Speakers

Matthew Audette

Matthew Audette is the director of supply chain at Zinpro Corporation in Eden Prairie, Minn. Audette is responsible for all aspects of Zinpro’s global supply chain, including planning, sourcing and procurement, distribution, warehousing and transportation.  With Zinpro since 2015, Audette has over 25 years of supply chain experience including roles in Fortune 500 and privately held companies. He earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Supply Chain from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Notre Dame. 

Cathy Bandyk

Cathy Bandyk, Ph.D., is the technical development manager for Innovad, where she is responsible for guiding technical and marketing activities for the U.S., spanning multiple species and a broad portfolio of feed additives and water treatments. Her prior professional experiences include serving as ruminant technical manager for an additive company focused primarily on enzymes and yeast, and 19 years in the liquid feed industry, including technical support, product management, training, sales and market communications for both Westway Feed Products and Quality Liquid Feeds. Prior to her feed company position, Bandyk owned and operated Trails End Farm Consulting and Software, a private enterprise focused primarily on ration-balancing software. She spent nine years as part of the Extension beef team at Kansas State University, where she was heavily involved in the development of decision-making tools and the Kansas Beef Quality Assurance program.  She and her husband also operated a diversified farm and ranch on the edge of the Kansas Flint Hills. 

Bandyk is actively involved with AFIA and is honored to have been recognized as the 2016 AFIA Member of the Year.  She has served on multiple committees, member interest groups and task forces and supported several international outreach projects. She also served multiple terms on the IFEEDER Board of Trustees and continues as a member of their research committee. Additional professional affiliations include the American Society of Animal Science, American Dairy Science Association, American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, where she is an alumnus of the Masters of Beef Advocacy program.  

Bandyk is a three-time graduate of Kansas State University, earning her doctorate in ruminant nutrition. Bandyk and her husband Kim have three grown sons and a very happy Golden Retriever. They reside in Leavenworth County, Kansas, where Bandyk works from a home office. 

Howard Blalock

Howard Blalock, Ph.D. is the vice president - feedlot nutritionist at Quality Liquid Feeds.   

Adam Burnsed

Adam Burnsed grew up in northern Florida as the fourth generation on his family’s farm where they raised registered Brangus and commercial cattle and quarter horses. His interest in commercial agriculture led him to pursue a degree in animal science from the University of Florida. Upon entering the food animal industry, Burnsed pursued business programs from Cornell University to obtain the knowledge on how to apply business to his passion of food animal production.   

Burnsed began his career in sales in 2005 where he spent 13 years working with the integrated poultry companies in the U.S. market before moving into senior commercial and product management. Burnsed currently holds the position as director of business development and marketing for monogastric specialties for Adisseo North America, and is based out of Atlanta, Ga.  

Roger Cochrane

Roger Cochrane, Ph.D. showcases a dedicated focus on feed mill biosecurity and viral mitigation in livestock feed throughout his career trajectory. While completing his doctorate and master’s degrees at Kansas State University, he honed his expertise in grain science and animal science. After, Cochrane took on a leadership role in the feed mill biosecurity initiative at Pipestone Nutrition. His work there involved collaborating with over 100 feed mills, applying his knowledge to enhance biosecurity measures and mitigate viral risks.? 

Currently, as the director of technical services at SAM Nutrition, Cochrane continues to leverage his extensive experience and expertise. In his role, he oversees mill technical services, ensuring operational excellence and adherence to quality standards. Additionally, his responsibilities extend to international quality and biosecurity, indicating a broad scope of influence and a commitment to ensuring the highest standards across borders. Cochrane’s goal is to continue to build awareness around the importance of disease mitigation in preserving economic viability for farmers, feed manufactures and the wider agriculture industry.?? 

Constance Cullman

Constance Cullman is the American Feed Industry Association’s president and CEO. She also serves as the president of AFIA’s public charity the Institute for Feed Education and Research and represents AFIA on international issues, including serving on the International Feed Industry Federation’s board of directors and executive committee, as well as the Global Feed LCA Institute’s board of directors. Cullman has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a master’s degree in agricultural economics with an emphasis on international trade and agricultural policy from The Ohio State University. She hails from Marysville, Ohio, where her family owned and operated a cow/calf farm.

