La incorporación de varias soluciones nutricionales de Alltech propicia importantes avances para la industria.

El 2016 ha sido un año intenso para Coppens International, una empresa de Alltech y proveedor líder de soluciones en alimentación acuícola. 

Desde que se unió a Alltech, la colaboración entre los equipos de investigación de ambas empresas ha dado lugar a una gran variedad de proyectos. Entre otros, se han incorporado a la cartera de Coppens International varios nuevos productos obtenidos de las algas y dotados de las tecnologías avanzadas de Alltech, como ForPlusTM, un sustituto innovador y sostenible del aceite de pescado.

Tras su unión, las dos empresas han incluido las siguientes tecnologías acuícolas de Alltech a la gama de alimentación acuícola de Coppens International para ofrecer a los clientes una alternativa sostenible al aceite de pescado y a los minerales inorgánicos, así como aditivos funcionales para reforzar la salud de los peces:

• ForPlusTM: un sustituto del aceite de pescado procedente de las algas que presenta un gran contenido en ácidos grasos omega 3 DHA.
• Bio-Mos®: favorece el crecimiento y la ganancia de peso, además de mejorar la salud intestinal y la función inmunitaria.
• ActigenTM: obtenido de las paredes celulares de levaduras, refuerza el sistema inmunitario y la salud general de los peces, además de actuar como promotor del crecimiento.
• Bioplex®: optimiza la salud general, el crecimiento y el rendimiento de los peces gracias a los minerales orgánicos que aportan zinc, cobre, manganeso o hierro en forma orgánica.

"Nuestra cartera comercial de piensos incluye ahora una gama de nuevos aditivos especialmente formulados en beneficio de nuestros clientes", explicó Gijs Rutjes, responsable técnico del servicio de ventas de Coppens International. "Hemos incorporado el producto ForPlus de Alltech, que no solo procede de las algas, sino que es una fuente sostenible y totalmente trazable de DHA, un ácido graso omega 3, y un sustituto del aceite de pescado".

"Los resultados de los ensayos muestran que se puede transferir una gran cantidad del ácido graso omega 3 DHA al pescado sustituyendo todo el aceite de pescado por ForPlus", añadió Gijs Rutjes. "Al no poder asegurar un suministro global sostenible de esta materia prima, esto representa un avance sin precedentes en nuestros programas de alimentación acuícola".

Entre las últimas innovaciones que se han dado a conocer, Coppens International anunció que lanzará un nuevo producto al mercado, Neogreen, un pienso sostenible de gran calidad para truchas y el primero que se comercializa con ForPlus.

La nueva gama de productos de Coppens International es un rayo de luz para la industria dado que la disponibilidad y la calidad del aceite y de la harina de pescado no dejan de disminuir, lo que repercute negativamente en los niveles de DHA de los peces de piscifactoría. Sin ir más lejos, un estudio llevado a cabo recientemente por la Universidad de Stirling en Escocia concluyó que el contenido de ácidos grasos omega 3 (DHA) presente en el salmón de piscifactoría ha disminuido de forma significativa en los últimos cinco años. Los ácidos grasos omega 3 producidos a partir de las algas ofrecen una alternativa viable para la obtención de este tipo de alimentos funcionales.

"No cesamos de innovar", señaló Gijs Rutjes. "En Coppens International nos apasiona investigar nuevas vías para que nuestros clientes tengan a su disposición los piensos acuícolas de la más alta calidad. Nuestra nueva gama constituye un importante avance para lograr frenar la caída de los niveles de DHA de los peces de piscifactoría".

Durante casi 24 años, Coppens International se ha labrado una importante reputación como fabricante innovador de piensos acuícolas de gran calidad. La empresa opera desde 2016 con la certificación del Consejo de Administración de la Acuicultura (ASC), lo que asegura el uso de tecnologías punteras y sostenibles, además de ser crucial para garantizar el éxito en la exigente industria acuícola actual.

"La marca Coppens International siempre ha estado vinculada a la calidad y a la mejora continua en el sector de los piensos acuícolas", destacó Patrick Charlton, director ejecutivo de Coppens International. "Hemos desarrollado la nueva gama de piensos teniendo en cuenta estos dos aspectos que nos caracterizan, así como asegurando el beneficio último para nuestros clientes".

Para obtener más información sobre la nueva gama innovadora de piensos acuícolas optimizada con las algas y los conocimientos nutricionales de Alltech, visite www.coppens.com.

