Today we are proud to announce a major acquisition that we believe will allow us to deliver even better service and greater value to our customers globally. This morning we announced an agreement to acquire Ridley Inc., one of the leading commercial animal nutrition companies in North America. This deal is a “win-win” for customers of both companies.

Ridley produces some of the industry’s best-selling and most widely-recognized blocks and nutrition supplements. Together, Alltech and Ridley will become a global leader in animal health and nutrition with annual revenues in excess of $1.6 billion and an unrivaled platform for growth across local, North American and international markets.

Improved animal nutrition is a pressing need for the productivity of the world’s livestock and food chain. Feed costs comprise the majority of livestock production costs. By improving nutrition, livestock and poultry producers are able to realize a significant increase in efficiencies and return on investment. Alltech’s continued commitment to tailoring nutrition and health programs with a focus on natural, antibiotic free ingredients, allows livestock and poultry producers to raise healthier animals through a process that is more beneficial for animals, consumers and the environment.

This growth opportunity will create better access for livestock and poultry producers to superior nutrition solutions by combining Ridley’s extensive on-farm presence and dealer distribution network in North America with Alltech’s cutting-edge animal nutrition technologies. Livestock and poultry producers in North America will have unparalled access to Alltech’s leading nutrition technology and the company’s additional suite of services, including financial, crop enhancement and sustainability programs.

Given Alltech’s global reach, this deal will also allow Ridley the opportunity to globalize its solutions. Customers outside of North America will now gain access to Ridley’s well known blocks and nutrition supplements.

I’m proud to say that our combined commitment to R&D and innovation will remain unwavering. Alltech spends approximately 10 percent of its gross revenue on R&D, more than any other company in the industry and Ridley has a strong technical team with over 40 advanced degrees who will now be working side-by-side with Alltech’s team of approximately 150 PhDs. This deal will further deepen Alltech’s commitment to science and allow us to bring more advanced animal nutrition solutions to livestock and poultry producers around the world.

We’re thrilled to welcome the Ridley team to Alltech, and we’ll have more to share about our integration soon. 

This year during Alltech REBELation, we would like you to join us in visiting two of Kentucky’s most progressive dairy farms.

The first stop: Riney Dairy, LLC in Springfield, Kentucky. Billy Riney and his father have been milking since 1978. Having evolved substantially over time, Riney Dairy now boasts a 350-head Holstein herd and credits a newly installed GEA Double-12 parallel parlor to helping them maintain efficiency and productivity.  The Riney operation includes a free stall barn and a compost bedded pack barn.  Billy and his son, who is also involved in the business, focus heavily on farm profitability and herd health.

The next stop: Kings Hill Dairy in Lebanon, Kentucky.  Assuming ownership from his dad in 1986, Bill Mattingly’s Kings Hill Dairy, has been a family-run operation since its inception. Kings Hill Dairy milks 205 Holsteins and manages approximately 600 acres.  Recently the Mattingly family began using a compost bedded pack barn for their entire milking herd. This farm provides a great example of Kentucky agriculture with strong family involvement, and is progressively keeping its eye on sustaining the operation for the next generation.

A commonality in these two farms is a popular technology that continues to gain traction across Kentucky -- the compost bedded pack barn. Dairy housing systems have a substantial impact on overall health and productivity of a dairy operation.

What is a compost bedded pack barn?

As Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, Professor of Dairy Sciences at the University of Kentucky and leader in research for these housing systems, explains, “The compost bedded pack barn is a housing system for lactating dairy cows consisting of a large, open resting areas, usually bedded with sawdust or dry, fine wood shavings that are composted in place, along with manure, when mechanically stirred on a regular basis.”

Benefits of a compost bedded pack barn

Dr. Bewley also said, “Producer-reported benefits of these barns include improved cow comfort, improved cow cleanliness, the low maintenance nature of the system, improved feet and legs, decreased somatic cell count, increased heat detection, ease of manure handling, increased production, increased longevity, low investment costs, less odor, fewer flies, less concern with cow size, and improved manure value.”

Finally, in true Kentucky fashion, the tour will end with a stop at one of the top bourbon distilleries in the state – Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.  One of the world’s iconic Kentucky-made products, Maker’s Mark sold more than 1.4 million cases of its bourbon whiskey, with distinctive bottles dipped in red wax, around the globe in 2013 alone. Join us for this exciting end to a perfect day! In order to achieve the full Kentucky experience we invite you to attend these dairy tours that are part of the Alltech REBELation event.  Join us in exploring innovation, inspiration and world-changing ideas in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, from May 17-20.

With dozens of ways to cook them, eggs have a language all of their own.

Eggs Benedict – An English muffin topped with ham or bacon, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

Hard Boiled – An egg cooked in boiling water with the shell intact. Hard boiled eggs are cooked through until both the whites and yolk have completely set.

Omelet (Omelette) – Uncooked whole eggs that have been beaten and then cooked quickly in a frying pan. Omelets are then folded in half over fillings like cheese, vegetables and meat.

Over Easy – A fried egg that is flipped once and cooked yolk side down only long enough to create a film over the top of the yolk, leaving the center of the yolk liquid.

Over Hard – A fried egg that is flipped and cooked yolk side down until the yolk has completely cooked through.

Poached – Eggs that have been cracked into a pot of hot liquid for cooking. The liquid is usually water or broth, but can be any sauce. The is cooked until the white has mostly set, but the yolk remains soft.

Scrambled – Uncooked whole eggs are beaten together and then cooked in a skillet. The beaten egg mixture is gently moved around the skillet as it sets to create a soft, curdled texture.

Shirred – Eggs that have been baked in a ramekin, usually with butter or cream, until the whites have set but the yolk is still mostly liquid.

Soft Boiled – An egg cooked in boiling water with the shell intact. Soft-boiled eggs are cooked until the whites are set but the yolk is still liquid.

Sunny Side Up – A fried egg that is not flipped or cooked yolk side down. The whites cook until completely or partially set while the yolk remains liquid.

Stress can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Stress causes our cortisol levels to rise. Cortisol can cause food cravings, usually for high carbohydrate or sweet foods. Not only do many people turn to food as a comfort during stressful times, they also tend to consume more highly refined carbohydrates like white pasta, bread, rice, bagels, chips, crackers, baked goods and other sweets. Although these foods may provide quick and immediate comfort, the more of them we eat, the worse our mood gets. High intake of these foods leads to crashes that may increase susceptibility to new stress. After a spike in blood sugar caused by eating a large amount of highly refined carbohydrates, it’s common to experience mental fog, tiredness, anxiety and irritability, all of which may exacerbate existing stress.

Cortisol also activates an enzyme in our fat cells. Visceral fat cells – the fat found around vital organs in our abdomen – have significantly more of these enzymes than subcutaneous fat – the fat just below the skin on other areas of the body like legs and buttocks – which is why stress causes belly fat accumulation. The more stress a person has, the more abdominal obesity can occur, which is linked to a greater risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Luckily, there are other components of food that can help regulate stress by providing specific nutrients or sustained energy.

Better mood foods

DHA omega-3

This essential fatty acid has been studied for its positive effects on mood and protection of our brain against chronic stress. Increasing dietary intake of DHA omega-3 may help prevent the harmful effects of chronic stress and the development of stress-related disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Better Mood Foods: DHA-enriched eggs, meat and milk, salmon, mackerel and sardines

Zinc

Diets low in zinc have been linked to anxiety and depression. A daily intake is required, as our body doesn’t have a zinc storage system.

Better Mood Foods: oysters, beef, crab, lobster, chicken, turkey, beans and nuts

Magnesium

This mineral has been called “the original chill pill” for its role in regulating cortisol levels and its ability to prevent the entrance of stress hormones to the brain.

Better Mood Foods: spinach, whole grains, legumes, potatoes, avocados, nuts and seeds

Vitamin B6

An important function of vitamin B6 is helping to produce serotonin and norephinephrine, both of which positively influence mood.

Better Mood Foods: chickpeas, tuna, salmon, chicken and turkey

Whole grains

Both simple (white bread and pasta, bagels, baked goods, etc.) and complex (whole grain bread and pasta, oatmeal, etc.) carbohydrates are turned into glucose, a type of sugar used as fuel by the body. However, complex carbohydrates contain vitamins, minerals and fiber that slow the release of glucose into the blood stream, providing the body a steady supply of energy, as well as serotonin, a “feel good” chemical.

