AgriSETA Learner Connect: Meet a feed mill manager

Andries Bezuidenhout has worked diligently for the last 32 years of his life to advance Mzansi’s agri sector. He is indispensable as a feed mill manager for Rossgro Feeds, operating in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo.

Bezuidenhout’s daily job at the mill is to oversee production, quality, costs and safety. A big part of his job is keeping feed ingredient inventory and tracking the needed orders. Feed mill managers need a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal science, poultry science or feed mill management.

“If you are willing to work hard, your will reap the benefits. Remember, tough times do not last, but tough people do. Never start a project if you are not willing to finish it,” says Bezuidenhout.

If this career or field of study interests you then follow Andries’ advice below and consider following in his career footsteps. Over the next few weeks we will feature many more careers to choose from in the agri sector on Food for Mzansi and 19 radio stations all over the country.

Ok, now it’s over to Andries Bezuidenhout, feed mill manager at Rossgro Feeds, a specialised animal feed company…

1Could you sum up your job for us? Feed mill managers are responsible for overseeing the production, quality, costs and safety of the mill that produces feed for animals. They keep inventory of feed ingredients and order as needed and handle customer questions and complaints. Additionally, they ensure all employees are trained on safety and continue to stay up-to-date.

2So, what does the day-to-day of your job entail? I have to review production records, schedule feed production and keep inventory of feed ingredients and order as needed. I also have to test and review feed and grain quality, schedule employee shifts and keep track of employee time. As the manager I have to handle customer questions and complaints and evaluate operating procedures as well as set quality assurance standards. Another key element of my work is to prepare and monitor monthly, quarterly and yearly budgets.

I have to stay up-to-date on new technology and ways to make process improvements. I train new employees and provide development opportunities. This also includes ensuring that all employees are trained on safety and continue to stay up-to-date. I also maintaining filling and other equipment needed to perform the mill’s duties.

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What qualification do you need for this career? A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal science, poultry science or feed mill management.

4What are the character traits you need to be great at your job?Excellent communication and leadership skills are required as well as an ability to multi-task.

5What subjects do I need to become a feed mill manager? The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, business, mathematics and chemistry.

6What do you love about agriculture as a space to work in? It is all about the love for the the earth and the environment and to taking care of it. To work with people and animals. It is good to be able to review your work at the end of the day and know that I was able to contribute and to make a difference to make this country and company a better place for all.

7Don’t be modest, tell us about your proudest career moments? When my team and I was able to produce record tonnage, the best in the company’s history.

8What do you do when you’re not at work? I am currently busy with distance learning in theology. I have a passion for the work of God and for people. I love to do outreach work and hospital visits to pray for the sick.

9Any advice for young people who are inspired by your career story here on AgriSETA Learner Connect? If you are willing to work hard, you will reap the fruitful results from your hands. Whatever you do, do it from your heart, and never give up, no matter how difficult or tough times may be. Remember tough times do not last, but tough people do. Never start a project if you are not willing to finish it.

10Where can I study to become a feed mill manager? Any university or college that offers courses in agriculture, animal science, poultry science or feed mill management. The University of Pretoria’s (UP) department of animal and wildlife sciences is on course to roll out the first-of-its-kind feed mill project in Africa endorsed by the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association of South Africa (AFMA).

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