Coppens International exporta piensos acuícolas de calidad a más de 60 países de todo el mundo. La actividad de la empresa se desarrolla en tres localidades, con la sede central situada en Helmond (Países Bajos), la planta de producción en Nettetal (Alemania) y el I+D en Valkenswaard (Países Bajos). Coppens International cuenta con la certificación ISO 22.000, ISO 50.001 y GLOBALGAP.

Acerca de Coppens International:

Fundada en 1993, Coppens International es una reputada empresa líder en soluciones de alimentación acuícola centrada en la maximización de la eficiencia alimentaria. Durante casi 24 años, Coppens International se ha labrado una importante reputación como fabricante innovador de piensos acuícolas de gran calidad. Las especialidades de la empresa incluyen piensos para adultos y juveniles de varias especies de peces de agua salada y dulce, tanto tropicales como de aguas templadas. La compañía también produce piensos especializados de la máxima calidad para peces ornamentales y cebos.

Con actividad en más de 60 países de todo el mundo, el equipo especializado de Coppens International cuenta con conocimientos expertos para garantizar el desarrollo de piensos acuícolas innovadores y de gran calidad para cada especie piscícola y etapa de su ciclo de vida.

El centro de investigación de Coppens International (CRC) constituye una plataforma práctica para el desarrollo de productos y la obtención de soluciones innovadoras para dar respuesta a los desafíos a los que se enfrentan los productores acuícolas de todo el mundo. Para más información, visite www.coppens.com.

[HELMOND, the Netherlands] – 2016 was a busy year for Coppens International, an Alltech company and leading international aquatic feed solutions provider. Since joining Alltech, collaboration between the companies’ research teams has resulted in a wide range of projects. These projects include the introduction of several new algae products containing innovative Alltech technologies, such as the revolutionary sustainable fish oil replacer ForPlusTM, to the Coppens International aquatic product range.

Together, the two companies have added the following Alltech aquaculture technologies to the Coppens International aquatic feed range in order to provide customers with a sustainable alternative to fish oil and inorganic trace minerals as well as provide functional additives to support fish health:

· ForPlusTM: an algae-derived fish oil replacer containing very high levels of DHA omega-3 fatty acids

· Bio-Mos®: supports gut integrity and overall performance by promoting good bacteria and building defense

· ActigenTM: developed through nutrigenomics as a natural means of maintaining gut health and integrity to support overall performance

· Bioplex®: optimises overall health, growth and performance of fish using organically bound trace elements such as zinc, copper, manganese and iron

“Our full range of commercial feeds now contains a range of new additives, which are specially designed for the benefit of our customers,” said Gijs Rutjes, technical sales support manager at Coppens International. “We have added Alltech’s ForPlus, which is not only derived from algae, but is a fully traceable and sustainable source of DHA omega-3 and a fish oil replacement.

“Test results show that by completely replacing fish oil with ForPlus, we have been able to transfer a high amount of DHA omega-3 into the fish,” continued Rutjes. “Due to the unsustainable global supply of fish oil, this is a huge leap forward for our aquaculture nutrition programmes.”

Amongst the latest innovations being unveiled, Coppens International will introduce a new product to market, Neogreen, a high-quality, sustainable trout feed and the first on the market to contain ForPlus.

The new Coppens International range of products provides hope for the industry as the availability and quality of fish oil and fish meal continue to decline, impacting DHA omega-3 levels in farmed fish. Research recently carried out by University of Stirling in Scotland, for example, showed that levels of DHA omega-3 oils in farmed salmon have fallen significantly in the past five years. DHA omega-3 produced through algae offers a viable alternative in the creation of such functional foods.

“We are constantly innovating,” said Rutjes. “At Coppens International, we are passionate about exploring new ways to ensure our customers receive the very best quality aquatic feeds. Our latest range will make strides in arresting the decline in levels of DHA omega-3 in farmed fish.”

For nearly 24 years, Coppens International has earned a strong reputation for being an innovative, high-quality aquatic feed producer. The company gained compliance with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council in 2016, which provides customers with a guarantee of Coppens’ cutting-edge sustainable technologies and is vital to success in today’s demanding aquaculture industry.

“The Coppens International brand has always been associated with quality and continuous improvement of aquatic feeds,” said Patrick Charlton, CEO of Coppens International. “We developed the new range of feeds to reflect not only these attributes, but to ultimately benefit our customers.”

To find out more about the new innovative range of aquatic feeds optimised with Alltech’s algae and nutritional know-how, visit www.coppens.com.

Coppens International exports quality aquatic feed to more than 60 countries worldwide. The business is spread across three locations, with its headquarters in Helmond, the Netherlands, production in Nettetal, Germany, and research and development in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. Coppens International is also ISO 22.000, ISO 50.001 and Global GAP certified.