Paul Davis

Paul Davis, Ph.D., is the American Feed Industry Association’s director of quality, animal food safety and education. He oversees AFIA’s Safe Feed/Safe Food certification programs and the association’s education and training courses that are designed to enhance the industry’s ability to produce animal food efficiently and safely. Davis joined AFIA in July 2017 from Tennessee Farmers Cooperative in La Vergne, Tenn., where he served as the director of feed and animal health. He has more than 20 years of experience in animal nutrition, having held multiple nutrition positions for the co-op and various teaching positions at the University of Florida. Davis received a doctorate in animal sciences and master’s degrees in animal science and food and resource economics from the University of Florida. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Tennessee Technological University. 

Jeff Detrick

Jeff Detrick became the director of product management at DP Techlink in 2016, bringing with him 25 years of experience in the swine production industry, followed by additional years in the egg layer industry. As director of product management, Detrick has developed strong relationships with our customers and our team of developers, giving him the ability to translate user requirements into executable work items that the development team can implement in the product. He maintains the vast technical knowledge necessary to explain feature requirements to our developers and works with them to deliver these improvements for our users. 

Before joining DP Techlink, Detrick was responsible for overseeing operational systems and controls at DFS. During his time there, he demonstrated his ability to streamline processes and optimize efficiency through his strong understanding of production systems and analytical techniques. 

At the heart of Detrick’s success lies his dedication to continuous learning and innovation. Armed with a self-taught mastery of production systems, logistical analytics, and database management, he has emerged as a driving force behind operational excellence and efficiency at DP TechLink. Outside of work, Detrick cherishes moments with his family, relishing in the company of his three grandchildren.

Lucas Doerhoff

Lucas Doerhoff is a Feed & Compliance Specialist at MFA Incorporated. I work closely with our commercial feed mills as well as our retail facilities, keeping them in compliance with the cGMPs and FSMA regulations. Graduated from Missouri Valley College in Marshall Missouri with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ag-Business and Finance. Began my career at MFA Incorporated in 2016 in the Safety Division and transitioned to the Feed Division in 2021. Based out of Jefferson City, MO and in my spare time I enjoy working on my family farm and playing baseball with my boys.

Trevor Faber

Trevor Faber, Ph.D. joined Trouw Nutrition in 2015 as a companion animal nutritionist. He is currently the director of companion animal nutrition.  He oversees blend formulation and provides technical assistance for Trouw’s pet food customers. He ensures the nutritional adequacy and function of pet food premixes and preblends.  He collaborates with Global Trouw colleagues for pet nutrition and innovative products for the industry. Faber earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in companion animal nutrition from the University of Illinois. His research focused on the effects of prebiotics on digestive and immune health. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences.  

After graduation in 2011, Faber worked four years as a product development scientist at a major pet food manufacturer, where he turned consumer insights into products on the shelf. Taking into consideration product quality, performance, nutrition and market relevance, Faber formulated and developed multiple dry pet food products. He worked cross-functionally with marketing, purchasing and supply to improve manufacturing efficiencies and increase market share through enhanced product quality. Faber has produced 10 peer-reviewed publications and co-authored a book chapter titled “Animal Model Systems and In Vitro Approaches to Study the Role of Dietary Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Humans.” 

Dr. Adam Fahrenholz

Adam Fahrenholz earned doctorate and master’s degrees in grain science and a bachelor’s degree in animal science at Kansas State University. His areas of interest include feed processing technology as it relates to improved manufacturing efficiency and finished product quality, the impact of feed processing on animal performance, and the regulatory environment impacting the feed manufacturing and related industries. Fahrenholz joined the Prestage Department of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University in June 2012 as a post-doctoral research scholar. His responsibilities include conducting feed manufacturing research, teaching and providing industry outreach. He has been an invited speaker at various national meetings for organizations working directly with the feed manufacturing industry or their suppliers. He has worked directly with the feed industry in a number of commercial facilities, serving in either an extension capacity or as a private consultant, helping to troubleshoot problems associated with manufacturing and quality control. 

Matt Gibson

Matt Gibson, Ph.D., first attended the Feed Industry Institute in 1991, as a student and a newly hired feed company nutritionist. His experience at that FII left such an impression on him that he became a professor for the next FII the following year and has served continuously since then. 

