Feedstuff production on the farm may be a leading source of the environmental footprint for livestock, poultry, horses and pets, but it doesn’t mean it will be the best solution for reducing it. Regenerative agriculture, climate-smart practices and efforts to improve soil health are agricultural practices that receive a lot of attention by stakeholders for reducing t animal feed’s footprint, but I would argue that we must give equal attention to some of the animal food industry innovations in the pipeline that will offer solutions as well.  

A few years ago, I was out for a walk with my dog Sherman on a late summer day along a quiet road and came across a friend repairing the fortress-like fence around her vegetable garden. “Woodchuck after the greens again?” I asked. “NO!” she replied, clearly agitated, “The darn dog ate my carrots, it’s the second planting I have lost this year.” Dogs are willing vegetable eaters? It turns out that many dogs will snitch vegetables and berries right out of gardens and can thrive on vegetarian or even vegan diets. This got me to questioning: what are the advantages of vegan diets for dogs and what considerations need to be made in diet formulation?

I am honored and humbled to begin my tenure as chair of the American Feed Industry Association’s Board of Directors. I have learned a great deal from the past chairs I have been fortunate to work with and want to specifically recognize and thank Mike Gauss, Kent Nutrition Group, for his leadership over the past year and counsel in the coming one!

It is with a heavy heart that I end my time as chair of the AFIA Board. This trepidation is not due to any doubts about the new leadership, but simply, because I will deeply miss working with the exceptional individuals who make up this organization. I have full confidence in the abilities of Carlos Gonzalez and Leigh Ann Sayen, who will undoubtedly provide outstanding leadership. Furthermore, I am pleased to note that the association is blessed with a highly talented staff, occupying key positions, ensuring that our industry and members will be well represented for years to come.

On both the domestic and international fronts, we are being asked how feed additives and ingredients can mitigate offsets, such as methane, and support sustainable and nutrient-dense animal protein diets. The American Feed Industry Association prides itself on its commitment to being the voice for the animal food industry at the international level and has invested more time and energy into the sustainability and climate change space over the past few years. This is also one reason why the AFIA is engaged in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C), and participated in the meeting held in Washington, D.C., a few weeks ago.

Last week, the American Feed Industry Association’s Board of Directors participated in a “fireside chat” with senior Food and Drug Administration officials about challenges facing the regulatory agency and steps it’s taking to work with stakeholders to solve problems and prepare for future innovation.

The American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Board of Directors wrapped up its annual spring meeting in Arlington, Va., late last week, where they heard from federal officials, advocated for key policy priorities impacting the animal food industry on Capitol Hill and conducted other official business, including installing new Board leadership and directors.

Last week, Emma Bower, a rising senior at The Ohio State University, joined the American Feed Industry Association’s communications team as our summer intern. She comes from a farm background, is pursuing a degree in agricultural communications with a minor in farm management, and bonus for us – she is a budding photographer with a keen eye for design. Get to know a little bit more about her below.