Mycotoxins, harmful substances produced by molds and fungi, pose a significant challenge in agriculture. With more than 95% of crops testing positive for at least one mycotoxin, farmers and feed producers need reliable and efficient testing solutions to protect animal health and performance.

Recognizing this growing need, Alltech has expanded its mycotoxin testing program with an exciting new collaboration with Waters | VICAM, integrating the Vertu™ TOUCH reader into the Alltech RAPIREAD™ system.

A smarter approach to mycotoxin management

Alltech RAPIREAD, launched in 2020, provides rapid on-site mycotoxin testing and risk analysis. Previously, it worked in collaboration with Neogen® and its Raptor® testing device, allowing producers to test individual grains and forages. Now, with the addition of Waters | VICAM’s Vertu TOUCH, Alltech RAPIREAD expands its capabilities to include complete feed analysis, offering more comprehensive insights.

The Vertu TOUCH reader is a user-friendly, touch-screen device that delivers full-range quantitative results for six major mycotoxins, including:

• Aflatoxin
• Fumonisin
• Deoxynivalenol (DON)
• Zearalenone
• Ochratoxin A
• T2 and HT2 toxins

This enhanced system allows producers to quickly and accurately detect mycotoxins in a single sample within 10 minutes, providing valuable data for informed decision-making.

Why rapid mycotoxin testing matters

Mycotoxins are often invisible threats, difficult to detect until they have already impacted animal health. These toxins can lead to reduced feed efficiency, weakened immune systems, and lower overall performance in livestock. With Alltech RAPIREAD and the Vertu TOUCH integration, producers can now:

• Identify mycotoxin risks in real time at the feed mill or on the farm.
• Make data-driven decisions to protect feed quality and animal health.
• Reduce economic losses associated with contaminated feed and poor livestock performance.

A new era of mycotoxin testing

With decades of experience in mycotoxin risk management, Alltech continues to lead the way in providing innovative solutions. The collaboration with Waters | VICAM ensures that Alltech RAPIREAD remains at the forefront of mycotoxin testing technology, offering producers a convenient, accurate and efficient way to safeguard their feed and animals.

To learn more about Alltech’s mycotoxin management solutions and see the RAPIREAD system in action, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

About the author:

Tien Le presently serves as the editorial content manager for Alltech, a role that allows her to fulfill her passions for writing, innovation and sustainable agriculture. She earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications from the University of Greenwich, London, with the University Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. Tien started her career at Alltech in 2016 as part of the Corporate Career Development Program, spending time in both the U.S. and Ireland before taking a role in Vietnam, her home country. 

Mycotoxin contamination can severely impact grain storage, dry matter and total mixed ration (TMR) quality, posing significant risks to livestock and humans consuming impacted products. To mitigate these risks, effective mycotoxin analysis and testing strategies are essential, ensuring safe, high-quality feed and efficient, profitable production.

Understanding mycotoxins in grain storage

Grain silos play a crucial role in protecting harvested grains, but improper storage can encourage mold growth, leading to harmful mycotoxins. High concentrations of aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins are particularly concerning in stored grains such as corn, wheat and barley. These toxins, especially in high concentrations, can compromise milk production in dairy cows and reduce the quality of TMR diets.

Regular mycotoxin detection using advanced testing methods like LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) provides precise insights into contamination levels, ensuring grain safety.

Best practices for reducing mycotoxin risks in storage

1. Cleaning and fumigation: Clean silos before storage to eliminate fungal spores.
2. Moisture control: Keep moisture below 14% to prevent mold proliferation.
3. Temperature regulation: Maintain cool, stable temperatures in storage facilities
4. Aeration and ventilation: Ensure proper airflow in grain silos to reduce humidity.
5. Regular mycotoxin testing: Use high-quality test kits and routine analysis to detect contamination early.

Insights from the Alltech 2024 Harvest Analysis across the regions

The 2024 growing season brought unique challenges and opportunities across key agricultural regions, with fluctuating weather patterns and varying crop conditions.