[STAMFORD, UK] Leading agri-environmental consultancy Alltech E-CO2 has launched a new website offering farmers and the wider food industry valuable knowledge on resource efficiency. In addition to free farm efficiency assessments, the site also hosts new interactive ‘virtual farm’ graphics that provide quick and easy information on the main origins of carbon emissions.

“The new website offers opportunities to gain a better understanding of the factors affecting food production efficiency, as well as access to tools that will help farmers improve enterprise performance,” said Ben Braou, general business manager at Alltech E-CO2.

“A farm’s carbon footprint is an accurate indicator of performance efficiency and therefore profitability,” continued Braou. “Therefore, managing the business to minimise emissions helps the bottom line as well as the environment.”

The website’s interactive online ‘What If?’ tools, which calculate carbon footprints from enterprise input and performance data, offer a good starting point by providing farmers with a quick and simple opportunity to assess and benchmark their business efficiency. The tools offer insight into current practices and provide opportunities to see how changes can benefit performance. As such, using the online tools provides a good introduction to more comprehensive farm assessments, which Alltech E-CO2 finds give farmers the best opportunities to review and improve their businesses.

The interactive ‘virtual farm’ graphics are currently available for both ruminant and non-ruminant livestock enterprises, providing a quick guide to the origins of greenhouse gas emissions. The new site also highlights Alltech E-CO2’s wider range of farming solutions, which include tools to calculate costs of production, evaluate biodiversity and measure water footprints.

Alltech E-CO2 works closely with the Carbon Trust and other independent bodies to ensure its assessment tools are technically sound, robust and accredited. The company has pioneered the use of on-farm environmental tools and assessments with software licensed globally. To date, it has carried out more than 6,000 farm consultancy visits throughout Europe, commonly in collaboration with food processors and supermarkets, and is now operating as far afield as the United States of America and Australia.

To view the new website, go to alltech-e-co2.com.

In recent years, food consumption in China has increased an average of 23 percent. Not only has there been an increase in the demand for food, but also for a more diverse range of food.
 
Yet, in 2015, China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection reported that 19 percent of arable land in the country was polluted. When one considers the decline in the amount of arable land due to urbanization as well as the constraints caused by pollution, there is little doubt that it will take significant effort to remediate the soil for agricultural use.
 
In order to face the challenges of preserving farmland as well as protecting and improving the environment while promoting the sustainable development of Chinese agriculture, the Soil and Fertilizer Alliance of China (SFAC) was formed. This organization relies on the national agricultural platform for research and extension and focuses on the soil and fertilizer industry to promote the innovative integration of crop planting, livestock feeding, operating and servicing systems. 
 
When Alltech joined the SFAC, the company had already been working on research to reduce mineral outputs in animal manure through diet. This is being increasingly examined by governmental authorities, as evidenced by China’s December 2016 Environmental Tax Law addressing heavy metals and minerals, which are of particular concern for heavily polluted areas of China.
 
“We hope that this project can help livestock farms find a more sustainable way to reduce pollution,” says Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech’s global vice president and head of Greater China, and the vice president of the SFAC. “We are finding that the Alltech solutions are not only significantly reducing mineral release in manure, but are also decreasing heavy metal levels.”
 
Projects such as these, combined with pollution monitoring, are an important step in reaching the country’s goal of significantly reducing soil pollution in the next five years.  

Un panel de jueces internacionales expertos en cervezas y sidras artesanales emitirá su veredicto en la quinta feria anual.

Las cervecerías y las sidrerías de todo el mundo están invitadas a participar con sus bebidas de elaboración artesanal en el V Certamen anual de la "Dublin Craft Beer and Cider Cup".

El concurso permite a los fabricantes de cervezas y sidras artesanales dar a conocer sus productos, que serán evaluados, catados y analizados por un panel internacional de jueces expertos en este sector. Se darán a conocer los ganadores el primer día de la "Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair", el jueves 23 de febrero de 2017.

La competición estará presidida por el Juez Principal, Dr. Gearóid Cahill, maestro cervecero con más de 20 años de experiencia en su campo y por un panel de 28 jueces, entre los que se encuentran Joan Dineen, ex director de producción para Heineken Irlanda y Gerry Mc Govern, corresponsal irlandés de la revista IBD, especializada en cervecerías y destilerías, un antiguo productor de cerveza en la empresa Guinness. Las bebidas elaboradas artesanalmente, que compitan por la "Dublin Craft Beer and Cider Cup", serán juzgadas en función de su aspecto, aroma, sabor, cuerpo, estilo y calidad. Los jueces concederán medallas de oro, de plata y de bronce en ocho categorías diferentes de cervezas y de sidras.

