This episode of Real Science Exchange was recorded live at the 2026 IPPE Show. It focuses on the newly formalized IFEEDER Research Submission Program and its role in advancing innovation across the animal feed and pet food industries.
Episode 197: IFEEDER Research Submission Program
Lara Moody, Executive Director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), opens the discussion by outlining IFeeder’s mission to advance understanding and trust in a sustainable animal feed and pet food supply chain. IFEEDER was founded in 2009 and has steadily expanded its scope of work. Recently, it released key industry resources including feed ingredient consumption reports. There is also a comprehensive pet food ingredient report covering more than 600 ingredients, and a strategic assessment of vitamins and amino acids related to U.S. food security. (0:46)
Lara then introduces Dr. Yan‑Tai Hung, IFeeder’s Senior Research Manager. His background as a swine nutritionist brings additional technical depth to the organization’s research efforts. Dr. Hung discusses his experience in applied nutrition research. He also explains how IFEEDER is expanding beyond individual ingredients to address the broader animal food production chain and food availability challenges. (2:05)
The conversation turns to IFEEDER’s funding model and organizational growth. Laura explains how the foundation has diversified beyond industry funding alone. Over the past five years, IFeeder has shifted from relying almost entirely on industry contributions to securing significant support through grants and partnerships with organizations such as the USDA, commodity groups, and other stakeholders. As a result, annual project funding has grown substantially. (3:24)
Dr. Chad Risley, Research Committee Chair, shares his long‑standing involvement with IFeeder. He reflects on how the organization has evolved from early educational initiatives to a more focused, impact‑driven research foundation. He highlights the importance of IFEEDER’s sustainability toolkit and strategic planning. This planning helps the organization gain momentum and relevance across the industry. (4:29)
A major focus of the episode is the new IFeeder Research Submission Program, which formalizes how research ideas move from concept to funded projects. Previously, projects originated informally through committees and the board. Now, the new process provides clear submission guidelines and evaluation criteria. This ensures proposed projects align with AFIA priorities and deliver practical value to the industry. (8:39)
The panel explains that while the submission process is newly approved, outreach is already underway with AFIA committees and industry stakeholders to encourage future submissions. There are 14 AFIA committees representing diverse areas of animal nutrition. Therefore, IFEEDER aims to ensure broad participation across the feed and pet food sectors. (11:28)
Dr. Risley discusses how IFEEDER‑supported research has already driven regulatory and policy wins, including data used to demonstrate the economic impact of delayed feed additive approvals. This was a project that helped secure additional FDA resources to improve regulatory efficiency. (12:04)
The discussion then shifts to collaboration with universities, where Laura emphasizes IFEEDER’s role as a bridge between academic research, industry needs, and nonprofit funding. By partnering with universities, IFEEDER helps align research proposals with real‑world challenges. This approach also strengthens grant competitiveness and knowledge transfer. (13:26)
Looking ahead, the panel outlines research priorities for 2026 and beyond, including sustainability, foreign animal disease prevention, biosecurity risks, and improving communication around animal health and nutrition. Sustainability is framed not only as environmental stewardship. It is also seen as the long‑term viability and profitability of the animal feed and pet food industries. (16:21)
Lara highlights strategic wins over the past five years, including the development of a formal strategic plan, increased industry visibility, and the creation of tools and datasets. These tools and datasets support foot printing, feed formulation decisions, and industry advocacy. (18:59)
The episode wraps up with discussion of IFEEDER’s feed consumption reports, which quantify the economic impact of the feed industry at state and congressional district levels. These reports have become valuable tools for educating policymakers and supporting science‑based advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. (21:52)
Final remarks encourage listeners to stay engaged with IFEEDER, subscribe to its newsletter, share research ideas, and support the foundation’s work through contributions and participation in its annual Day of Giving. (24:41)
Conclusion
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