Europe

The latest Alltech European Harvest Analysis revealed key mycotoxin risks affecting grain and forage storage across Europe:

• Central and Southeastern Europe showed high contamination levels of aflatoxin B1 in corn, with some samples exceeding 500 ppb.
• Type B trichothecenes were seen in barley and wheat, with barley exhibiting the highest risk. DON was a major concern.
• In forages, corn silage showed increased risk from Penicillium mycotoxins and trichothecenes.
• Multi-mycotoxin presence was a concern. An average of six different mycotoxins were detected per sample, emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing.

United States

The United States saw regional weather variability, with significant weather changes affecting crop health and mycotoxin levels in 2024:

• All samples contained two or more mycotoxins, up from 97% last year.
• Fusarium molds increased due to heavy rainfall in the upper Midwest.
• Type B trichothecenes averaged 1,836 ppb, with a maximum of 43,717 ppb.
• Zearalenone averaged 102 ppb and peaked at 2,134 ppb.
• Emerging mycotoxins averaged 100 ppb and peaked at 4,300 ppb.

Canada

Similarly to the United States, Canada also experienced significant weather variability across the provinces. Some of the key insights from 2024 include:

• 2024 saw an increase in mycotoxin levels compared to 2023.
• In corn silage:
  • Zearalenone was detected in almost all samples, peaking at 1,369 ppb.
  • DON continues to be a risk, particularly in Eastern Canada
• In British Columbia, Fusarium mycotoxins were detected, including T2-HT2 toxins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and emerging mycotoxins.
• Barley in prairies showed a higher prevalence and higher concentrations of mycotoxins than wheat, posing added challenges for farmers.

These global findings reinforce the importance of proactive risk management strategies to safeguard livestock health and feed quality.

Species considerations

• For dairy farmers, the elevated levels of aflatoxins in corn in Central and Southeastern Europe are a primary concern, as they affect lactating cows. Type B trichothecenes can also significantly impact a dairy operation’s efficiency and profitability.
• Pigs are one of the most susceptible species to mycotoxin contamination, so the ongoing presence of Fusarium toxins such as DON and zearalenone will present management challenges.
• In poultry farming, mycotoxins in feed are contributing to a decline in average daily gain and egg quality.

Advanced mycotoxin detection methods

With the increasing prevalence of multi-mycotoxin contamination, adopting advanced analytical methods is crucial. Alltech® RAPIREAD™ and Alltech 37+® services are available to provide comprehensive testing solutions. LC-MS/MS testing enables accurate detection of multiple mycotoxins, providing precise data for feed safety management. Rapid test kits also allow for quick on-site screening, helping producers take immediate corrective action.

Ensuring feed safety

Mycotoxin contamination affects livestock performance, feed quality and farm profitability. High concentrations in diets reduce nutritional value, weaken immune systems, and decrease productivity.

By integrating comprehensive mycotoxin testing protocols, proper storage techniques, and effective feed management, producers can safeguard feed quality.

Protect yourself against mycotoxin risk

Sign up to download the full report here: https://www.alltech.com/harvest-analysis. You’ll also gain access to other resources, including:

• A video interview with insights from Alltech experts
• Downloadable articles covering various facets of this important topic
• Meta-analyses summarizing findings of multiple studies

Supporting materials are also available at 2024 Harvest Analysis Resources and knowmycotoxins.com.

These essential tools will empower you to make the most effective mycotoxin control decisions during the upcoming feeding season.

About the authors:

Evie Johns is the digital content specialist within the Technology Group at Alltech. She is responsible for planning and delivering high-quality content for all technologies and services alongside the Technology Group marketing leads and wider Alltech creative team. Evie holds a master's degree in psychiatry and has a background in the finance and agriculture sectors. She is based in Stamford, U.K.

Chloe Chisholm is the content manager for the Technology Group at Alltech. In this role, she is responsible for planning and delivering compelling content for all technologies and services in collaboration with the Technology Group marketing leads and wider Alltech creative team. Chloe has been with Alltech since 2022, previously supporting the Mycotoxin Management team as a digital marketing specialist. Chloe holds a degree in English language and literature from Brighton University and is based in Stamford, U.K.

