Since the outbreak of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in 2013, the feed and livestock industries have worked to gain a better understanding of pathogen transmission through feed and the supply chain. Multiple studies have documented the distribution of viral pathogens in mills after contamination, the stability of viruses in feed and ingredient matrices, and virus reduction using chemical mitigants or extended holding times.

When I visit the grocery store, I am awed by the choices available to shoppers – from fresh to frozen produce, canned or processed goods catered toward unique dietary preferences (e.g., low sodium, sugar-free) to various cuts of meat or dairy foods from animals raised in various farm settings. Choice is a wonderful thing, but what happens when that choice is removed by state or local laws? 

Most of us enjoy performing an act of kindness that benefits someone else. Whether it is spending time working with a local charity or just simply donating to a cause, we get a warm feeling inside when we can help others. Rarely do we have an opportunity to do something that truly brings about both a personal benefit as well as a benefit to others. With the Feed Facility of the Year (FFY) program, we now do, which is a win-win for industry.  

The annual Feed Education Program, hosted by the American Feed Industry Association's (AFIA) Production Compliance Committee, was held on Jan. 31 during the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). The Session offered crucial insights into THE regulatory changes members of the animal food industry can expect this year, including how they can stay informed and proactive in their compliance efforts.    

I am an avid college football fan. When watching my beloved Tennessee Volunteers play, I must admit that a lot of my frustration is usually aimed at the officials, which, a lot of the time, is probably a little biased and unfair. At the end of the day, college football fans realize that as much as we like to criticize the officials, we need them to help ensure the fairest outcome of games.  

This year’s American Feed Industry Association Pet Food Conference came packed with an agenda on a wide variety of topics about the future of the pet food industry, in an era when pets are increasingly regarded as cherished members of the family. Drawing nearly 500 industry professionals, a record number of attendees, the event served as a testament to the pet food industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and meeting consumers’ needs.  

The recent International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Ga., served as a platform for industry leaders to come together and explore the intersection of sustainability and animal feed production. Two notable events, the Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit and the “Feed Your ESG” educational program, hosted by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), spotlighted the strides in advancing sustainability within the feed and agriculture sectors. 

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.