[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — One of Alltech’s mycotoxin research papers has been recognized by Toxins, a prestigious international research journal, as one of three winners of their 2022 Best Paper Awards. The paper, “Co-Occurrence of 35 Mycotoxins: A Seven-Year Survey of Corn Grain and Corn Silage in the United States,” was written by Alltech Mycotoxin Management team members Dr. Alexandra Weaver, global technical support; Nick Adams, global director; and Dr. Alex Yiannikouris, research group director; along with an independent researcher Dr. Daniel Weaver.

“Research and innovation are at the core of our business at Alltech, and we are proud of this recognition of the innovative work being conducted by our global mycotoxin management team,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Mycotoxins are ever-present on the farm, and they pose a real threat to the productivity of even the best-run livestock production operations. Mycotoxin management should be on every feed producer and farmer’s radar.”

Alltech’s winning paper describes how mycotoxins contaminate corn grain and silage in the United States with frequent co-occurrence of fusaric acid with deoxynivalenol, fusaric acid with 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, and fusaric acid with fumonisin B1, highlighting the importance of assessing multiple mycotoxins, including emerging mycotoxins and mycotoxin metabolites, when developing risk management programs.

Mycotoxins contaminate crops worldwide and play a deleterious role in animal health and performance. Multiple mycotoxins can co-occur, which may increase the negative impact on the animal. To assess the multiple mycotoxin profile of corn, Alltech conducted a seven-year survey of new crop corn grain and silage in the United States. A total of 711 grain and 1117 silage samples were collected between 2013 and 2019 and analyzed for the simultaneous presence of 35 mycotoxins using ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry at the Alltech 37+ Analytical Laboratory.

The study showed that multiple mycotoxins were often present in both corn grain and corn silage in the U.S. In fact, 90.2% of grain and 96.5% of silage samples contained at least two types of mycotoxins. Fusaric acid was the most frequently detected mycotoxin in 78.1 and 93.8% of grains and silages, respectively, followed by deoxynivalenol in 75.7 and 88.2% of samples. The greatest co-occurrence was between fusaric acid and deoxynivalenol in 59.1% of grains and 82.7% of silages, followed by fusaric acid and fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol with 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, and fusaric acid with 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol.

The research also discovered that some of the more frequent mycotoxins they found were ones that may not be routinely analyzed by many programs, such as fusaric acid and deoxynivalenol, underscoring the importance of testing for multiple mycotoxins when developing management programs.

Mycotoxin challenges have risen in recent years along with the incidence of extreme weather conditions, such as droughts, floods and heat waves. In the U.S., 100% of samples contained two or more mycotoxins, according to the 2022 Alltech Harvest Analysis. In Europe, 79% contained two or more mycotoxins.

“Being selected for this award shows the interest in and importance of testing for multiple mycotoxins,” said Dr. Alexandra Weaver. “When we better understand the full mycotoxin profile of a feedstuff or ration, more informed decisions on mycotoxin management can be made.”

The winning paper was published by Toxins in July 2021, and can be accessed here. For more information about the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

Producers do not have to compromise performance and profitability for sustainability

Canadian agriculture leaders are facing pressure and uncertainty on all sides. Amid devastating wildfires, there’s a turbulent global economy, the impact of geopolitical tensions and mounting climate change pressure.

More than 300 representatives of the Canadian agriculture industry joined Alltech last week in Calgary, Alberta, to explore collaborative solutions to these significant challenges. Alltech ONE Calgary, the third stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour, examined strategies for remaining resilient despite uncertainty and focused on the importance of partnerships, innovation and taking a leading role in nourishing people and preserving the planet.

Canada is rapidly growing, and so is its demand for food. With fewer farmers, the country is producing more food on less land: Only 7% of Canada’s land is used for agriculture, a 37% decline over the past 60 years.

And yet, the country’s agri-food system is resilient, innovative and a major contributor to the Canadian economy. In 2022, the agri-food system employed 2.3 million people, provided one in nine jobs in Canada, and generated $143.8 billion (around 7.0%) of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“Canada will remain one of the world’s most important exporters, even as it faces the dual challenges of climate change and population and urban sprawl,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech president and CEO, who delivered the keynote address at Alltech ONE Calgary. “We’re going to have to meet demand now with less land, less labor and fewer resources. But we always know that in the face of challenges, we should never be afraid. We must push forward and think about things in a different way.”

