Not Afraid of Hard Work

Not Afraid of Hard Work
Milling Operative of the Year award recipient Justin Barrett does what it takes to make mills run their best

While Justin Barrett was surprised to be named the 2024 Milling Operative of the Year, he had already decided 19 years ago that the recognition would be his someday.

“I remember sitting at the banquet in 2005 and listening to the presentation about miller of the year. I said to myself and my peers, ‘One day I’m going to be on that stage, I can do this,’” says Barrett, who got his moment at this year’s IAOM Annual Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It wasn’t the first and it won’t be the last goal that Barrett will achieve due to his willingness to work hard and his expertise that peers say makes him a top-notch director of technical milling at Ardent Mills.

“There’s a lot of unbelievable millers who have won this award prior to me. I really am humble and truly thankful that I’ve given as much as I can to the industry and to my craft,” Barrett says. “It’s only been 21 years, and I hope it’s at least 21 more years before I say my career in milling is over.”

Barrett’s dedication to working hard started in his childhood growing up on a farm in central Kansas. He knew his future was in agriculture and discovered milling science when he started at Kansas State University.

“I saw a bright future with this niche industry and understood that if I was willing to take the  time to learn and apply myself, this was something that I could spend a lifetime doing,” he says.

Barrett’s entire career starting in 2002 after graduation has been with ConAgra Foods, and then Ardent Mills, spanning facilities from Nebraska to Pennsylvania and Texas. He worked his way up from milling trainee to one of three technical millers for Ardent Mills, overseeing 10 facilities in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

“I realized that to be a good miller, it was evident you need to have so many of the same values that I learned as a young man on the farm,” he says. “So, for me, milling felt like home. It was long hours, tough nights, sometimes, and long weekends but at the end of the day, when you fix something or got the plant back up and running, it was a feeling of accomplishment that came over me.”

To make those improvements happen, Barrett is willing to go the extra mile, and take the lead on big jobs, says Scott Martin, director of technical milling at Ardent Mills, who has worked with Barrett since 2003.

“He is willing to take the lead on big jobs during mill stoppages and makes plans so that the  team he leads can be effective,” Martin says. “If the work isn’t going as planned or obstacles are encountered, he can change course as needed to get things back on track.”

GETTING STARTED
Barrett traces his strong work ethic back to his years growing up on a farm in central Kansas, helping grow row crops and caring for livestock.

“Much of my young life was spent outdoors, working with livestock, working with farm equipment, and working on equipment,” he says. “I attribute much of whom I am today to the invaluable lessons I learned working and growing up on the farm.”

While he envisioned a career in agriculture, he knew it wouldn’t be on the family farm, which was handed down to his brother. Barrett headed to Kansas State University, where he attended a career fair and learned about milling science.

“I knew right away this field could be an incredible major for me to pursue, but at that time I had no idea it could become my life’s work,” he says. “I have had a very strong interest in all things technical since I could remember. I like to work on things, and learn how to improve the process, or how to fix something.”

With the hands-on learning, time spent at the grain milling lab and an internship, Barrett’s passion for the industry blossomed.

“I saw endless opportunities in milling,” Barrett says. “I was excited by the fact that I could use my upbringing and values I learned, my ability to troubleshoot problems and my understanding of all kinds of equipment.”
After graduating in December 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in milling science operations  and a minor in ag business, Barrett started as a milling trainee at ConAgra’s Omaha B Mill. He spent eight months there, learning how to manage the process and what it entailed.

In September 2003 he moved to Martins Creek, Pennsylvania, where he was head miller until 2007. During that time, Barrett faced one of his first career challenges. He was very young and inexperienced but was leading one  of the most experienced mill crews at the company. “Leading and managing people is a skill that takes quite some time, almost years to perfect. You can’t really learn it in school; it’s only learned through on-the-job  experience,” he says. “I knew for the crew to respect me as a leader, and ultimately for me to be a good manager, I had to understand the mill and the issues that were creating extra work for the team.”

Barrett also knew he would need to work alongside the crew.

“I like to be hands on. I set a precedent that day or night they could always call me, and I would come in and work alongside them to fix whatever breakdown we had,” he says. “My willingness to do that earned their respect
and helped mold me into the leader I am today. There is nothing I would ask someone to do that I wouldn’t do myself.”

Jon Cozad, senior director of elevator and millfeed operations, who first met Barrett in 2014, said he is the hardest working person he knows.

