ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) held its 48th annual Liquid Feed Symposium this week in San Diego, California, U.S., bringing together leaders in the liquid supplement industry to hear from experts on the latest news, research and innovation happening in the field and to recognize outstanding individuals.

“At this year’s Liquid Feed Symposium, 163 highly engaged people within the liquid feed industry came together to learn about ways to improve their businesses and the entire industry,” said Paul Davis, AFIA’s director of quality, animal food safety and education.

In a presentation on committing your business to “agvocacy,” Kim Bremmer of Ag Inspirations highlighted ways for people to communicate with consumers about agriculture. She recommended communicating with EASE:

·       Engage;

·       Acknowledge all questions and concerns, even if they are not the same as your own;

·       Share the basics; and

·       Earn trust.

“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it,” she said. “Make every conversation count.”

The symposium covered a number of other hot topics, including updates on regulations and legislation affecting the liquid feed industry, ingredients and nutrition, customer service, the environmental impact of livestock and more.

Other highlights from the symposium included the induction of Kirk Bowman into the Liquid Feed Hall of Fame and a silent wine auction, which raised $2,106 for the Kenny Berg Research and Education Fund. This fund, managed by the Institute for Feed Education and Research, AFIA’s public charity, supports feed industry-specific projects conducted by land grant universities and colleges.

The 49th annual Liquid Feed Symposium will take place in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., Sept. 9-11, 2019.