New for 2025, this session brings together topics important to the entire animal agriculture value chain, from animal nutrition to livestock. We plan to focus on three core topics, each of which has been important in 2024 and will be going forward: First, the overall ag economy for livestock producers. Second, the emergent situation with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and shared work by government and industry to respond. Third, a discussion will look at the science behind digesters, how they are being deployed, and use cases for both food waste and livestock waste.

• Briefing on Livestock Industry Economics
  Dr. Bill Knudson, Michigan State University
• State of Michigan HPAI Response
  Dr. Nora Wineland, MDARD, State Veterinarian
  Tim Slawinski, MDARD
  Nate Engle, MDARD
• Layer Industry Biosecurity
  Dr. Joe Sullivan, Herbruck's Poultry Ranch
  Dr. Nancy Barr, Michigan Allied Poultry Industries
• Digester Technology and Its Deployment in Michigan
  Jon Allan, West Michigan Food Processors Association & University of Michigan School for Environment & Sustainability
  Dr. Wei Liao, Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center (ADREC), Michigan State University