“He works very hard. If we need to reflow the sifters, he’s going to be right there helping do it,” Cozad says. “He’s not just going to say, ‘You guys do it.’”

In 2007, Barrett moved to ConAgra’s facility in Alton, Illinois, to work on an expansion and reflow project. During that time, he not only worked with the equipment, but helped coordinate the job and figure out the best way to accomplish the work at hand.

“Those were very long weeks, months and years that I worked there but that’s when I realized that I could be more than just a head miller,” he says. “I’m proud of the work that we did at that facility in those years.”

He went back to Martins Creek in 2010 and stayed until 2014, about the time Ardent Mills was formed. Barrett moved to Saginaw, Texas, where he was senior head miller of two new milling units that started operation in February of that year.

“It was a great opportunity to see the newest and most modern equipment,” he says.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
In 2017, he started in his current role as one of three directors of technical milling for Ardent Mills, with responsibilities for 10 milling locations. As a technical miller, he helps the mills with projects to maximize yield and  production while also developing team members. Barrett enjoys that he can take the best of what he’s seen at one facility and apply it to another.

“For me, I really enjoy the fact that I get to see more locations, get to work with more people and hopefully have more of an impact on the business,” he says. “This is the position that suits me the best. I can still be out on the plant floor, working with my hands, doing some of the day-to-day stuff, and hopefully mentoring as many folks as I get the opportunity to work with.”

One of Barrett’s strengths as a technical miller is his ability to quickly assess and make changes to a mill flow to optimize performance, Martin says. His knowledge and experience are well known within Ardent Mills and with milling equipment vendors.

“While he has a lot of firsthand experience in the milling arena, he continues to show curiosity, regularly seeking out others to ask questions and to understand differing viewpoints,” Martin says. “Justin can show his analysis of the milling issue to the location’s millers, gain their commitment and build their enthusiasm to do the work necessary to resolve the issue. It is easy enough to tell someone, ‘This is the problem, and here is the solution,’ but what makes Justin unique is his ability to create a sense of urgency and excitement among those who must do the work.”

Barrett aims to be at a different plant location three out of four weeks a month, helping with equipment installation, working to improve yield, finding issues within the system and most importantly, helping team members grow and become better millers overall.

“Every plant I visit I strive to mentor our younger and less experienced millers as they work toward becoming a seasoned head miller someday or pursuing additional opportunities within the company,” he says. “I always take the time to listen to what the more experienced head millers have to say because they have a lot of wisdom and knowledge.”

Barrett is known for his collaborative work with the mill’s local team, the Ardent Mills engineering and safety groups, vendors and contractors, Martin says.

“The millers trust his judgment and experience. He is seen as approachable and is always willing to lend a hand even if the area of concern lies outside of the milling space that he owns,” he says. “While the work Justin has done to improve mill flows and install milling equipment will endure, his most lasting legacy will be the millers he develops through working and solving problems together.”

Nelson Aviles-Martinez, who first met Barrett at Saginaw, says he tries to follow the example of Barrett’s work ethic in his day-to-day work and in life.

“Justin is not just a hard worker and a great miller, he is also something else as a person, as a leader and as a mentor,” he says. “He has the ability to connect  with you. He has always been supportive and best of all, is the outstanding fun we always have working together.”

In times of stress or frustration, Aviles-Martinez, who is currently maintenance and reliability superintendent for Ardent Mills’ Port Redwing facility, knew Barrett was just a phone call away. “After that call, I always realized how much I liked what I was doing and how much Justin kept me up in those bad days,” he says. “Justin has definitely always been an inspiration to myself to be better every day.”

LASTING LEGACY

While the hands-on aspect attracted Barrett to the milling industry, he also stuck around because of the people, the opportunities and the chance to play a role in helping feed the world. “My favorite part is that you can do something every day to improve the plant, no matter the size or the age. Undoubtedly you can make a small adjustment in order to maximize how the plant is running that day,” he says. “I’m truly the happiest I can ever be when I’m out in the plant working with equipment or working with those head millers because they’re passionate people and they’re very eager to make the plant run better.”

For those considering the milling industry as a career, Barrett says there are so many opportunities with a multitude of paths.

“You can be anything from a plant manager to a sales associate, risk analysis or supply chain management. I would tell anyone thinking about pursuing a career in milling to not think small and find the part of the industry that really excites you and work toward achieving that goal,” he says. “I also tell the young millers to move far away from home the first time, because after that, every move is a step closer to home.”

