AFIA’s liquid feed committee seeks research, education funds

The purpose of the Kenny Berg Research and Education Fund, which is named after a pioneer of the liquid-feed sector of the feed industry, is to build on the valuable studies previously made possible through the fund and to promote greater understanding of the applications for liquid supplements.

The fund provides grants to university-based researchers working on approved protocols. Kenny Berg, the fund’s namesake, founded Quality Liquid Feeds in Dodgeville, Wis., in 1977. He passed away in 2005, but his firm remains successful to this day. The 15-member committee administers the fund, and contributors to the fund are recognized at the Liquid Feed Symposium organized by the committee each September.

Contributors also are noted on the AFIA website. New grants are announced at the annual symposium, and researchers who have benefited from grants in previous years are invited to attend and present their findings. Studies funded in previous years included examinations of the effects of various types of molasses on the physiology and performance of beef cattle and dairy cows. Assessing molasses’ ability to prevent milk-fat depression from distillers grains is another example of a study made possible through the fund. Individuals who wish to contribute to the research and education fund may make their gift in one of the following categories: the Presidents’ Club for donations of $2,000 or more; the Executive Club for donations of $1,000-1,999; and the Pacesetter Club for donations of $500-$999.

To contribute to the fund or learn about the areas of research and specific criteria used to select projects to receive grants, contact AFIA’s Leanna Nail at (703) 558-3567 or lnail@afia.org.