[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition and agriculture, has signed a collaborative agreement with Tobermore Concrete, CEMCOR and Road Safety Contracts to become a partner in the Mid-Ulster Biorefinery and Circular Economy Cluster, facilitated by the Centre for Competitiveness and supported by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE) at Queen’s University Belfast.

The cluster aims to construct a 10-megawatt biomethane facility in Northern Ireland and play a pivotal role in the development of biorefineries throughout the region. Alltech will utilize its fermentation expertise to help optimize biogas production and, with its biochemical methane potential (BMP) labs, will advise producers on how to generate renewable energy from agricultural animal waste.

“Alltech has been focused on sustainability since its founding, guided by our ACE principle which committed all our endeavors to seek the benefit of the Animal, Consumer, and Environment. This principle is more relevant today than ever, particularly with anaerobic digestion, as we take action to advance our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” said Dr. Patrick Ward, Europe and Asia-Pacific applications manager at Alltech. “By utilizing animal waste, we aim to drive innovation to create more renewable biomethane for the consumer and reduce the usage of fossil fuels, which is paramount for reducing our global carbon footprint and GHG emissions, thus benefiting the environment.”

Biogas production from anaerobic digestion is well established in Northern Ireland, and biomethane is set for accelerated growth across the island.

“This growth is essential,” Ward said. “According to the European Biogas Association (EBA), there is a need for 35 billion cubic meters (bcm) of biomethane annually by 2030, with Europe targeting 111 bcm by 2040. This project will enhance energy security for the island of Ireland through renewable anaerobic digestion. Alltech, a key player in the agricultural industry, will leverage over 40 years of fermentation expertise to help realize the cluster's goals.”

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA. It serves customers in more than 140 countries, has five bioscience centers and operates more than 75 manufacturing facilities across the globe. With offices in the UK and Ireland, Alltech will bring both smart nutrition and scientific innovation to the multiple technologies supporting the first biorefinery to be commissioned in Northern Ireland.

The Mid-Ulster Biorefinery project will address the volumes of agricultural resources while providing nutrients, energy and carbon services in agriculture and producing cross-sectoral decarbonization among the businesses involved. The four companies will combine their unique skill sets to collectively maximize the possibilities of anaerobic digestion, driving further innovation and improving productivity and environmental sustainability outcomes in agriculture and across the sectors. 

For more information, visit Alltech on July 10-11 at the World Biogas Expo, Birmingham NEC Hall 3, Stand H51.

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Alltech has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting gender diversity, equality and inclusion across the global meat and food supply chain by signing a two-year strategic partnership with Meat Business Women.

Meat Business Women and Alltech will work together to develop and empower team members through access to masterclasses and mentoring development resources. They will also collaborate to attract new talent into the agri-food sector. As a strategic partner, Alltech will provide expertise and input into the group’s strategic direction and support its wider mission of raising the profile of women in the meat industry.

The organisations will also collaborate on two regional “Community Connect” events which will facilitate networking opportunities for professionals working across the entire agri-food supply chain. These networking events will both take place at Alltech offices: one in Stamford, UK, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, and one in Dunboyne, Ireland, on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Orla McAleer, Alltech’s chief culture officer, will speak at both events, and will be joined in Stamford by Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard, global technical director at Alltech, and in Dunboyne by Tara McCarthy, Alltech’s global vice president of ESG. They will speak about pivotal moments from their career journeys and share more about why the two organisations are working together.

“We are thrilled to partner with Meat Business Women to champion gender diversity and inclusion within the agri-food sector. By empowering women through access to invaluable resources and networking opportunities, we are not only fostering individual growth but also driving positive change across the industry,” said McAleer. “Alltech believes that inclusion cultivates creativity, drives innovation and is essential to the company’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. In 2019 Alltech selected Gender Equality as one of the nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to which the company is committed to advancing.”

