The combined company will focus on improving production efficiencies for high-protein animal nutrition ingredients.

If confirmed, Jewel H. Bronaugh will be the first African American woman to serve as deputy secretary of agriculture.

Tom Vilsack is the former secretary of agriculture for the USDA and current president and chief execuive officer of the US Dairy Export Council.

Dr. Cassie Jones, Dr. Keith Behnke, and Dr. Bill Braman were all recognized with individual awards for their support of AFIA and the animal food manufacturing industry.

Bond Pet Foods and nine other early-stage companies were selected to participate in the inaugural program, hosted by Plug and Play out of its new innovation center in Topeka, Kan.

Dr. Robert Waltz received the Ambassador’s Circle Award from the national agricultural organization for his support of food safety initiatives.

The pet food company has partnered with Plug and Play to provide support and resources to emerging companies in the companion animal health market.

The two companies will mentor and support eight to 10 animal health and agriculture technology startups to stimulate innovation in the two industries.

Constance Cullman and Mallory Gaines are among 25 new members to serve on one of seven agricultural trade-focused committees led by the USDA and USTR.

A report by CoBank's Knowledge Exchange shows the economy may decline again, despite recent gains.