The half-day Feed Mill of the Future Conference, organized in partnership with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), brings together leading feed industry experts to examine emerging feed mill technologies and processes that will impact animal feed manufacturing in the years ahead. 
Organized by Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines
The 2026 edition will be held on January 27, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
2026 Feed Mill of the Future Conference
Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines are seeking abstracts from potential speakers at the upcoming Feed Mill of the Future Conference, held on January 27, 2026. The half-day event is organized by WATT Global Media’s Feed Brands in partnership with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) 2026.
How to register for FMOTF Conference: Registration opens October 6, 2025. To attend, first register to attend IPPE. See www.ippexpo.org, and visit the Education Programs/Paid Conferences for details. Onsite registration will also be available.
AGENDA
NOTE: Additional sessions will be announced soon
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 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.
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, we'll explore how 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.
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.
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.
The roadmap for AI-driven facility optimizations
Speaker: 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.
BIOGRAPHIES
Jake Joraanstad, CEO, Bushel
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 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, head of product group - automation solutions, ANDRITZ
Ranjit Maharajan is the head of the automation solutions product group with ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel. He has served several leadership roles in technology, automation, and digitization. Maharajan earned his master's degree in science and engineering from Miami University and executive leadership certification from The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in strategy and innovation.
Nick Malott, analytics architect, Interstates, Inc.
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, managing partner, Captios Partners
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, Chief Technology Officer, Easy Automation, Inc.
Brian Sokoloski stepped into the role of Chief Technology Officer at Easy Automation in 2024. With over 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.
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About the Feed Mill of the Future Conference
The Feed Mill of the Future Conference is organized and presented by Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines, in partnership with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).