The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has opened registration for its 2026 Feed Industry Institute (FII), taking place June 15 – 18, in Minneapolis, Minn. Held biennially, FII is a comprehensive, four-day educational program designed to provide an end-to-end view of the animal food industry from ingredients and formulation through production, quality, safety and regulatory considerations. The program is especially valuable for individuals who are new to the feed and pet food industry, transitioning into new roles or looking to expand their industry knowledge as they grow their careers.
“The Feed Industry Institute is one of AFIA’s most impactful educational programs,” said Yuan-Tai Hung, Ph.D., senior manager of research at the Institute for Feed Education and Research. “Whether someone is new to the feed sector or stepping into a new role, FII provides a thorough, practical understanding of how the industry operates from start to finish. Attendees leave with a stronger grasp of the science, processes and regulations that drive safe, high-quality feed and pet food production.”
The 2026 agenda will provide participants with a foundational overview of the U.S. animal food industry, beginning with animal physiology and nutrition fundamentals and an exploration of feed ingredients and their functional roles. Attendees will gain insights into medications and feed additives, formulation principles and feed manufacturing and processing techniques. The program also covers quality control systems, animal food safety practices and the regulatory framework governing animal food production, along with discussions on international trade, market considerations and strategies for building trust and communicating about the animal food industry.
In addition to classroom instruction, FII offers valuable networking opportunities for professionals at similar stages in their careers. Social events and group activities throughout the week, including an optional outing to a St. Paul Saints baseball game available for an additional fee, allow participants to connect with peers, instructors and industry leaders, helping them build lasting professional relationships.
The AFIA encourages attendees to register before Friday, March 20, for the early-bird rate of $799 for AFIA members and $999 for non-members.
For more information and to register for FII 2026, visit the event’s website or afia.org/events.
