[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.

EuroTier, the world’s leading trade fair for animal production, is expected to attract more than 2,500 trade exhibitors from 54 countries around the globe and will be held Nov. 15–18, 2016, in Hanover, Germany. Alltech (stand G29 in hall 21) will showcase its primacy in science in three key areas: feed efficiency, protein management and mycotoxin management.    

“As feed costs often account for up to 70 percent of production costs on-farm, it is essential to ensure farmers are getting the most from their feed,” said Michael Rjasanowski, country manager for Alltech Germany.

Alltech wishes to work with farmers to help them become more efficient, profitable and sustainable.

"Through Alltech’s latest innovative programs, which are scientifically proven, we believe we can help farmers achieve consistent performance, profitability and efficiency,” said Rjasanowski.   

KEENAN, global Irish agri-manufacturer, which is now part of the Alltech family, will also have representatives at the Alltech stand during EuroTier.

“Through KEENAN’s manufacturing strengths and technological know-how and Alltech’s primacy in science, farmers all over the world are improving their farm profitability,” said Rjasanowski. “We want to ensure German farmers are reaching their full potential.”

To find out more about Alltech’s nutritional programs and KEENAN’s manufacturing know-how, visit stand G29 in hall 21 at EuroTier or read the full press release. To stay up-to-date with the latest Alltech EuroTier information follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

Spain’s old-world charm is infused with music, food and wine. The Alltech Crop Science (ACS) Spain Crop Tour 2016 certainly enjoyed these Spanish delights, but attendees were there for something else: Spain’s agriculture.
 
Seventy-two tour participants representing Brazil, the United States, Canada, Morocco, Algeria, Greece and northern Spain commenced their week-long journey in southeastern Spain. They began with a visit to Primaflor, a producer of ready-to-eat salads that specializes in leafy vegetables. Primaflor farms over 14,000 acres and has been using ACS products for four years, resulting in increased quality and quantity. Inside a 7.5-acre, fully automated greenhouse, the group viewed the systems that allow the greenhouse to produce the equivalent of 22 acres’ worth of greens!
 
The lack of water throughout eastern Spain means that producers have to be more creative in their usage and make every drop count. From Plantiagro, a seeds and seedling producer in Murcia, to Daramezas and Castrejón Alto in Toledo, which produce grapes for cognac and olives, respectively, challenges include not only overcoming issues with scarcity, but also with salinity and poor water quality. Growers are constantly looking for ways to make their farms more efficient while maintaining and increasing productivity levels, something many of the tour participants found relatable.
 
Before ending with a day at Fruit Attraction, the largest agronomic trade show in Europe, the tour included a visit to the research fields and laboratory of Ideagro, an independent research group that has been working with ACS for years, as well as touring the table grape variety fields of ITUM and sightseeing in Murcia, Toledo and Madrid
 
After spending a week together, the group felt like a large family.
 
“The trip was wonderful in networking, fun and learning, but what truly makes a difference are the people we share the experience with,” noted Sebastião Rodovalho from Trisolo.
 
“In one word, I would describe the tour as wonderful, because it makes me want to do more, learn more,” said João Garcia, who represents Casa do Adubo. “I came back excited and full of knowledge to share.” 
 
A few days later, Garcia shared his experiences from the tour with friends who were “amazed with all the information I was able to bring back,” he said. “With all that we learned during the week, Brazil and the world gained more experienced people when we returned home.” 

2016 has been a remarkable year thus far. This past month we welcomed more than 3,000 friends from 71 countries for an unbelievable week of idea-sharing and inspiration at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference. We also grew the Alltech family through the acquisition of Keenan, a leading farming solutions manufacturer known particularly for their “Green Machine” and InTouch Technology.

Today it’s a delight to share further excitement as we welcome Coppens International, an innovative Dutch aquatic feed and nutrition company, to our family. READ the press release here. 

Coppens International is known around the world as a technical specialist that produces high-quality aquatic feeds. The Coppens International team works continuously to perfect their formulas and develop new feed to cater to market demands. They have drive, they are passionate and they care – all qualities we value here at Alltech. Coppens International’s innovative techniques provide us with a winning combination for delivering greater efficiency and profitability direct to our aquatic producers.

Together we will now offer a breakthrough development in the feed industry by providing a fish feed completely derived from a sustainable and traceable fish oil replacement.  With Coppens International, we complete the cycle from a sustainable source of microalgae, rich in DHA omega-3 fatty acid, through to fish feeds and into fish products. The production of our algae is based on yeast components from which the algae gain a number of critical nutrients to grow, produce the high fat content and, even more importantly, high levels of the DHA omega-3 fatty acid. This active ingredient, as in many of our other yeast-based products, ultimately improves animal and fish health, while providing DHA-rich, functional foods that deliver a wide range of well-known health benefits to consumers. Now there is a true marriage between a unique aquatic feed manufacturer and an animal health-focused algae production facility! In fact, our plant in Winchester, Kentucky is food-grade and approaching more than 20,000 tons annually, with capacity expected to triple by year-end.

