Mad Cow Scare Places Spotlight on Minnesota's Animal Feed Industry.

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News, February, 2004

By Lee Egerstrom, Saint Paul Pioneer Press, Minn. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Feb. 29--The nation's animal feed industry has never been mistaken for Hollywood.

It's a $25 billion-a-year industry that's operated as a nearly invisible link in the U.S. food chain.

Then came last December's discovery in the state of Washington that sent a shockwave through the nation's beef industry.

The discovery of the first mad cow case in the United States -- and the ensuing scramble to prevent its spread from animal to animal -- has put the spotlight on feed.

Minnesota, more than any place, is the hub of the industry.

For most feed mill operators, like the AgPartners cooperative in Goodhue, Minn., feed grinding and...

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