Comentando las tendencias en el sector de la elaboración artesanal de cervezas y de sidras, el Dr. Gearóid Cahill dijo: "Así como la competición ha evolucionado con el paso de los años, también lo ha hecho la gama de cervezas que vemos. En los primeros años, la mayoría de los inscritos eran IPAs y, aunque su número se ha reducido, las IPAs siguen siendo muy populares. Al ampliarse la oferta de bebidas artesanas en los supermercados, los productores de cervezas y de sidras artesanales han tenido que diversificarse porque no pueden prosperar con la venta de dos o tres estilos artesanales únicamente. Los consumidores de las bebidas artesanales buscan ofertas variadas para elegir, por lo que comienzan a surgir las bebidas de temporada. La elaboración de estilos convencionales de cervezas y de sidras se está reduciendo, mientras que las cervecerías y sidrerías innovadoras traen consigo nuevas bebidas de elaboración artesanal, con un interesante relato o receta. Es gratificante ver que la calidad global de las bebidas de elaboración artesanal está mejorando y la incidencia de las cervezas con sabor desagradable o deteriorado ha disminuido de manera significativa."

La Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fair, el mayor festival de la cerveza artesanal en Irlanda, vuelve de nuevo al Centro de Convenciones de Dublín a partir del jueves 23 hasta el sábado 25 de febrero de 2017 y las entradas están a la venta desde hoy mismo. En su quinta edición, la feria continúa deleitando a los asistentes que buscan pasar momentos festivos con las últimas novedades en cervezas, sidras y licores artesanales. Sin embargo, ¡no se trata únicamente de un festival de cervezas y sidras artesanales! El evento brinda también en su programa a los asistentes, el inigualable talento musical del país y una amplia oferta de delicias gastronómicas.

La competición de la "Dublin Craft Beer & Cider Cup" fue organizada, inicialmente, en Irlanda, en 2013 por el Dr. Pearse Lyons, fundador y presidente de Alltech. Como parte de la Gathering Initiative, el Dr. Lyons anhelaba fundar una plataforma para las cervecerías y destilerías en alza, para que perfilaran sus bebidas de elaboración artesanal en un mercado comercial y competitivo. Se vio que el certamen era una oportunidad para apuntalar el reconocimiento de la marca, en el seno de la industria para cervecerías y sidrerías artesanales más modestas.

El año pasado, hubo más de 350 inscritos en el concurso. Entre los anteriores ganadores de las Copas "Dublin Craft Beer Cup" y "Dublin Cider Cup" se incluyen:

• 2016 Dublin Craft Beer Cup – McGargles: Francis Big Bangin IPA
• 2016 Dublin Craft Cider Cup – Orpens: Fresh Pressed Apple Cider
• 2015 Dublin Craft Beer Cup – Coisbo: Eleven Russian Imperial Stout
• 2015 Dublin Craft Cider Cup – McCashins Brewery of NZ: Rochdale Three Berry Cider
• 2014 Dublin Craft Beer Cup – Coisbo: Four Russian Imperial Stout
• 2013 Dublin Craft Beer Cup – Hilden Brewery: Twisted Hop

Para más información sobre cómo participar, visita http://eu.alltechbrewsandfood.com/dublin-cup

While North America prepares to hunker down for the winter, December marks the beginning of the cotton planting season in Mato Grosso, a state in the western region of Brazil that is the country’s main producer of the crop.

The area faces several challenges due to weather, soil quality and pests, such as the boll weevil. Nutritional management during plant development is therefore essential in aiding the grower to obtain good results at harvest. In Mato Grosso, growers who are using amino acid-based solutions are already seeing healthier cotton crops that are expected to result in yield increases.

Cotton is a very demanding crop, requiring careful management throughout the growing cycle in order to ensure boll set, which directly reflects productivity potential. Poor soil and nutrient deficiencies can quickly affect yield potential if not corrected.

Benefits of amino acid technology for crops, such as cotton

“Amino acids facilitate the uptake of micronutrients such as boron and manganese, resulting in improved development, nutrition and fill,” explains Brazilian cotton consultant Thiago Ferreira Gomes.

Gomes notes that the nature of amino acids allows for easier nutrient absorption by the cotton plant without an increase in stress.

Similar challenges to those facing Mato Grosso can be found in Texas and Georgia as well as other cotton-growing areas of North America, where successful yields are also being reached through proper management and nutrition.

“Using amino acid technology reduces environmental stress and increases plant health, which can result in increased yields and profitability,” says Carly Borel, Alltech Crop Science business development manager.

Recent wheat research at the University of Kentucky also demonstrated the benefits of amino acid technology.

