The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) released its annual, “Our Industry, Our Promise,” report, detailing the operational challenges facing U.S. feed and pet food manufacturers and actions the AFIA is taking to address them. The report provides an analysis of the animal food industry’s contribution to the U.S. and global economies and the forces creating an uncertain business climate. It also provides an inside look at efforts underway to usher the federal regulation of animal food into the 21st century and steps the industry is taking to better protect animal and human health while producing safer, more sustainable food.
National Institute of Animal Agriculture recently welcomed two new co-chairs to the Antibiotics Council: Dr. Heather Fowler from the National Pork Board and Dr. Alexandra Medley from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Ralco, a leading innovator in natural animal health, is proud to announce the launch of Rapid Strike, an advanced oral drench designed to maintain health during times of calf scours, a common and costly issue for beef and dairy producers.
Local meat processing facilities, particularly small businesses that work with a relatively low volume of processing, are vital contributors to the food supply chain in many communities across the country. One of the primary challenges they face is how to manage the wastewater produced from their operations. The issue has been brought to the national forefront in recent years, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency examines the environmental effects of wastewater from the meat processing industry. In Michigan, these low-volume facilities often rely on decentralized wastewater treatment due to cost and lack of access to municipal centralized options. They frequently must obtain a groundwater discharge permit from a state or regulatory agency, such as the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). Two projects to help small meat processors manage wastewater have been funded by the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture.
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative has added a new staff position to support its government affairs and permitting and regulatory departments with advocacy and outreach efforts. Erin Tomasik has joined the team as the Community Relations Manager. Among her responsibilities, she will engage, connect and collaborate with legislators and stakeholders on behalf of the association and its affiliates.
In April 2024, USDA-APHIS issued a final rule updating their existing 2013 regulations on animal disease traceability (ADT). The updated rule will take effect on November 5, 2024. This update now requires ear tags to be used as official animal identification for the interstate movement of covered classes of cattle to be both visually and electronically readable. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) will host a webinar entitled “Updated EID Tag Requirements for Disease Traceability” on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 6:00PM CST. Register here.
The Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council is currently accepting applications for the Frank Cruice Innovation in Safety & Health Award. The award is named in honor of Frank Cruice, formally of Perdue Farms, who was an active member of the Joint Poultry Safety & Health Council for more than 20 years. In addition, Cruice led the industry safety award committee and served as Council Chair from 2019 – 2021 before he retired. Award program rules, regulations and application forms are available by clicking here.
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is accepting applications for the 13th annual IPPE Young Leaders Under 30 Award. This initiative, supported by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Meat Institute and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), aims to recognize emerging leaders in the industry. The award offers recipients a chance to gain visibility at the world’s largest annual trade show focused on the production, packing and processing of meat, poultry and egg products, as well as animal feed and pet food.