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Alltech is a global leader in animal nutrition, backed by 45 years of scientific research. The company produces premium feed additive products and works with global regulatory agencies to meet their requirements. For more than a decade, the company’s attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) chelation assay has been relied upon by the industry to ensure that only the highest-quality products enter the market, to ensure fair market competition, and to prevent feed additive fraud.

“With new trace mineral chelate products continuously being developed, in addition to products with increased mineral concentration, the use of validated assays such as that developed by Alltech will ensure that such chelates meet EU regulatory requirements,” said Dr. Colm Moran, chief regulatory officer at Alltech. “This further adds to their safety and efficacy characteristics. Apart from enabling producers to meet regulatory requirements, assessment of such chelates via this assay will enable the EU to combat feed additive fraud. In doing so, the EU can further protect its agricultural sector by upholding standards through robust monitoring and rigorous enforcement of regulations.”

The process of complexing or chelating elements such as zinc or manganese to generate a trace mineral chelate typically involves reacting inorganic mineral salts with a suitable bonding group such as a peptide or amino acid, after which the mineral becomes part of a biologically stable structure. The chemistry behind chelation has created a great deal of confusion in the animal feed industry.

“Establishing the degree of complexation is important for both regulatory and practical purposes. Just as regulatory agencies require complete characterisation of medicinal products, similar data is necessary for trace mineral chelates to ensure their safety and efficacy,” said Dr. Richard Murphy, research director at Alltech. “If the metal ion is not complexed, its use will confer no additional benefit over that of a metal salt. Additionally, control methods allowing for the detection of products which are merely blends of carrier and inorganic salts are important to prevent the sale of fraudulent materials.”

In 2017, researchers at the Alltech European Bioscience Centre in Dunboyne, Ireland, assessed several different methodologies to determine the degree of metal complexation in commercially available chelates of protein hydrolysate (proteinates), thereby enabling more complete characterisation and control of these products. Potential methodologies which were identified included both the ATR–FTIR and powder X–Ray diffraction (PXRD). Both techniques are well established and widely available, and data can be acquired rapidly. They are also non-destructive, so that the same sample can be analysed by both methods in different laboratories.

Subsequent to this, the method was published under peer review (Cantwell et al., 2017) and made available to the industry as a whole, enabling other manufacturers to independently assess their own products. Additional work by Byrne et al., (2023) extended on the earlier work and validated the assay for use with higher concentration trace mineral chelates of protein hydrolysate.

The validated ATR-FTIR spectroscopy method is product specific, and while its use is applicable to the general class of chelates referred to by EFSA as “chelates of protein hydrolysate” (proteinates), the published assay has only been verified for the proteinate Bioplex®, produced by Alltech. As the characteristics of any proteinate will depend on the protein source used to produce the hydrolysate, the hydrolysis process, and the percentage of metal present, the assay will need to be validated and verified in a product-specific fashion.

“Product-specific assay validation is critical in this instance as the hydrolysis procedure plays a critical role in the production of proteinate products and varies greatly between manufacturers,” said Murphy. “As such, to obtain accurate data on the extent of chelation for specific chelate products, generation of appropriate standards and calibration curves, along with method verification and validation procedures, must be done for each specific product type.”

For more information about Alltech’s mineral management solutions, visit alltech.com/en-ie/mineral-management.

New entity expands the reach of World Without Cows documentary and supports additional science-based agricultural storytelling 

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition and crop science, has launched Planet of Plenty, LLC, a new business entity dedicated to science-led storytelling, advocacy and educational initiatives that amplify agriculture’s vital role in creating a sustainable future.

This initiative builds on Alltech’s vision of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty®, which unites the agri-food community in creating a world where agriculture thrives, nutritious food is abundant and accessible, and our planet’s natural resources are replenished for generations to come.

