In this episode of The Feed Science Podcast Show, Cesar Menendez from Smithfield Foods discusses feed mill efficiency, labor retention, equipment reliability, and operational strategies for modern feed manufacturing. He explains how preventive maintenance, employee training, alternative ingredients, and maximizing equipment performance can reduce production costs while improving feed quality and operational sustainability. Cesar also shares practical insights on pellet mill optimization and feed mill culture. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Commodity pricing continues creating pressure across feed manufacturing operations, forcing facilities to evaluate alternative ingredients and improve efficiency while maintaining competitive feed costs.”

Meet the guest: Cesar Menendez is the Feed Manufacturing and Bakery Operations Director at Smithfield Foods, leading feed manufacturing operations across the United States. With more than 20 years of experience in feed and food manufacturing, Cesar specializes in feed mill efficiency, operational reliability, maintenance planning, and workforce development. He holds an MBA from Northcentral University and a degree in AG Industry Engineering from Zamorano University. Listen to Cesar Menendez on The Feed Science Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:18) Introduction
• (07:17) Commodity cost challenges
• (17:34) Workforce retention
• (26:18) Improving mill efficiency
• (31:31) Pellet mill capacity
• (35:34) Conditioning and cooling
• (37:35) Final Questions

The Feed Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* DietForge

* Kemin

* Evonik

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