One of my favorite parts of this job has always been the moments when I can do more for the feed and grain industry than storytelling — when I can become part of a catalyst for real change. That's exactly how I feel about my role on the Education and Engagement Committee for the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER).
The Institute for Feed Education and Research exists to advance understanding and trust in a sustainable animal feed and pet food supply chain through research and education. It's meaningful work, and the Education and Engagement and other IFEEDER committees sit at the heart of it — evaluating projects, building relationships beyond the animal food industry and helping ensure that the resources IFEEDER deploys are making the greatest possible difference.
Right now, that responsibility is getting even more exciting. IFEEDER has launched what it's calling a "project warehouse" — a formalized, structured pipeline for identifying, reviewing and prioritizing research, education and sustainability projects submitted by American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) committees. As those proposals begin to come in, our committee be evaluate them for funding consideration and strategic alignment. It is, in the truest sense, where industry ideas become industry impact.
And that's where you come in.
IFEEDER is actively seeking ideas from feed and pet food professionals who see opportunities for research, education or sustainability initiatives that would strengthen our industry. Whether it's a research gap you've noticed, an educational need on your facility floor or a sustainability challenge you can't quite tackle alone, those ideas deserve a pathway forward — and now there is one.
If you have a concept that deserves consideration, I encourage you to reach out. Tell me what's on your mind. I'm proud to be in a position to help connect the right ideas to the right people, and I can't wait to hear what this industry is thinking. The warehouse is open — now it is time to fill it.
