It is evident that they have a very qualified group of employees and leaders at the plant.”

The Bluffton facility plant made a strategic shift to manufacturing premixes in response to changing markets. With a strong emphasis on safety, quality and efficiency, their efforts have been commendable. Notably, ADM’s Daily Review and Response (DRR) meetings have played a significant role in enhancing employee engagement and operational effectiveness.

“We are extremely proud of our Bluffton Team! We have introduced DRR in all of our facilities and Bluffton continues to drive continuous improvement. The DRRs are designed to keep visibility and balance in our metrics. This ensures we remain focused and urgent to service our customers,” stated Junior Rogers, ADM North America Director, Animal Nutrition.

The AFIA has been recognizing excellent feed manufacturing facilities through the Feed Facility of the Year program since 1985. Applications for the 2024 Feed Facility of the Year program opened March 4 and will be accepted until April 12. Learn more at afia.org/FFY.