While most families had ties to agriculture just two generations ago, many people today lack firsthand exposure to how the world’s food is produced. This disconnect can lead to misconceptions and oversimplified narratives about agriculture’s environmental impact, the role of farmers in creating climate solutions, and the complexity of feeding a growing population while protecting natural resources.

Through powerful storytelling, advocacy and educational initiatives, Planet of Plenty LLC aims to bridge that gap.

“Through Planet of Plenty LLC, we can take viewers on a global journey — into fields, research labs and farming communities — where they will see firsthand the intricate relationship between agriculture, the environment and food and economic security,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.

Planet of Plenty LLC will serve as a collaborative hub where those within the agri-food community and beyond can:

• Promote science-based storytelling
• Advocate for the world’s agri-food producers
• Support educational initiatives
• Broaden the conversation about agriculture’s role in shaping a more sustainable future

Planet of Plenty LLC’s flagship project is World Without Cows, a feature-length documentary that amplifies the diverse perspectives of researchers studying methane emissions, farmers implementing regenerative practices, experts tackling the challenge of nourishing a growing population, and people in rural communities who rely on cows for their livelihoods. Co-created by two award-winning journalists who now work at Alltech, World Without Cows takes viewers on a global journey to foster a deeper understanding of everything cows contribute — and what the world might look like without them.

Over the past six months, World Without Cows has been screened at film festivals and events worldwide, sparking a broader discussion about the essential role of agriculture in sustainability, food security and the global economy.

Through collaboration with Alltech’s in-house media team and extensive global network, Planet of Plenty LLC will continue to create visually compelling, deeply informative content that accurately portrays modern agriculture’s complexities and opportunities — using science-based insights and storytelling to engage with audiences, just as World Without Cows has done around the world.

As interest in World Without Cows grows, this initiative offers supporters a mechanism to strengthen the documentary’s impact by opening doors to new audiences. Financial contributions to Planet of Plenty LLC will directly fund efforts to expand the documentary’s reach — and will also support additional science-based storytelling and advocacy initiatives that keep the conversation going.

“Agriculture’s most powerful stories are told by those on the frontlines,” Dr. Mark Lyons said. “Driving meaningful change begins with awareness, understanding and broader conversations, which Planet of Plenty LLC will endeavor to cultivate."

To learn more about World Without Cows and how to contribute to Planet of Plenty LLC, visit worldwithoutcows.com/contribute.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech has welcomed Jorge Noricumbo to the U.S. team as territory sales manager covering the south-central valley of California. He will also assist the Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support team with trainings.

Noricumbo is an advocate of training and delegating to succeed. Throughout his career, he has worked in collaboration with dairy farmers, consultants, veterinarians and nutritionists to help dairy farms improve the quality and efficiency of their processes. He focuses on training in many areas, such as maternity, calves, milking parlor, stockmanship and feed bunk management.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Noricumbo received a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), as well as a Master of Science in Animal Science from Massey University in New Zealand. He has worked in the dairy industry in Mexico and the U.S., primarily in California, Oregon and Washington, focusing on feed additives and pharmaceutical products in different roles as sales and technical support.

“We are pleased to welcome Jorge to the Alltech U.S. Dairy team in California, as his experience and knowledge will be a great asset to our customers,” said Caley Heiman, Alltech regional sales manager.

For more information about Alltech, visit alltech.com, and learn more about the Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support team at alltech.com/dairy-on-farm-support.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech is pleased to announce the expansion of its mycotoxin testing program Alltech^® RAPIREAD™, which now includes a new collaboration with Waters™ | VICAM^® and the connection to its analytical tool, Vertu™ TOUCH.  Offering simple touch-screen operation, the Vertu TOUCH lateral flow strip test reader works in concert with VICAM’s Vertu strip tests to deliver full-range quantitative results for up to six major mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, fumonisin, vomitoxin (DON), zearalenone, ochratoxin A and the combination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins.