In his two decades in the industry, Barrett says the biggest change has been the technological advances with equipment that can measure pressure, grinding force, bearing temperatures and more.
“Before, we relied on our senses and the skill of the shift millers, and now, we have all technology that you can monitor from the control room with one person instead of four,” he says.

But he stresses with young millers that you shouldn’t run a flour mill from behind a computer,  even as the process gets more automated.

“We’re losing more of the art and science of milling and the shift millers are becoming more like operators,” Barrett says. “In the new more automated facilities, millers are sitting in control rooms, and they might be watching with cameras, but they’re not going out there and using their own senses as much.”

He also recognizes that one of the challenges facing the industry right now is staffing. With a tight labor market, companies like Ardent Mills  are working to create a culture that people want to be a part of.

“I’ve seen more emphasis on work-life balance to attract and retain the best and the brightest,” Barrett says. “The struggles of hiring really opened our eyes as an industry to say that we have to do something to attract people.”
Aside from milling, Barrett’s other passions are his wife and two young sons as well as cheering  for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, despite being a KSU graduate, a hoops contradiction born of his attending Jayhawks games as a child with his grandfather.

“Justin is not afraid to be contrary to the crowd, at least in the space of college basketball allegiance.  Since many in the industry are KSU fans, his KU allegiance brings him a bit of friendly jesting,” Martin says. “While Justin does travel a lot for his company, he is also a dedicated husband and father and spends weekend doing family activities. Cozad agrees, noting that he’s witnessed Barrett’s dedication to milling and to his family. “He is a servant-leader, and he has a passion for this industry. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Justin put himself before his work. If the call comes in to do something, he’s right there doing it,” Cozad says. “On the personal side, he is the best father to his two young boys. He’s on the road a lot, but when he’s not, he’s with those boys all the time, and a very caring and attentive father.”

Cozad has also watched Barrett grow into one of the most empathetic people he knows by taking advice from his mentors on how to listen to people and approach milling challenges.

“He interacts with everybody, he’s very down to earth and very easy to have a conversation with,” he says. “I’ve seen him in meetings and at the plant; he pauses and listens to what someone has to say.”
Aviles-Martinez is proud to call Barrett a mentor. “I think his dedication and passion for milling is in his blood. You can clearly see the leadership and support he shares with anyone working with him,” he says. “Justin dedicates time to all his mills, to all the people he’s working with and most important, to the young generation of millers coming up. He delivers passion on his job, dedication, ideas, safety and amazing results.”

Barrett says he’s had so many great mentors who pushed him to become a better miller and teacher to the younger generations. He hopes someday others will say the same about him.

“That I took the time to sit with them and discuss milling, and to share all my experiences,” he says. “I hope my legacy would be that I was extremely passionate about milling, I was never afraid to do the right and necessary  things, and I was always someone willing to go the extra mile to make an improvement, no matter how much additional work I created for myself,” Barrett says. “And lastly, that I was someone who would always share my knowledge with my peers.”

Published in the 3rd quarter issue of International Miller magazine

IAOM Southeast Asia Region Ready to Meet!

IAOM Southeast Asia Region Meeting to Showcase Innovations, Education, and Industry Leadership

The International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) is excited to host its 13th Annual Southeast Asia (SEA) Region Meeting, which promises to deliver a dynamic blend of education, networking, and innovation. Set to take place from October 20-22, 2024, this year’s conference will offer milling professionals in the region an opportunity to expand their knowledge and connect with industry leaders. Featuring technical workshops, cutting-edge product demonstrations, and a bustling trade expo, the meeting will highlight key trends and advancements in the milling industry.

With a focus on practical, hands-on education and the latest developments in flour milling, this year’s SEA Region Meeting will be an invaluable experience for attendees seeking to enhance their operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry. Below is a breakdown of the key sessions and activities planned for this event.

Day 1: In-Depth Technical Education

The conference will kick off on Sunday, October 20 with a day dedicated to technical education. The morning begins with Pre-Conference Workshop Registration from 8:30-9:30 a.m., followed by an Introduction and Agenda Overview led by Jeff Gwirtz of JAG Services. This opening session will set the stage for a full day of learning by outlining the workshop’s key objectives and agenda items.

A major highlight of the day will be the technical sessions on Flour Specifications and Methodologies. Taking place from 9:45-10:45 a.m., this session will dive into the criteria and methodologies that millers can use to assess flour quality. Immediately after the morning break, the focus shifts to Flour Application and Its Role in Food Production, an essential topic for millers who want to understand how their product fits into the broader food production ecosystem.