A fresh approach — and a positive mindset — are vital to turning challenges into opportunities. Poised at the interface of nourishing the present and preserving the future, agriculture has the greatest potential to positively shape the future of the planet, he said.

“There is no other industry that plays such a fundamental role in terms of not only producing food, but also preserving our planet. That’s why we launched our vision and purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” Dr. Lyons said.

Working together, the agri-food community can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources. We can create a healthy, sustainable food system, and we can do so in a way that is also economically sustainable — and profitable — for our agricultural producers.

Innovative, on-farm solutions can be both sustainable and profitable, said Dr. Patrick Ward.

‘You don’t have to compromise’

Governments and megabrands worldwide are making ambitious sustainability commitments, but they don’t really know how to achieve them, Dr. Lyons said.

“They need you. They need farmers and producers, and they need ranchers to actually achieve those goals,” he told attendees. “And they're really struggling to be able to connect the dots because they don't really know what their supply chain is made up of.”

Farmers, ranchers and producers need solutions that enhance the efficiency of their business and enable them to maintain sustainable margins. Innovative, on-farm solutions can be both sustainable and profitable, said Dr. Patrick Ward, Alltech applications manager for Europe and Asia-Pacific.

“You don’t have to compromise performance and profitability for sustainability,” he told ONE attendees.

Nutritional technologies can improve animal performance — and therefore profitability — while also offering sustainability benefits. Alltech’s nutritional solutions, for example, have been proven to improve production efficiency, reduce carbon footprint and help rid animal diets of toxins that can harm both the animal and the environment.

Alltech continues to invest in solutions that empower farmers and ranchers to reach their sustainability goals while supporting animal performance and profitability. Earlier this year, Alltech acquired Agolin, a company that has developed and produced plant-based nutritional solutions that improve herd performance, profitability and sustainability.

Dr. Ward explained Agolin’s research-backed sustainability benefits, including its effects on performance and methane reduction, and how the synergistic use of Alltech and Agolin technologies can improve animal welfare, increase feed efficiency and conversion, boost milk and meat production, reduce environmental footprint and increase profitability.

Sustainability can start with the cow.

“With Alltech’s natural products, you can meet your sustainability goals through reduced enteric methane emissions while, at the same time, driving performance and improving milk yield, fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) and feed conversion efficiency,” he said.

Providing quality nutrition for all

Agriculture has gone from having the most important job in the world to having the two most important jobs in the world: feeding the world and reversing climate change.

“We have a moral imperative not to compromise nutrition — for the human or the animal — even as we seek environmental restoration,” said Dr. Vaughn Holder, ruminant research director at Alltech, who joined the conference virtually to discuss agriculture’s role in saving the planet.

We must meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.

The world’s population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2060. Seventy percent more food will be required by then, Dr. Holder said, but this is not our true challenge.

“One in 10 people on our planet are undernourished. World hunger is on the rise, affecting 811 million people in 2023,” he said. “One in four people are malnourished — that’s over 2 billion people worldwide.”

Poor nutrition is the single greatest threat to the world’s health, according to the World Health Organization.

“It is not enough to feed the world. We must provide nutrients,” Dr. Holder said.

To create a world of abundance for future generations, we must do more than feed the growing population. We need to nourish it with quality meat, milk, eggs and seafood that are high in protein and crops that are grown in healthy soil, all while working to revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources.

A sustainable diet is one that provides sufficient energy and essential nutrients to maintain the good health of the population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their nutritional needs. It must be accessible​, available, safe, nutrient-dense, culturally acceptable, fairly produced and sparing of natural resources.

This can be accomplished by improving the health of animals and the soil, maximizing the value of feedstuffs, increasing the efficiency of the farm, and reinvesting in innovation. Alltech has been striving to meet these goals for more than 40 years, and our technologies help animals optimize the nutrients in their feed, thereby supporting the health and performance of livestock while also reducing their environmental impact.

Through collaboration and innovation, the agri-food community can create a world where science-based solutions help ensure sustainable food production for the global population. We must dig deeper to find the real solutions, leveraging the science and ​implementing the technologies ​that exist today, Dr. Lyons said.

“This is a time that calls for much more of all of us. We must believe in our purpose and have the confidence to stand strong,” he said. “We have a huge responsibility, but it is also a tremendous opportunity.”

Why are we bringing ONE to the world?

The Alltech ONE World Tour was inspired by the desire to connect with our customers, partners and friends in their markets. As our industry navigates significant challenges, we are determined to be with you every step of the way, highlighting opportunities and delivering global expertise on locally relevant issues.

