The Institute for Feed Education and Research Board of Trustees met Tuesday to install new board leadership and discuss strategies for the organization’s continued growth over the next five years.
Leadership transition
Dan Meagher, president and CEO at Novus International Inc., was installed as the new board chair for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which began May 1. Susanna Elliot, chief marketing and communications officer at Alltech Inc., will serve as board vice chair.
The board recognized Leigh Ann Sayen, CEO at The Peterson Company, for her leadership as board chair for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which ended April 30.
Past achievements
Accomplishments over the past five-year strategic plan have raised IFEEDER’s visibility with stakeholders, including the release of a pet food ingredient report, a vitamin and amino acid supply chain assessment with six species-specific mini reports, and the Animal Food Industry Sustainability Toolkit.
IFEEDER also launched “Project Warehouse,” an initiative designed to encourage new research, education and sustainability project ideas supporting the U.S. animal feed and pet food industry.
Future focus
“In the last five years, IFEEDER has strengthened its role as a key resource for the animal food industry by advancing research, fostering collaboration and growing engagement across the sector,” said Lara Moody, IFEEDER executive director.
The board discussed strategies for the next five-year planning cycle, including broadening research and educational initiatives, advancing industry resiliency and sustainability, and strengthening partnerships.
Board changes
Three new trustees joined the board: Eric Arnold of Bill Barr & Co., Sarah Schuling, Ph.D., of NutriQuest, and Marguerite Tan of the National Pork Board.
Departing trustees include Karl Thoene of CHS Inc., Juan Tricarico, Ph.D., of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, and John Akridge of MFA Incorporated.
