Zeigler Bros., Inc. was strongly represented on Capitol Hill this September, continuing its longstanding commitment to advancing the aquaculture and animal feed industries through active advocacy and collaboration. Tyler Hershey, Dr. Scott Snyder, Shelly Helstowski, and Matt Zeigler met with legislators and key industry stakeholders to promote policies that strengthen both our industry and the nation’s global competitiveness.
From September 9–11, Tyler Hershey joined the Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS) association in Washington, D.C., to support the Marine Aquaculture Research for America (MARA) Act. This important legislation aims to encourage domestic aquaculture development and reduce U.S. dependence on imported seafood. During his visit, Tyler met with Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13), whose district includes Zeigler’s facilities in Pennsylvania, to discuss the potential impact of the MARA Act on sustainable seafood production and economic growth.
The following week, Matt Zeigler, Shelly Helstowski, and Dr. Scott Snyder represented Zeigler at the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) Fall Legislative Fly-In. Their meetings on Capitol Hill focused on advancing legislation that supports the resilience and security of U.S. feed manufacturing. Discussions included the Securing American Agriculture Act, which seeks to reduce reliance on China for essential vitamins and amino acids, and the need for enhanced USDA APHIS staffing to facilitate export operations efficiently.
Zeigler representatives also met with Representative G.T. Thompson (R-PA-15), Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, to advocate for the inclusion of the Innovative Feed Act in Farm Bill 2.0. This proposed legislation would modernize FDA review processes by establishing a new category of feed ingredients that promote animal health and performance without altering nutritional content—helping the U.S. stay at the forefront of feed innovation.
Beyond Capitol Hill, Sidinei Valle, Zeigler’s Manager of Global Business Development and Operations, participated in the AFIA Trade Mission to Brazil, where he attended VICTAM LATAM and met with international partners to expand Zeigler’s global Licensee Program. His efforts help strengthen Zeigler’s position as a trusted global leader in aquaculture feed innovation and sustainable production.
At Zeigler, advocacy and innovation go hand in hand. By engaging directly with policymakers and industry partners around the world, we continue to champion a future where aquaculture and animal agriculture thrive—sustainably, responsibly, and globally.