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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Feed Miller 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102295  Occupational Certificate: Feed Miller 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - AgriSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  234  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-26  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
48893  Further Education and Training Certificate: Dry Pet Food Advanced Processing Technology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  131  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
121591  Higher Occupational Certificate: Feed Miller  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  170  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Feed Miller.

A Feed Miller monitors and controls production processes to produce animal feeds from raw materials and ingredients in accordance with feed formulation specifications.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Conduct intake and reclaim operations in a feed mill.
  • Conduct feed milling operations in a feed mill.
  • Direct and control the utilisation of resources and personnel in feed milling operations.
  • Achieve operational outputs of a feed milling unit by planning, monitoring and controlling production volumes and quality standards.
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with safety, health, environmental protection and quality (SHEQ) policies, practices and procedures.
  • Maintain the mechanical functionality of feed milling equipment through monitoring, inspections and arranging maintenance and repair services.
  • Conduct feed hygienising and compacting processes in a feed mill.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is designed to provide the feed milling industry with a progressive pathway for the development of operational staff. The need for formal certification of Feed Millers has long been recognised by the animal feed as well as the dry pet food industries. Currently no qualifications are available on the National Qualifications Framework that offers the needs of the Feed Milling industry.

    A number of companies currently use the services provided by international providers to train feed millers. Learners have been attending formal training provided by these providers such as attending courses in Kansas (USA) and Switzerland. This is mainly due to the absence of internationally comparable qualifications and associated learning programmes in South Africa.

    This qualification establishes a South African standard for the training of operational staff employed in the animal feed as well as the dry pet food industries.

    Feed Millers are employed by enterprises involved in processing raw materials and producing animal feeds and dry pet foods in accordance with feed formulations.

    Persons currently employed in operational positions, as well as persons seeking to enter the feed milling industry, will benefit from this qualification.

    Benefits to the economy or society:
    This occupational curriculum responds to a specific need in the South African labour market to provide a standard for the development of persons employed as a Feed Miller.

    The animal feed industry is a key component of the value chain of the agricultural sector. Formulated animal feeds are used in the production of livestock farming products and are a major contributor to the cost of production. The maintenance of efficiencies and quality standards in feed production, as controlled by the Feed Miller, has a marked impact on the production costs of livestock products and resulting consumer pricing.

