Like many, I often rely on familiar sayings in my conversations—especially when speaking. Most are straightforward, requiring little thought. However, some phrases, though commonly used, deserve deeper exploration.
Lately, one phrase has surfaced repeatedly in my discussions: breaking down silos. It’s widely used in business and organizational settings to emphasize the need for greater collaboration and communication across departments, disciplines, or sectors. In this context, a silo refers to the isolation of groups within an organization or industry, leading to inefficiencies, duplicated efforts, and a lack of shared understanding. In today’s interconnected world, breaking down silos is crucial for addressing complex challenges—especially in food and agriculture, where multiple stakeholders must work together to create sustainable solutions.
Last week, while returning to Kansas City after a trip to Washington, D.C. with Cohort 4 of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders Program, I reflected on the role of silos in animal agriculture. The topic resurfaced earlier this week during a meeting with Cohort 3 of the NIAA Leadership Program as they prepared to present their Capstone Project at the 2025 NIAA Annual Conference.
Once again, the phrase breaking down silos was used.
And I kept contemplating the meaning, its significance, and its challenges.
I’ve concluded that the phrase easier said than done perfectly captures the reality of breaking down silos. Yet, I am more convinced than ever that this is exactly the kind of work the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) is built for.
What Does “Breaking Down Silos” Truly Mean?
At its core, breaking down silos requires fostering:
- Cross-sector collaboration – Encouraging partnerships between industries such as animal agriculture, public health, and environmental sustainability.
- Interdisciplinary dialogue – Bringing together experts from science, policy, and business to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
- Transparency and knowledge sharing – Ensuring that information flows freely to enhance decision-making and industry progress.
- Systems thinking – Viewing challenges holistically rather than addressing isolated parts of a problem.
How Does NIAA Facilitate the Breaking Down of Silos in Today’s Food System?
NIAA plays a vital role in fostering collaboration across the food system. Here’s how:
1. Convening Cross-Sector Stakeholders
NIAA brings together farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, allied industries, trade associations, food processors, retailers, scientists, government agencies, and policymakers to discuss shared challenges.
The NIAA Annual Antibiotics Symposium is a prime example of a One Health convening that unites diverse voices to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Likewise, all NIAA Councils and Working Groups create spaces for true interdisciplinary collaboration.
2. Promoting Public-Private Partnerships
NIAA fosters collaboration between government agencies (FDA, USDA, CDC), industry leaders, and academic researchers to ensure a holistic approach to food system challenges.
We encourage cooperation between the animal agriculture sector, public health, and consumer advocacy groups, building trust and shared solutions.
3. Facilitating Data and Knowledge Sharing
Breaking down silos requires transparency in research, best practices, and emerging trends.
NIAA serves as a hub for curated industry data, case studies, and white papers that enable informed decision-making.
4. Leading Cross-Disciplinary Discussions
Organizing forums, roundtables, and symposia where professionals from diverse backgrounds (e.g., animal health, environmental science, and food safety) collaborate on solutions.
Providing continuing education programs that integrate perspectives from different areas of the food system.
5. Building a Unified Industry Voice
Often, different sectors within agriculture (e.g., beef, dairy, poultry, processors, animal health) work independently rather than collaboratively.
NIAA unites species- and sector-specific groups under a common agenda, ensuring that the entire food supply chain benefits from shared progress.
Why Is This More Important Than Ever?
Today’s food system faces unprecedented challenges—climate change, antimicrobial resistance, evolving consumer demands, emerging diseases, and global supply chain disruptions. No single entity can solve these issues alone. But, by breaking down silos, NIAA strengthens the resilience, sustainability, and collaboration of the food system, benefiting people, animals, and the planet.
If breaking down silos were easy, it would have already been done. But at NIAA, we are committed to leading this effort.
Join us at the 2025 NIAA Annual Conference, where industry leaders will come together to explore, discuss, learn, and develop strategies that foster interdisciplinary cooperation for the future of animal agriculture.
Are you ready to break down silos and ensure animal agriculture remains a leading force in our food system?
Let’s do the hard work—together.
J.J. Jones
NIAA Executive Director
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