The Institute for Feed Education & Research (IFEEDER) has published its 2026 annual update alongside a five-year strategic plan, anchoring both documents in a supply chain assessment that has drawn more than 534 media citations since release.

The vitamin and amino acid supply chain assessment — the first evidence-based evaluation of U.S. dependence on vitamin and amino acid imports across the food supply chain — sits at the center of the annual update. The main report and six supporting species reports informed the animal food industry's engagement with Congress, federal agencies and other stakeholders on strengthening the U.S. animal food ingredient supply chain, IFEEDER said. For feed manufacturers and livestock producers, the work speaks directly to input sourcing risk for two of the most cost-sensitive categories in feed formulation.

"This past year demonstrated the value of turning credible research into practical information that the animal food industry and its partners can use to make informed decisions," said Lara Moody, IFEEDER executive director. "Our new strategic plan builds on that momentum, providing a clear path for IFEEDER to deepen collaboration, pursue high-impact research and ensure our work continues to address the industry's most pressing needs."

The annual update previews IFEEDER's newest project: an examination of key chemicals used in vitamin and amino acid production, extending the import-dependence analysis one step upstream in the ingredient chain.

Beyond supply chain work, IFEEDER reports progress on sustainability and animal nutrition projects during the past year. Current efforts include partnerships spanning the feed, food, beverage and pet food value chains to advance shared sustainability goals, improving U.S. ingredient data in the Global Feed Lifecycle Assessment Institute database, and supporting updated nutrient requirements for poultry and swine — the latter tied to development of the 12th edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Swine report.

The institute also launched a Project Warehouse, giving American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) committees a formal pathway to submit new research, education and sustainability ideas for IFEEDER consideration.

The strategic plan establishes three goals: serve as a trusted and valued partner, deliver actionable research and practical resources, and build operating capacity to support disciplined growth and collaboration. The plan is intended to guide expanded partnerships, high-impact projects and the translation of research into usable industry resources.

"IFEEDER has demonstrated the value that credible research and industry collaboration can deliver, and our new strategic plan challenges us to build on that momentum," said Dan Meagher, chair of the IFEEDER Board of Trustees and president and chief executive officer of Novus International Inc. "By expanding our partnerships, broadening the reach of our research and helping stakeholders put those insights into action, we can strengthen IFEEDER's impact and help shape a resilient future for the animal feed and pet food industry."

Fundraising figures accompany the program updates. IFEEDER and AFIA committees raised more than $86,000 in fiscal 2025-26 for the Equipment Manufacturers Committee Scholarship Fund and the Kenny Berg Research and Education Fund. The institute's second annual Day of Giving drew more than $21,000 from over 120 donors, double the amount raised in 2025.

Founded in 2009, IFEEDER is a 501(c)(3) public charity that conducts objective research, education and sustainability projects with partners across the animal food sector, academia and public institutions. The 2026 annual update and strategic plan are available at ifeeder.org, where the institute says work under the new plan will focus on expanding partnerships and high-impact research in the years ahead.