Your Favorite Blog Posts of 2020

Written by: Lacie Dotterweich   |   December 29, 2020

Holidays

For the most part, 2020 is not a year most people will look back on favorably (I know I won't). It turned the world upside down and brought all of our everyday lives to a screeching halt. However, one thing that I will look back on with fond thoughts is that our AFIA Feed Bites blog turned one year old. 

AFIA Feed Bites' first full year of discussing hot topics that affect each and every one of our readers is definitely something to remember and celebrate. In this time, we shared how COVID-19 affected the animal food industry, debunked myths regarding animal agriculture, celebrated trade victories, learned about exotic animal nutrition and much, much more!

As the end of the year is always a time of reflection, we decided to look at the top blog articles that readers loved the most (so we can continue to bring you content you love!).

Here are readers' top five favorite blog posts in 2020:

#1: Another Attack on Animal Ag, But What’s Different This Time?

I am sure you saw the headlines a few weeks ago about Burger King’s new advertising campaign and how the fast food retailer plans to reduce greenhouse gases by including lemongrass in cattle diets. Well, surprise, surprise! Their description of cows emitting gas (aka farts) is just plain wrong and the research they used on the feed ingredient is inconclusive.

#2: I Can't Find N95 Respirators: Now What Do I Do

Many feed manufacturing facilities may suddenly find it difficult to obtain N95 respirators (sometimes incorrectly referred to as N95 face masks) due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. N95 disposable respirators are commonly used in our industry to protect the health of employees handling hazardous materials. As the country is facing a temporary shortage of this personal protective equipment, there are several things that facility managers may want to think through concerning their facility’s respirator program.

#3: The Importance of Free, Fair and Reciprocal Trade

Today, I had the wonderful and humbling experience of seeing firsthand the United States and China sign a historic phase one agreement on trade. Growing up and living in the Midwest, one would think I’m far removed from the struggles of U.S. and Chinese trade woes, but I haven’t been and I am not.

#4: GMOs and Animal Feed: Getting the Facts

Let’s talk about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and animal feed. Unless you have been living under a rock, you probably have heard of GMOs in some capacity and have heard many misconceptions about them. Is GMO food some kind of Frankenfood? Are they safe? Will they make me sick? (No, yes and no, for the record). GMOs serve a very important purpose in the animal feed industry – providing reliable, nutritious and affordable ingredients to make animal feed.

#5: Coronavirus Part 1: The Basics

You can’t check your social media feed, turn on the TV or read a newspaper without a reference to the coronavirus. So, how does it impact the animal food industry? What do I need to know? This blog post is the first of a two-part blog series on the topic. Let’s start with the basics.

We thank you so much for being reading our blog and learning more about the animal food industry. We look forward to continuing to share insights on policy issues and topics that are being discussed in the news in the new year.

Do you have questions about the animal food industry you would like to see answered? Topics you want to learn more about? Email me at afiaeditor@afia.org!