Mycotoxins, which are natural substances produced by molds and fungi, are more prevalent — and more of a problem in agriculture — than ever before. Results from the 2024 Alltech Harvest Analysis show that more than 95% of crops today are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin and usually two or more, thus demonstrating the need for robust quality control programs. Because these toxins are difficult to detect, they can cause significant damage to animal health before producers even realize they are present, hence a proactive mycotoxin management program is essential.

“Since mycotoxins are a continuous problem for the agricultural industry, it is important for producers to understand the risk to their feed and animals,” said Dr. Alexandra Weaver, global technical support for Alltech. “Rapid tests at the feed mill or on-farm can be used to detect the mycotoxin type or content, but including Alltech RAPIREAD can assist in understanding how the mycotoxins could actually impact the performance, health or profitability of production.”

AlltechRAPIREAD launched in 2020 to enable customers to identify and analyze mycotoxin risks within minutes. This began, and continues, with a collaboration with Neogen^® and integration to its Raptor^® testing device, designed for use on-farm or in feed mills to test individual grains and forages.

Complementing the continued connection with Neogen, this new collaboration with Waters | VICAM using the ONE line of quantitative strip tests will expand analysis capabilities to include complete feed, while keeping Alltech RAPIREAD at the forefront for data collection, risk assessment and consultation.

The Waters | VICAM Vertu TOUCH reader and mixer was launched three years ago with updated features, including a touch screen for ease of use and the technology to detect six mycotoxin levels in a single sample within 10 minutes. This has added a greater opportunity for on-site testing with ease of use, faster time to results and extremely high quality of results.

“Waters | VICAM has been delivering quality mycotoxin testing products to the food and feed industries since 1987,” said Lanny Smith, global sales manager, Waters | VICAM. “The addition of the CT-Connect enables the Vertu TOUCH to work with Alltech’s RAPIREAD system to transfer data securely across all networks.”

To learn more about this collaboration between Alltech and Waters | VICAM, visit the Alltech booth in Hall A #1211 at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). For more information about Alltech’s mycotoxin management solutions, visit knowmycotoxins.com. 

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech is pleased to announce that Leticia Souza has joined the U.S. team as an on-farm support dairy specialist. As part of the Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support team, Souza will spend time in the field and will focus on bilingual training, coaching, and retention strategies with dairy employees, serving dairy producers, nutritionists and veterinarians in the Northeast and Southeast U.S.  

“We are pleased to welcome Leticia to the Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support team as her knowledge and experience will be a great asset, providing added value to our customers and dairy workers, and strengthening our commitment to excellence,” said Jorge Delgado, Alltech on-farm dairy training, talent development and retention program specialist. “The Alltech On-Farm Support team is expanding as we see the need to help our customers with one of the main challenges this industry faces day-to-day, which is employee training, motivation and retention.”

Originally from Brazil, Souza earned her bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine before moving to the United States. In 2019, she joined the University of Minnesota’s MAST trainee program, spending one year at Lazy J Dairy Farm in South Dakota. The following year, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Minnesota, assisting with projects that involved collecting and analyzing data on bacterial infections in dairy farms.

In 2023, Souza earned a master’s degree in veterinary medicine at Michigan State University. After completing her degree, she worked as a research technologist, conducting both laboratory and field research. Her work primarily focused on studying mastitis and antimicrobial stewardship in dairy cattle, as well as managing and analyzing data for research projects and training undergraduate students.

Souza holds numerous certifications and has several publications to her credit — in the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications, among others — and she has presented at symposiums. She also participated in chapters of Herd Health in Beef Livestock, published in 2018.

Born in Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Souza now lives in Jackson, Michigan. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and experiencing new cultures.

For more information about Alltech, visit alltech.com, and learn more about the Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support team at alltech.com/dairy-on-farm-support.

As winter temperatures set in, dairy producers face unique challenges to maintain herd health and productivity. Cold weather increases energy demands for calves and cows alike, making dairy herd management and preparation critical.

Below are six key strategies to help your dairy operation thrive through the colder months.

