The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) reviewed its recent accomplishments and set priorities for the coming year during its annual Board of Trustees meeting held May 21, 2025. Key areas of focus include enhancing sustainability initiatives, expanding pet food- and animal feed-related research and data, and diversifying funding sources.
“IFEEDER has made significant progress in implementing its strategic plan — solidifying our role as a trusted resource for the animal food industry and allied partners, expanding sustainability research and growing our funding base,” said Lara Moody, IFEEDER executive director. “As we look to the future, IFEEDER is committed to building on this momentum and exploring new ways to support the evolving research and education needs across the feed and pet food sectors.”
During the meeting, the board reviewed the publication of key reports, including pet food and feed ingredient consumption data, and discussed efforts to raise the organization’s visibility within the animal nutrition industry.
Plans for the 2025–26 fiscal year include increasing use and promotion of sustainability resources, expanding education and research initiatives, and engaging more stakeholder partners from the animal food and pet food industries.
In board leadership changes, Leigh Ann Sayen, CEO of The Peterson Company, was installed as board chair, succeeding Carlos Gonzalez, Ph.D., of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Steve Lerner, Ph.D., senior scientific and business advisor at Novonesis Animal and Plant Biosolutions, will serve as vice chair.
Three new trustees joined the board: Nate Bingaman of D1 Resources, Rebecca Mowen of ADM Animal Nutrition, and Nick Rozzi of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Outgoing trustees include Jamee Krug Blahauvietz of Phibro Animal Health, Scott Lovin of AgState, and Paul Phillips of Maxi-Lift Inc./Southwest Agri-Plastics.
