NCI Hosts Understanding Feed Manufacturing for Graduate Students Course | July 21-23, 2026

NCI Feed Mill Manager, Shane Mueller, giving a tour of the mill

The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) hosted its Understanding Feed Manufacturing for Graduate Students course on July 21-23, 2026. This course provided a three-day workshop as a service to graduate students and our partner universities. This course is held every other year in-person at the Northern Crops Institute Feed Production Center. This year’s group involved 6 participants from North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, and California.

The course was designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of the feed milling industry, including feed manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality assurance practices. Throughout the program, students explored each stage of feed production, from ingredient handling and formulation to grinding, mixing, pelleting, and finished product evaluation. Combining classroom instruction with hands-on activities at the NCI Feed Mill, participants gained practical experience operating feed processing equipment while learning industry standards for feed quality, safety, and efficiency.

Shane sharing samples with the graduate students

The course began with an introduction to the feed milling industry, followed by a tour of the NCI Feed Mill and presentations on industry regulations, safety, feed mill equipment, and automation from NCI’s Feed Mill Manager, Shane Mueller. FOSS then presented on NIR technology and different lab testing. In the afternoon, participants explored feed formulation software from Datacor, and a high shear dry extrusion presentation from Insta-Pro Virtual, before taking part in a hands-on demonstration of the NCI's Insta-Pro extruder.

Day two began with classroom presentations covering stored ingredient management with Shane Mueller. RMS Roller-Grinder presented on the roller grinder and roller mill operation. The day continued with learning about both the pellet and hammer mill designs and applications from California Pellet Mill. Participants then moved into the feed mill lab for hands-on corn grinding using multiple roller mill settings before evaluating particle size through laboratory analysis.

Evaluating the grinded corn for particle size

The final day of the course focused on feed mixing and pelleting operations. Participants learned about mixer types, operation, and design from Scott Equipment Company, before applying their knowledge by mixing feed batches in the NCI Feed Mill and completing a quan-tab test to evaluate mixing accuracy. The course concluded with a hands-on pellet mill demonstration, including discussions on pellet mill operation, design, and pellet durability testing.

NCI would like to thank the North Dakota Corn Council for their support in making this course possible. We would also like to thank all of our attendees, guest speakers, and demonstration operators who helped make the program a success. Offered at no cost to students, the course provided valuable industry experience, and NCI looks forward to offering it again for the next generation of future feed milling professionals.

To view and register for upcoming courses, visit www.northern-crops.com/courses.