We’re bringing Alltech ONE World Tour to the world so we can hear your stories, better understand your needs and find opportunities to collaborate. This means more people than ever will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts on global, regional and local market trends in agriculture, business, health and nutrition.

Learn more about our future Alltech ONE World Tour stops at one.alltech.com. 

You can find highlights from Alltech ONE Calgary, including photos, speaker biographies and more at one.alltech.com/calgary

[CALGARY, Canada] – Calgary, Canada, was host today to the third stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour (ONE), a series of international events bringing the ideas and inspiration of the annual Alltech ONE Conference to the world. ONE Calgary welcomed more than 300 attendees from across Canada to explore collaborative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry, especially as they relate to the Canadian marketplace. Changemakers and thought leaders throughout the ag value chain united at the event to explore opportunities for agriculture to innovate and take a leading role in nourishing both people and planet.

The Alltech ONE Conference has been held in Lexington, Kentucky, home of Alltech’s global headquarters, for the past 38 years. In 2023, the global leader in agriculture is bringing the conference to its partners, customers, suppliers and friends across the globe, providing the opportunity for more people than ever to experience the power of ONE.

“As our customers and partners continue to face many challenges and uncertainties, we determined that 2023 would be dedicated to meeting them in their market,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO. “This special edition of the ONE endeavors to deliver global expertise to locally relevant issues. In the midst of economic and political uncertainties that fuel regionalization, this ONE reflects the responsibility we have as a global company to be a connector of people and ideas, ever advancing our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

Alltech ONE Calgary featured global and Canadian experts discussing agricultural trends, animal nutrition and business, including keynote presentations from Dr. Mark Lyons and renowned motivational speaker, Chris Koch, and a Sustainability Insights panel discussion. Moderated by Dr. Kayla Price, Canadian technical manager for Alltech, panelists included Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech; Melissa Downing, director of regulatory and sustainability for the National Cattle Feeders Association; John Barlow, vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Parliament; and Al Mussell, research director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI).

“Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption yet remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system,” said McCarthy. “The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain.”

Alltech recently launched a global value chain engagement study seeking industry input. Though the complete Alltech Sustainability Insights report will be released later this summer, the initial findings include:

•           There is a world of shifting and, depending on geography, quite divergent priorities. There is a very real series of crises facing the agri-food industry and, for the most part, an acknowledgement and realistic view of the gravity of those challenges. In the face of all that, there is a strong level of optimism and positivity with 85% of respondents agreeing that the food system can rise to the challenge.

•           Respondents were similarly realistic about the need for support for the primary producers of the food that the 8 billion people on this planet eat. 66% agree that unless the farmer is incentivized, things will never change.

•           There is recognition that we won’t be able to resolve the challenges ahead without a huge degree of innovation and harnessing technology to enable us to feed ourselves sustainably, with 92% of respondents believing that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems.

•           There is a near-universal recognition that we need a collaborative conversation and effort across the value chain, with 93% of respondents agreeing that we all have to work together to create a better food system for the future.

Dr. Mark Lyons presented the 2023 Alltech Canada Planet of Plenty Award to Laurie Stanton, owner of Stanton Farms in Ilderton, Ontario. This award recognizes Canadian farmers, producers and ranchers across the country and their efforts of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.

“Alltech Canada is proud to honor and thank the people and organizations that work hard every day to feed our country while implementing innovative and sustainable practices for the future of Canadian agriculture,” said Lyons.

The Alltech ONE World Tour will continue with stops in the U.S., Asia, South America and the Middle East. For more information and to register for an Alltech ONE World Tour stop, visit one.alltech.com.

-Ends-

Download photos from Alltech ONE Calgary: 2023 Alltech ONE World Tour - Calgary, Canada | Flickr

Providing the proper cattle nutrition through all stages of gestation is vital not only for the cow but for the developing calf.

Building a strong foundation in a cow herd or a heifer development or purebred program starts with genetics — but that foundation can also be affected by management and nutrition. Reproductive failures are often tied to suboptimal nutrition, which can impact not only the individual animal but the well-being of her offspring, too. This phenomenon, which is known as maternal or fetal programming, illustrates how the nutritional and health status of the mother during pregnancy can subsequently impact the health and productivity of her calf.

Fetal programming

Maternal nutrition can impact the fetus and potentially alter its development, not just in utero but later in the calf’s life as well. Compromised nutrition during gestation can result in low calf birthweight, increased pre-weaning mortalities, poor growth rates and even getting cattle bred back in a timely manner.

