Continuing my blog series on industry titans, here’s another mover and shaker: John Starkey. John has been the president of the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association (USPOULTRY) for the last 16 years, after serving as USPOULTRY’s vice president of environmental programs for seven years. Prior to that, he worked a number of years in the poultry industry for Gold Kist and Hudson Foods, where he served as director of environmental affairs. I really got to know John through the American Feed Industry Association’s partnership with USPOULTRY on the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). Below is our conversation.
Today, the American Feed Industry Association released our annual, “Our Industry, Our Promise” report, detailing the operational challenges facing today’s animal feed and pet food manufacturers at the global and international levels. It also discussed the ways the AFIA is addressing those challenges head-on, while laying the groundwork for a prosperous future for our members and association into the future.
When you think of federal agencies, what comes to mind? For me, I think of an intimidating, hulking building with slow, red-tape processes. I recently learned the reality is far from my wild imagination. Boiled down, federal agencies, and specifically the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in this story, is comprised of people, looking to give back to their country.
Having been with the American Feed Industry Association for many years, I have the honor to work with some of the most interesting and amazing leaders in the animal food industry. While I’m happy for them as they near retirement, I’m also sad to see them go. Here’s an interview with one such titan of the industry, Scott Druker, Ph.D. Scott is currently the general manager for the animal and food production division at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production. I really got to know Scott when he served as chair of the AFIA Board in 2020-21. Below is our conversation.
Every year, the American Feed Industry Association sponsors various nutrition research awards that honor animal scientists that advance the livestock industry, both with their research programs and by mentoring young industry leaders. The 2023 winners are listed below. Thank you all for your passion and dedication!
The American Feed Industry Association is thrilled to welcome aboard our new global programs specialist, Ivy Torres! Ivy is passionate about international development and is excited to work with AFIA members to improve the U.S. animal food industry’s street cred abroad. Learn more about Ivy below.
“Time flies when you are having fun.” - Albert Einstein
“All good things must come to an end.” -Geoffrey Chaucer
Two very cliché quotes that perfectly describe this chapter in my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed interning at the American Feed Industry Association this summer and know it has prepared me for the next portion of my life. It is a very bittersweet feeling. I’m excited to start my last year of college but sad to be leaving this great organization!
Let’s face it: these are tough times for agriculture and animal food leaders. In today’s tight labor market, business owners are struggling to retain good workers—a complaint we hear again and again during meetings with clients and in conversations at conferences. In this tricky business environment (and really, at any time), the onus is on leaders like you to make employees feel valued, supported and engaged so they stick around.
The question is: how?
Science is always evolving, and the science of equine nutrition is no exception. Thanks to research and developments in equine nutrition, we know that many byproducts contain nutrient levels or attributes that make them better feed ingredients for horses than the initial grain or primary end-product of the processing. The list of byproducts that provide advantages in horse diets is long – and some you may even be surprised to see on the list – but an important one is wheat middlings (or midds).
This past week, several American Feed Industry Association staff participated in the Universal Food Forum, hosted by Michigan State University and CropLife America in Washington, D.C. There, different expert panels discussed a variety of topics impacting global food security, from building resilient food systems to climate change and global regulations and trade. Below are some highlights.