Better Mood Foods: oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain bread and pasta, quinoa and popcorn

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Global animal health and nutrition company Alltech is delighted to announce the 2015 winner of the Alltech Innovation Competition hosted at its European headquarters, Dunboyne, Co. Meath. University College Dublin (UCD) students, Catherine O’Connell, Rebecca Fitzgerald and Shannon Coco, were awarded the overall prize for their outstanding competition entry – Moo Shoe. The Moo Shoe provides a solution to one of the biggest problems in the dairy cow industry – lameness, an issue that affects one in five cows on Irish dairy farms. A total of six universities battled for the prize fund of €4,000 while runners-up each received a cheque for €1,000.

The Moo Shoe is made from durable, antifungal polyurethane and rubber. The shoe slips securely over hooves, eliminating the need for glue or nails, and it prevents the primary causes of lameness. “When researching and developing our idea, we were amazed to discover that little exists on the market to prevent lameness. The average cost of lameness per cow in Ireland is a staggering €283, whereas the Moo Shoe ensures infection-free and injury-free hooves for a minimal cost per cow,” said Rebecca Fitzgerald.

Facilitated by Dr. Aoife Lyons, director of educational initiatives at Alltech, and Professor Damien McLoughlin, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, the competition celebrates business and entrepreneurship, and challenges the creative minds of university students. Teams from Dublin City University, Dublin Institute of Technology, Trinity College Dublin, National University of Ireland Maynooth, University College Dublin and University of Limerick each presented forward-thinking business plans on their innovative ideas in the areas of agriculture, food, human health and sustainability.

The competition was judged by Dr. James Roche, emeritus professor at UCD, Constantin Gurdgiev, economist and lecturer at Trinity College Dublin, and Ross Hunt, co-founder of Agrilarity, a company dedicated to digitising and automating agricultural processes.  

“These young people are a reflection of the talent and potential that Ireland has to offer,” said Dr. Aoife Lyons. “Alltech is known for working with our customers to identify problems and provide natural solutions. This year’s competition entrants displayed real insight, talent and knowledge. By combining academic expertise with innovation, each group had a potentially viable product to bring to market.”

The concepts presented by the university finalists were as follows:

·         University College Dublin – Moo Shoe - provides a solution to lameness in dairy cows

·         National University Ireland Maynooth – Moodley Manor – manufacturing dairy-free & animal-free foods

·         Dublin City University – The Summit Shaker – stainless steel protein shaker

·         Dublin Institute of Technology – Hear Here Ltd. – assistive technology devices for the deaf and hard of hearing communities

·         Trinity College Dublin – GreenCar - a peer‐to‐peer car sharing company

·         University of Limerick – Integrated digital marketing communications platform for small and medium enterprises  

Alltech continues to work with Irish universities to ensure the development of talented and educated Irish agri-business graduates. Last year’s winner, John Kennedy, from Waterford Institute of Technology, won the overall prize for an android app using GPS technology to guide farmers while spraying and spreading fertiliser. The concept ‘Field Buddy’ is currently in development, and Kennedy is furthering his studies in the area of information technology to develop new apps for the agricultural industry.  

The Alltech Innovation Competition reflects Alltech’s commitment to lifelong education and the inspiration of innovation and entrepreneurship.

White eggs vs. Brown eggs

Identical in nutrient value, the only real difference between the two is the breed of hen they come from. White shelled eggs are typically produced by hens with white feathers, while brown shelled eggs are typically from hens with brown feathers.

Conventional

Eggs laid by hens living in cages with access to feed, water, and security. The cages serve as nesting space and can enhance production efficiency. In this type of hen house, the birds are more readily protected from the elements, disease and natural and unnatural predators.

Organic

To produce eggs that can be labeled as ‘organic’, hens are fed rations with ingredients that were grown without most conventional pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or commercial fertilizers. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has specific rules to define organic production and prohibits the use of the term organic on packaging of any food product not produced in accordance with its rule. According to USDA, the organic label does not indicate that the product has safety, quality or nutritional attributes that are any higher than conventionally raised product.

Vegetarian Diet

Hens are fed a special feed containing ingredients of plant origin only. The nutrient content of these eggs is the same as that of conventional eggs.

Omega-3-Enriched

Many farmers believe specialty eggs, particularly omega-3 enriched eggs, will be the next big thing in the functional food market, but not all omega-3’s are created equal. There are three major omega-3 fatty acids with distinct health benefits: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

ALA is often promoted as omega-3 in foods, largely due to its low cost and abundant availability fed  to layers as linseed. While this serves as an energy source, its relative inability to be converted to DHA means the animal and consumer receive minimal health benefits.

