GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA, US — North Dakota Mill and Elevator reported first-quarter profits of $2.33 million, down from $3.33 million a year ago, according to KNOX radio.

Timing issues and market swings contributed to the decrease, said Vance Taylor, president and chief executive officer.

Spring wheat accounted for more than 92% of sales for the mill, with durum a little over 7%.

Taylor said he’s optimistic about the rest of the year, noting the above-average spring wheat and durum crop. He presented the numbers to the North Dakota Industrial Commission, which met in Grand Forks, North Dakota, US, to mark the 100th anniversary of the state-owned mill.

The North Dakota Mill and Elevator Association was created in 1919 by House Bill 20 and started operations in Grand Forks on Oct. 30, 1922.

The mill is the largest single flour mill in the United States and has 10 milling units within the complex with a daily capacity of 60,500 cwts.

CREMONA, ITALY — More than 150 guests from all over the world attended Ocrim’s “Grano, Farina, E…” (Wheat, Flour, And…) event Sept. 16-17 in Cremona, Italy.

The two-day event included discussions on topical issues, including energy saving, maximizing productivity, milling plant efficiency and food trends. The Ocrim “O|farmhouse” was inaugurated, in the area next to the Milling Hub plant, a recently renovated farmhouse that functions as a hospitality area.

The Sept. 17 conference began with greetings from the Mayor of Cremona, Gianluca Galimberti followed by professors from the Università del Sacro Cuore.

At the end of the conference, attendees visited the Milling Hub mill plant, near the Ocrim manufacturing and logistical headquarters.

These photos, courtesy of Ocrim, provide a snapshot of the activities during the event: