ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) in partnership with the IGP Institute of the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University (KSU) will host a distance education program offered every quarter through 2015. The online course will offer an in-depth understanding of the feed manufacturing process and is ideal for individuals with minimal experience in the feed industry.
 
The AFIA 500: Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing e-learning program is a five-week, 100% online course allowing participants the flexibility to work at their own pace while engaging in online discussions with other participants as well as university faculty instructors. The course will be offered from Feb. 16 to March 20, May 4 to June 5, Aug. 10 to Sept. 11 and Oct. 19 to Nov. 20.

"AFIA 500 is a unique course that benefits participants of all calibers and feed expertise. Whether you are new to the industry or grew up working on a farm, in this course you will find resourceful information that will enhance your understanding of the feed industry every day," said Henry Turlington, AFIA director of quality and manufacturing regulatory affairs.

The feed technology group in KSU's department of grain science and industry is responsible for the development of AFIA 500. Topics include the process flow from particle size reduction to batching and mixing, conditioning and pelleting, boilers, post-pellet systems, packaging and loadout and maintenance.

AFIA has partnered with KSU — the only U.S. university to offer a bachelor's of science degree in feed manufacturing, and home of the IGP Institute. For more than 35 years, the IGP Institute has established a worldwide reputation as a center of excellence for international programs related to flour milling and grain processing, feed manufacturing and grain management, grain marketing and risk management focused on corn, grain sorghum, soybeans and wheat. The courses are taught by a diverse blend of individuals from KSU and within the feed and allied industries and provide in-depth training on all aspects related to feed manufacturing.