On an overcast morning, George Hupman looks out over his soybeans and talks about how, as a kid, he looked out over the same field and could see three sets of hills in the distance. Now you can only see one. You can’t tell him that things haven’t changed.

Since graduating from the University of Kentucky and beginning his own farming career in Loretto, Kentucky, Hupman has seen 41 years of crops. In that time, the years have been filled with successes and failures, both of which have taught him invaluable lessons and paved the way for experimentation on his fields.

Hupman takes an objective approach to his crop maintenance.

“Basically, I try something and see if it works,” he said. “I’ll put it to the test, and I don’t know that I can be any fairer than that.”

Using strip trials, soil sampling and yield monitoring, he is able to get a clear picture of how effective a treatment is on his fields.

A move to no-till farming

The norm when Hupman began farming was to use a long-term crop rotation, in which a grower would plant crops for two years followed by two to four years of using the same field for pasture or hay before returning to crops and continuing the cycle.

Advancements in fertilizers and pesticides made it possible to crop annually on the same fields. In 1983, Hupman went no-till.

Improving soil conditions with a more natural farming approach

“If you work the soil, you destroy the biology, you destroy everything, and that’s the whole secret to soil: that biology,” he said.

In the first few years, Hupman put an emphasis on fertilizers to get his soil back in order and to build up the micronutrient levels. Searching for ways to improve his soil biology has led Hupman to look for more natural options in his crop inputs.

“I would much rather put a natural type of product on the soil or crop than pesticides,” he said. “We’ve got to put more work into natural products and natural ways of controlling things. Eventually, all these pesticides are going to catch up with us.”

Since taking this more natural farming approach, Hupman has found that he has needed to use less fungicide and herbicide.

Through the years, Hupman has also used various types of cover crops to help reestablish the soil biology. Currently, he has switched from a purely ryegrass cover crop to a mixture of several winter crops, including winter peas and buckwheat.

When asked if he had any advice for the future generations of growers, Hupman offered these simple yet poignant words: “If we’re going to have a sustainable agriculture in this country, we need to protect and rebuild our soils.”

A postgraduate student at the Institute of Technology, Carlow in Ireland, Richard Lally’s research on plant growth promotion won him first place at the graduate level of the 2016 Alltech Young Scientist (AYS) program. In addition to global recognition at the ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, he took home $10,000 and secured a two-year fully-funded postdoctoral contract with Alltech.

“It has been one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences of my life and has been my greatest achievement to date,” said Lally.

Lally noted that he has been overwhelmed by messages of support, which he is still receiving to this day. It has touched him and made him very emotional that people cared so much about him and the work he is doing.

Lally spoke of his pride in representing not only his college, but his village and country. He credited the other three finalists from the postgraduate section and said they are all exceptional scientists.

“To have been selected overall award winner is a real privilege for me, considering their excellent research and talents,” he said.

Lally received his undergraduate degree in bioscience with an emphasis in biopharmaceuticals in 2012. He is currently in the process of completing a Ph.D. in environmental biotechnology and bacterial genetics. Lally’s research has been on plant growth-promoting bacteria.

“These bacteria produce mechanisms as part of their normal cellular metabolism,” said Lally. “The mechanisms help protect plants against disease, benefit soil nutrient availability, produce plant growth hormones and can relieve plant stress.”

He focused on three Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterial strains and their symbiotic relationship with bio-fuel and the food crop rapeseed oil.

“I examined the plant growth promotion potential of the three bacterial strains, determining how they colonize and increase plant biomass,” he said.

The current use of “agri-chemicals” can negatively impact climate, ecology and water resources in addition to being threatening to human health. Lally’s research aims to provide alternative solutions.

“This area of research is deemed relevant in sustainable agriculture, and the bacterial treatments (or biofertilizers) have the potential to reduce the application of agricultural chemicals,” he said.

He believes his research will provide new insights into the genetics of plant growth promoters, how they interact with plants and their field potential for crop production.

“I hope overall to contribute to the understanding of plant growth-promoting bacteria and their role in sustainable agricultural practices,” said Lally.

Lally is currently finalizing his Ph.D. thesis and preparing papers to be submitted for peer review. Once Lally receives his Ph.D., he will begin his postdoctorate research with Alltech. Lally wants to further broaden his skills in biotechnology, sustainable agriculture and research.

“I now wish to apply my skill set to a constructive and innovative working environment,” said Lally. “I have many ideas that I wish to work toward experimenting with in the future.”

After Lally completes his time with Alltech, he plans to get a job in which he can contribute to the education and development of others. He’s thankful for the people who surrounded him on this journey and credit them for where he is today.