    The Dry Pet Food industry provides dry pet foods used by a wide range of pet owners. The Feed Miller controls efficiencies and operational quality standards, thereby fulfilling a key role in the value chain to ensure that the public demand for safe pet foods, meeting quality standards, is met. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Level 4 with Mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 313909001-KM-01, Introduction to the Animal Feed Industry, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 313909001-KM-02, Animal Feed Science and Nutrition, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 313909001-KM-03, Productive work in feed milling operations, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 313909001-KM-04, Employee relations management, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-KM-05, Operational management for Feed Millers, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 313909001-KM-06, Feed Mill Safety, Quality Management and Risk Control, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-KM-07, Feed Milling intake and reclaim operations, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-KM-08, Feed Milling and out loading processes, technology and operations, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-KM-09, Feed Milling process control, hygienising and compacting technology and operations , Level 5, 20 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 92.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 313909001-PM-01, Conduct intake and reclaim operations in a feed mill, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-PM-02, Conduct feed milling operations, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-PM-03, Conduct feed hygienising and compacting processes, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 313909001-PM-04, Monitor the availability resources required to achieve production targets, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 313909001-PM-05, Monitor and direct subordinates performance and conduct, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-PM-06, Monitor and control feed milling operations, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 313909001-PM-07, Monitor and maintain quality standards, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-PM-08, Enforce compliance to Safety, Health, Environmental Protection and Quality standards, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 313909001-PM-09, Inspect and coordinate maintenance of equipment, Level 4, 6 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 82.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 313909001-WM-01, Intake and reclaim operations in the production of animal feeds or dry pet foods, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-WM-02, Feed milling operations in the production of animal feeds or dry pet foods, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-WM-03, Hygienising and compacting process in the production of animal feeds or dry pet foods, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 313909001-WM-04, Resource utilisation processes in the production of animal feeds, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 313909001-WM-05, Control of feed milling or dry pet food production operations, Level 5, 20 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 60. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct feed mill material receiving and reclaim operations.
    2. Conduct feed milling and out loading operations.
    3. Conduct feed mill process control, hygienising and compacting operations.
    4. Direct and control the utilisation of resources and personnel used in feed milling operations.
    5. Monitor and enforce compliance with safety, health, environmental protection, risk and quality (SHERQ) policies, practices and procedures.
    6. Inspect equipment for malfunctioning, arrange maintenance and optimise the utilisation of feed milling equipment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The operation of material receiving and reclaim equipment is controlled in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
  • Material warehousing operations are conducted in accordance with standard warehousing practices.
  • Self and others are protected from injury or ill health in accordance with standard health and safety practices.
  • Environmental protection standards are met in accordance with standard workplace procedures and standards.
  • Quality standards are achieved in accordance with material specification standards.
  • Throughput volumes are achieved as required by production schedules in accordance with standard workplace procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The operation of feed milling equipment is controlled in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
  • Material out loading equipment is controlled in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
  • Material out loading operations are conducted in accordance with standard workplace procedures and practices.
  • Self and others are protected from injury or ill health in accordance with standard health and safety practices.
  • Environmental protection standards are met in accordance with standard workplace procedures and standards.
  • Quality standards are achieved in accordance with material specification standards.
  • Throughput volumes are achieved as required by production schedules in accordance with standard workplace procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Feed milling operational control and management standards are met in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.
  • Daily production plans are developed, adjusted and communicated based on order requirements in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.
  • The utilisation of bin space are planned and controlled to meet delivery schedules and prevent contamination in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.
  • Production line usage is planned and controlled for optimal plant output in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.
  • The achievement of production targets is monitored and corrective measures initiate in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.
  • A production line is set up, started up and shut down in accordance with operational safety and standard control procedures and standards.
  • Operational processes and procedures (e.g. purging, cleaning, lock out, emergency stop, product change-over, shift handover) are controlled and coordinated for a production line in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.
  • A consistent flow and availability of material over various operational stages at the required quality standard is achieved in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.
  • Deviations at various stages of the feed milling operation is recognised and responded to in accordance with standard operational procedures.
  • Process control instrumentation readings are monitored, analysed and responded to in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.
  • Equipment settings changes and process adjustments are made or initiated to maintain equipment operation within required specifications in accordance with workplace requirements and standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Resources requirements are estimated for production targets and schedules in accordance with standard workplace procedures and standards.
  • Operational stock levels of required resources are monitored and reported on in accordance with standard workplace procedures and standards.
  • Labour requirements and shift rosters are drawn up for specific production runs in accordance with standard workplace procedures and standards.
  • Material transport and storage requirements are scheduled in accordance with production and delivery demands in accordance with standard workplace procedures and standards.
  • Subordinate performance and conduct are monitored and directed in accordance with accepted industrial relations practices and supervisory concepts.
  • Legal compliance requirements that regulate human resources management practices are met in accordance with standard workplace procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The quality standards achieved are monitored through inspections using sensory cues and analysis of samples, using instruments, gauges and in-process test equipment.
  • Sampling practices are monitored and controlled to ensure reliability and validity of results.
  • Quality reports are analysed for deviations and required corrective measures.
  • Incident/accident investigations are conducted in accordance with procedures and regulatory requirements.
  • Actual or potential unsafe work practices or conditions are identified through structured inspections.
  • Safety procedures are executed (lockdown, emergency shutdown, emergency evacuation, restricted access to high-risk areas) and adherence is enforced.
  • Non-conforming materials that would negatively affect food safety standards and product integrity is recognised through structured inspections.
  • Batch records are evaluated for under- or over-inclusion of ingredients to assure food safety standards and product integrity.
  • The risk of microbial growth is eliminated through structured inspections and the enforcement of housekeeping and sanitation practices.
  • Microbial growth inhibitors are measured off and applied to feed in accordance with standard operational procedures.
  • Statutory safety, health and environmental protection inspections, registers, records and reporting standards are maintained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Equipment is inspected for mechanical soundness and compliance with safety, health, environmental and quality assurance requirements in accordance with workplace procedures and standards.
  • Maintenance requests (not scheduled) are generated and work done is evaluated by inspections, spot checks and machine runs in accordance with workplace procedures and standards.
  • The execution of standard equipment care and lubrication procedures are monitored to ensure operational functionality in accordance with workplace procedures and standards.
  • Equipment records utilisation and downtime records are maintained per category/incident/equipment in accordance with workplace procedures and standards.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African feed milling industry has been using the services of feed milling equipment suppliers to support them with the training of staff employed in feed milling operations.

