AFIA Liquid Feed Symposium Celebrates 50 Years

Oak Brook, IL — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) held its 50th Liquid Feed Symposium (LFS) last week in Oak Brook, IL, celebrating the rich history of liquid feed and the many years of meeting together at the symposium.

LFS brought together 125 leaders in the liquid feed industry to celebrate, network, hear the latest news, research and innovation happening in the field, and recognize outstanding individuals.

“After a year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Liquid Feed Symposium was incredibly special,” said Paul Davis, Ph.D., AFIA’s director of quality, animal food safety and education.

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“The tight-knit group has been through a lot together and it meant a lot to finally be able to gather and celebrate where we have been and look forward to where we are going.”

LFS attendees heard from several speakers on myriad topics. Marty Vanier, Ph.D., of Kansas State University, discussed current and emerging threats in her session titled, “Outbreaks, Pandemics, Disruptions and Preparedness.”

She listed COVID-19, African swine fever, rathayibacter toxicus and wheat blast as top threats to the U.S. animal food industry.

Vanier emphasized the importance of preparedness and how industry can reduce societal, economic and political disruptions and save lives – both human and animal.

Other highlights from the symposium:

• “Walk Down Memory Lane” showcase, featuring an industry timeline and liquid feed artifacts, a video detailing the history of liquid feed;
• The announcement of PerforMix Nutrition Systems as the winner of the 2021 Liquid Feed Facility of the Year;
• The induction of the very first Liquid Feed Committee from 1970 into the Liquid Feed Hall of Fame and a live auction, which raised a record-breaking $14,110 for the Kenny Berg Research and Education Fund. This fund, managed by the Institute for Feed Education and Research, the AFIA’s public charity, supports feed industry-specific projects conducted by land-grant universities.

The 2022 Liquid Feed Symposium is currently scheduled to take place in New Orleans, La., Sept. 7-9.

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