Harriet Wilson, partnerships director at Meat Business Women, says, “We are delighted that Alltech has joined the Meat Business Women family as a strategic partner and look forward to working closely with their brilliant team. We know that networking is a crucial skill for women to develop, so we’re delighted that Alltech has generously agreed to support us with these two events across the UK and the Republic of Ireland so that even more of our community can come together, learn, connect and develop their careers.”

Meat Business Women is the United Nations’ recognised global professional network for women working across the meat industry. It was created to improve the sustainability of the meat sector and grow the pipeline of female talent in this male-dominated industry.

Alltech is a global leader that delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Its diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of animals and plants, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. Learn more at alltech.com.

To learn more about Meat Business Women, visit meatbusinesswomen.org. To book your place at a Community Connect event in Stamford or Dunboyne, visit our website here.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – During World Pork Expo, which was held June 5–6 in Des Moines, Iowa, the Alltech Pork Team hosted the Business Seminar, “Challenging health and productivity: How does the U.S. lead the world in sustainable, profitable pork production?”. The seminar included leaders in the agriculture industry as they discussed the U.S. pork industry’s role in global trade, animal health and sustainability.

“Alltech as a company believes that agriculture has the greatest potential to positively shape the future of our planet,” said Mark Hulsebus, sales and portfolio director at Alltech, as he welcomed attendees. “Our customers, whether you're in pork production, or beef or poultry or aquaculture, we all have the two most important jobs in the world, nourishing the people on our planet and preserving that planet in the process.”

The panel was moderated by Hulsebus, and he was joined by Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO at Alltech; Dr. Frank Mitloehner, director at CLEAR Center, UC Davis; Maria Zieba, vice president of government affairs at the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC); and Dr. Gordon Spronk, DVM Chair Emeritus at Pipestone.

A video recording of the discussion is available here. For more information about Alltech, visit alltech.com.

If you ask any farmer or producer about their greatest challenges, one issue is sure to appear near the top of their list: how to share agriculture’s vital role in feeding the world and combating climate change with consumers. With misinformation and mixed messages about agriculture often making headlines, how can those on the front lines of ag connect with the rest of the world about sustainability in a way that truly resonates?

This question and many others were top-of-mind for attendees at the 2024 World Pork Expo, held in Des Moines, Iowa, in early June. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, World Pork Expo brings together pork producers to discuss the latest challenges, opportunities and innovations for the sector through a tradeshow, educational seminars, presentations, networking events and more.

One panel discussion in the business seminar focused on sustainability and the importance of communicating effectively about agriculture’s commitment to improving it. The panel, moderated by Mark Hulsebus, sales and portfolio director at Alltech, featured:

• Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech
• Dr. Frank Mitloehner, professor and director of the CLEAR Center at the University of California, Davis
• Dr. Gordon D. Spronk, member of the National Pork Board and emeritus chairman of the board of directors at Pipestone
• Maria Zieba, vice president of government affairs at the National Pork Producers Council

The conversation began with an acknowledgement that the word “sustainability” carries a lot of weight — but that it is possible to see sustainability differently through the lens of another word: stewardship.

“I know there are many producers who have a beef, so to say, with the term sustainability,” said Mitloehner. “But I just want to propose the following: ‘Sustainability’ and ‘stewardship’ are pretty much the same thing.”

“If you think ‘sustainability’ is a curse word,” he added, “get over it. You should own it. You should be proud of it, because it should be your farm’s legacy. Don’t hide behind it. The world wants it. Why not showcase it?”

Being a good steward of the land and taking care of animals are top priorities for every farmer and producer.

“Who would say, ‘I don’t want to be the best steward of those animals, their welfare and health’?” Mitloehner asked. “We all want to be the best stewards — and by pursuing (sustainability), we are working on our legacy.”

Spronk said the concept of stewardship has always been fundamental to agricultural production — and the key now is to illustrate that to consumers in a tangible way.

