M6202 - Feed mills and seed plants, grain drying

Operational Details
Feed mills differ from flour mills in that the process is less involved, even though both are involved in handling grain and processing it into different products. Feed is for animal, rather than human consumption. It includes both grain processing and the production of liquid feeds.

Animal feed grain processing involves the use of a grinder or hammer mill that breaks down or crushes the grain. A hammer mill uses a series of small hammers revolving at a high speed, which helps to break down the grain, then it is forced through a screen to further break down the kernels. Next, the kernels are processed in a mixer, where a number of ingredients may be blended or mixed together in combination . Cereal grains such as corn, bran, soybean meal and micro-ingredients may be added, including vitamins and minerals to produce just the right formula.

When pellets are required, the mixture of feed is treated with steam and forced through dies that produce the pellets.

The production of liquid feeds is primarily the blending of concentrates, nutrients and water in large tanks and when mixed, the product is poured into plastic pails, barrels or jugs for shipment.

When delivery is undertaken by employers in this industry, it forms part of the overall operations being conducted.

Seed cleaning involves custom drying and cleaning for farmers, or buying seed from farmers and processing for themselves. The seed is offloaded by the farmer who either hauls the grain in to be cleaned and returned to him, or sells it outright. While there are many types of seeds cleaned, oats is one speciality that is purchased, cleaned by being put through a number of shakers and screens so all the chaff and impurities are shaken out. It is then bagged or shipped in bulk to market. Other grains include: mustard seed, canola, alfalfa, lentils, brome grass, etc.

Grain drying is also part of this industry and involves using heaters to dry the grain. This activity may also be undertaken in conjunction with seed cleaning.

SIC Codes
000000529 - Feed mill
000000530 - Grain drying
000000531 - Seed plant