ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Feed Industry Association celebrates more than 80 new graduates of its biennial Feed Industry Institute (FII). The four-day immersive program held in Minneapolis, Minn., brought together industry professionals for intensive education, peer networking and firsthand insights from leading experts across the feed, pet food and feed ingredient sectors.
“The Feed Industry Institute is designed to give industry professionals a deeper understanding of the animal food industry while helping them build lasting professional relationships,” Dr. Yuan-Tai Hung, Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) senior manager of research, said. “This year’s participants engaged with 26 speakers, including university professors, field experts and nutritionists, from across the animal food industry. They explored the science and business behind feed and connected with peers who will help shape the future of our industry. It was rewarding to see their enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment to continued learning throughout the week.”
The four-day curriculum provided a comprehensive overview of feed manufacturing and animal nutrition, covering topics such as monogastric, ruminant and companion animal physiology and nutrition; the role of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals in animal diets; supplements and additives; formulation and processing; customer relations and communications; and the regulatory framework governing animal food production. Participants also explored related business functions, including ingredient sourcing, logistics and grain merchandising.
Beyond the classroom, attendees expanded their professional networks through group activities. A group of FII participants gathered at CHS Field to see the St. Paul Saints beat the Omaha Storm Chasers, bonding over barbecue and brews. Also, attendees gathered for five rounds of agriculture trivia, a fun way to reinforce learnings and collaborate with their peers.
The FII concluded with a brief graduation ceremony, where all attendees received a certificate of completion.
For more information about AFIA’s programs to support feed industry professionals throughout their career, visit www.afia.org/events.