When it comes to maternal cattle nutrition, the focus has traditionally been on the last trimester of gestation, since this is the time when the fetus grows most rapidly, taxing the cow’s energy and mineral reserves. As a result, many nutritional strategies focus specifically on those 90 or 60 days prior to calving. But what about the impact of maternal nutrition during early and mid-gestation?

A recent publication discussed the importance of proper cattle nutrition throughout all phases of gestation and the impact that nutrition can have beyond conception rates. In another study, during which early-gestation cows were fed either 100% or 55% of their nutrient requirements, no differences were observed in the calves’ bodyweight and gains, but the lung and trachea weights of calves born to nutrient-restricted dams were lower, and those smaller weights could impact how these calves react to respiratory challenges in the future.

Nutrient restrictions mid-gestation have also been shown to impact ovary and luteal tissue size and mass, which can directly affect the heifer’s reproductive efficiency later in life. The nutritional status of the cow during late gestation (e.g., six to nine months into gestation) has also been shown to impact the calf’s muscle fiber formation, which can impact its birthweight, weaning weight and even its carcass weight at harvest.

The reproductive performance of breeding cattle is highly dependent on their nutritional status. Trace minerals are involved in the synthesis of reproductive hormones, the reduction of free radicals and the improvement of the uterine microenvironment for embryonic implantation, as well as fetal growth and development. Considering that, for the most part, reproductive organs develop during early gestation, it is clear how the dam’s nutritional and trace mineral status can impact fetal development and future performance.

Trace mineral supplementation

Forages can vary in terms of their trace mineral concentration. As such, supplemental copper, zinc, manganese and selenium are needed to optimize the cattle herd’s trace mineral status, as meeting their trace mineral requirements is fundamental for achieving optimal immunity, health, reproductive efficiency and growth.

Knowing this, supplemental trace minerals are provided to bridge the gap between the amount available through the forages and the cow’s nutritional requirements. However, the form in which those trace minerals are provided — either inorganic or organic — can impact how the herd will respond to the trace mineral program.

Inorganic versus organic trace minerals

Inorganic trace minerals — including sulfates, oxides, chlorides and hydroxies — are typically inexpensive byproducts of other industrial processes and are often fed in excess to avoid deficiencies. However, due to the lower relative bioavailability of inorganic trace minerals, animals do not necessarily benefit from over-supplementation. Additionally, these high levels of inorganic trace minerals are often associated with mineral-to-mineral antagonisms, a higher degree of vitamin degradation and higher levels of excretion into the environment.

Organic trace minerals, such as Bioplex® and Sel-Plex®, are closer to the form in which trace minerals are found in nature. As a result, organic trace minerals offer better absorption and utilization, which translates to a higher bioavailability and fewer dietary interactions — meaning that minerals offered in an organic form can typically be supplemented at lower levels.

Benefits of Bioplex and Sel-Plex organic trace minerals

The advantages of supplementing with organic trace minerals have been well-documented and include improved ovarian activity, increased conception rates and getting cattle bred back sooner.

These benefits should come as no surprise, given the impact that the trace mineral source can have not only on the trace mineral status of breeding cattle, but on the gene expressions linked to their reproductive performance as well. These effects were illustrated in a nutrigenomics study comparing organic trace minerals provided in the form of Bioplex vs. inorganic sources.

• In the study, researchers evaluated the effect of replacing inorganic trace minerals with organic trace minerals (provided in the form of Bioplex and Sel-Plex) on gene expression levels in replacement heifers.
• The results indicated that the trace mineral source impacted 580 differentially expressed genes related to reproductive performance, all of which play essential roles in early pregnancy, indicating that supplementation of organic trace minerals in the form of Bioplex can potentially benefit reproductive performance through improved regulation of the estrous cycle, shorter calving intervals and improved implantation rates.

The impact of organic trace minerals lives on

So, how do organic trace minerals affect fertility parameters in successive generations?

In a recent beef study, the response of Angus and Brangus cows and their calves to either inorganic or organic (i.e., Bioplex) trace mineral sources was evaluated.

• For cows supplemented with organic trace minerals 90 days pre-calving throughout the heifer developmental period (year one), heifer calves reached puberty nine days earlier and were confirmed pregnant eight days earlier than heifers from the inorganic-supplemented cows.
• The results for year two, where cows were supplemented for the entire year and calves were thus exposed to organic trace mineral supplementation from conception throughout the heifer development period (year two), the heifers from cows supplemented with organic trace minerals reached puberty 41 days earlier and were confirmed pregnant 18 days earlier than heifers from inorganic mineral-supplemented cows.