“Ultimately, a dream job for me would be a job that I can develop in, help others develop through, one that is satisfying to work in and, of course, one that makes me happy,” said Lally.

When you go out to your dairy, stop, look and listen to your cows. There are clear cues as to their comfort, and they can tell you if something is wrong with their environment.

Three elements of a productive cow’s environment

The freestall:

• Brisket locator: The brisket locator’s purpose is to comfortably position the cow to lie down in the stall. Without the brisket locator or enough sand, the cow can become positioned too far forward in the stall, which can cause injury and deposit manure in the back of the stall rather than the alley. When I see manure on either side of a stall instead of directly behind it, it tells me the cows are angling themselves and trying to adapt to a stall that has not been adjusted properly.
• Neck rail: The purpose of the neck rail is to position the cow so that when she stands up, she backs up a few inches to defecate in the alley. 
• Deterrent strap: It should be a nylon strap, 4–6 inches wide. It should deter the cows but not injure them. A cable should not be used, as it can cause significant injury.
• Stall size: Many barns still have stalls that were manufactured in the 1990s. Today, we have larger animals that require larger stalls. We need to set our stall measurements based on the size of our cows, and it needs to be one cow per stall. We want the cows to have ample room to lie down and achieve optimal blood flow. If a cow does not have enough room, she may perch in the alley, and that’s where we can see an increase in hoof rot. Even a few inches of space can make a major difference in hoof condition and milk production.
• Sand: Sand needs to be clean and dry. 

Water:

​Milk is 87 percent water, making it critical that cows always have plenty of access to warm water. But how often are you cleaning and scrubbing your water troughs? It should be done every day or every other day and be clean enough that you would be willing to drink from the troughs.

Feed:

When cows are done milking, they should come back to fresh feed so that they stand for 20 minutes before lying down. Likewise, dry cows must have ample access to feed.

Little issues affect milk quality, yield and the longevity of your cows. Focus on “cowsistency,” and your cows will reward you.

Tom highlighted these points among others during his recent Dairy Strong webinar, “Cows don’t lie,” which can be viewed on YouTube.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – In an effort to improve soil quality and environmental protection in China, various key players from soil, fertilizer and livestock industries formed the Soil and Fertilizer Alliance of China (SFAC) in February 2016.

Alltech, guided by its founding ACE principle of positively benefiting the animal, the consumer and the environment, has joined the SFAC. Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech’s global vice president and head of Greater China, has been named SFAC vice president.

“Alltech and the SFAC share a common goal to integrate livestock feeding and crop planting industries more efficiently and to work together toward a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Lyons.

The SFAC aims to fulfil the needs and promote the sustainable development of Chinese agriculture. It strives to improve the quality of Chinese soil and contribute to food security and modern agricultural development while being ecologically sustainable. Alltech is one of the top five animal health companies in the world, with a growing crop science business sector.

The Chinese government has put an increasing focus on the environment in recent years, with a particularly close look at agricultural practices. While traditional concerns such as proximity to water and large populations, as well as biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand levels, have been cited as reasons for farm closures, issues related to high levels of minerals and soil quality impact factors are now being examined. The Environmental Tax Law was approved at the end of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee meeting in December 2016, and minerals (e.g., copper and zinc) and heavy metal (e.g., arsenic) are listed in the Environmental Tax Law for scale livestock farms. Alltech’s proprietary mineral technology Bioplex® is being utilized in China to reduce levels of minerals and other polluting materials in manure, thus reducing environmental impact.

“Alltech has solutions to help livestock farms reduce pollution in animal manure, compost manure to a higher quality of organic fertilizer, and improve crop and animal health and performance by adding nutritional value more naturally through our research-based technologies,” said Dr. Lyons.

Alltech China is hosting an environmental meeting from March 7–9. The event will focus on overcoming environmental challenges and finding opportunities in the new green economy. For more information or to attend the meeting, contact Apple Zhang, marketing manager for Alltech China (azhang@alltech.com).

[BARCELONA, Spain] – Alltech, a global animal health and nutrition company, has acquired Solbiosur, a specialised agricultural and horticultural crop solutions company in Spain. Solbiosur is well-regarded in Spain as being a provider of innovative agricultural and horticultural solutions dedicated to improving yield and efficiency for the producer. For more than 10 years, Solbiosur has manufactured and distributed agricultural and horticultural solutions that are respectful to the environment and are cost-beneficial for the producer. With the arrival of Solbiosur to the Alltech family of companies, agricultural and horticultural producers in Europe can enjoy quality nutritional and highly efficient solutions.

