For Immediate Release
International Poultry Expo
Tucker, Ga. - January 30, 2026

AFIA’s Feed Production Education Program Covers Regulatory Changes

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) hosted its annual Feed Production Education program this week, providing feed manufacturers timely updates on evolving federal regulations and emerging challenges in feed production. Held in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), the complimentary program brought together industry professionals seeking the latest guidance from regulatory experts and AFIA leadership.  

“The free Feed Education Program at IPPE is where the animal food industry can hear the latest updates and trends in regulatory, safety and operational areas that impact their day-to-day work,” said Meghan Dicks, AFIA’s director of membership and engagement, who moderated the session. “The presentations help attendees stay up to date on regulatory insights and best practices that support feed safety, animal health and compliance.”

Speakers from the AFIA, industry organizations and policy-focused groups briefed attendees on what to expect from key federal agencies this year, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Food and Drug Administration. Presentations also covered workforce, transportation and environmental considerations impacting feed producers.

In addition to regulatory updates, attendees received insights on mycotoxin management, a continuing challenge for feed manufacturers navigating ingredient quality and seasonal risks factors. Darrin Poole, corporate feed mill quality control manager at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, provided expert guidance on monitoring, mitigation strategies and operational best practices to reduce risk across feed supply chains.

Later, Mary Gray Holdren, manager of education programs at AFIA, highlighted the association’s broader slate of 2026 educational programs—including conferences, regulatory training and online courses—designed to support professional development across all segments of the feed and animal food industry.

The annual Feed Production Education Program remains an essential forum for technical experts, regulators and feed manufacturing leaders to collaborate, learn and strengthen the industry’s commitment to safe, efficient and compliant production practices.

About IPPE
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is a collaboration of three shows - International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo - representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Meat Institute and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).

About AFIA
Founded in 1909, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), based in Arlington, Va., is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal food industry and its suppliers. The organization's membership is comprised of more than 650 domestic and international companies that represent the total feed industry-manufacturers of commercial and integrated feed and pet food, ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, industry support and equipment manufacturers. AFIA members manufacture more than 75% of the feed and 70% of the non-grain ingredients used in the country. AFIA is also recognized as the leader on international industry developments and holds membership in the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

About the Meat Institute
The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute's hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit MeatInstitute.org.

About USPOULTRY
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the All Feather Association progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Georgia.

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Darrin Poole, corporate feed mill quality control manager at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, speaking at the Feed Production Education Program at the 2026 IPPE.