AFIA Board Advocates for Feed Industry Issues on Capitol Hill, Installs New Leadership

The American Feed Industry Association's (AFIA) Board of Directors concluded its annual spring meeting in Washington, D.C., today. Throughout the week, Board directors met with congressional offices to advocate for key federal policy priorities impacting the U.S. animal food industry and conducted official association business, including the installation of new Board leadership.

In over 60 meetings on Capitol Hill, the Board directors urged lawmakers to advance key policies that support feed innovation, supply chain resilience and U.S. agricultural competitiveness. Board directors urged lawmakers to pass the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (Innovative FEED) Act (H.R.2203/S.1906), which would streamline the approval pathways for novel feed ingredients; support the full renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA); advance the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act of 2025 (H.R. 597), which would create a unified, science-based federal framework for animal food; and study the U.S. vitamin and amino acid supply chain through the Securing American Agriculture Act. The Board directors also voiced support for passage of the farm bill in the Senate and backed the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act, which would strengthen U.S. aquaculture research and support growth opportunities for the aquafeed sector.

During the Board's official business meeting, Board directors heard from Tim Schell, director at the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine, on ongoing regulatory work and Robert Ahern, deputy assistant U.S. Trade Representative at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, on current trade policy issues.

The AFIA recognized outgoing chair Dan Meagher, president and CEO of Novus International, Inc., for his leadership and service to the association over the past year. Meagher now transitions into one year of service as chair of the Institute for Feed Education and Research's (IFEEDER) Board of Trustees.

"As I reflect on my time serving as chair of the American Feed Industry Association Board of Directors, I am filled with deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent this industry at an important moment of change and opportunity," stated Meagher. "One theme remained constant throughout my tenure: the strength of our industry lies in its people. From producers and nutritionists to ingredient suppliers, policymakers and value-chain partners, AFIA members continue to demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing a safe, sustainable and resilient food system."

The AFIA Board installed Mark Poeschl, president and CEO of Furst?McNess Company, as its new chair, effective through the end of AFIA's 2026-27 fiscal year on April 30, 2027. It also voted to accept the nomination of Karl Thoene, vice president of animal nutrition of CHS Inc., to become chair-elect of the organization for the 2027-28 AFIA fiscal year.

"I step into the role of AFIA Board chair with both energy and a strong sense of responsibility at a pivotal moment for food and agriculture," said Poeschl. "As our industry navigates shifting global dynamics, changing market expectations and ongoing supply chain challenges, AFIA is well positioned to lead with clarity and purpose. With the engagement of our members, the expertise of our staff and a shared commitment to our Four Promises, we will continue to advance smart policy, strengthen resilience and support a competitive, sustainable future for animal food. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this industry."

The Board also confirmed the appointments of the following individuals to serve three-year terms: Blaine Blackburn, Westway Feed Products; Stuart Gebauer, Lallemand Animal Nutrition; Jason Hoekstra, Rockingham Cooperative; Kristen Ireland, People Spark Consulting; Pam Kaufman, Royal Canin; Scott Lovin, AgState; Kelly McMillan, Selko US; Chris Pearson, Land O' Lakes; Jerry Rogers, Wayne?Sanderson Farms; Aaron Schacht, BiomEdit; Chris Schneider, Reiser; Robert Schubert, Associated Feed & Supply; Nick Sterrett, Omega Protein; Kendra Waldbusser, JBS/Pilgrim's; and Mac Weber, Provitas LLC.

The Board approved nominated individuals as additional members to its 15-member AFIA Executive Committee, which now includes: Eric Arnold, Bill Barr & Company, Inc.; Kristin Bonham, dsm?firmenich; Christi Brown, Zinpro Corporation; Phil Graham, Cargill Animal Nutrition; Sean McNear, Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.; Dan Meagher, Novus International, Inc.; Terry Medemblik, Walinga USA; Apoorva Shah, SAM Nutrition; Joe Lucas, CJ Bio America, Inc.; Lisa Norton, Biozyme, Incorporated; Mark Poeschl, Furst?McNess Company; Glen Wilkinson, Huvepharma, Inc.; Anthony Koch, Hallways Feeds; David Stearle, Nutra Blend, LLC; and Kendra Waldbusser, JBS/Pilgrim's.

The AFIA Board thanks the following outgoing members for their three years of service: Scott Baker, SEM Minerals, LP; Cory Berg, QLF?Quality Liquid Feeds, Inc.; Nathan Bingaman, D1 Resources, Inc.; Jonathan Cowles, WL Port?Land Systems, Inc.; Susanna Elliott, Alltech, Inc.; Hayley Jones, Smithfield Hog Production; Paul Kalmbach, Kalmbach Feeds, Inc.; Steve Lerner, Ph.D., Novonesis Animal and Plant Biosolutions; Allen McDonald, Global Animal Products; Rebecca Mowen, ADM Animal Nutrition, Inc.; Matt Podany, EBM Manufacturing; Tim Reed, Reed Mariculture; Leigh Ann Sayen, The Peterson Company; Karl Thoene, CHS, Inc.; Ben Towns, Arm & Hammer; and Ty Vaupel, Alfagreen Supreme.

Editorial Note: To obtain a high-resolution image to use for editorial purposes, contact Margo Nagle, AFIA's communication's specialist.