Clearly, the trace mineral source can directly impact fertility parameters in successive generations — which is also known as the fetal programming effect. Additionally, year-round supplementation through a high-quality trace mineral program can impact both the individual animal and her female offspring’s reproductive efficiency, as measured by her age at puberty, age at calving and lifetime performance.

Optimizing trace mineral status and reproductive efficiency is especially important in purebred herds and operations focusing on embryos. When looking at the follicular dynamics and embryo quality of beef cows, researchers have reported that supplementation with organic trace minerals in the form of Bioplex results not only in the increased diameter of ovulatory follicles but also leads to improved in-vitro maturation and embryo cleavage. This is significant, as early embryo cleavage is a strong biological indicator of embryo potential and is often used as a measure of embryo quality.

Implications

1. Organic trace minerals provided as Bioplex and Sel-Plex can potentially benefit reproductive performance, including via improved regulation of the estrus cycle, shorter calving intervals and improved implantation rates, as well as reproductive efficiency in successive generations.
2. As such, when developing one’s own breeding cattle or acquiring replacement females, the emphasis should not only be on genetics; nutritional predisposition should also be taken into consideration.
3. Given the potential return on investment associated with organic trace minerals (such as those included in Bioplex and Sel-Plex) in terms of the health, reproductive efficiency and gains of the cattle, year-round supplementation is not only economically feasible but could also have a direct impact on the future performance and profitability of the herd.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my beef cattle.

Alltech has released the 2022 Alltech Sustainability Report, which demonstrates the actions the company is taking to align the business with its commitments to the United Nations Global Compact, the U.N. Ten Principles, the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.

“Today, climate change threatens agriculture’s ability to feed the world’s growing population. Fortunately, the world’s best problem solvers are on the case,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to positively shape the future of our planet and that is why Alltech is uniting the agri-food community in Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. It’s not just our mission, it’s our purpose.”

Alltech is committed to the efficient production of nutritious food while working to minimize its carbon footprint and helping producers worldwide find and implement solutions to their sustainability challenges.

Through data and stories from Alltech team members around the world, the 2022 Alltech Sustainability Report emphasizes the role of agriculture in combatting climate change and creating healthy, sustainable food systems. It also includes information about Alltech’s emissions reduction goals, efforts to promote sustainability and the ways in which Alltech is advancing environmental actions in the industry.

Additionally, the report outlines the steps Alltech has taken to promote an inclusive work environment and highlights its team members’ efforts to make a difference in the communities in which they live and work.

“By adopting new technologies, improving business practices and embracing innovation, the agri-food industry is working together to harness the power of human ingenuity and the sustainable science of agri-food to create a Planet of Plenty, and we are honored to be part of it,” said Dr. Lyons.

Highlights include:

• Alltech invested $4.5 million in efficiency projects in 2022, resulting in a reduction of 7,600 metric tons of CO₂e.
• One hundred percent of production team members are trained in health and safety procedures.
• The Alltech Mini-MBA, Alltech’s advanced management development program, has had 576 graduates – 25% have been women. In the 2023 Mini-MBA class, 52% of participants are women.
• Seventy percent of office-based team members have received role-related training and development.
• Alltech’s climate advisory service, Alltech E-CO₂, supports 30 countries and has conducted over 20,000 on-farm environmental assessments.
• Alltech Coppens’ new sustainability scoring index reflects the carbon footprint of feed on packaging.
• Alltech Serdán received Empresa Socialmente Responsible (ESR) certification and reduced CO₂e by 650 tons through its photovoltaic system and use of compressed natural gas (CNG).
• Alltech was reaccredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition.
• Alltech São Pedro received the Paraná Climate Seal for its emissions reduction.

“Through collaboration and innovation, the agri-food community can create a world where science-based solutions help ensure sustainable food production for the global population,” said Dr. Lyons. “Agriculture has already made huge strides in sustainability. Imagine what is possible when we all work toward the shared goal of creating a world of abundance for future generations.”

For more information and to download the 2022 Alltech Sustainability Report in full, visit alltech.com/sustainability. Click here to read the executive summary.

The McDonald’s journey in Ireland started 45 years ago, when it opened its first restaurant in 1977 on Grafton Street, Dublin. Today, McDonald’s spends over $2 billion on its supply chain for food and packaging across the UK and Ireland. 23,000 British and Irish farmers are supplying the brand with quality ingredients.

