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Study shows economic benefits of animal feed industry

A new study from the American Feed Industry Association reveals animal food manufacturing facilities are large contributors to the U.S. economy.

Leah Wilkinson, vice president of public policy and education, says the animal food industry will generate more than $267 billion in sales this year.

“But, that also includes $98.4 billion that’s value added,” she said. “That is given out in not only the ingredients we buy, but also the other industries we work with.”

The study found the facilities will pay $55 billion in salaries and employee benefits in 2023.

She tells Brownfield the industry is expected to grow. “We continue to work to reduce the regulatory burdens for our industry,” Wilkinson said, “so that we can continue to provide that safe and nutritious and high quality animal food.”

Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas are among the leading states of production.