Purchasing must know there is a broad enough market to supply needs at competitive prices. Production must know that materials received can be efficiently handled in the mill's facilities. Purchasing specifications must represent a team effort. The alfalfa, cottonseed, renderers, and oil seed associations listed above have their own trade rules usually utilized by members of those respective commodity groups. It is recommended copies of applicable trade rules be secured from the respective organizations, and purchasing personnel become familiar with their major provisions.
Caution is urged in committing to either an unknown stipulation or one that is unacceptable.
From an ingredient standpoint, this is an assurance that ingredients bought to specification do meet those specifications. Purchasing control should extend from prepurchasing supplier selection and purchasing per se through transportation to the mill and the receiving area. Consideration should be given to on-site visits to sources of critical ingredients to assure that good practices are followed. Transport that maintains product integrity should be stipulated and checked. Receipt and acceptance should be predicated on product integrity and conformance with specifications.