The global feed industry mourns the passing of R.W. Nelson, a pioneer whose innovations in animal nutrition and preservation transformed feed production. What began in a modest Iowa lab grew into a global empire spanning 120 countries.
R.W. Nelson
R.W. "Bud" Nelson, co-founder of Kemin Industries, passed away on April 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped feed additives and animal nutrition. In 1961, Nelson and his wife Mary launched Kemin from their Des Moines living room with $10,000 in savings, hand-mixing early feed antioxidants and preservatives in a repurposed washer.
His customer-centric approach and scientific rigor propelled the company into a leader, now supplying 500+ ingredients for livestock, aquaculture, and pet food across six continents. The company’s breakthroughs in feed quality—including patented additives—earned Nelson accolades like the President’s "E" Award for exports and induction into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame.
Dr. Chris Nelson, Kemin’s CEO and R.W.’s son, shared: "He was Kemin’s most dedicated salesman, coming to the office daily for nearly 60 years. His commitment to servant leadership and innovation touched countless lives."
Beyond feed, Nelson championed philanthropy, supporting disaster relief, education, and Habitat for Humanity projects worldwide. A stalwart of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), his influence extended to trade groups and scientific committees.