ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US — Registration has opened for the American Feed Industry Association’s biennial Feed Industry Institute (FII) for industry newcomers, a self-paced, virtual learning experience scheduled for June 6-Aug. 1.

The institute imparts the fundamentals of the animal food manufacturing process, from the types of ingredients used to the animals served to federal policies that shape the output of the industry. 

FII officially opens on June 6, when attendees will be invited to sign into the online platform and watch nearly 30 lectures – at their leisure – from industry experts. Attendees must complete the lectures by Aug. 1, when the AFIA will hold a live webinar with attendees to answer questions, recap the presentations and conduct a graduation ceremony. 

There will be many opportunities for attendees to engage with the material, such as through knowledge checks, and with each other. Upon registration, the AFIA will invite participants to join a private group on LinkedIn, where they can network, discuss the course content and get to know their industry colleagues. 

Topics will include an overview of the US feed industry, animal physiology and nutrition basics, information on the types of ingredients used in animal food and why, the role of medications and other additives, and various processing techniques. It also will look at agriculture’s role in building consumer trust, the role of international trade and provide an overview of state and federal regulations.