Over the past 33 years, Gibson has had operational and executive responsibilities in various areas, including both scientific and business, in the animal food, human food and biofuels industries.  Further, he has worked extensively in the meat packing industry and has provided nutrition and management services for one of the largest corporate cattle feeders. Gibson has co-authored over 100 scientific publications, abstracts, and book chapters and has been an invited speaker on 4 continents. 

Kevin M. Halpin 

Kevin Halpin, Ph.D., vice president business development at International Ingredient Corporation, has over 35 years of feed industry experience. Haplin joined his current employer in 1995 as vice president of nutrition and technical services and has held many roles since taking on his current position with the company.  He has always enjoyed the place where nutritional knowledge and business meet. Haplin has a Ph.D. in animal nutrition from the University of Illinois, where he worked primarily with poultry and swine.   

Haplin is an active member of the AFIA.  He has served twice as the chairman of the AFIA Nutrition Committee and received the Award of Merit in recognition for his services to that group in 2012.  Kevin has recently served as on the AFIA Board of Directors and the IFEEDER Board of Trustees. Haplin has been a professor at the AFIA Feed Industry Institute since 1998, making this his 14th speaking engagement, speaking on the topic of carbohydrates.  Many of the ingredients sold by his company have a significant carbohydrate (sugar) fraction, including high lactose dairy powders and high sugar food byproducts.   

Gary Huddleston

Gary Huddleston is the American Feed Industry Association’s director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs. He joined the association in May 2015 and has more than 30 years of experience in feed manufacturing. Huddleston manages AFIA’s efforts surrounding regulatory issues involving the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Food and Drug Administration. Prior to joining AFIA, Huddleston worked at Southern States Cooperative, Inc., since 1984, where he performed numerous feed manufacturing roles. Huddleston holds a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and economics from Tennessee Technological University.

Kyla Kaplan

Kyla Kaplan is an attorney at Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC (OFW Law), which serves as outside counsel to the AFIA. Kaplan is a regulatory attorney focused on issues impacting agriculture, and specifically, human and animal food. Her work encompasses representing companies, advising clients on food safety and compliance as well as providing updates on topical federal concerns before the FDA, USDA, FTC and other federal agencies. Kaplan is a frequent speaker on issues relevant to the food supply chain and she teaches a food and agricultural law course as an adjunct professor at George Mason Antonin Scalia Law School. Kaplan earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland, her Master of Law from the University of Arkansas and her Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

Anne Koontz 

Anne Koontz (she/her), Ph.D., is currently the research manager for publications and communications at Alltech, where she leverages her passion for science education to translate complex research findings into accessible knowledge for diverse audiences. After obtaining her doctorate and master’s degrees in ruminant nutrition from the University of Kentucky, Koontz’s career in research spanned several continents and animal species, from bison to shrimp, for a decade before transitioning to communications. As a liaison between internal research teams and external partners, she remains proactive in fostering communication strategies that facilitate knowledge exchange across multifunctional teams, driving impactful collaborations. 

Beyond her professional duties, Koontz serves as a mentor and advocate for early career scientists, as well as promoting youth science and agriculture education. Her dedication to practical science and collaborative efforts underscores her commitment to driving positive change in agricultural science and beyond.  

Kevin Larson

As global strategic accounts director for Diamond V, Kevin Larson is part of the Diamond V North America Leadership team, holding oversight responsibilities for the company’s global strategic accounts, North America swine, and North America equine/companion animal sales teams. Working closely with global animal nutrition companies, channel partners and the Diamond V team, Larson utilizes his varied experience to develop and execute strategies to grow their shared business. Larson believes that our best results are based on mutual understanding and trusted relationships. Raised on a farm in west central Minnesota, Larson began his career in sales with the Nutrena Feed division of Cargill after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University. 

Annette Lundeen

Annette Lundeen is head of product at Format Solutions, a global provider of formulation and feed ERP software that helps animal feed and pet food manufacturers maximize productivity, use data as a competitive advantage and drive smarter business growth. After growing up on the family farm and participating in 4-H livestock projects, Lundeen studied at the University of Minnesota, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science. With over 30 years of experience in the feed industry, Lundeen began her career as a formulator for Hubbard Feeds. She subsequently broadened her scope of responsibilities at various feed companies, concentrating on developing formulation processes and best management practices, conducting formulation training and introducing new nutrition technologies to local formulation teams globally. Since her start at Format Solutions in 2014, Lundeen has been dedicated to developing innovative software solutions for formulation and feed mill operations, serving clients globally. She is based in Minnesota and enjoys spending time with her two Miniature Schnauzers, Bonnie and Cole. 