EPA is a long-chain omega-3 that is important for cardiovascular function and inflammation reduction. EPA found in eggs is typically sourced from fish oil and fish meal fed to the hens.

DHA is vital in human diets, playing an important role during pregnancy and early infant development. In children, DHA is linked to improved learning outcomes and behavior. In adults, DHA has been associated with lower rate of cardiovascular disease and improved cognitive health. DHA in eggs can be found alongside EPA sourced from fish products, but can also be supplied by algae that are naturally high in DHA. Omega-3-enriched eggs laid by hens fed an algae-enriched diet produce eggs that are suitable for an ovo-vegetarian diet.

Vitamin- or Mineral-Enriched

These eggs are from hens fed a nutritionally-enhanced diet with higher levels of certain nutrients (eg. selenium, vitamin E, folate, lutein, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12). As a result, these eggs contain higher amounts of select nutrients.

Free-Range

Eggs produced by hens that have access to the outdoors in accordance with weather, environmental or state standards. In addition to consuming a diet of grains, these hens may forage for wild plants and insects and are sometimes called ‘pasture-fed’ hens. They are provided floor space, nesting space and perches.

Cage-Free

Eggs laid by hens at indoor floor operations, sometimes called ‘free-roaming’. The hens may walk freely in a building, room or open area, usually in a barn or poultry house, and have unlimited access to fresh food and water, while some may also forage for food if they are allowed outdoors. Cage-free systems vary and include barn-raised and free-range hens, both of which have shelter that helps protect against predators. Both types are produced under common handling and care practices, which provide floor space, nest space and perches.

Natural

Under USDA regulations, a “natural” product has no artificial ingredients, coloring ingredients, or chemical preservatives, and is minimally processed, just enough to get it ready to be cooked.

No Hormones Added

No artificial or added hormones are used in the production of any poultry in the United States. Regulations of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) prohibit the use of such hormones. Therefore, any brand of eggs can be labeled “raised without hormones”, however, any package of eggs with that type of label must also have a statement that no hormones are used in the production of any poultry.

“Raised without Antibiotics” or “Antibiotic-Free”

“Raised without antibiotics” on a carton of eggs indicates that during the period while hens are laying eggs, there was no use of products classified as antibiotics for animal health maintenance, disease prevention or treatment of disease. Flocks producing certified organic eggs must be antibiotic-free by regulation. Flocks producing conventional eggs may use FDA-approved antibiotics and must comply with FDA levels of use and other restrictions. FDA regulations assure that antibiotic residues do not occur in the egg itself.

Enriched Colony

A production system that contains adequate environmental enrichments to provide perch space, dust bathing or a scratch area(s), and nest space to allow the layers to exhibit inherent behavior. Enriched colony systems are American Humane Certified.

Sources: United States Poultry and Egg Association, American Egg Board

I want to learn more about poultry nutrition. 

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – In a battle of brains amongst seven Kentucky universities in the 2015 Alltech Innovation Competition, it was Kentucky State University and the University of Pikeville who emerged as victors, respectively capturing the undergraduate and graduate first place designations. Each team won $10,000, the amount with which Dr. Pearse Lyons founded Alltech, now a $1 billion company operating in 128 countries.

The University of Pikeville’s team of two graduate and two undergraduate students won the graduate competition with Rhizofeed, their herbal extraction company based in Pikeville. Using bloodroot harvested in Eastern Kentucky, Rhizofeed extracts whole rhizome for use in poultry feed to improve gut health. Less expensive and more stable than probiotics, according to the student team, rhizome extract has anti-inflammatory properties and has been linked to improving the immune system, regulating digestion and promoting weight gain. Rhizofeed aims to target poultry producers looking for alternatives to probiotics or antibiotics, a market expected to grow as an increasing number of major food companies, such as McDonald’s, demand antibiotic-free production. Grown, extracted and sold from Kentucky, Rhizofeed will further diversify Eastern Kentucky’s regional economy while improving poultry production globally.

Making their inaugural appearance at the annual Alltech Innovation Competition, Kentucky State University captured first place in the undergraduate competition with an aquaponics venture. Old Kentucky Home Aquatics, focuses on in-pond aquaponic raceway systems, inspired by the regional potential for farmed catfish and vegetables as well as a drive to support small-scale farming. The business will construct raceways in established ponds, educate farmers and develop a processing route to build regional agriculture. The raceway systems will provide for easier harvesting, higher stocking densities, better water quality and waste collection while controlling overfeeding. Floating rafts enable the incorporation of aquaponics, such as the growth of Bibb lettuce and spinach, using fish waste as a nutrient source.