Following lunch, the educational sessions will get even more specific, with a detailed examination of Flour Testing – Component Specific at 2:00 p.m., and a further breakdown of Dough Testing and Flour Performance during the afternoon sessions. These discussions will guide millers through physical, chemical, and dough-specific testing methodologies, offering critical insights that can enhance product quality and consistency. The first day will close with a look at how flour testing correlates with product performance, tying together the earlier sessions and giving attendees practical knowledge they can implement immediately.

Day 2: Educational Sessions and Expo Opening

The second day of the IAOM Southeast Asia Conference, Monday, October 21, will begin with a flurry of activity as the Exhibitor Registration & Setup takes place from 8:00-11:00 a.m., while Attendee Registration remains open throughout the day. The official Conference Opening and the On-Time Award Ceremony will be held from 9:00-9:30 a.m., featuring remarks from Raj Kumar Garg, IAOM SEA Leadership Council, and Mike Wiechman, IAOM Treasurer. This opening session will welcome attendees and highlight key milestones in punctuality and operational excellence within the industry.

The morning’s educational sessions will kick off with a Milling Overview of Indonesia, presented by Franky Welirang of Bogasari, one of the largest flour milling companies in Southeast Asia. Following this session, Matthew Rees of AEGIC will discuss how to Optimize Tempering & Mill Settings for Australian Wheat, providing actionable insights for millers dealing with diverse grain profiles.

A notable session for many attendees will be U.S. Wheat in Southeast Asia, delivered by Joe Sowers of U.S. Wheat Associates. This session will explore market trends and the role of U.S. wheat in the Southeast Asian market, making it an essential talk for those engaged in global trade. The Expo Opening follows at 11:00 a.m., giving attendees the chance to network, explore cutting-edge products, and connect with vendors.

After lunch, the afternoon sessions will focus on What’s New in the Industry, featuring rapid-fire presentations from leading technology and equipment providers. Sessions include Digitalization and Automation in Milling Plants, by Silvan Trunz of Bühler Group, and the latest innovations in plansifter technology from Furkan Inal of IMAS Grain and Feed Milling Systems. These brief but impactful presentations will provide millers with a window into the future of automation and efficiency in milling operations.

Rounding out the afternoon will be discussions on Process Automation and Economical Bagging Machines, both of which will explore solutions that can streamline operations while minimizing costs. The day will conclude with the Welcome Reception in the Expo Hall—an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues and explore the latest equipment and service offerings.

Day 3: Industry Insights and Closing Remarks

The final day of the conference, Tuesday, October 22, will open with continued access to the Expo and another round of educational sessions. Starting at 9:00 a.m., the program will begin with a Milling Overview by Budianto Wijaya of Bunga Sari, followed by a session on ADM’s Camp Hill Expansion Project, presented by Mike Wiechman of ADM. These talks will provide valuable case studies and practical lessons in improving milling operations.

At 10:00 a.m., attendees will gain insights into Maintenance and Operational Excellence in Flour Milling from Riyanto Pratiyo of Bühler Group, a crucial session for millers seeking to optimize production lines and reduce downtime. The Expo will remain open for networking and further business discussions until it officially closes at 11:30 a.m.

The day’s educational sessions will also cover essential topics such as Enhancing Grain Storage Safety and Grain Cleaning & Conditioning, led by experts like Dr. Anna Vega of Grain Technik Pvt. Ltd. and Halit Shasheet of Tanis Milling Technologies. These sessions will focus on boosting the efficiency and safety of grain storage, key concerns for milling professionals in the region.

To conclude the conference, Tom Thomas of Thomas Technologies will lead a session on Leading Flour Mill Development, providing leadership strategies and operational insights for flour mill managers. The conference will then close with remarks from Raj Kumar Garg and Mike Wiechman, recapping the event and offering a look forward to future IAOM meetings.

A Meeting Ground for Innovation and Collaboration

The IAOM Southeast Asia Region Meeting offers a valuable platform for networking, education, and discovering the latest technological advancements in the milling industry. Attendees can expect to walk away with practical knowledge that can be applied to their operations immediately, along with new connections that can help their businesses grow.

With a full schedule of educational sessions, technical workshops, and product demonstrations, the 2024 IAOM Southeast Asia Conference is set to be an enriching experience for all participants. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge, enhance your operations, or simply connect with fellow millers, this event is an essential part of staying competitive in today’s fast-evolving market.

