Image courtesy of USW.
Eyes and ears sometimes mistake the word “mills” for “miles” – and vice versa. But when the subject is Peter Lloyd, those two words can be interchangeable. Over the decades, the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) regional technical director has crossed millions of miles to provide service to hundreds of flour mills and flour millers.
Lloyd’s experience, knowledge and ability to teach have earned him a well-deserved honor: Miller of the Year.
That recognition was bestowed this week by the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Middle East and Africa Region during its 35th Annual Conference and Expo in Jeddah, Saudi, Arabia. The distinction recognizes professionals with extensive direct experience in milling operations, expertise in grain processing and plant management and those who play an active role in the milling industry. Lloyd has met and exceeded each of those three requirements, while excelling at the fourth and final one – sharing knowledge with the next generation of millers.
“Through his work with USW, Lloyd has supported mills across North Africa, the Middle East, parts of Asia and beyond, acting as a bridge between wheat producers, researchers and millers,” IAOM MEA officials noted. “By honoring him as Miller of the Year, IAOM MEA is also recognizing the value of long-term technical mentorship and knowledge transfer that underpins safe, efficient and competitive milling in the region.”
Lloyd, who is based at USW’s office in Casablanca, Morocco, found out about the honor only weeks ago. He was in attendance at the IAOM Conference and Expo, where he was publicly recognized as Miller of the Year.
“To me, it has been a huge surprise and a very flattering and humbling experience, because this is not something that happens very often,” said Lloyd. “I was very touched by it. To get recognition from your friends is one thing. Getting such recognition from your peers is different, and I have been overwhelmed by the response from so many people around the world that have offered congratulations. It means a lot to me.”
The people Lloyd has heard from are the same people he has worked with and for over his storied career. Lloyd travels the world to conduct technical support that helps prove the value of U.S. wheat. He first joined USW in 1991 to manage responsibilities for developing a new Egyptian milling school in Cairo and see it through its first two years of operation. Both inside and outside of USW over the years, Lloyd has filled many roles involving the support of milling schools and training, and mentoring millers in the classroom and in the mills.
At USW, Lloyd has supported mills not only in his region, but also in parts of Asia and in other regions.
USW President and CEO Mike Spier said Lloyd’s work and dedication has helped him serve as a bridge between U.S. wheat farmers and millers in other countries who import U.S. wheat.
“First, I sincerely congratulate Peter on this well-deserved honor. Having had the privilege of working with him for more than 30 years, I can say this recognition is a true testament to his experience, professionalism, and work ethic,” said Spier. “Peter’s technical expertise and willingness to share his knowledge – wherever he is in the world – have set a high standard for our organization. He is always generous in helping others solve problems and achieve our goals. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to train with Peter, and his passion for milling and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on me.”
The IAOM ME, which held its 2025 Conference and Expo December 1 to 4, is comprised of industries related to grains. Members include flour and feed mill owners/ CEOs, commodity traders and suppliers, agricultural investment companies, food processing companies, bakery owners and multinational grain trading companies.
Read more from USW here.