1. Bedding: Insulate and protect

When the temperature drops, proper bedding is essential to insulate calves and minimize heat loss. For dairy calves under 21 days of age, whose energy needs increase significantly below 60°F/16°C, keeping them dry and well-bedded is a top priority. Dry straw bedding up to their knees provides excellent natural insulation and reduces their risk of respiratory disease.

Pair bedding with clean and dry calf jackets to further conserve body heat. Calf jackets can raise a calf’s internal body temperature by as much as 25°F (14°C), providing an added layer of protection during severe cold spells.

2. Feeding: Increase energy intake

To support calves’ energy requirements in the winter weather, consider feeding them three times a day. Frequent feedings help stabilize rumen pH and provide additional energy needed to combat cold stress. Offer warm water free choice immediately after feeding to encourage hydration before calves lie down. Keep in mind that warm water can freeze faster than cold water, so monitor water sources regularly to ensure they remain unfrozen.

3. Water: Maintain access and ideal temperatures

Water is critical for dairy cows, as it directly affects feed intake and milk production. Ensure waterers are clean, free from ice, and functioning properly. Regularly check water temperatures with a thermometer to confirm that heaters are operational. The ideal water temperature for dairy cows ranges between 40–65°F (4–18°C). Cows tend to prefer plate cooler water because it is warmer than well water, so consider this when planning your water supply.

4. Ventilation: Prevent drafts and ensure fresh air

Dairy cows can tolerate extreme cold, withstanding temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C), provided they are dry and shielded from drafts. However, high winds combined with moderate temperatures can cause significant stress. Prevent drafts by patching holes in curtains, sealing door gaps, and minimizing open spaces where wind can enter.

Proper ventilation is equally important. Maintain barn wall fans by cleaning, lubricating, and replacing belts as needed. Ensure fresh air inlets are functioning to replace stale air in the barn. Ample dry bedding and a clean, groomed resting area will also help keep cows comfortable and healthy.

5. Frostbite prevention: Protect teats in cold weather

Frostbite and frozen teats are a serious concern for dairy cows exposed to wind chills after leaving the parlor. To mitigate this risk, ensure teats are completely dry before cows exit. In severely cold conditions, even residual milk film should be removed. Apply a germicidal post-dip containing 5–12% multi-skin conditioners to prevent chapping and cracking. Allow the dip to sit for 30 seconds before wiping teats dry. Avoid using water to wash teats during freezing temperatures.

6. Mastitis prevention: Dry teats and singe udders

Managing somatic cell counts and mastitis requires reducing the accumulation of organic matter on cows. In winter, singeing udders is an effective way to prevent organic debris from sticking to the hair. Perform this procedure at critical times, such as prior to calving, during dry-off, or whenever hair is visibly long. Singeing udders also reduces sediment in milk filters and simplifies cow preparation. Conduct this procedure in head locks or close-up areas, but avoid doing so in the parlor whenever possible.

Understanding how cows stay warm in the winter, and caring for a cow properly, are essential aspects of winter cattle management. By implementing these strategies, you can support the health and productivity of your cows in winter. A proactive approach to bedding, feeding, water management, ventilation, frostbite prevention, and mastitis control will ensure your dairy operation continues to thrive despite the challenges of cold weather.

I want to learn more about nutrition for dairy herd. 

In the agricultural industry, silage quality plays a crucial role in driving business growth and success, particularly for companies focused on livestock production. High-quality silage boosts feed efficiency, animal health, and overall farm profitability by providing nutrient-rich, stable feed that supports optimal growth and production. Poor-quality silage, on the other hand, can lead to nutrient deficiencies, reduced digestibility and increased feed costs.

The team at Hunland Group, a leading multinational in livestock trade and farming, knows the importance of high-quality silage firsthand — and they know that modern silage management and silage inoculants are crucial in achieving the highest nutrient levels.

In 2023, Hunland traded 350,000 head of cattle and an equivalent number of small ruminants. It also expanded to include pig integration, boasting a 60000-place facility and exporting 1,5 million pigs annually. Hunland’s impressive scale is further highlighted by its involvement in exporting 45% of Hungary’s sheep population and 20% of its cattle population, making it a pivotal force in the industry.