Where and how McDonald’s sources its ingredients is essential to how it addresses climate challenges. Back in 2021, the company launched Plan for Change, its agriculture and sustainability strategy to reach net zero by 2040.

A high-level overview of the company’s pathway to net zero was shared at Alltech ONE Dublin by Nina Prichard, head of sustainable and ethical sourcing for McDonald’s UK and Ireland. She also oversees Plan for Change.

The demand for change

Customer expectations, legislation and the cost of inaction were key drivers for McDonald’s to embark upon the net zero journey.

“As a business, in the long term, we have to be able to look ahead 10, 20 years to see what’s coming down the road to mitigate risk and to assure supply for the four million customers that we serve every day,” Prichard said. “And that’s quite a challenge to think that far ahead and be able to put action into practice today. But it’s something that we have to do, working together in collaboration.”

In the future, McDonald’s plans to continue serving its iconic Big Macs and McNuggets, as long as customers demand them. What needs to change, to address climate challenges, is how the company sources its ingredients. To achieve this, McDonald’s relies on government interventions, financial expertise and, most importantly, collaboration with farmers.

Accelerating net-zero ambitions

McDonald’s has made significant progress in achieving net-zero sustainability over the past decade without compromising customer experience. In fact, customers welcome the changes. While they still want tasty food in convenient packaging, there is an increasing demand for both food and packaging to be sustainably sourced and produced. McDonald’s carries out a lot of research to listen to their customers’ needs, then make corresponding changes in their menus and restaurants. Through this research, the company has identified three major areas of customer expectations: quality food, environmental improvement, and positive impact in communities.

Recently, McDonald’s eliminated 1,000 metric tonnes of plastic in their supply chain by substituting paper straws and paper-based cutlery for plastic. The company also now turns all of its used cooking oil into biodiesel for its delivery fleet. In addition, this year McDonald’s launched its second Net Zero Carbon location, where both building construction and restaurant operations meet the net-zero standard.

With the scale of a big brand, McDonald’s restaurants are also a place to educate people, especially the climate-conscious Gen Z, about sustainability across the supply chain and how McDonald’s is meeting that challenge.

Leveraging the power of the supply chain

When it comes to beef, McDonald’s has been scrutinized by the public, NGOs, stakeholders and media around issues of performance and sustainability.

“Beef is always a hot topic,” Prichard said. “How we source it, where we source it from, how it’s produced, the animal feed that goes into it, and also our future ambition around this particular category, given the data that’s out there from an emissions perspective.”

A turning point for McDonald’s in terms of measuring agriculture performance and sustainability came in 2017. The company started working with E-CO₂, an accredited service that helps measure and improve environmental performance, to show British and Irish farmers how they could reduce their carbon footprint. Understanding the data means farmers can manage what they measure.

Through the program, McDonald’s saw a 23% reduction in its carbon footprint and £23,000 worth of savings, on average, for supplier farms.

“That was just a metric we captured to demonstrate that sustainability, moving in the right direction, doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to add cost to the system,” Prichard said.

McDonald’s has also invested in research on regenerative farming with farmers near Oxford, who have been transitioning entirely to regenerative farming practices over the past four years. Through this research, McDonald’s assessed farm profitability when farmers have to potentially destock to transition into other types of grassland management. The company could then start to educate and share practical knowledge with farmers to help them move toward sustainability without sacrificing profitability. This involves not just beef production but also land use and carbon sequestration.

This process is one of McDonald’s focus areas as the company continues to support farmers by demystifying environmental initiatives and mitigating some of the negative narrative around agriculture’s impact on the planet.

Change a little, change a lot

There are complexities in the way people look at sustainability. Prichard is confident that McDonald’s, through its strong brand and marketing prowess, can continue to simplify the subject for consumers and farmers alike.

“It’s so important to us that we work together to showcase what we can do and to collaborate,” Prichard said.

Through its continuing focus on improving sustainability across the supply chain, combined with its dedication, global reach and influence, McDonald’s is creating real change and inspiring other companies to do the same.

Related ONE content

Alltech ONE Dublin focused on collaborative solutions to the challenges facing the agri-food industry as it confronts the “4 Cs” — the major forces of climate, conflict, consumer trends and rising costs.

Explore our other content, including photos and videos, from Alltech ONE Dublin at one.alltech.com/Dublin.