Using Alltech’s primacy in science combined with Coppens International team of researchers, we believe we will be one of the first to completely remove fish meal and fish oil from feed. We will replace these with Alltech’s FOR PLUS, which is derived from algae, and produced in our dedicated algae facility in Kentucky. We will be able to guarantee our customers a source of DHA which is traceable, sustainable and without the contamination issues of fish products. 

Just like Alltech, Coppens International is passionate about customer-centered research. In fact, they have 17 hectares of ponds devoted to research and raising specialty fish such as aquarium fish.  With two dedicated extruders, the company’s products are shipped around the world, and their capacity will increase shortly with a third extruder in the coming months. In looking to the future, Dr. Karl Dawson, chief scientific officer at Alltech, said, “We will continue sharing results of the successful use of Alltech’s FOR PLUS in all animal and fish diets. We have already demonstrated some surprising benefits for production animals. At Alltech, we remain steadfastly focused on our ACE principle of being friendly to the Animal, the Consumer, and the Environment.”

By joining Alltech, Coppens International is achieving one of its long-held ambitions - the replacement of fish oil with Alltech algae technology. Given the unsustainable global supply of fish oil, this is a true leap forward for their aquaculture nutrition program.

In fact, did you know that we own one of the only fully-operational, large-scale algae production facilities in the world? At the Alltech Algae facility in Winchester, Kentucky, we have invested heavily to develop proprietary algal technology for application in aquaculture, pet and livestock nutrition. No longer a buzzword, algae are gaining attention for their application to the feed and food industries as a highly sustainable source of DHA omega-3, and Coppens International will now be leveraging our algal technology.

We see plenty of synergies that can occur with Coppens International. Fish farms will have improved direct access to the most cutting-edge, sustainable technologies relevant to today's aquaculture industry demands.

In April this year, we launched the Alltech Aquaculture Postgraduate Program, a joint research partnership with the world-renowned University of Stirling Institute of Aquaculture in Scotland, and we are also making great progress with Alltech Aquaculture in Kentucky. Again, why? We see the opportunities ahead within the exciting sector of aquaculture.

The aquaculture sector is experiencing tremendous growth worldwide. In fact, did you know that aquaculture is the fastest growing segment of the animal feed industry? According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, fish consumption now exceeds beef consumption per capita, and farmed fish now exceed wild caught. What an opportunity!

Together, Alltech and Coppens International will ensure that aquatic producers around the world can practice responsible and efficient aquaculture. Together, we will make a sustainable contribution to food production for a growing global population that demands the very best. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to work hand-in-hand on delivering aquaculture solutions.

Welcome to our family, Coppens International!

Meet Neil Keane, manager of the 2016 European Dairy Career Development Program (DCDP). After successfully running the Beef Career Development Program in Europe in 2015, Neil will be in charge of recruiting, training and helping a new generation of graduates grow a successful career in Alltech. Neil is anxious to meet the new DCDP members and shared his impressions and expectations of the program.

Please tell us a little bit about your role in Alltech.

Originally from Ireland, I have a master’s of science in ruminant nutrition from the University College Dublin and a postgraduate diploma in business management from the University of Plymouth. Working in Alltech for more than 11 years now, I am responsible for our ruminant sales in Europe; developing and setting up trials for our new biogas project with Niall Brennan, a former DCDP member; and providing our European dairy customers with sustainable and profitable solutions.

As the Dairy Career Development Program manager, what are the most important skills you are looking for during the hiring process?

When screening candidates for the Dairy Career Development Program, a degree in animal science, dairy science or veterinary science is essential as the position requires a good technical knowledge of animal health and nutrition as well as the dairy industry. The key skills we look for are openness, curiosity, humility, flexibility and enthusiasm. As the program seeks to develop a sales role, it is important that candidates display good interpersonal skills. Being sociable and outgoing is essential, and it allows our graduates to build good relationships with customers. Alltech is a fast-paced environment, having the ability to adapt and work on various projects is vital.  

The Dairy Career Development Program is a year-long learning process, what do you expect from the members upon completion of the program?

Upon completion of the Dairy Career Development Program, Alltech hopes that all members will have grown in confidence in their daily activities. Our world-class training provides graduates with not only innovative solutions for modern dairy farming but it also provides them with an opportunity to develop new solutions based on their first-hand knowledge on the farm. Professionally, we expect them after this year to be able to bring value to the dairy producers they work with, to develop their own projects bringing innovation to their market and to have them take full ownership of these ideas.

How would you describe your relationship as a manager with members of the program?

Throughout the year, we ensure a supportive environment for DCDPers. Previous programs have taught us that we need to maintain frequent communication to assist the members if needed. We also try to set the best conditions and give members access to resources to facilitate them pursuing opportunities and developing their own projects. DCDP members receive support and mentorship from senior members of Alltech as well as industry leaders to help them succeed in their careers.

In your opinion, what is special about the Dairy Career Development Program?

In addition to the uniqueness of the program and opportunities to travel, the DCDP gives graduates a chance to work with senior leadership. The approach Alltech will be taking is not just to instruct and share knowledge, but to show the graduates the route of experiential learning. The hands-on programme allows graduates with a passion for dairy farming to develop solutions for emerging industry issues and make their stamp on the industry. We aim to develop the next generation of dairy nutritionists who are ready to support and develop the global industry. Ongoing challenges, such as weak import demands, excess supplies and the ever-changing climate, continue to shake the dairy industry. This investment by Alltech shows the significant importance of the global dairy industry to us and our belief in the importance of supporting future dairy industry leaders.