“My grandfather never knew the word ‘sustainability,’ but he knew ‘stewardship’. He knew from his worldview that the land he owned and the animals he took care of were temporary,” said Spronk. “For us at the farm level, we understand stewardship; it’s doing the right thing every day, including for the land. And now it just seems like society is asking us to prove it. We need the data.”

The available data bears proof of the agriculture industry’s efforts to transform and improve. As Mitloehner explained, emissions from animal agriculture have been roughly stable since 1990, and farmers are making major impacts on the environment by utilizing anaerobic biodigesters, reducing methane emissions and implementing other environment-friendly management practices.

“When I look at all the data from 30, 20, 10 years ago versus today, the progress is amazing,” he said.

Spronk highlighted the widespread interest in access to these data points, which many farmers and producers are able and excited to provide.

“We have the best agricultural system in the world, and our competitors are now asking, ‘Well, prove it,’” he noted. “I think we’re fully capable of proving that through primary data to answer questions at both the policy level and the consumer level. We can specifically answer questions about our contribution to greenhouse gases, our contribution to carbon, our soil erosion rate.”

Zieba concurred — and encouraged the sector to share that data with others.  

“We’re in a new world where people do want to talk about sustainability, and they want to know what the metrics are,” she said. “We have a great story to tell. People are surprised that we have such a good story to tell. And I think producers should be really happy that we have that story.”

The experts on the panel all agreed, however, that the act of telling that story is where the agriculture industry has sometimes fallen short.

“You have the trust (in agriculture), but the messaging hasn’t been trickled out to enough people,” said Zieba. “I think that’s one of the biggest issues — because we have the data, we have the information, but it’s also how you message things. You can’t bombard people with facts.”

Lyons suggested that meeting the consumer where they are and sharing information about agriculture in new and surprising ways could be the key to changing the narrative.

“One of the seven values of Alltech is telling the story,” he said. “I think it’s interesting to try engage with people (over) the things that they like to do.”

Lyons also recommended that highlighting the crucial role of agriculture in feeding the world will be key to engaging with consumers more successfully.

“This industry is the industry that’s going to save the planet,” he said. “And I think that’s going to be the piece that we build upon. We just have to keep telling the story, because it takes a while for it to sink in.”

Alltech shares about agriculture’s vital role in feeding the world and combating climate change in numerous ways, including sharing sustainability stories on its Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™ website, through podcasts and blogs, and at its annual Alltech ONE Conference. Alltech is also involved in a new documentary, “World Without Cows,” which offers a scientific look at the cultural, economic and environmental impact of cattle on our world.

Mitloehner recalled a piece of advice from his father that farmers and producers would be wise to consider: Do good things and to talk about them.

“Let’s not forget about the second part of that sentence,” he added. “Because we are doing a lot of good things, and now we have to find out how to quantify it appropriately, how to communicate it effectively, how to get it into the heads of people who make decisions. Because we have a great story to tell. It’s time that we’re telling it.”

The Alltech team recently contributed valuable insights at the American Society of Animal Science Midwest (ASAS Midwest) event in Madison, Wisconsin. ASAS Midwest is one of the best conferences about swine nutrition, both in the U.S. and globally. Attendees enjoyed many opportunities to gain practical knowledge that will empower them to enhance productivity and sustainability in their pig farming operations.

Meet our speakers at the event and learn what pork producers can apply from the research presented.

Dr. Henrique Cemin, senior swine nutritionist at Hubbard Feeds, an Alltech company

Dr. Cemin oversees research and development at Hubbard Feeds, where Alltech conducts about 25 trials per year involving over 40,000 pigs. The R&D team also provides technical services and support for Hubbard’s field team and customers.

He gave three presentations, addressing:

• the net energy of soybean meal
• the phosphorus requirement of nursery pigs
• the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and their interactions

Dr. Cemin was invited to present on soybean meal net energy because of his research in this area during graduate school and at Hubbard Feeds. His calcium and phosphorus presentations were selected from submitted abstracts identified as important to the industry.

