Shaping the Future of Feed Regulation: A Dialogue with AAFCO's New Leader
Journey to Leadership: Initial Engagement with AAFCO
Dan King, the newly appointed AAFCO Board President for 2026 and Commercial Feed Regulatory Payment Administrator for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, recounted his first encounter with AAFCO. His introduction to the organization occurred in August 2011 during a meeting in Austin, Texas. At that event, he was encouraged to contribute to a committee, driven by a desire to share his experiences as both a state regulator and an industry professional. This led him to join the Enforcement Issues Committee, marking the beginning of his active involvement with AAFCO.
Career Advancement through AAFCO: A Catalyst for Growth
King emphasized the significant role AAFCO has played in his professional development. He explained that engaging with fellow members and drawing from their diverse experiences has profoundly enhanced his capabilities. The strong connections forged with a broad network of federal and state officials, alongside industry experts, have deepened his understanding of the feed and pet food sectors on both national and international scales. This collaborative environment has enabled him to leverage collective knowledge to bolster food safety and regulatory consistency within his state.
Encouraging Participation: A Call to Action for Members
To those contemplating involvement with AAFCO, King offered a strong encouragement. He stressed that expertise is not a prerequisite; rather, a genuine interest and a willingness to participate and learn are the key attributes needed. This open invitation aims to broaden engagement and foster a more inclusive and dynamic community within the organization.
Envisioning AAFCO's Future: Goals for the Next Five Years
Looking ahead, King expressed his ambition for AAFCO to continue its efforts in harmonizing feed laws across the nation. He is particularly optimistic about the impending widespread implementation of Pet Food Label Modernization, anticipating that it will simplify consumer understanding of pet nutrition. Furthermore, he highlighted his excitement about the Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program, a collaborative initiative with Kansas State-Olathe. He hopes this process will evolve into a widely trusted mechanism for the industry to introduce novel ingredients to the market while upholding rigorous scientific food safety standards.
Life Beyond Work: A Glimpse into His Animal Companions
Beyond his professional endeavors, King shared a personal detail about his life. He owns a small farm where he raises beef cattle and pigs, along with a few chickens. His farm is also home to six barn cats and an elderly dog, painting a picture of a life rich with animal companionship.
A Message of Gratitude and Collaboration: Concluding Remarks
In his closing remarks, King conveyed his profound honor at assuming the role of AAFCO President. He eagerly anticipates a productive year filled with meaningful meetings, insightful discussions, and robust collaboration, underscoring his commitment to the organization's mission and future success.