The National Institute for Animal Agriculture recently welcomed members and guests to Kansas City, Mo., for the 2024 Annual Conference, The Next Generation of Animal Agriculture. More than 120 guests joined the conference to connect with fellow animal-agriculture leaders to explore and discuss gaps in animal-agriculture technology and innovation and solutions to encourage continuous improvement in today’s food system. Additionally, industry leaders were honored, and new directors were elected.

Animal agriculture benefits from those who consistently go above and beyond for the industry. 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. Animal agriculture advocates use their voice and platforms to push animal agriculture forward. The Meritorious Service Award is presented to animal-agriculture leaders who have invested their career to advancing the sector and is the longest standing award, first presented in 1965. The 2024 honorees were:

• Chairman’s Award - Dr. Michael Short, animal industry director - Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• President’s Award - Dr. Heather Fowler, director of producer and public health - National Pork Board
• Advocate for Animal Agriculture Award - Animal Agriculture Alliance
• Meritorious Service Award - Dr. Karen Jordan, large animal veterinarian and dairy owner - Dairy Farmers of America

NIAA confirmed the following new board members during the annual membership meeting:

• Polly Ruhland, agriculture consultant
• Dr. Jack Shere, USDA - APHIS
• Dr. Stephanie Ward, North Carolina State University

NIAA’s Annual Conference sessions featured keynotes exploring innovation, leaders from the second Cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders, council meetings with topical speakers and an update and roundtable from industry experts about H5N1.