"Soybean meal is a key source of amino acids for swine diets globally, and it’s important to understand its energy value,” Dr. Cemin said. “Traditional prediction equations underestimate its energy for pigs, so updated values are needed for better diet formulation. For calcium and phosphorus, understanding their levels and interactions is crucial for pig performance and economic impact.

“Current research addresses these topics, but the answers evolve with genetic improvements and other advancements. Keeping updated with these changes is crucial for the industry’s progress.”

Dr. Cemin also explored issues around feed costs, overall profitability, supply and demand, and the pressures of disease.

Morgan Hart, research coordinator and swine nutritionist at Hubbard Feeds

In her double role with Hubbard Feeds, Morgan Hart ensures that all proper measures are taken to effectively run research trials at Hubbard’s three commercial facilities. In addition, she works alongside Alltech’s U.S. Pork team to provide technical nutritional services for our customers.

At the conference, Ms. Hart presented on determining lysine requirements for pigs fed high-fiber diets after weaning.

“This research is crucial for pork producers, as we’ve found that incorporating fibers into pig diets can significantly enhance gut health, nutrient digestibility and pig survivability, especially during health challenges,” she said.

Dr. Jose Soto, director of monogastric research and technical lead at Alltech

Dr. Soto works closely with our Pork and Poultry teams, helping identify how Alltech solutions and services can support our customers while following Alltech’s ACE Principle of always prioritizing the Animal, the Consumer and the Environment. Driven by solving complex challenges, Dr. Soto and his highly competent team continue to deliver leading-edge technologies. Currently, they are making strong progress on:

• a phytogenic offering antibiotic-free growth promotion
• a technology, based on MOS (mannan oligosaccharide), that has shown livability benefits
• organic mineral nutrition to address antagonisms that can hinder performance

“It’s about delivering meaningful outcomes that drive producers’ profitability, and using Alltech technologies such as organic minerals to improve not only performance but sustainability,” Dr. Soto said.

The research overseen by these three experts is only part of the broad-based, in-depth research continuously conducted by Alltech. We are always evaluating and refining our programs, collaborating with universities and industry partners to enhance swine nutrition. The Alltech Pork team also provides tailored nutritional support to productions of all sizes, offering expertise, assistance, and a comprehensive approach to swine nutrition and management.

“The U.S. Pork team is uniquely positioned to support the industry in achieving its goals, because we understand the challenges and opportunities involved,” Dr. Soto said. “Our team of experts works together to help producers be more efficient and profitable. With talented individuals and a strong supply chain, we strive to minimize environmental impact while delivering high-quality technologies.”

About the author

Tien Le, Editorial Content Manager, Alltech

Tien earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications from the University of Greenwich, London, with the University Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. She 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. Tien presently serves as the editorial content manager for Alltech, a role that allows her to fulfill her passions for writing, innovation and sustainable agriculture.

I would like to learn more about nutrition for my pig herd. 

Producers in today’s pork industry face a myriad of difficulties and restrictions in raising pigs successfully, and the health challenges we are presently faced with are a major part of that list. On top of that, the discourse surrounding antibiotic use continues to evolve, driven by supply chain disruptions, increasing consumer demand for antibiotic-free products, and a heightened perception of antibiotic resistance in barn infections. As good stewards of animal health, it is imperative that we preserve the efficacy of existing therapies while ensuring that our pigs receive the highest standard of care.

One proven way to support animal health on multiple fronts without the need for preventive antibiotics is to support one of the animal’s main natural defenses: a healthy gut microbiome, where beneficial bacteria thrive and where pathogenic bacteria are prevented from gaining a foothold. The gut is one of the first portals of entry into the body for many things, so maintaining a healthy microbiome builds a firm foundation for overall health and well-being that extends beyond the intestinal tract. 