What advice would you give to applicants to the Dairy Career Development Program?

Alltech is seeking graduates who have a passion for dairy. It is essential to know and understand Alltech and its values. I would advise graduates to read our ACE principles. Throughout the selection process, we want candidates displaying honesty about their skills and personality and sharing about themselves openly.

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A wise man once said “Travel makes you wiser” and I couldn’t agree more. I spent this week working in Romania alongside Dr. Catalin Necula learning about how he implements the Alltech system on farm. Catalin took me to visit three of the farms he works with over three days. Catalin studied veterinary medicine in college but now enjoys working in the nutrition sector of the agricultural industry so as you can imagine, this was a great opportunity for me to spend some time with a very knowledgeable man.

The three farms we visited were all different in their own ways but all very impressive operations. I completed a farm audit, TMR evaluation and manure assessment on all farms as well as carrying out some urine pH and ketone tests. It was an intense week with plenty of travelling across Romania and long working days but it was all worth it. One of the farms that stood out to me most on my trip was a 300 cow herd consisting of pedigree Montbeliarde and Jersey cows. It was a well-run farm with very happy cows! After each farm visit Catalin would help me complete a farm report and optimise diets where necessary.    

What Size is the Average Dairy Herd in Romania?

As I visited large dairy farms (200 cows plus) I could not believe it when I heard that the average herd size in Romania was 3 cows. However, while travelling through some of the villages I then realised why. Lots of Romanian people own 1 and 2 cows and keep them at the side of their house where they are fed and milked. It was interesting to see different ways of dairy farming in different parts of the country. I had a busy but brilliant week of learning and practical experience with Catalin but for now it’s back to Ireland to spend next week on a dairy farm in County Cork!

Hello Folks,
My name is Niall Brennan. I have been recently selected onto the Alltech Dairy Career Development Programme. This is a stage in my life that has taken a lot of hard work and involved making some very serious decisions. Five years ago I made up my mind in the final year of secondary school that I wanted a career in the agriculture sector, having got the interest from the family dairy farm in county Louth. I completed Ag Science outside of school to ensure I would have the science subject I needed to get into my course, Dairy Business. I have to say I loved my time in Dublin; I met some great people and learned a massive amount. In 2012 I had the chance to travel to New Zealand where I worked with 550 and 800 cow herds.

Having talked to Alltech representatives at a career fair in UCD in February I was automatically drawn to the company. I was notified about the Dairy Programme and quickly saw this as a great opportunity for me to get involved in something that I had a genuine excitement for. Luckily I was accepted and began training on Monday the 15th of September.

This week I was introduced to the Alltech team in Dunboyne. I was immediately drawn to the level of professionalism of the company, be it the people or the culture within it. The company gives off a real message that if it’s worth doing it’s worth doing right. People in Alltech also come across as genuine and I feel I could approach anyone here.

So far I am delighted with the programme and the other three members, Joe, April and Han. I will continue to train until mid November when I will be deployed out to Turkey. I will be working as a dairy nutritionist on a farm there. I have heard only positive things about the farm from people who have visited it or knew about it. The farm is home to 14,000 cows with an emphasis on high intakes and utilisation. It is located 15 minutes away from Kusadasi, so I should be able to have some fun at the weekends. So there you have it, that’s my first blog.

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As a young man leaving the Irish education system my goal in life was not yet clear to me. Up to that point I had worked in the family business but I broke away from tradition to join an agricultural course in DKIT who had partnered with Ballyhaise Agricultural College. I soon fell in love with Agriculture and quickly set my goals with what I wanted to achieve during my time at college. Graduating from UCD was a very proud day for both myself and my family, it was sad saying goodbye to all the friends I had made but it was made easier knowing I was selected to join the Alltech family on the Dairy Career Development Programme.

I gathered on-farm skills from managing a 200 cow beef herd in the Loire valley in France and travelled to South Dakota in the summer of 2013 to broaden my knowledge of the dairy industry on a bigger scale. This experience was priceless and will stand to me for the challenges that lie ahead. From the moment I applied for the programme with Alltech I had no doubt what I wanted to do and as the saying goes, "what’s for you won’t pass you." Getting to join Alltech is a dream come true and I know for sure tough and busy times lie ahead.

My first week consisted of meeting all the Alltech family of workers in Dunboyne, the Irish headquarters. From the outset people were introducing themselves and everyone was extremely supportive. I know for sure that even if I’m in the countryside of Vietnam there will be someone with a listening ear just a phone call away. We had various different speakers in this week and I can see already that the level of training we are receiving is second to none.

There is a lot of information to take on board in a short space of time but nobody said the real world was going to be easy. I know with my fellow graduates, Niall, April and Han and all the Alltech team we will get through it together and I’m sure we will have a lot of fun along the way. So until next week it’s over and out from the Alltech DCDP crew.

Have a question or comment?