After ten intensive months of training, 14 experts in compound feed technology have been awarded the diploma of the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology.
The 14 graduates of the 36th course in feed technology with their trainers and the board of directors of the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology.
Uzwil, October 29, 2019 – After ten intensive months of training, 14 experts in compound feed technology have been awarded the diploma of the renowned Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT). Participants from Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Hungary took part in the 36th edition of the specialization course. The best-performing student was a participant from Germany.
A total of 14 participants from four countries took part in the 36th edition of the diploma course in compound feed technology, which took place from January to October 2019. All 14 participants received their certificates on Friday, October 25, 2019. In ten intensive months, the students deepened their knowledge of compound feed production through self-study (distance learning) and attendance (traditional learning) phases. “The 14 new experts are crucial for the industry,” said Reto Mösch, Vice President of the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT).
Future managers
“You now have everything in your hands to make precise and efficient progress with the right technology in your company,” said Reto Mösch in his speech, and appealed to the graduates to actively apply their new knowledge.
The importance of the compound feed industry is growing in several countries due to the increasing meat consumption. To meet that demand, efficient technologies and know-how are needed for sustainable animal feed production. At the same time, the requirements are also constantly increasing: the demands of customers and end consumers as well as the legal regulations pose ever greater challenges for feed millers. “Training as a feed technician at the School of Feed Technology provides the expert the knowledge needed to successfully master these challenges,” says Lothar Driller, school principal of the SFT. The diploma course covers a broad field, from process technology, animal nutrition, automation, feed mill management to new sensor technologies as a basis for the digitalization of the industry. These skills qualify graduates to take on management tasks and to successfully further develop the industry.
Participants from Germany become best in class
Ole Christian Weidemann impressed with his outstanding results. With a score of 5.63/6 he was the best performer in his class. He was honored with the presentation of the traditional tin plate during the graduation ceremony. Weidemann has already completed his master’s examination at the Swiss Milling School and in 2017 was awarded the title of Best Young Miller by the German Association for Animal Nutrition. Ole Christian Weidemann works as site manager and technical manager in his own family business.
Best in class Ole Christian Weidemann (center) with the representatives of the board of the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology Lothar Driller, school principal (left) and Reto Mösch, vice president (right).
Double the load
The training as a feed technician takes place in parallel with profession occupation. The attendance time is eight weeks, divided into two blocks. Between the teaching blocks, the participants independently complete academic achievements in 21 subject areas. During the two intensive courses, students take a total of 14 written examinations. The two oral examinations on the core topics before an expert committee form the highlight and the conclusion phase of each learning block. This requires commitment and renunciation from the students. Lothar Driller also thanks the employers who have supported the graduates with various means, such as paying the course fee or giving the participants time off from work during the two intensive courses.
Focus on practice
The SFT is a non-profit association and is recognized by the Association of Swiss Feed Manufacturers (VSF) as a training and further education center. It provides professionals from the animal feed industry and related industries with practical expertise in the production of animal feed. A successful completion of the specialization course provides the graduates with the prerequisite to understand all modern process technologies and processes in a compound feed plant and to apply them efficiently in practice. The international technology company Bühler Group is a partner of SFT. To date, 577 professionals from 73 countries have successfully completed the specialization course in compound feed technology.
The next course in feed technology will start in January 2021 and will be held in English.
Media contact
Lothar Driller
school principal of the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology
P.O. Box 51
CH-9240 Uzwil
Switzerland
E-Mail: sft.uzwil@buhlergroup.com