On October 6, 2025, The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India successfully concluded a week-long delegation visit to the United States, marking a significant step in advancing international cooperation in agriculture and livestock feed. Invited by the U.S. Grains Council, the delegation, led by Chairman Divya Kumar Gulati, engaged with policymakers, industry leaders, and farmers to explore best practices in sorghum (jowar), corn, and dairy production.
The visit commenced in San Antonio, Texas, where the delegation participated in a series of technical sessions led by experts from the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Kansas State University, Clemson University, and the U.S. Grains Council. Discussions spanned global sorghum markets, grain standards, sustainable farming practices, and the role of sorghum in poultry, swine, and pet food diets. Sessions also highlighted efficiencies within the U.S. grain supply chain and emerging trends in global demand.
Next, the delegation travelled to Amarillo, Texas, to witness sorghum cultivation and processing firsthand. Visits included Will Braack and Kathy Broman Farms, Joe Rohrbach Farms, and the Richardson Seed Company in Vega. The program also featured a tour of Myles Frische Farms and an engagement with Bunge in Etter, Texas, offering an in-depth look at planting, harvesting, and supply chain operations. The Texas leg concluded with a debrief session hosted by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program in Amarillo.
In Iowa, the delegation explored the integrated grain-to-feed ecosystem through visits to POET Bioprocessing facilities in Jewell and Shell Rock, as well as Mark Mueller’s farm in Waverly, where the team was hosted for a farmer-organized cookout. Additional stops included Stuart Swanson Farms in Galt, the Gold Eagle Feed Mill in Eagle Grove, and Dutchland Dairy in Rolfe, providing insights into ethanol production, feed manufacturing, and large-scale dairy operations.
The Iowa program culminated in strategic engagements, featuring a high-level meeting with the Governor of Iowa at the State Capitol, followed by discussions with the Iowa Agriculture Secretary and members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. These interactions focused on agricultural policy, trade, and technology adoption, underscoring opportunities for long-term collaboration in livestock feed and dairy sectors.
This visit reinforces ongoing efforts under the MoU signed between CLFMA and the State of Iowa (September 2024), and the sister-state agreement between Maharashtra and Iowa (August 2025). Both frameworks aim to facilitate joint research, knowledge sharing, and adoption of sustainable practices in the livestock feed and broader agricultural sector.
Commenting on the visit, Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman, CLFMA of India, said,“This visit provided invaluable insights into advanced agricultural practices, particularly in sorghum, corn, and dairy production. With India’s animal feed market valued at approximately USD 14.34 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 21.02 billion by 2034, the need for sustainable and efficient feed solutions is paramount. Engaging with U.S. counterparts has highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange in addressing challenges such as feed shortages and productivity gaps. By adopting proven practices and fostering international collaboration, we aim to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of India's livestock sector.”
The CLFMA delegation included:
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Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman
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Abhay Shah, DY Chairman
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Abhay Parnekar, DY Chairman
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Nissar F. Mohammed, Honorary Secretary
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Ramkutty, Treasurer
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Sameer Chotai, President – East Zone
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Sumeet Surekha, DY Chairman
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Suresh Deora, Immediate Past Chairman
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Naveen Pasuparthy, DY Chairman
Through direct engagement with U.S. farmers, industry representatives, and policymakers, the CLFMA delegation reinforced India’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, livestock feed innovation, and international collaboration.
