The 2026 Feed Mill of the Future Conference will focus on address transformative technologies highlighting the key aspects of modern feed manufacturing essential to success. Feed manufacturers and nutritionists will gain essential insights as leading feed manufacturing experts examine the emerging feed mill technologies and innovations that will affect animal feed production in the years and decades ahead.
The conference theme, "Innovations future-proofing the feed industry’s bottom line," is explored across several different themes, including automation, formulation and sensor applications.
The half-day event, organized by Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines in partnership with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), will be held on January 27, 2026, on the first day of the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).
2026 Feed Mill of the Future Conference Agenda
8-8:30 a.m. | Modernizing feed production with digital, data and AI
Speaker: David Pelsoci, managing partner, Captios Partners
Discover how to transform digital buzz into bottom-line results in feed manufacturing, cutting through the artificial intelligence (AI) hype to reveal practical applications delivering measurable value today. Drawing from real client implementations, this session presents a proven framework for approaching digital, data, and AI investments — from digital twins that optimize throughput and reduce cost per ton to real-time quality monitoring that minimizes shrink to predictive maintenance models that prevent costly downtime. Attendees will understand the building blocks of digital maturity essential to AI success and learn why waiting isn't an option — stagnation carries risk. Feed manufacturers can systematically progress from foundational infrastructure through data integration to AI enablement, creating a technology flywheel that turns digital tools from an operational hindrance into a true competitive advantage.
8:30-9 a.m. | Integrating technology in feed mill automation for a smarter supply chain
Speaker: Jake Joraanstad, CEO, Bushel
Feed mills, livestock managers and transportation companies juggle disconnected tools for inventory, delivery, animal movement and sourcing, creating confusion and delays across the supply chain. This presentation demonstrates how existing systems can work together through shared data and automation to reduce coordination time, improve delivery efficiency and meet growing demands for transparency. Rather than adding another login or dashboard, this session will explore how application programming interfaces (APIs) can connect platforms to enable automated mix-load creation, traceable local grain sourcing, and smoother communication between co-ops, farmers, packers and feed suppliers — transforming fragmented operations into streamlined workflows without additional manual work.
9-9:30 | How predictive maintenance is optimizing the feed mills of the future
Speaker: Nick Malott, analytics architect, Interstates Inc.
Equipment failure has always been a costly reality for feed mills, using traditional maintenance that relies on routine checks and reactive fixes. Too often, fixes lead to disruptive shutdowns. This session will explore how AI-powered predictive maintenance shifts feed mill operations from reactive to proactive. By leveraging real-time data — temperature, vibration, energy use — AI systems now detect early warning signs of wear or malfunction before a breakdown occurs. This results in fewer unplanned outages, extended equipment life, smarter labor allocation and significant cost savings. An expert will break down the core technologies behind this transformation, from machine learning to goal-based control systems, and show how mills can use these tools to reduce downtime and meet sustainability targets.
9:30 – 10 a.m. | Coffee break
10-10:30 a.m. | Empowering operational readiness through data intelligence for smarter feed mills
Speaker: Ranjit Maharajan, head of product group - automation solutions, ANDRITZ
Find out how operator training simulators (OTS) and AI-powered tools in feed production are revolutionizing feed mill operations. Participants will learn how OTS enables safe, realistic training without disrupting production, while generative AI Co-Pilot tools transform raw data into real-time actionable insights. The presentation demonstrates how operators can "chat with their data" to identify bottlenecks, optimize quality and make faster decisions. Attendees will discover practical strategies for integrating these technologies, overcoming implementation challenges and creating synergy between automation and human expertise. The session provides a roadmap for preparing teams and facilities for next-generation feed manufacturing where digital intelligence enhances operational excellence, safety and sustainability.
10:30-11 a.m. | How to prepare for smart facility optimization
Speakers: Brian Sokoloski, chief technology officer, Easy Automation Inc.
