From Ted J. Seger, President of Farbest Foods, Inc:
Since the Seger Family became owners of Farbest in 1998, we have remained steadfast in the pursuit of our mission: Be the most efficient producer of the best quality turkey meat.
Clarity in said mission was at the forefront of our efforts for continued customer development in those early years of the business. As Farbest Foods sustained its upward trajectory, and demand for our turkey products increased, it became even more crucial to seek out efficiencies in every aspect of the business model. This pursuit of efficiency led to the construction of the first JFS Milling feed mill in September of 2004, in Dubois, Indianaโbuilt to produce all of our turkey pelleted feed. JFS wears its name proudly, earning it from the late Jerome Frank Seger, the founder of the Seger Family turkey and egg business.
The feed mill capacity was built for 10,000 tons per week, with the initial volume projected to be 5,000 tons per week. This capacity sought to match the total turkey production that our Huntingburg processing plant could run with two full shifts, although at that time in 2005, production in Huntingburg was just one shift. Today, Huntingburgโs plant is a fully staffed two-shift operation.
The total tons of feed were built up quickly to around 4,500 tons per week, or approximately 241,000 tons in the first year. This amount of feed would equate to the 181 million pounds of live turkeys produced in 2004-2005. By 2010, the tonnage of feed had nearly doubled (460,000 tons), as well as the tonnage of live turkey produced (362 million pounds). The JFS Dubois feed mill was thriving, poised to reach maximum capacity in 2011 and beyond.
JFS Dubois continued to produce between 450,000โ500,000 tons of feed per year from 2012-2023. After our second mill, JFS Bruceville, installed its second manufacturing line in 2023, the two mills divided up the production to once again maximize efficiencies. That division created space for the Dubois feed mill to make significant capital improvements to its 20-year-old mill.
Drawing on a successful 20 years, Farbest/JFS Dubois is positioned for growth as we acknowledge this milestone anniversary. Last year, JFS mills together produced 750,000 tons of feed, and the rated capacity of both feed mills is nearly 1 million tons per year. The hard work and dedication of those involved in every aspect of this original JFS feed mill project in 2002-2003 is very much appreciated. I am happy to report that many of those original employees are either still working at the mill or have retired from JFS, a testament to our other major goal of being the employer of choice in our areas of operation.
As well, everyone who has taken that dream and concept from 2004 and executed on the many tasks that brought success is saluted this month as we celebrate the 20-year anniversary of JFS Dubois! Thank you for the commitment shown in the last 20 years and hereโs to the next.
Ted J. Seger, President