    The Kansas State University, the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology and North Carolina State University were selected for comparison. The learning programmes offered by these institutions are recognised by the South African feed industry to the extent that many companies currently send their staff for training by these institutes. This is mainly due to the absence of a comparable qualification and associated learning programmes in South Africa.

    Kansas State University:
    Kansas State University provides a number of learning programmes for the Feed Milling Industry, including a formal College Degree in Foundational Engineering Studies for Feed Milling and Processing Equipment Operation. This learning program includes the following comparable learning areas:
    GRSC 110 - Flow Sheets which includes information gathering techniques and drawing skills GRSC 310 - Materials Handling: ATM 545 - Processing and Storage of Grains: GRSC 620 - Extrusion processing in the Food and Feed Industries: GRSC 690 and 750 - Feed Technology:
    MANGT 420 - Management Concepts: IMSE 501 - Industrial Management:
    MANGT 530 - Industrial and Labour Relations: MANGT 531 - Human Resources Management: GRSC 630 - Management Applications in the Grain Processing Industries: ASI 318 - Fundamentals of Nutrition:
    ASI 320 - Principles of Feeding: GRSC 661 - Qualities of Food and Feed Ingredients: GRSC 651 - Food and Feed Product Protection: Kansas State University Short Learning Programs.

    The university offers a number of specific courses targeted at operator and feed Miller level which include Extruder Operators, Feed Mill Management and Feed Formulation.

    For example: The Feed Mill Management Program presented by Kansas State University.
    Unit 1: Introduction to Feed Mill Management.
    Unit 2: Feed Mill Management and Operations.
    Unit 3: Feed Manufacturing Process and Control.
    Unit 4: Quality Assurance.
    Unit 5: Feed Regulations.
    Unit 6: Feed Formulation.

    North Carolina State University:
    North Carolina State University provides a Certificate in Feed Milling to learners over two university semesters. This qualification includes the following components:
  • NTR 415 Comparative nutrition.
  • ANS 150 Introduction to animal Science.
  • ANS 225 Principles of animal nutrition.
  • FM 425 Feed manufacturing technology.
  • FM 460 Feed mill operations and leadership.
  • FM 480 Feed quality assurance and formulation.
  • FM 580 Feed and ingredient quality assurance.
  • FM 594 Advance feed mill practicum.

    Swiss Institute of Feed Technology:
    Swiss Institute of Feed Technology presents a course for feed millers which includes self-study component as well as intensive training at a feed milling training facility in Switzerland. The scope of this program includes:
  • Basic concept of feed and premix manufacturing plants.
  • Plant layouts based on the state of the art design concepts.
  • The main process stages and the equipment used at every stage.

    Modern Process Technology: Hands-on training in the training centre:
    Hands-on training in the Test laboratory: Electrical Engineering and Automation:
    Hands-on training in the Electrical Engineering Laboratory: Feed Science and Animal Nutrition:
    Hands-on training in the Chemical and Macro Laboratories: Summary
    The South African qualification is comparable to what was found in the chosen three countries in terms of qualification range. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Miller, Level 5, (ID: 97204).
  • Higher Certificate in Operations Management, Level 5, (ID: 88916).
  • National Certificate in Generic Management, Level 5, (ID: 59201).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Operations Management, Level 6, (ID: 91993).
  • Diploma in Production Technology, Level 6, (ID: 65689).
  • National Diploma in Food Technology, Level 6, (ID: 72590). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
  • In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
  • None specified.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade.

    Part Qualifications:
  • This qualification is structured to allow for sequentially defined career exit points that support relevant employable skills for partial completion.

    The First Level Exit Point:
  • Feed mill receiving and reclaim operator, Level 3 (36 Credits).

    The Second Level Exit Point:
  • Feed Milling Officer, Level 4 (66 Credits).

    These will be made available as soon as registered. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.