[DUBLIN, Ireland] – The second stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour (ONE) wrapped up today in Dublin, Ireland, following a robust agenda of presentations focused on collaborative solutions to the challenges facing the agri-food industry as it confronts the “4 Cs” — the major forces of climate, conflict, consumer trends and rising costs. ONE Dublin welcomed more than 500 international delegates in person at Croke Park. This world-class event brought industry leaders to the stage to share valuable insights in live presentations and focus-track sessions while uncovering the challenges and opportunities related to agriculture.

Tara McCarthy, global vice president for ESG at Alltech, discussed demonstrating the ROI of sustainability.

"Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption yet remains confident and committed to evolving towards a more sustainable food system,” said McCarthy. “The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain.”

Alltech recently launched a global value chain engagement study seeking industry input. While the complete Alltech Sustainability Insights report will be released later this summer, Holly Geraghty, project manager of sustainability at Alltech presented initial findings that included:

• There is a world of shifting and, depending on geography, quite divergent priorities. There is a very real series of crises facing the agri-food industry and, for the most part, an acknowledgement and realistic view of the gravity of those challenges. In the face of all that, it’s heartening to see a strong level of optimism and positivity with 86% of respondents agreeing that the food system can rise to the challenge.
   
• Respondents were similarly realistic about the need for support for the primary producers of the food that the 8 billion people on this planet eat with 67% agreeing that unless the farmer is incentivized, things will never change.
   
• There is a recognition that we won’t be able to resolve the challenges ahead without a huge degree of innovation and harnessing technology to enable us to feed ourselves sustainably, with 92% of respondents believing that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems.
   
• There is a near-universal recognition that there is going to need to be a collaborative conversation and effort up and down the value chain with 93% of respondents agreeing that we all have to work together to create a better food system for the future.

Delegates at ONE Dublin also heard presentations from Russell Smyth, head of sustainable futures at KPMG Ireland, about “The metrics that justify the investment”; Nina Prichard, head of sustainable and ethical sourcing for McDonald’s U.K. and Ireland, on “Our journey to net zero: The role of supply chain”; and Constance Cullman, president and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), on “The forgotten role of the feed industry”. These speakers were then joined by Hans Jöhr, former corporate head of agriculture at Nestle and current sustainability and ESG specialist and coach, for a panel discussion exploring “How do we feed the ecosystem, not just ourselves?”

“The conversations that we are having here at ONE, the ideas that are being fostered and the science and the data being developed can help to create a story where agriculture is the hero,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Together, we have the collective courage and impact to work together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

The Alltech ONE World Tour will continue with stops in Calgary, Canada, on July 3–4, and in the U.S., Asia, South America and the Middle East. For more information and to register for an Alltech ONE World Tour stop, visit one.alltech.com.

[DUBLIN, Ireland] – The second stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour (ONE), a series of international events bringing the ideas and inspiration of the annual Alltech ONE Conference to the world, opened today in Dublin, Ireland. The two-day event, held June 19–20, is convening more than 500 international agri-food leaders to discuss collaborative solutions and strategies for success in today’s agriculture and agri-food industries. The discussions fostered at ONE Dublin explore collaborative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry as it confronts the “4 Cs” — the major forces of climate, conflict, consumer trends and rising costs.

Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, welcomed delegates to Dublin and shared the stage with Dr. Vaughn Holder, director of ruminant research at Alltech, and Nikki Putnam Badding, registered dietician and director of human nutrition initiatives at Alltech, to discuss agriculture’s role in saving the planet.

“Agriculture can transform things in ways that other industries cannot and is at the interface of nourishing the present and preserving the future,” Lyons said. “Our belief is that agriculture has the greatest potential to positively influence the future of our planet, provide nutrition for all, help rural communities thrive and replenish our planet’s resources.”

Dr. Holder shared his insights on how animal agriculture can be part of the solution to improving sustainability.

“Agriculture has gone from having the most important job in the world to having the two most important jobs: feed the world and reverse climate change,” said Holder. “We sit in a unique position as we can replenish our planet and provide nutrition for all.”

Additionally, Putnam Badding spoke about the crucial importance of making nutrition accessible to all.

“Agriculture’s responsibility is to feed the world, but providing enough food is not enough, we must provide adequate nutrition,” said Putnam Badding. “The end goal is nutrition for all, and nutrition security requires all food sources.”

As ONE Dublin continues, delegates will hear from industry experts on various topics, including consumer demands, succeeding through conflict, and demonstrating the relationship between agriculture and sustainability for the world. They will also be able to attend focus-track sessions on soil and crops, animals, and the business of food and farming over the course of the two-day event.

