The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) held its 100th Agricultural Outlook Forum last week, themed “Cultivating the Future,” with the key message of investing in the next generation of leadership in the agriculture field. I walked away with a better understanding of investing in the next generation of ag leaders, the importance of sustainability and innovation and a call to support farmers on all scales. 

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) welcomed three new employees in the past six months: Taylor Lekin, Ivy Torres, and Madison Wyman. This past January, all three attended the International Production & Processing Expor in Atlanta, Ga., for the first time. Below, they share their experiences attending their first ever IPPE.  

Last year, the American Feed Industry Association did something a little different at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). We partnered with the Pet Food Institute, the North American Renderers Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to bring a training to animal food members on how to complete export packets and conduct facility audits. The training was a success, and attendees wanted more content and face time with APHIS! 

For over a decade, the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) global affairs team has diligently addressed policy, market access and market development issues to expand on and reach overseas markets that are vital for our members and the agricultural industry. Since 2019, the AFIA has been a Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) cooperator, granting the association access to funds to work on behalf of our members (at no extra cost to them), including fostering relationships in target markets with trade associations, government, buyers and end users. Much of this work is done through educational opportunities, and I am excited to share of a recent opportunity with a small delegation from Vietnam.  

This week, the American Feed Industry Association had another successful Feed 101 learning session at the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) staff.   

In the U.S. political landscape, the impending arrival of 2024 carries immense significance for legislative bodies at every level. As a pivotal year divisible by four, it heralds the onset of a multitude of electoral processes. Chief among these is the presidential election, an event that invariably captures the attention of the nation and sets the course for its future trajectory. Beyond the presidency, the electoral stage is set for the renewal of the House of Representatives, with all 435 seats up for grabs. Simultaneously, the Senate will see 33 regular seats, alongside an additional special election, collectively shaping the balance of power and influencing the legislative agenda for years to come. Additionally, there are gubernatorial races in 11 states that add another layer of complexity to the electoral landscape, as voters weigh competing visions for state governance and leadership.  

This week, the American Feed Industry Association recognized Angele Thompson, Ph.D., as its 2024 Friend of Pet Food award winner.  

This week, the American Feed Industry Association and Feedstuffs named MFA Incorporated’s Aurora Mill facility of Aurora, Mo., as its 2023 Commercial Dry Feed Facility of the Year.