Last week the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) welcomed members and guests to Kansas City for the 2023 Annual Conference: Climate-Smart Animal Agriculture. More than 140 guests joined the conference and receptions to connect with fellow animal agriculture leaders to explore, discuss, and develop solutions that encourage continuous improvement in animal agriculture.

NIAA’s Annual Conference featured dynamic speakers that discussed the current state of climate-smart initiatives and collaboration across the agriculture industry.

The speaker and panelist list included:

• Joe Leathers – 6666 Ranch
• Anne-Marie Roerink – 210 Analytics
• Amy Skoczlas Cole – Farm Journal’s Trust in Food
• Hansel New – Dairy Farmers of America
• Kirsten Nickles – Certified Angus Beef
• Billy Gascoigne –Ducks Unlimited
• Burke Griggs – Washburn University, School of Law
• Paul Hishmeh – Field to Market

“We’ve received great feedback from attendees saying there wasn’t a session where they didn’t learn something worth taking back to the workplace,” said J.J. Jones, Executive Director of NIAA. “We’re already in the planning stage for next year and look forward to seeing our members and guests at the 13^th Annual Antibiotics Symposium in Atlanta, GA in November.”

Animal agriculture benefits from those who consistently go above and beyond for the industry and each year at Annual Conference, NIAA recognizes those outstanding professionals. The Chairman’s and President’s Awards recognize animal agriculture leaders who have been especially supportive, inspiring, and trusted by leaders within NIAA and have contributed significantly to its success. For more than a decade, NIAA has honored leaders in animal agriculture who engage with all angles of the value chain, from gate to plate. These Animal Agriculture Advocates use their voice and platforms to push animal agriculture forward. The longest standing award – first presented in 1965, is the Meritorious Service Award. This award is presented to animal agriculture leaders who have invested their career to advancing our sector.

The 2023 honorees include:
Chairman’s Award:
Dr. Megin Nichols; Deputy Division Director for the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

President’s Award:
Jared Wareham; North American NuEra Business Development Manager at ABS Global

Advocates for Animal Agriculture Award:
Ryan Goodman; Director of Communications and Community Engagement at Certified Angus Beef
Dr. Tera Barnhardt; Consulting Veterinarian and Owner of Animal Welfare Consulting & Research

Meritorious Service Award:
Dr. Lanny Pace; Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine

During Annual Conference, NIAA recognized outgoing leadership and confirmed new board members during the annual membership meeting. NIAA thanks the retiring board members for their service:

• Dr. Leonard Bull – retired professor at NC State University
• Dr. Lucas Pantaleon – Ogena Solutions/Pantaleon PLLC
• Dr. Lanny Pace – Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at Mississippi State University School of Veterinary Medicine

NIAA welcomes the following new board members:

• Adam Brock – Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
• Dr. Kaitlyn Briggs – Dairy Management Inc.
• Dr. Megin Nichols – Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• Dr. Tera Barnhardt – Animal Welfare Consulting & Research

To learn more about the award honorees, board members, or to access media passes to the 13^th Annual Antibiotics Symposium in November, please visit www.AnimalAgriculture.org or contact Morgan Young, Director of Communications and Outreach for the National Institute for Animal Agriculture at morgan.young@animalagriculture.org.