This year, the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) is celebrating its 10th anniversary. At the time of its formation, Alan Gunderson of Vita Plus Corporation, who served as chair of the American Feed Industry Association’s Board Foundation Task Force, said:

“In the years to come, IFEEDER will be an integral partner in providing the total feed industry with critical educational programs and research funds for a sustainable future.”

It was the task force’s vision and the members’ commitment to its industry charity that have allowed IFEEDER the opportunity to accomplish many projects over the past decade that protect the industry’s license to operate, fill research voids and further our outreach to consumers.

Although the issues may have changed and evolved over the years, many of the same themes have remained. Now, more than ever, we know that having reliable data is essential for the industry to advocate for science-based policies at the national and global levels. We also understand that the threats facing our industry are very real. It is essential that we continue to bond together with others throughout the food value chain to ensure we continue providing the safest food supply in the world while continuing to improve animal and public health, utilize new technology that lessens our environmental footprint and increase transparency with our consumers.

Looking forward, our industry is diligently working to guard our borders and imported feed products from foreign animal diseases, such as African swine fever, which could devastate U.S. agriculture and the economy. We are also working to address misinformation head-on, so that others are no longer telling our story – we are standing at home plate ready to bat.

Just as the task force believed that over time IFEEDER would serve as an integral convener of knowledge and expertise, I believe that we have only laid the foundation for what we can achieve. Let’s dream big and work together to build on our commitment so that the next generation of animal food industry leaders will be proud to call our industry their own.

Sincerely,

Bruce Crutcher
2019-20 IFEEDER Board Chair
Micronutrients USA, LLC