In recent years, Hunland’s dedication to excellence has been evident in its crop-farming efforts, particularly in the production of high-quality grass silage. Operating on 4,700 hectares, Hunland produces crops including maize, rye, and grass silage for feeding livestock. In 2023, the company produced a staggering 127,000 tons of fermented feed across 11 sites.

Strategic choices for superior results

Key factors such as dry matter content, fiber digestibility and fermentation quality ensure that feed retains its nutritional value throughout storage. Effective silage inoculants help stabilize the silage, reducing spoilage and enhancing its nutritional profile.

Hunland’s choice to use the leading-edge inoculant Egalis® Ferment was a strategic decision driven by the need for high-quality silage that could be used quickly without compromising nutritional value. Egalis Ferment also provided stability under challenging conditions.

“We achieved a lactic acid level of over 100 in our silage, which can be considered very stable and with good nutritional content,” Zoltán Guti, production director at Hunland, explains.

The importance of using a highly effective silage inoculant like Egalis cannot be overstated, especially with crops harvested during high temperatures, making them especially susceptible to fermentation challenges.

“It gives me a lot of confidence, especially when I’m harvesting cereal silage for heifers in the summer and it’s 35–40°C outside,” Guti adds.

With support from Egalis Ferment, Hunland could ensure that its livestock received the best possible nutrition, which elevated both milk and meat production and reduced feed costs per unit.

Award-winning silage: A testament to quality

The Hunland team’s commitment to quality paid off when they won the prestigious “Grass Silages/ Haylages of the Year 2023” award. This accolade, which evaluates silage based on dry matter, fiber digestibility and nutrient content, highlighted Hunland’s commitment to maintaining superior farming practices, including meticulous planning, precise harvesting processes, and the effective application of Egalis Ferment.

“Egalis Ferment promised me a completely stable feed that I could use within two weeks. I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, we managed to produce last year’s best silage using this inoculant,” Zoltán Guti says.

Collaboration and support: A key to success

Hunland’s success with Egalis Ferment was not achieved in isolation. The company received substantial support from Alltech Hungary, whose representatives played a crucial role in ensuring the optimal application of the inoculant.

“We received support from Alltech’s technical team, who really convinced me with arguments and explained why using Egalis Ferment would be beneficial for us,” Guti recalls.

Sandor Koleszar, sales representative for Alltech Hungary, says, “Working closely with Hunland allows us to provide tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. The results speak for themselves, with Hunland’s silage quality reaching award-winning levels.”

Looking ahead: Sustaining excellence

Hunland is determined to maintain and even surpass its high standards in the coming years. The early results from its 2024 harvest are promising, with initial grass silage tests revealing an impressive 85% digestibility and 24% crude protein content.

“The bar is set high for us now because we took home the 2023 first prize for grass silage. But I’m very hopeful, especially after seeing the results of the first cutting, that we can repeat that success with this inoculant again,” Guti says.

As Hunland continues to innovate and expand, its partnership with Alltech and use of Egalis Ferment will remain central to its strategy. This ongoing commitment to excellence solidifies Hunland’s position as a leader in the agricultural sector, both in Hungary and on the international stage.

About the authors:

Elisa Boschi is the global head of marketing for resource efficiency at Alltech's Technology Group. She leads marketing efforts in crops, silage management, and waste management. With 19 years at Alltech, Elisa most recently served as the ruminant marketing manager for Europe. Based in Italy, she enjoys reading, gardening, walking, and dining with family and friends.

Chloe Chisholm is the content manager for the Technology Group at Alltech. In this role, she is responsible for planning and delivering compelling content for all technologies and services in collaboration with the Technology Group marketing leads and wider Alltech creative team. Chloe has been with Alltech since 2022, previously supporting the Mycotoxin Management team as a digital marketing specialist. Chloe holds a degree in English language and literature from Brighton University and is based in Stamford, U.K.

