South Central FS in southeast Illinois is set to bring its new, state-of-the-art feed mill on line in the next few weeks. The mill will have a capacity to manufacture 60 tons of feed per hour.

The cooperative’s existing mill, which has been in operation since 1990, will cease production as the new mill comes on line. It will instead be used to house the feed sales operation. Separation of the manufacturing operation and the retail business will help the cooperative comply with Food Safety Modernization Act rules.

The new facility, located new Watson, Ill., is a multi-species mill featuring a four-ton mixer, two roller mills, pelleting capabilities and a 100,000 bu. grain bin. It also will provide the cooperative with the ability to pellet feed and allow for a range of bag sizes for products.

According to Phil Westendorf, feed marketing manager for FS Total Livestock Services -- the feed marketing division for South Central FS, M & M Service Co., Gateway FS and Southern FS -- the new mill is in response to the "ever-changing livestock marketplace."