Startup Corn Mill

Choosing Location for a Corn Mill

Of the initial steps in setting up a business, of critical concern in starting a corn mill is choosing the location. A corn mill should be located in such a way that it conforms to the zoning regulations of the place. And because corn must be transported to the mill and the milled produce brought to food makers, pet producers, and other industries, it should also be at the most proximate position to where corn farmers, traders, suppliers and end users are.

Investment Needs of a Corn Mill

A corn mill could refer to a simple grinding process or a complex production that involves more sophisticated processes and equipment like roller mills, sifters, and aspirators. In the latter scenario, a mill owner would also have to provide facilities for drying, and storage, and offices for sales, display and exhibits. Translated, starting a corn mill could involve large capital to purchase or rent property, build structures and buy equipment. It would also involve a considerable payback period even for a small operation. It means a corn mill owner would have enough money to continue paying employees and funding day-to-day production until the mill generates enough to register a profit.

The Process of Corn Milling

Each miller employs a variation to the basic method, but generally, a dry corn milling process could be one of three processes: milling of corn that removes little of the hull and germ; one that tempers the corn with moisture; another that involves cooking in lime. The products of the milling are grits, meals, and flour. More than 60 percent of the corn becomes the prime products and more than 30 percent becomes horminy feed and bran products. Depending on their quality, milled corn are used to make breakfast cereals, snack foods, corn flakes, brewer grits, corn bread, bakery mixes, corn cones, and coatings.

Corn Miller's Routine

An operator's routine at the mill will involve pre-milling, milling and post-milling tasks. At the start of the day, the mill operator checks whether the machineries are ready to operate; and put corrective actions to get it into working gear. Then when everything is ready the miller proceeds with the grinding and, afterwards, bagging process, all the while vigilant that the operation is well. At the end of the day, the miller cleans the mill and secures the machinery and building.

For industry information, the North American Corn Millers' Association could be of help.