I want to learn more about nutrition for dairy herd.

Sustainability has become a major talking point in agriculture. It’s a term you might hear in meetings, read in advertisements, or see referenced in industry discussions. But is it just a marketing buzzword, or does it truly reflect a movement toward sustainable agriculture? More importantly, what does sustainability mean for dairy farming and livestock production?

While it may seem like sustainability has always been a part of our conversations, the term only gained prominence in the 1970s. At its core, sustainability is about meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. In agriculture, this means conserving resources, minimizing waste, and protecting ecosystems, all while ensuring consistent food production.

When applied to livestock, sustainability becomes even more complex. It’s not just about environmental stewardship; it involves balancing animal health and welfare, financial profitability, social responsibility, and food quality. These five sustainability pillars create a framework that dairy farmers can use to drive long-term success while caring for their animals, their communities and the planet.

Why sustainability matters in dairy farming

The world faces immense challenges in feeding a growing population. By 2050, the global population is expected to grow by 2.3 billion people, requiring 60% more food production. Livestock farm animals play a critical role in meeting these needs by providing high-quality, nutrient-dense foods such as meat, milk and other dairy products.

Dairy farms are integral to rural economies and communities, creating jobs and supporting livelihoods. In the United States alone, agriculture and related industries account for over 10% of jobs. Dairy farms contribute to this by providing employment and boosting local economies through processing plants, supply chains and more.

Sustainability also extends to food security, ensuring both the quality and quantity of food. By producing safe, nutritious milk and other products, dairy farms support healthy diets and meet the nutritional needs of a growing population.

How dairy farmers are contributing to sustainability

Sustainability doesn’t need to be an abstract concept; many dairy farmers are already implementing sustainable practices. These include:

• Using biodigesters to convert waste into energy.
• Recycling manure for bedding or as a natural fertilizer.
• Incorporating byproducts into cow diets to reduce food waste.
• Practicing responsible agricultural water management.
• Prioritizing animal welfare through improved housing and care.
• Adding dietary supplements to reduce cows’ environmental impact.
• Managing soil to maintain long-term fertility and productivity.

These actions not only enhance the environmental footprint of dairy farming but also improve financial profitability and community well-being.

The path forward for sustainable dairy farming

Sustainability isn’t just about the planet — it’s about people, animals, and the systems that connect them. As dairy farmers work to improve animal welfare, adopt new technologies and protect natural resources, they’re actively contributing to a sustainable future.

If you care about your animals, want a thriving operation, and believe in producing safe, nutritious milk, you’re already embracing sustainability. Every small step — from managing manure to conserving water — builds a better future for the dairy industry and the world.

About the authors:

Dr. Sebastian Mejia Turcios is an on-farm support specialist at Alltech with a focus on beef. In this role, he actively engages with others at various levels of the beef industry on topics related to sustainability.

Mejia Turcios is passionate about sharing his knowledge and research with industry leaders, producers, educators and other stakeholders in animal agriculture. Born and raised in Honduras, Mejia Turcios became involved in agriculture at an early age, with a particular love for livestock — which eventually became the focus of his studies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from EARTH University in Costa Rica and a master’s degree in animal science from Texas Tech University.

Mejia Turcios completed his Ph.D. in June 2024 at the University of California, Davis, under the direction of Dr. Frank Mitloehner, an internationally known professor of animal agriculture who is also an air-quality expert and director of the CLEAR Center at UC Davis.

Jorge Delgado is an on-farm specialist at Alltech, where he focuses on empowering dairy workers for the benefit of the entire industry.

Originally from Ecuador, Delgado comes from a family of dairy farmers. Before joining Alltech, he offered consulting, sales and training services for an Ecuadoran genetic company and also served as a herd manager for multiple dairies in the United States. He has also worked with Elanco’s Dairy Training Program.

Delgado received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and dairy science from EARTH University in Costa Rica. He and his family currently live in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I want to learn more about nutrition for dairy herd.