Alltech’s robust portfolio offers various solutions and services to promote optimal gut health and growth performance. Cultivation of a healthy gut closely follows the principles we also follow in good crop production. At Alltech, we believe in the strategy of “Seed, Feed, Weed” to accomplish this: 

• Seed the animal’s gut with organisms favorable to promoting good health
• Feed the gut to boost and balance those organisms to allow them to flourish
• Weed out potentially harmful organisms  

Our swine team is constantly evaluating evolving needs and trends in pig production, and new technologies for gut health remain at the forefront for our product development strategies. The newest innovation is a product we call Levelset™, which builds on such time-tested Alltech solutions but is specifically designed for young pigs. By including carefully selected ingredients to “seed” the gastrointestinal tract with good bacteria from the beginning, Levelset helps to build a foundation for lifelong performance and profitability.  

Intended to be delivered to young pigs as a topdress on their feed, Levelset can be safely provided via both conventional and antibiotic-free systems. With the addition of our proven blend of flavors and sweeteners, Levelset also offers maximum palatability.

About the author:

Dr. Andrew Bents

Swine Technical Veterinarian, Hubbard Feeds

Dr. Andrew Bents attended the University of Minnesota where he earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, as well as his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After graduation, Dr. Bents served the Worthington, MN area as a mixed animal veterinarian, with an emphasis on swine production.  

At Hubbard, his role is to support pork producers by integrating and managing the interaction of health on all aspects of pork production through cooperation with producers, nutritionists, and their veterinarians. He is passionate about finding ways to improve pig health through advanced husbandry, nutrition, epidemiology, and pharmacovigilance techniques.

In his spare time, Dr. Bents enjoys spending time with his family, serving his church and community, helping on the family farm and woodworking in his shop.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my pig herd. 

The Alltech U.S. Pork Team has introduced Levelset, an innovative solution designed to reinforce gut health in pigs. Levelset consists of a blend of key technologies that synergistically supports natural resistance against diarrhea challenges while enhancing overall enteric health. Designed for maximum impact during three different life stages of production, pre-farrow sows, suckling pigs and weaned pigs — Levelset is an exceptional tool in any production strategy. Levelset is manufactured by Ridley Feed Ingredients, an Alltech company. 

“Across the industry, pathogen resistance is an ever-growing challenge, and solutions to reduce reliance on conventional antibiotics are of critical importance,” said Andy Rash, general manager of Alltech’s U.S. swine business. “Levelset is an innovative blend of carefully developed technologies that minimizes undesirable organisms within the gut, thus promoting the overall health and productivity of pigs.”

To learn more about Levelset at World Pork Expo, visit the Alltech Pork Team at the Alltech Booth #V419 and the Hospitality Tent #EV420. Experts from Alltech, Hubbard and Ridley Feed Ingredients will be on site to discuss proactive nutrition strategies and solutions, new technologies, upcoming research and development, and trending industry topics. For more information, visit go.alltech.com/swine-research.  

Since 2006, the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech, a global leader in agriculture and animal nutrition, have partnered to support the Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Awards that recognize the leadership potential of young members (under 35 years of age). As young agricultural journalists and communicators, they have the important role of sharing the stories of agriculture with the world.

IFAJ and Alltech offer 10 scholarship opportunities to attend the IFAJ Congress, held this year in Interlaken, Switzerland, in August. The winners also participate in a unique three-day professional development workshop immediately prior to the IFAJ Congress. The workshop emphasizes reporting skills and leadership training and includes agriculture tours.

The 2024 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders include:

• Alex Black, United Kingdom
• Emma Davies, Ghana
• Courtney Girgis, United States
• Kristina Hansén, Sweden
• Wiebke Hermann, Germany
• Brooke Littlewood, Australia
• Duncan Masiwa, South Africa
• Daniel Plaiasu, Romania
• Michaela Sandmayr, Austria
• Carola Urdangarin, Argentina

"Alltech is proud to partner with IFAJ to support the Young Leaders program, as we all share a commitment to supporting journalists who give voice to farmers and producers and ensure that agriculture stories continue to be told around the world," said Jenn Norrie, North American and European communications manager at Alltech.