Feed mill managers face a critical challenge: preparing their facilities for AI implementation in an industry where the technology's potential remains largely untapped. This session provides a practical roadmap for establishing cloud-based storage, data accessibility and AI readiness. Attendees will learn actionable steps across four essential preparation areas: cleaning and refining existing data by inventorying storage systems and integrating fragmented spreadsheets; identifying and capturing missing operational data from equipment sensors to truck routing; modernizing technology stacks with API-connected, cloud-based databases that enable seamless integration; and implementing rigorous data security protocols to protect valuable assets. By addressing these foundational elements, managers will walk away with clear action items to execute immediately, critical questions to guide their teams toward future AI integration, and the confidence that comes from being ahead of the curve. The goal is simple: transform facilities now so they're positioned to leverage AI's power for optimization, efficiency and profitability as the technology matures.
11-11:30 | AI-driven feed formulation: Enhancing nutritional accuracy and profitability
Speakers: Lynn Verstrepen, director of strategic growth, BESTMIX
The feed industry is sitting on a goldmine of untapped data, and AI offers a transformative path to unlock it. This presentation demonstrates how artificial intelligence can democratize decades of formulation and production knowledge — currently accessible only to experienced experts — making it actionable for teams at all levels. Attendees will see practical applications including predictive modeling that reduces trial-and-error and formulator bias, real-time AI dashboards that have cut waste by up to 30% and over-formulation by up to 50%, and closed-loop systems where production insights continuously feed back into recipe design. By turning raw data into accessible intelligence, feed manufacturers can deliver precise nutrition while reducing costs, waste and environmental impact across the entire value chain.
11:30 a.m.- noon | Panel Q&A
All speakers will return to the stage for a panel discussion and to answer audience questions.
BIOGRAPHIES
Jake Joraanstad is the CEO of Bushel, an independently owned and operated software company. Bushel is focused on bringing innovative software products and solutions to the agriculture value chain. Since launching in 2017, Bushel's software powers more than 3,500 ag retail and grain facilities and reaches over 100,000 farmers across the U.S. and Canada with real-time business information.
Ranjit Maharajan leads the global automation product group at ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel, driving digital transformation in feed manufacturing. With more than 15 years of experience in industrial automation, he translates AI, machine learning, and advanced process control into practical solutions that enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability. He spearheads the Autonomous Mill program and pioneered tools like the Operator Training Simulator and Co-Pilot, co-developed with Microsoft.
Nick Malott is an analytics architect at Interstates Inc., leveraging over a decade of manufacturing analytics expertise. His background spans middleware applications, IIoT technologies, self-service analytics, data engineering and advanced analytics — enabling Interstates to offer robust, integrated solutions that fit seamlessly into clients' existing systems and deliver measurable value to end users. Malott has been a key driver of Interstates' success in deploying advanced analytics solutions including model predictive control, predictive maintenance, production optimization and asset inventory initiatives.
David Pelsoci is a technology leader and co-founder of Captios Partners, a consulting firm focused on digital, data and AI solutions for the agribusiness market. He has extensive experience in ERP modernization, data platforms and AI applications, guiding organizations through vendor selection, architecture design and implementation. His career spans roles at BCG and other leading firms, where he led large-scale software, analytics, data and AI transformation programs.
Brian Sokoloski is the chief technology officer at Easy Automation. With more than 10 years of experience in ag software engineering and recent consulting work for Fortune 500 technology companies, including Oracle, Sokoloski boasts a strong track record of integrating emerging technologies into legacy product lines. Today, he leads the development team at Easy Automation, with heavy emphasis on solving customers' problems and incorporating new technologies.
Lynn Verstrepen, BESTMIX's director of strategic growth, is a passionate product leader with more than 13 years of experience creating innovative software for the nutrition industry. With a background in bioengineering and environmental technology, Verstrepen uses deep industry knowledge and customer insights to develop solutions focused on formulation, quality control, ERP and supplier management.
For up-to-date conference information, visit https://www.feedmillofthefuture.com.
Registration is open! How to register for FMOTF Conference: Go to www.ippexpo.org, and visit the "Education Program Offerings/Paid Programs" (under "Attend/Featured Programs") for details. Register early for best pricing, and to guarantee a seat.
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