The Alltech ONE World Tour will continue after ONE Dublin, with stops in Calgary, Canada, on July 3–4, and then on to the U.S., Asia, South America and the Middle East. For more information and to register for an Alltech ONE World Tour stop, visit one.alltech.com.

Download photos from Alltech ONE Dublin: https://creative.alltech.com/web/4f6fd5dfa7a2aa0b/one-dublin-photography/

In a demonstration of its commitment to nurturing talent, Alltech is pleased to announce new leadership in the office of the president, the culture and talent team, and the marketing and communications team. Orla McAleer joins the culture and talent team as chief culture officer, while Susanna Elliott will lead the global marketing and communications team as chief marketing and communications officer, and Brian Lawless will lead the office of the president as chief of staff.

"As we have reviewed our strategy and growing capabilities, we are focused on the recruitment, development and well-being of our greatest asset — our people,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Orla, Susanna and Brian bring leadership and experience that will enable us to capitalize on our opportunities and leverage the strengths of our global team.”

As the chief culture officer at Alltech, McAleer will work to strengthen the company’s emphasis on its people and purpose. She has worked in the business for more than 20 years and has traveled extensively, building teams and close relationships with colleagues globally. Prior to this new role, she was the chief marketing officer at Alltech, responsible for overseeing the company’s global marketing efforts across its more than 120 markets and building a winning team and brand that has matched the growth ambitions of the company. McAleer received a master's degree in business, leadership and management practice from the University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in business studies from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland and holds a diploma in public relations.

As chief marketing and communications officer, Elliott will lead a 130-person global team to advance the company’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. Through data, insights and relevant content creation, Alltech’s marketing and communication team provides thought leadership, rich resources and inspiration relevant to agriculture’s challenges and opportunities. Most recently, Elliott served as Alltech’s chief of staff and director of communications. In these roles, she worked closely with Dr. Mark Lyons and the executive team to support the business through the global challenges of 2020-2023. The position afforded her unique visibility of the entire business, a perspective that now informs her leadership of Alltech’s global marketing and communications strategy. Elliott has held various communications roles over her 15 years at Alltech and is involved in supporting the agriculture industry as an American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) board member and as vice chair of the CLEAR Center advisory council at the University of California, Davis. She received a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Asbury University.

Lawless is the chief of staff at Alltech, leading the office of the president. As chief of staff, he will support Dr. Mark Lyons and the executive team to drive global strategy and maximize operational effectiveness. Lawless brings tremendous knowledge from the ag-tech industry into this role from his involvement in the Pearse Lyons Accelerator in Dublin, Ireland. Currently, he is supporting the Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp., which aims to cultivate an agri-food innovation ecosystem in Kentucky. Over his ten years in the business, he has served as deputy chief of staff, species marketing manager, brand manager for North America and, at the beginning of his Alltech career, worked closely with Dr. Mark Lyons on key growth projects. Lawless holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and Spanish from DePauw University and a master’s degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University.

For more information about Alltech, visit alltech.com.

Following the spring European events in Budapest and Dublin, the Alltech ONE World Tour will travel to Calgary, Alberta, Canada on July 3 – 4, 2023. Alltech ONE Calgary will explore collaborative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry as it relates to the Canadian marketplace, uniting changemakers and thought leaders throughout the ag value chain to explore unique and innovative opportunities in agriculture, business, health and nutrition.

The Alltech ONE Conference has been held in Lexington, Kentucky, home of Alltech’s global headquarters, for the past 38 years. In 2023, the global leader in agriculture is bringing the conference to its partners, customers, suppliers and friends across the globe, providing the opportunity for more people than ever to experience the power of ONE.

“As our customers and partners continue to face many challenges and uncertainties, we determined that 2023 would be dedicated to meeting them in their market,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO. “This special edition of the ONE will endeavour to deliver global expertise to locally relevant issues. In the midst of economic and political uncertainties that fuel regionalization, this ONE reflects the responsibility we have as a global company to be a connector of people and ideas, ever advancing our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.”

Alltech ONE Calgary will feature global and Canadian experts discussing agriculture, animal nutrition and business, including keynote presentations from Dr. Mark Lyons and renowned motivational speaker, Chris Koch.

The Alltech ONE World Tour will continue with stops in the U.S., Asia, South America and the Middle East.

For more information and to register for Alltech ONE Calgary, visit one.alltech.com/Calgary.