The American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Equipment Manufacturers Committee (EMC) raised $3,700 for its scholarship fund at a hospitality reception on January 26 in Atlanta, hosted by Feed & Grain and WATT Global Media.
Held annually preceding the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), the funds were raised through a raffle drawing for two outdoor audio speakers furnished by Maxi-Lift Inc. Stuart Martin, agribusiness sales manager for Hayes & Stolz, won the drawing, presented by Lara Moody, executive director, IFEEDER.
“The AFIA Equipment Manufacturers Committee scholarship fund is committed to supporting education for the next generation of industry leaders,” said Mike Schuster, vice president of Laidig Systems, Inc., and past AFIA board chair. “We appreciate the support we received tonight from our valued partners.”
The scholarship fund has grown to contribute annually to students at seven of the nation's leading universities.
“The committee helps sustain the evolution of feed education through the long-term support of the Feed & Grain annual reception.” Schuster said.
The scholarship fund is administered by the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) on behalf of the EMC. IFEEDER works with partners across the animal food and broader food and agricultural sector to advance understanding and trust in a sustainable feed and pet food supply chain through research and education.
EMC represents the interests of animal food equipment manufacturing members. Activities include OSHA and EPA regulatory compliance, sponsorship of a national safety sign program and the continuing development of new safety signs and placement guidelines. It also conducts an annual conference and oversees the Equipment Manufacturers Scholarship Fund.
IPPE, held Jan. Jan. 27 – Jan. 28, 2026 in Atlanta, is the largest international trade show for the animal food, poultry and meat processing industries.
