Elections were held on 8 September 2026 at the IGFA Feed Committee meeting and a new IGFA President and Chairperson of the Feed Committee meeting have been confirmed.
Michael Shields, Chief Technical Officer at Connolly’s RED MILLS was elected IGFA President. Mike was previously Chair of the Feed Committee and takes over as President from Ray Winters, General Manager Smyths Daleside.
Heather Peppard, Nutritionist at Brett Brothers, was elected the new Chairperson of the IGFA Feed Committee. Mike and Heather are both longstanding, active members of the Committee. They will have the full support of the IGFA Board, Feed Committee and staff over the next 2 years.
17 April 2026 – DAFM has issued a technical note regarding concentrate crude protein limits. It is a reminder that the requirement to limit concentrate crude protein to a maximum of 14% on an “as fed basis” from 15th April to 30th September applies to all farmers feeding concentrates to dairy cows and other cattle aged over two years. DAFM also reminds people that the requirement does not apply where cattle are not outdoors fulltime at grass.
The IGFA Monthly Feed Issues report delivers essential insights on global trade, environmental policy, and technical regulatory shifts shaping the sector.
Ireland took over the rotating Presidency of the EU on 1 July with plans to put competitiveness, EU values and security at the heart of policy making. There will inevitably be significant geopolitical issues to deal with over the coming six months but shaping the future CAP is the top agri priority. The main issues for the feed sector will be The Livestock Strategy,
The EU Protein Plan, the EU Deforestation Regulation and the Food and Feed Omnibus Regulation. EU Agri Ministers will have their informal meeting in Dublin in September and there are various agri related meetings planned throughout the country for the rest of the year. Minister Heydon said that his department “will highlight that the agriculture and fisheries sectors are fundamental to ensuring Europe’s food security and supporting its competitiveness, while at the same time sustaining rural and coastal communities, and contributing to the Union’s climate and environmental objectives.”
IGFA is member of the influential European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC). Founded in 1959 by five national compound feed associations from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, its membership is now made up of national associations from 22 EU Member States. It also has a number of observer/associated members from non-EU countries.
Based in Brussels, FEFAC is the eyes, ears and voice of the European compound feed industry and represents and promotes the views of our industry to the European institutions, international bodies and all other policy stakeholders. IGFA staff and members contribute constantly to the political and technical work of FEFAC through their involvement in the Council and specialist committees.
The Irish Grain and Feed Association are pleased to offer our members access to a dedicated Animal Feed Regulation & Guidance page.
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Feed Labelling Master the technical requirements for accurate and compliant product labelling. Understand the rules for making nutritional and functional claims about your products.