Kathy Davis, Communications
Dr. Ali Kashani has seen many significant changes and advancements in the field of animal feed regulation over his long career. And he has been an influential contributor to many of them.
After serving at WSDA for nearly 34 years, Ali will retire from his current position as program manager of the Animal Feed Program at the end of September.
Before his current role, Ali held positions in WSDA as chemical investigator, registration specialist, Feed and Fertilizer Compliance Program manager, and senior feed advisor.
Ali’s graduate school adviser at South Dakota University encouraged him to pursue a career in animal nutrition. He went on to earn a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in animal science. He also taught many courses at the university and led research projects related to feed technology, nutrition, and livestock and poultry management.
Among Ali’s many professional accomplishments, he influenced the focus and direction of animal feed regulations that have been adopted on both the national and state levels. He helped develop the Preventive Controls for Animal Food Regulation Implementation Framework for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards that are or in the process of being implemented by nearly half the states in the country.
He was also involved in developing several rules adopted under the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Change in regulation focus
Ali noted that animal feed regulation has shifted in the last two decades. “We are now placing a greater emphasis on preventive measures rather than reacting to adverse events that occur,” he said.
“We regulate two segments of the feed industry: one to produce human food through livestock, poultry and aquaculture, and the other to feed companion animals. Both industries have evolved and have become notably more sophisticated during the last several decades.
“Companion animals are now more part of our families than before, and we pay closer attention to both segments of the industry for product safety,” he said.
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| Ali with his grandson. |
Along with his primary duties with WSDA, Ali has served in leadership roles for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). And he’s been honored with recognition awards including from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the E.B. Voorhees Award from AAFCO, and Employee of the Year at WSDA.
Parting advice
This soft-spoken and well respected manager shared some parting advice; “Spend a little more efforts to try to understand others’ points of view – put yourself in others’ shoes, so to speak, to get a better feel of where they are coming from.”
And he counseled, “Never think you know it all, or else, that is all you will ever know, as someone said once.”
He also reflected on what he has valued about his long WSDA career.
“Making lifetime friendships with extremely talented, professional, and caring people within our state, as well as with agencies around the country and beyond, has been the one of the most enjoyable parts of my job,” he said.
Ali looks forward to spending more time with family, such as his grandchildren, in retirement, as well as gardening, charitable work, and maybe a cross-country trip “when we have better control of the infamous virus.”
Ashlee-Rose Ferguson, will step into the interim program manager role after Ali’s last day on September 30.
In summary: Dr. Ali Kashani has seen many significant changes and advancements in the field of animal feed regulation over his long career. And he has been an influential contributor to many of them. After serving at WSDA for nearly 34 years, Ali will retire from his current position as program manager of the Animal Feed Program at the end of September. Read more about him in this Insider blog post.
