Kansas City, MO — April 12-14, 2026 — Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Animal Institute, presented by Merck Animal Health, brought together over 100 college students from across the country for an immersive, career-shaping experience in the animal agriculture industry. During their time in the animal health corridor, students engaged in career roundtables, industry tours at leading animal agriculture organizations and intentional networking with industry changemakers.
"AFA Animal Institute opened my eyes to the possibilities within the animal industry," said Sofia Hernandez, AFA Student Advisory Team member and student host of the experience. " As a Pre-Vet student, I am grateful for the opportunity to better understand where I hope to fit into the industry in the future."
As the first presenting partner, Merck Animal Health elevated the AFA Leader Institute experience, creating more opportunities for students to connect, explore and envision their future in animal agriculture. Employees joined the students to share insight into the people, innovations and challenges shaping the industry today.
"The future of animal agriculture depends on bold leaders and we are proud to partner with AFA to provide opportunities to elevate their college expereince," said Scott Bormann, Senior Vice President, North America at Merck Animal Health.
The AFA Animal Institute continues to serve as a launchpad, where students don’t just learn about the industry. They experience it, build their network and take the next step towards shaping their career.
About Merck Animal Health
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
About Agriculture Future of America (AFA)
AFA builds bridges for young leaders to foster engagement and innovation in food and agriculture through premier leader and career development experiences. With program participation increasing 28% in the last five years, AFA has provided 26,000 leader development experiences to college leaders and young professionals from more than 200 colleges and universities throughout 43 states since its inception in 1996. AFA has awarded more than $11.5 million in academic and leader development scholarships. For more information about AFA, visit agfuture.org.
More Information about AFA Animal Institute, presented by Merck Animal Health