LifeLine Foods Featured on “How America Works”

LifeLine Foods took the spotlight in a recent episode of “How America Works” with Mike Rowe on the Fox Business Channel.

Rowe, the show’s narrator, dives into the process and people behind the production of the number one cash crop in America, corn.

The episode premiered on May 9, showcasing several employees at LifeLine Foods. The show highlights the many moving parts to get the job(s) done at LifeLine. The episode shows everything from shipments, to corn milling, and even the farms that grow the corn.

Siemer Milling Company featured in “How America Works: Working with Wheat”



This Teutopolis-based company was featured on “How America Works with Mike Rowe.” The hour-long episode featured the milling company, its employees, wheat suppliers, and what role they play in the milling industry.

“We’re excited to work with Mike Rowe to show America what flour milling is about,” said Siemer Milling Company President Rick Siemer. “Most Americans eat wheat flour every day, and most Americans have never seen, or even thought about, a modern flour mill. This is a great opportunity for the Siemer Milling team to show how our industry supplies the country with 42 billion pounds of flour every year!”

The episode aired on December 5 on the Fox Business Network.

IAOM First Break: Stories from the Roll Floor with Randy Garvert

IAOM President Randy Garvert shares his thoughts on leadership and the lessons he’s learned in his 40+ years in the grain milling industry. He also shares stories about how he first became involved in IAOM. He also shares information on the industry initiative, through IAOM, to promote milling and attract new talent into the pipeline.

Check us out on Instagram

What’s happening in Portland?

It’s been called the City of Roses, the City of Bridges, Rip City, Portlandia and Beervana. As this wealth of nicknames suggests, Portland has much to offer. From food carts and farm-to-cone ice cream to breweries and books, Portland has something for everyone. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to begin. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore another part of the US, and join us in this beautiful city in April for the 124th Annual IAOM Conference & Expo.

Share in Denver

In just 40 weeks IAOM will be hosting its 123rd Annual Conference & Expo in Denver, Colorado. We’re looking for volunteers to share their expertise and knowledge of all things milling during the two days of educational programming. You can be a part of helping millers around the world improve their efficiencies and enhance their skills.

Is your company using leading edge technology? Have you had good luck introducing a new way of doing something in the mill? How have you addressed issues related to employee safety? Food safety? Have you been working on upgrades in your mill or building a new mill?

IAOM is asking you to consider sharing your experience, your successes and lessons learned with the milling community at the upcoming conference. If you have something to share or a new product or innovation to introduce at the premier milling event in the world, please consider applying for a slot on the program. Our volunteer leaders will review applications and select those topics of most interest to the community.

Apply Online

Engagement Time

All of the IAOM districts and regions are busy putting final touches on upcoming meeting plans. These local meetings give you the perfect chance to take a quick break from your regular duties at the mill and explore trends, innovations and hot topics – especially those in your part of the world.

The meetings will also give you the chance to network and socialize with your colleagues and friends from other mills and supplier companies. Conference programs, registration information and other details are shared on the district/region web pages as soon as they are available.

Check out the details about your local meeting by visiting the District/Region page.

July 26-27Central, Texoma and Wheat State Districts’ Joint Summer Conference at Chateau on the Lake, Branson, Missouri, USA

August 8-10 Flour City District Conference at Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd, Minnesota, USA

August 15-17Western District Conference at the Horton Grand Hotel, San Diego, California, USA

September 12-14Western Canadian District Conference at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

September 19-21Wolverine, Niagara, Ohio Valley and Southeastern Districts’ Joint Conference at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

September 30-October 2Southeast Asia Region Conference & Expo at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Manila, Philippines

October 22-25Mideast & Africa Annual Conference & Expo at the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences, Nairobi, Kenya

November 30Central District Winter Social at the New Theatre Restaurant, Overland Park, Kansas, USA

December Wheat State District Winter Social

IAOM at FFA Convention

We were at the 90th Annual Kansas FFA Association Convention on May 30 promoting the milling science industry. Hundreds of FFA members from across Kansas were at the Kansas State Alumni Center in Manhattan, Kansas, for the event.

We visited with around 150 FFAers during the expo – sophomores to seniors, recent graduates and high school ag teachers. We shared information about the Milling Technician certificate program at Cowley College, and about the K-State milling science degree program at K-State.

Those students interested in more information about the certificate program were able to visit with Cowley College representatives who were also exhibiting at the show. The next group of students will start the Milling Technician program in August 2018. High school juniors and seniors are even eligible for a tuition waiver through a Kansas government program.