ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) announced Oct. 15 that its Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) has partnered with the National FFA Organization (FFA), a youth organization for agricultural education, to develop educational programs in animal food production.

Representatives of AFIA’s board and leaders from FFA gathered to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that launched the partnership the week of Oct. 13.

The partnership will advocate for awareness and education in the agricultural industry as a whole, but specifically in the animal food sector. The programs developed through the partnership will target young professionals and youths.

From left: Mark Poeschl, CEO of FFA, and Rob Cooper, executive director of IFEEDER, signing the MOU.

“FFA is truly a leader working with the next generation of employees and preparing them for careers in agriculture,” said Bruce Crutcher, chair of the IFEEDER Board of Trustees. “We are pleased to work with them to provide educational opportunities to their members on careers in the animal food industry.”

According to AFIA, IFEEDER will work with FFA on existing programs and assist in the development of new ones to expand the reach, access and efficiency of their educational efforts.

"As FFA continues to provide the world’s next generation of leaders, we believe this partnership is an ideal opportunity for our students to learn more about the animal feed industry,” said Mark Poeschl, CEO of FFA. “We are honored to work with IFEEDER on these future endeavors.”

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