Oliver Brägger | Sales Manager | Value Nutrition | Bühler Group | mail me |
The benefits of precision feed milling were highlighted at the AFMA Forum 2026, which took place at Sun City from 8 to 10 September 2026. During a panel discussion, I explained how real-time data and automation can help feed manufacturers better manage raw material variability, optimise production, and improve feed quality.
Feed manufacturers must maintain consistent nutritional specifications, even though the quality of key raw materials such as grain can vary. Changes in raw material quality will affect nutritional composition. As a result, manufacturers face greater difficulty maintaining feed quality while managing costs.
From real-time monitoring to automated control
Precision feed milling offers a more proactive approach. It combines real-time data with automated process control, enabling manufacturers to adjust to variability during production and support improving feed quality in real time.
As a critical link between agricultural production and animal protein, the feed industry plays an important role in maintaining the quality, consistency and efficiency of food production. The theme provided a relevant backdrop for discussions around how technology and data can help feed manufacturers respond to variability. It also highlighted how these tools can strengthen performance across the value chain.
Our precision feed milling approach uses real-time monitoring and inline analytics. These technologies provide feed manufacturers with continuous visibility into raw material information. This data can support automated formulation and recipe adjustment, rather than relying solely on fixed assumptions.
Feed safety and quality
Precision feed milling is about moving from reacting to variability to actively managing it in real time. By turning data into actionable insights, manufacturers can make better decisions, improve feed consistency and maximise the value of available raw materials.
This approach can also support improving feed quality in real time. By monitoring changing conditions during production, manufacturers can respond more quickly to variations in raw materials. Consequently, they can improve consistency while making better use of available inputs.
Our precision feed milling approach also encompasses optical sorting technologies. These technologies help identify and remove mycotoxin-contaminated materials, supporting feed safety and quality assurance. This can help manufacturers manage potential contamination risks when raw-material quality varies. At the same time, manufacturers must maintain nutritional requirements.
Feed safety starts at the feed mill, where contaminated raw materials can be identified and removed before they enter the production process.
More effective process control can help reduce energy consumption. In addition, using available raw materials more effectively can support both economic and sustainability objectives. Together, these capabilities can contribute to improving feed quality in real time while supporting broader feed safety and production goals.
Efficiency through digitalisation and process optimisation
Efficiency is a key part of precision feed milling. Our approach combines smart and precise equipment, advanced plant operation, sensor technology and operational data. Together, these elements provide greater visibility and control across the production process.
Optimised algorithms can use this data to enable real-time optimisation. This helps feed manufacturers respond to changing production conditions, improve resource efficiency and make more informed operational decisions. It also provides manufacturers with the information needed to support improving feed quality in real time as production conditions change.
Our expertise includes precision feed milling and process optimisation, real-time monitoring, automated recipe control, optical sorting for mycotoxin removal and digitalised, data-driven production systems. At the AFMA Forum 2026, I discussed how these technologies translate into practical production benefits for feed manufacturers.
