Grainnet

American Feed Industry Association Hosts Successful Spring Forum and Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Conference in Las Vegas, NV on March 3-7

Arlington, VA—The American Feed Industry Association held its annual Spring Forum and Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Conference in Las Vegas, NV March 3-7.

The event attracted over 500 attendees to the Flamingo Hotel to hear experts discuss the direction of the feed industry.

In addition, numerous AFIA committees and the Board of Directors met.

Floyd Gaibler, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, opened the conference, noting that exports of agricultural products represent 20-25% of total agricultural cash receipts as a result of growth in global demand and a weak dollar.

He also noted the size of the middle class in developing countries is growing, thus influencing the strong demand for agricultural products.

On corn production and use, Gailber stated “Large increases are projected in corn used for ethanol production over the next several years.

Relatively high prices for crude oil contribute to favorable returns for ethanol production, which combine with government programs to provide economic incentives for a continuation of the ongoing expansion in ethanol production capacity.”

Dr. Dave Downey, formerly of Purdue University, spoke on suppliers and manufacturers’ relationships; Dr. Keith Behnke, Kansas State University, provided a historical perspective on safety of safe feed; and Dr. Harold Tilstra, Land O’Lakes provided information on the nutritional impact of co-products from the biofuel industry.

Other speakers provided detailed outlooks impacting the feed industry, entertainment and motivational talks.

Next year’s Spring Forum and Conference will be held March 9-13, 2009 at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Destin, FL.

For more information, call Judy Pilgrim at 703-524-0810.