“Solbiosur has worked in collaboration with Alltech for the past five years,” said Jomi Bernad Blanch, Iberian regional director for Alltech. “Our coming together will mean an ability to deliver greater value to our agricultural and horticultural farming customers. Between Alltech’s primacy in science and Solbiosur’s distribution strength and reach, we have a winning combination for delivering greater crop efficiency and profitability directly to our customers.”

Alltech and Solbiosur have identified possible growth opportunities, which may include new product development and expanded routes to market.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the growth of our business, not just in Europe, but around the world,” said Steve Borst, general manager of Alltech Crop Science. “We are excited to have Solbiosur join with the Alltech Crop Science team and we look forward to the customer support this will enable us to provide in the region. Both companies have a very progressive mindset on the future of agriculture and the technologies needed to improve the health of crops while maintaining a high standard of environmental stewardship. This is a thrilling time for both of our businesses, and we look forward to the growth opportunities it will provide.”

Their coming together forges a natural crop science centre of excellence for Europe.

“Joining the Alltech family creates an exciting future for Solbiosur,” said Pedro Navarro, commercial director at Solbiosur. “Alltech is a well-respected agricultural leader providing nutritional solutions across animal and crop production. Solbiosur’s new journey with Alltech will further strengthen our ability to deliver crop and horticultural nutrition solutions to a wider market given Alltech’s reach in more than 120 countries worldwide.”

Solbiosur will continue to distribute from and manufacture in Murcia, Spain, due to the region’s primary position as one of Europe’s largest horticultural areas. Solbiosur will be lead by Navarro, who will report directly to Blanch. Together, Alltech and Solbiosur employ more than 40 people in Spain and more than 5,000 people globally.

Fifty-three percent of consumers frequently wonder if the food they buy is safe, according to research conducted for the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.

Food safety has become a top priority among poultry producers today because of its direct and significant effect on brand reputation. The effects of a food recall are always costly and can severely harm a brand's reputation if consumers lose trust.

For over two decades, the meat and poultry industries have been following the guidelines of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, or HACCP, a management system for food safety put in place to address potential biological, chemical and physical contamination. This allows producers to identify possible hazards in order to take the necessary actions to reduce or eliminate the risk.

There is no silver bullet strategy that has the capability to address every potential threat along the production chain, so producers and plants use a variety of strategies at their critical control points.

Three steps to improve food safety

As stated on the National Chicken Council website, some ways that producers can improve their food safety include:

• The use of feed additives that can reduce the growth of potential microbial hazards.
• Approved rinses to kill any surviving bacteria.
• Metal detectors to make sure physical contaminants are not found in a product.

In addition to food safety systems, producers also need to make sure that their consumers understand proper food handling practices. Consumers should be made aware of the proper way to clean, prepare, cook and chill raw agricultural products in order to further reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses.

West Liberty Foods, a leading supplier of sliced meats in the U.S., understands that the concepts of food safety and consumer trust are crucial to success. The company’s chairman, Paul Hill, explained its strategy in a recent Alltech feature story. Learn more about how a brand like West Liberty Foods approaches food safety by clicking on the link below.

http://stories.alltech.com/west-liberty-foods-our-brand-is-food-safety.html

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Celebrated in several countries on Dec. 5, World Soil Day raises awareness about the importance of soil preservation and stimulates discussion on effective crop practices. These discussions quickly become a call to action. Many producers are looking to decrease the damage caused by inefficient management practices and, subsequently, improve crop results through a balance in soil microbiology.

More natural farming practices combined with modern science can help increase diversity in the soil biology. Dr. Steven Borst, general manager of Alltech Crop Science, emphasizes the importance of integrating biological technologies into existing management programs to feed the soil.

“We need to work with nature, not against it, to grow not only our crops, but our soil as well,” said Borst.

Better soil quality that is part of a healthy agribiome can increase plant health and, in turn, potentially decrease the amount of synthetic chemicals needed to combat stress and disease. The results include increased quality and productivity.

Around the world, each generation of growers worries about the legacy they will leave. In Texas, Mike Helle, a grower who has been using biologicals to improve soil health, knows that years of conventional practices have diminished natural microbes, and he wants to be a better steward of his farm. In Brazil, Silvia Nishikawa is learning to repopulate the soil on her farm with beneficial microorganisms so that she will have something to leave for her children.

“It is important for the grower to understand the delicate balance in the soil-plant system and the correlation between the two,” said Borst.

The foundation for healthier, more productive plants is nutrient-rich soil and management practices that continue to improve the soil with each passing season.

Are cattle producers ready for the impending U.S. Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)?

