The headlines across the news and social media are daunting. They range from people needing help feeding their families and pets to medical and first responders calling for more personal protective equipment (PPE) so that they can stay safe while caring for others. Did you know, the U.S. animal food industry is working in many areas to help others during these tough times? Are you wondering how you or your company can help during the novel coronavirus pandemic? Below are a few examples from around the industry and ideas to consider.
In this tumultuous time, our industry plays an important role in not only getting fact-based news and information out, but also in sharing the powerful story of our industry employees, who continue to report to work to ensure a stable feed and pet food supply. The American Feed Industry Association is participating in and following a few social media initiatives to help share the stories of the agriculture industry and we hope that you will join us.
American Feed Industry Association President and CEO Constance Cullman delivered a short video message today to members detailing how the association is addressing industry challenges in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic. She asks that members continue sharing their concerns with the staff so that our essential industry can make it through the public health crisis together.
Every year when Earth Day rolls around, I celebrate the marvels that our environmental ecosystems are. The abundance of biodiversity on our planet is one to celebrate. Biodiversity keeps our planet healthy and simultaneously provides us with countless opportunities to harness nature to provide the feed, food, fiber and fuel needed to sustain our society. It is an amazing balance that also requires anyone involved in agriculture to wisely use our resources and conserve them for our future.
As a mid-twenties young adult with no kids yet, it’s no surprise that I consider my two cats as my babies. I dote on them, buy them the newest, flashy laser toys and like you would with a (human) child, worry about what they are eating and if they are getting the right nutrients to meet their needs.
Ever since I was a young child, I have looked forward to spring. Not just for the warm weather and the end of the school year, but because that meant my local Theisen’s farm supply store (it’s an Iowa thing) would have cute baby chicks. All year long, my family would drive past the Theisen’s and I would ask to go in and see the chicks. Most of the time, my request was answered with, “They aren’t there right now, it’s not spring.” So, I would agonizingly wait for spring.
Over the past few weeks, we have received several questions from members, media and the public about the novel coronavirus’s impacts on the animal food industry and its products. American consumers are rightly concerned about access to affordable and nutritious protein and dairy products for their families and pet food for their companion animals during this trying time. The American Feed Industry Association has responded to these questions, based on what we have learned from our members and regulatory agencies.
“It’s really exciting to be able to say that the pet food industry really goes all the way back to the farm and then all the way back into those rural communities, supporting those retailers that support the farmer.”
As many of you know, I’m from Wisconsin, so you would think I know all about National Beer Day, but that is not the case. When I was assigned this blog, I had to do some research. So, let’s start with how National Beer Day started.
The theme of this year’s National Agriculture Day, “Food brings everyone to the table,” hits home for the animal food industry. While the animal food industry may not be the most well understood in the overall agricultural industry, we play a unique and very important role in U.S. agriculture – making sure America’s livestock (and thus people) and pets are fed nutritious and safe food!