Profitable Practices: Adding value to off-grade grain through feed milling

"Middleton owns and operates Manawan Mills, a feed mill operation that processes grain into complete livestock feeds for species ranging from poultry to cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The mill sources most of its grain from nearby farms, often purchasing product that may be discounted at commercial elevators due to quality factors such as splits or lower test weight. Middleton says in this episode of Profitable Practices that those characteristics don't limit the grain's usefulness once it is processed."

"All incoming grain is tested for factors such as moisture and protein before being blended into finished feed. The business currently brings in between 100 and 150 tonnes of grain per month, totalling roughly 1,500 tonnes annually, almost entirely from within a short driving distance. Location has played a key role in the mill's development. Middleton says keeping inputs and services local reduces transportation and supports the surrounding community."

"Most supplements, minerals, equipment, and parts are also sourced nearby, and about half of the mill's production is poultry feed, driven in part by growth in backyard chicken flocks. While the mill became profitable relatively early, Middleton says that running it involves more coordination than grain farming alone. "It's more the amount of phone work... dealing with customers, scheduling things," he says. For producers considering a similar venture, understanding that added layer of logistics is an important part of the decision."

Ian Middleton owns and operates Manawan Mills, a Sturgeon County feed mill that processes grain into complete feeds for poultry, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. The mill sources most grain from nearby farms, often buying discounted-quality lots such as split peas or lower test-weight grain, then tests all incoming grain for moisture and protein before blending. The operation handles about 100–150 tonnes per month (roughly 1,500 tonnes annually), with most inputs and supplements sourced locally. About half production is poultry feed, partly due to backyard flock growth. The mill reached profitability early but requires more customer coordination, scheduling and phone work than grain farming.

Read at Realagriculture