The winning teams’ competitors included Bellarmine University, Brescia University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University. With seven universities going head-to-head, Dr. Karl Dawson, chief scientific officer at Alltech, noted the challenge this year’s judges had in naming winners, “The quality of the work this year was several magnitudes better than ever before but what made the winning projects so innovative was the simplicity of the ideas and the quality of the presentations.”

“I have been amazed, totally amazed, over the three years we have now run this competition. The event brings out the best,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “Young people find a way to do it, and both winning projects use products from Kentucky—yet not tobacco—to build two viable Kentucky businesses.”

The Alltech Innovation Competition, now in its third year with annual competitions held in both Kentucky and Ireland, holds value to Alltech, not only in terms of the ideas and possible collaborations brought forward but also in terms of talent identification. “Recognizing the innovators and future leaders in the state is very important to us,” said Dawson.

Also central to the Alltech Innovation Competition’s founding mission is its contribution to the state’s economic engine. “To inspire these young people that you can be innovative is the real value of the Alltech Innovation Competition. We have to look for new solutions and inspiring these young people is integral,” said former Kentucky governor Paul Patton, now the interim president of the University of Pikeville.

Alltech will run a sister competition in Dunboyne, Ireland, this Wednesday. The Alltech Innovation Competition reflects Alltech’s commitment to lifelong education and the inspiration of innovation and entrepreneurship.

I feel that this is the best answer for what I feel is quite a difficult question. I couldn't pick just one person ... This is because farming in its entirety is about working together, it has and should always be a community. Therefore my favourite farmers are those from yesterday and those like myself that will be farming tomorrow. I am proud to be a part of what is essentially a team, a global community that have chosen to farm to feed the world.

Destiny is competing in Alltech’s Favorite Farmer Contest. The photo with the most likes on our Facebook page will win a trip to the Alltech REBELation in Lexington, KY. It’s an opportunity to meet farmers and other agriculture people from all over the world.

Vote for Destiny by liking the photo here.

My favourite farmer is Jack Fegan. He is one of the best farmers I know. He is very good with the animals and knows exactly how to treat the animals. I know a lot of other farmers but Jack is a class above. When you are watching Jack farm or help the animals out he is like a magician. He has a combine harvester and he is really good with it. He has a fat head which can cause problems for him while he farms like getting in the tractors or even getting through doors. I hope Jack wins it as he is the greatest farmer alive. I do not have a picture of Jack but I have a picture of his shop.

Dylan is competing in Alltech’s Favorite Farmer Contest. The photo with the most likes on our Facebook page will win a trip to the Alltech REBELation in Lexington, KY. It’s an opportunity to meet farmers and other agriculture people from all over the world.

Vote for Dylan by liking the photo here.

My story of my favorite farmer is not an easy one to tell because he is my father, and he is no longer with us. My father Brian Krull of Lake Mills, Wis. was the most dedicated and driven father, farmer, friend, brother, husband I have ever seen in my 20 years of life! Growing up with him by my side and instilling my sisters and myself with the drive and passion for agriculture has truly changed my life. 

Brian breed numerous excellent cow families, growing record-breaking crop yields, and raising an even more outstanding family is why this farmer is easily my favorite. Brian had a passion for agronomy and working with the land. He truly enjoyed being out in the field and caring for the land that God had given him to take care. Brian was a member of the Lake Mills FFA and 4-H growing up and had lived in Lake Mills all his life caring for his family’s farm with his family and continuing on with tradition to raise his family on the farm.

Brian was not only dedicated to his farm and family but also his community and church. A member of the Lake Mills Moravian Church as well as the Lake Mills FFA Alumni, Bowling team, Aztalan Cemetery President, and served as President and Board Member to the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Brian never cared for himself first, family was always first in his life. People still talk about how when they would see Brian he would never talk about the great crops, cows, or new position or award Brian had received it was always the kids and his wife Cindy he talked about. A farmer who truly has his priorities in the right places was Brian Krull.

I have never and will never meet another farmer who can change so many people in such a short time of life. Brian still remains to be my favorite farmer although he is no longer caring for the land that God gave him. Brian was taken doing what he loved where he loved to do it. He died during a farm accident on the family farm on August 26, 2010.