“The Young Leaders program has helped agricultural journalism guilds and IFAJ grow for nearly two decades,” said IFAJ secretary-general, Addy Rossi. “The IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders program is more than just an award to recognize rising young stars in our industry—it provides training, networks and contagious energy to tomorrow's guild and federation leaders."

"Many of the officers and active volunteers in national guilds and IFAJ's governing bodies have been Young Leaders,” he added. “With its generous sponsorship and deep commitment to the future of agricultural journalism, Alltech has helped train a generation of world leaders."

For more information on IFAJ and the Young Leaders program, visit www.ifaj.org. For more on Alltech, visit www.alltech.com.

Traditionally, hog prices follow seasonal patterns, with annual highs in the summer and lows in the fall and winter. This phenomenon is driven by multiple factors, which include:

• higher pork demand in summer, for grilling and outdoor activities
• decreased breeding and farrowing performances observed during hot months, known as seasonal infertility syndrome
• lower voluntary feed intake in all pig categories during heat stress periods, resulting in slower growth

In summer, the presence of additional environmental stressors, including heat, can severely impact growth performance. Of course, we must ensure that animals are constantly supplied with fresh water during this time. But nutrition also plays a surprisingly pivotal role in preventing the problems associated with heat stress.

During the hotter months, grow-finish pigs in particular significantly decrease voluntary feed intake. Therefore, if the objective is to take advantage of summer markets, nutritionists must carefully re-balance the nutrient composition to meet specific requirements at different stages of growth, considering the changes in feed intake. This includes optimizing levels of energy, amino acids and minerals to support healthy growth, efficient feed utilization and overall well-being.

Nutritional strategies such as adjustments to dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), soybean meal, fat, and feed additives are all proven to help maximize growth and performance for pigs marketed in summer. By lowering DDGS and increasing corn, we can increase the net energy of the diet and ensure that pigs are getting adequate nutrition, even given a decrease in feed intake. As with DDGS, it’s advised to offset soybean meal with an increase in synthetic amino acids. Pigs fed high-crude-protein diets tend to have higher heat increment levels, and this is counterproductive, especially during the hotter months.

Additionally, incorporating fats or oils into pig diets can create a more energy-dense feed, reducing the overall amount of feed required to meet pigs’ requirements for optimal growth. A rule of thumb nutritionists use to determine whether fat prices into rations is whether fat is four times or less than the price of corn. Although a simplistic approach, it can give a quick idea around the economics of fat. More complex economic models have been developed and are available for in-depth analysis.

Fat can improve feed efficiency in grow-finish pigs any time of year, but it is typically most cost-effective when fed in the summer, when pigs tend to eat less. On average, feed efficiency is improved by 2% for each 1% increment of added fat. Although this is significantly more variable, improvements in average daily gain may also be increased by 1% for each 1% addition of fat.

In addition to adjusting macronutrients, we can use feed additives to enhance growth performance during summer-induced heat stress. For instance, the inclusion of tribasic copper chloride in grow-finish diets has consistently demonstrated positive outcomes, yielding higher hot-carcass weights, average daily gain and feed intake, all of which are pivotal in the summer. Some supplements available from Hubbard, like Assist™ and Opti-Pak® Efficiency, have been shown to enhance growth performance by optimizing pH levels in the digestive tract and augmenting nutrient utilization.

It takes pigs roughly 115 to 120 days to grow from 50 to 280 lb. Therefore, to capitalize on the profits of the summer markets, we must consider grow-finish diet modifications starting as early as February.

A variety of beneficial feed additives is available in the marketplace. Consult with your nutritionist to identify the most suitable feed additives for your specific needs.

