UZWIL, SWITZERLAND — After 10 months of training, 16 participants received a diploma from the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT).

Participants from six continents and 14 countries participated in the 39th edition of the diploma course in compound feed technology in Uzwil, Switzerland.

“You have now everything in your hands to make precise and efficient progress in your company with the right technology,” said Reto Mösch, vice president, SFT, to the graduates. “Today’s challenges such as the availability of raw materials, variations in their quality, changing eating and purchasing habits of consumers, the use of byproducts from the food industry and the demand for sustainable and efficient technologies require the development and dissemination of technological and innovative know-how. At the same time, increasing regulatory requirements for feed safety, animal health and animal welfare pose additional challenges to feed manufacturers.”

Lothar Driller, managing director of the SFT, added, “Training in feed milling at the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology provides graduates with the necessary knowledge to successfully meet these demands.”

The diploma course covers a wide range of fundamentals from process engineering, animal nutrition, automation and feed mill management to the latest sensor technologies. These skills will enable graduates to take on management roles and successfully develop the industry.

A special highlight of the graduation ceremony was the honoring of Mark Werthmann, who graduated top of class with an overall grade of 96%.

Werthmann works as a process engineer for Bühler AG in Switzerland. In addition, he was a lecturer for the subjects of Liquid and Steam Addition as well as Sensor Technology.

At the graduation ceremony, he was awarded the traditional Swiss tin plate for his outstanding achievements.

The training to become a feed production engineer takes place on a part-time basis. The attendance period is eight weeks, divided into two blocks. Between the two blocks, participants undertake independent studies in 21 subjects.

During the two intensive courses, participants complete a total of 13 written examinations. The two oral examinations on the core thematic areas, in front of a panel of experts, form the highlight and final phase of each learning block.

Driller expressed his gratitude to the employers who have supported the graduates in various ways, e.g. by funding the course fees or giving the participants time off during the two intensive courses.

The SFT association was founded in 1979 on the initiative of Dr. Rene Bühler and is accredited by the Association of Swiss Feed Manufacturers (VSF) as a center of excellence for feed technology.

The SFT provides professionals from the feed milling industry and related sectors with practical expertise in the production of animal feed. Upon successful completion of the diploma course, graduates will be able to understand and apply all modern process technologies and machines in a compound feed manufacturing plant.

The Swiss multinational plant equipment manufacturer Bühler AG is a partner of the SFT.

To date, 624 professionals from 75 countries have successfully completed the diploma as a feed production engineer.