Myself (his son) and my mother and sisters continue on his footsteps to ensure we don’t lose the passion and values he gave to us. With Brian now looking down to us and guiding us to the right path, he remains my favorite farmer and the favorite farmer of all who have known him.

Bryce is competing in Alltech’s Favorite Farmer Contest. The photo with the most likes on our Facebook page will win a trip to the Alltech REBELation in Lexington, KY. It’s an opportunity to meet farmers and other agriculture people from all over the world.

Vote for Bryce by liking the photo here.

They say it takes a community to raise a child – which is true – but an agricultural community enriches its children in a special way. Growing up in such a community taught me that nothing comes for free, how to work hard and never give up (even if you are having a bad day). Caring for livestock taught me responsibility and compassion at a very young age. But, most importantly the farmers that I called my neighbours taught me passion and always encouraged me to pursue what I love. In my opinion, there is no job that can rival that of farming because of the amount of work farmers do and how much they love it. Farmers are the heart and soul of their communities and the amount that they contribute to society cannot be overlooked.

My favorite farmer happens to be my boyfriend, a 10^th generation egg, dairy and poultry farmer in Nova Scotia, Canada. We went to high school together but did not really know each other and then university took us down separate paths. Because farmers taught me to pursue my passion and they lit a fire in me to pursue a future in agriculture. I decided to write my political science honors thesis on an agricultural policy issue, and as an advocate for farmer’s rights in government I reached out to the community for input on my project. That’s how David and I started seeing each other. As a young farmer planning on taking over his family’s farm from his father and uncle, he is keen on agricultural policy issues in order to secure his future. After seeing the passion he has for his job and exploring the realm of farm politics I have decided to pursue a Master of Public Administration in order to work in agricultural policy.

David did a four-year business degree with a major in finance and realized that he could not imagine a future away from his farm. He is currently 23 and working full time with his uncle and father on their farm – Cornwallis Farms. This farm is particularly fascinating as Deacon John Newcombe established it in 1761 and the same land that was farmed then is still farmed to this day. I might be biased, but David is my favorite farmer because his passion inspires me. The fact that he was so keen to help me because he cared about the fate of the industry showed that farmer’s are willing to fight for their spot in society. He views farming as a lifestyle, as it is much bigger than just a job to him. It is tradition, culture, pride and what he loves. 

Every Thursday morning while I am at school I wake up to pictures taken at 3AM of the cows in the parlor, or the calves being fed. David never complains either – he loves showing off his land and animals and educating anyone who cares to listen. I can only wish that someday I have a job that I enjoy as much as he does, especially at such a young age. He’s an advocate for his industry, he is an active member of the local farm safety board, he attends young farmers conferences, and he is a member of the local fire department among other things. Like the farmers I grew up with, he takes time and goes out of his way to help anyone. This is why, of all the farmers I know, David is my favorite.

Brianna is competing in Alltech’s Favorite Farmer Contest. The photo with the most likes on our Facebook page will win a trip to the Alltech REBELation in Lexington, KY. It’s an opportunity to meet farmers and other agriculture people from all over the world.

Vote for Brianna by liking the photo here.

My Favourite Farmer has to be my 85 year-old father-in-law Martin Noone, who has dedicated his whole life to his family and his farm. The interest and dedication he shows his livestock is truly admirable and he looks after them just like family.

In telling us all about the past he has embraced the future too and is not afraid to fork out for new technology if it helps the farm be more safe and efficient. His education of his grandchildren in the proper ways of the farm is inspiring. He grows his own vegetables and potatoes and always uses fresh horse dung on his spent rhubarb.

He is a farmer who I have never seen agitated on his farm. He always seems to be in control and is willing to give any situation the right amount of time in order to get the right outcome. I have been with him many late nites during Lambing season and helping him pull a calf and the empathy and understanding he shows his stock is unique.

Martin is a small west of Ireland farmer from Cong whose farm is a credit to him and a safe place for his grand children to learn the proper ways of farming. Martin is very conscious of what he puts into his farm and the impact it might have on the farm or the local environment. He is a great neighbour and is always there if you need him. Martin and his wife Mary never took holidays until recently because they were too afraid to leave the farm.

Robert is competing in Alltech’s Favorite Farmer Contest. The photo with the most likes on our Facebook page will win a trip to the Alltech REBELation in Lexington, KY. It’s an opportunity to meet farmers and other agriculture people from all over the world.

Vote for Robert by liking the photo here.