Jared Morgan

Jared Morgan, vice president global education for StoneX Group, Inc., trains commodity producers and consumers from around the globe in using financial contracts to manage their price risk. Benefitting from years of personal experience in production agriculture and financial markets, Morgan creates interactive training programs designed to introduce financial tools and proven techniques, and challenges students to consider all possible outcomes when developing and analyzing risk-management strategies. 

Sarah Muirhead

Sarah Muirhead is general manager of the Penton Farm Progress Livestock Group, which brings together BEEF magazine, National Hog Farmer and Feedstuffs, where she also serves as editor and publisher. With nearly 30 years of editorial and communication experience, Muirhead is a regular speaker at industry-related events where she talks about not only the importance of sharing the story of our modern food production system but also how to do that most effectively, which she believes involves “dropping the defense” and “having the conversations.” Muirhead grew up directly involved in her family’s seed and pork production operation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication from the University of Illinois. 

Dave Prentice

Dave Prentice obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1991 at Iowa State University. He spent the first seven years of his career in a mixed private practice in Northeast Iowa, followed by an exclusively dairy practice in Tulare, Calif. In 2000, he obtained his master’s degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin, where he researched ionophores and sub-acute ruminal acidosis. Prentice has been in various industry positions since leaving practice and is presently a technical consultant for Elanco Animal Health in the dairy business unit supporting various geographies.  He and his family live in Northeast Iowa. 

Abby Pritchard

Abby Pritchard, Ph.D., is the Equine Technical Lead for Cargill. Before her recent job change, she was a Senior Scientist of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition for Mars Pet Nutrition North America. She joined Mars from a postdoctoral fellowship at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine after graduating with a Ph.D. in animal science from Michigan State University. Prior to her time at MSU, she earned a bachelor’s in English literature from Oglethorpe University and a master’s in horse science with a concentration in equine physiology from Middle Tennessee State University. Pritchard has conducted research on various topics in equine nutrition and exercise physiology and piglet nutrition. She also taught a variety of classes as part of her doctoral degree, ranging from introductory animal and equine science to more advanced nonruminant nutrition and physiology topics. At Mars,  Pritchard focuses most of her time on scientific claims substantiation and nutritional support of developing products, as well as nutritional compliance of all dog and cat products within the North America portfolio. She continues to conduct nutrition and product trainings both internally and externally.

Chad R. Risley

Chad Risley, Ph.D., has been in the agriculture industry for over 30 years. He has worked as a swine nutritionist and researcher at Continental Grain Company - Wayne Feeds Division. On the supplier side, he was in technical sales at Chr. Hansen Inc. and general manager of Lucta USA Inc. Currently he is the CEO of Berg+Schmidt America, a supplier of functional lipids to the feed and food industries. Risley earned his graduate degrees at Virginia Tech and his undergraduate degree at Cornell University. He lives in northern Illinois with his wife Lauren and daughter Erin. 

Pedro Urriola

Pedro Urriola, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, Department of Animal Science. He is from Venezuela and studied the equivalent to Veterinary Medicine at the Universidad Central de Venezuela. He completed a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota and a doctorate in swine nutrition at the University of Illinois. After, Urriola worked at Cargill Animal Nutrition in Elk River, Minnesota. Currently, Urriola works in collaboration with the integrated animal systems biology team on nutritional evaluation of agro-industrial co-products using novel techniques. In addition to feed evaluation projects, Urriola is involved in projects on the management and control of infectious diseases transmission, such as African Swine Fever, in his University of Minnesota appointment and with collaborations in the college of veterinary medicine. Urriola has coauthored more than 70 peer-review publications and two book chapters.  

Karen Vignale

Karen Vignale, Ph.D., joined Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health - North America as a technical services manager for poultry in 2015. Prior to joining Kemin, Karen was a research assistant while earning her doctorate in poultry nutrition at the University of Arkansas. Originally from Peru, Vignale has 20 years of experience working with the poultry industry in her native country and the US. Vignale earned a master’s degree in animal nutrition  and a bachelor’s degree in animal science and from La Molina National Agrarian University in Peru. Vignale currently resides in Fayetteville, Ark., and has more than 30 conference abstracts presented and five publications.