The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) recognized Wes Klett, a part of the AFIA Liquid Feed Committee and chair of XF Enterprise, as one of its 2023 Member of the Year award recipients during the AFIA Liquid Feed Symposium, happening this week in Louisville, Ky.

“Serving in his capacity of chair and chair-elect, Wes has adeptly helped AFIA’s Liquid Feed Committee navigate the post-COVID world, which has changed attitudes and logistics alike,” said Paul Davis, Ph.D., AFIA director of animal food safety, quality and education. “With his unparalleled organization and dedication, Wes continually shared, encouraged and empowered others to ensure that the Liquid Feed Symposium events were enjoyable and informative.”

The Member of the Year award is presented to an AFIA member who exhibits outstanding support in achieving the organization’s goals and objectives throughout the year. With the exception of the 83 members of the Food Safety Modernization Act working group who received the award in 2014 and the entire AFIA membership following the COVID-19 outbreak in 2021, only 42 individuals have been honored prior to this year.

Klett has worked with the committee's leadership team to assemble a slate of speakers for the 2021 and 2022 Liquid Feed Symposiums. He has also worked with various subcommittees to make contact assignments, assuring sponsorships and contributions to the Institute for Feed Education and Research’s (IFEEDER) Kenny Berg Research and Education Fund were secured. His dedication to his work and the AFIA Liquid Feed Committee can be highlighted in his creation of a task force to explore liquid feed scholarship and leadership development opportunities.

In addition to the Liquid Feed Symposium, Klett is on IFEEDER’s Sustainability Road Map advisory committee, where he encourages the examination and collaboration of issues from all angles. Klett also contributes to the annual live auction held to raise funds for liquid feed research through the Kenny Berg Research and Education fund.