More than 550 days ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its updated regulations for the VFD, and now, in just a few short days, the rules will go into effect. Some producers are now scrambling to get clarity on this critically important new directive.

Alltech has put together the latest information to separate fact from fiction and make sure everyone is ready to make the most of the upcoming changes. Let’s start from the beginning:

What’s the VFD, again?

The Veterinary Feed Directive, or VFD, will restrict the use of medically important antibiotics in animal feed. On Jan. 1, 2017, it will be illegal to use certain antibiotics without a veterinary prescription, and affected antibiotics will only be available to prevent, control or treat a specifically identified disease.

Functionally, it will work as follows:

• Feed companies and distributors must register with the FDA if distributing veterinary feed directive feeds.
• Veterinarians will be prescribing veterinary feed directive drugs and must have pre-existing veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR); more on that below.
• Veterinary feed directive prescriptions may be sent to distributors by veterinarians or by hard copy delivered by clients.
• Drug manufacturers will be allowed to assist veterinarians and feed companies with the processing.

Which drugs will be affected by the Veterinary Feed Directive?

A full list is available through the FDA website, but some of the most commonly affected drugs are listed below.

Remember, the list below shows the generic names and not brand names, so be sure to review the appropriate end products.

What worries have some producers expressed about the Veterinary Feed Directive?

The language around a “pre-existing veterinary-client-patient relationship” within the VFD can be confusing. To break that down, generally, this relationship for a producer requires:

• A veterinarian who is familiar with the producer’s operation.
• A veterinarian who will assume responsibility for making medical decisions on the animals involved.
• Medically timely visits to the premise.
• A producer who agrees to follow veterinary directions.
• A veterinarian who is available for follow-up as needed.

For additional insight, a complete list of VCPR criteria by state can be found here.

Dispelling Veterinary Feed Directive rumors: True and false facts

Information on the VFD can be found easily, but misinformation and incorrect rumors about what the VFD is can be just as common. As the start date approaches, what are the most common rumors that need to be dispelled?

Rumor: Feed-grade antibiotics are going away for good.

 That’s false. What is going away is the ability to use feed-grade antibiotics for growth promotion and other off-label uses.

Rumor: Injectable antibiotics will be banned.

That’s false. These will still be available over the counter as needed.

Rumor: The VFD will affect both small and large producers.

That’s true: Large or small, all producers who are found non-compliant will face a wide range of penalties ranging from fines to jail time.

Rumor: Water-soluble antibiotics are not affected.

That’s false. A prescription, not a VFD, will be necessary for medically important antibiotics used in drinking water.

What resources are available on the Veterinary Feed Directive?

Staying up-to-date on the latest information is key. Alltech highly recommends going straight to the source to get the most complete information. There are several comprehensive resources available online:

• The FDA website. Here you can find brochures outlining the requirements for producers, veterinarians and feed distributors, whether or not they manufacture feed.
• This FDA video gives an overview of the VFD.
• The Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University has created free modules on the VFD.
• In this webinar, Dr. Darrell Johnson from the University of Kentucky speaks in depth about the unique challenges faced by beef and dairy producers affected by the VFD.
• WATT and GlobalVetLink put together this great infographic.
• Your local agriculture extension office.

What comes next?

Alltech supports producers by promoting health and performance through nutritional feeding innovations. By bringing together over 35 years of research and practical application with state-of-the-art support tools, Alltech can provide technical expertise in the following management programs:

Preparing for the VFD might seem difficult, but with planning, producers can have a smooth transition and bring new value to their operation. To learn more, contact your local Alltech office.

It takes 1,000 years to naturally create 1 inch of topsoil. Now consider that over 20 percent of soils worldwide have been degraded through agricultural practices.   

Resting the land for thousands of years is not a realistic response to soil degradation. However, a viable solution may be found in agricultural management practices that are focused on retaining and repopulating the soil with beneficial microorganisms that improve soil health and quality.

“It is paramount for the grower to understand the intricacies of the soil-plant relationship,” explains Ney Ibrahim, director of Alltech Crop Science Brazil. 

Reestablishing soil health

Plant health starts from the ground up. When growers use practices that promote the reestablishment of the biological balance in the soil, such as cover crops, crop rotation and natural fertilizers, this improves the interactions between soil and plant. These practices can help decrease negative plant response to environmental stressors and increase productivity. 

Microbiological management gives life to the soil and increases nutrient availability that the plant can then use to enhance its root growth and possibly increase immunity and disease suppression. 

Meanwhile, organic matter is returned to the soil, creating a positive cycle for future crops and leaving a legacy of sustainability for the new generation of growers.    

I want to learn more about improving soil health.