Nutritional values of ingredients

Accurate nutrient values for ingredients are paramount in formulating swine diets that precisely meet the nutritional requirements of pigs. Each ingredient contributes differently to the overall nutrient profile, and variations in nutrient content can significantly impact pig performance and diet cost. If we overestimate or underestimate the value of an ingredient, we can miss that optimal market window and face discounts at the packing plant. Relying on precise nutrient values ensures that diets are formulated correctly, promoting optimal growth rate, feed efficiency and diet costs.

Routine sampling and testing of raw ingredients helps provide us with accurate nutrient values and allows nutritionists to adjust nutrient loadings as needed. For example, if a nutritionist is using soybean meal (SBM) with a crude protein level listed at 48% in the ingredient profile, but the actual crude protein content is 46%, the discrepancy could cost producers an extra ~$0.20 per pig in feed costs to feed a pig from 50 to 280 lb., due to the inaccuracies of the ingredient profile. This decrease in crude protein could also decrease growth performance and disrupt the ideal window for marketing.

If nutritionists have the correct nutrient loadings for each ingredient, they can predict pig performance (ADG and F/G) more accurately. This allows for ongoing nutritional adjustments that will support the pigs in reaching the desired market weight within the optimal timeframe. This not only maximizes profitability but also minimizes production costs associated with extended time in the barn.

With the help of feed formulation technology, the nutrient profiles of ingredients can be uploaded, along with growth prediction equations, in order to more precisely formulate least-cost rations to maximize economic and sustainability metrics. Instead of just using a standard ingredient for all pigs, we can formulate diets to maximize producer profitability as a result of targeted and predictable animal performance.

About the author

Morgan Hart is a swine nutritionist for the Swine Technical Team at Hubbard Feed, an Alltech company. 

At a young age, Morgan realized she wanted to have a career working with animals. She was always volunteering to bring animals into her home, whether her mother approved of it or not. During high school she spent time raising ducks and rabbits for the county Fair but didn’t get involved with pigs until college. Morgan earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science and master’s in monogastric nutrition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Morgan likes to say she didn’t choose pigs. Pigs chose her. During college, Morgan spent time working for numerous university research labs that focused on using swine as a biomedical model for human disease. Her commercial swine experience consists of working at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Livestock Lab, Swine Teaching Center, and interning with Iowa Select Farms. After college, Morgan was a farm manager for a small biotech pig operation in Wisconsin before starting her position at Protekta Inc as a monogastric specialist. After that, she joined the Swine Technical Team at Hubbard Feeds as a swine nutritionist.

Morgan grew up in southern Wisconsin, where she and her husband currently reside with their daughter. Her hobbies outside of work include training and competing in triathlons, enjoying outdoor activities, and spending time with her family and dogs.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my pig herd. 

Alltech is pleased to announce a new marketing structure designed to better serve both the company’s customers and the needs of its internal teams. These new roles and responsibilities will allow for increased agility in meeting stakeholder needs while cultivating closer alignment and collaboration across Alltech’s U.S. business. 

The Alltech team members taking on new marketing roles and responsibilities include (in alphabetical order by last name):

• Nicole Bangasser, Western U.S. Marketing Specialist, Alltech

Bangasser has been with Alltech for two years. Her family has been active in many sectors of agriculture, with farms in South Dakota and Minnesota. Bangasser holds a degree in agri-business from South Dakota State University. She lives in Winnebago, Minnesota.

• Cece Blythe, Western U.S. Marketing Manager, Alltech

Blythe joined Alltech over three years ago. She also serves as the chair of the communications committee for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, as her county’s chair with the Kansas Livestock Association, and on several committees for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Blythe holds a degree in agri-business and applied economics with a minor in production agriculture from Ohio State University. She lives in East Central Kansas on her husband’s family’s cattle ranch.

• Anna Burnett, U.S. Dairy Marketing Lead, Alltech

Burnett has been with Alltech for four and a half years and is based at Alltech’s global headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky. She previously served as the director of consumer affairs for the Kentucky Beef Council. A native of Central Kentucky, Burnett has had a passion for agriculture since childhood, when she showed lambs and was active in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Burnett holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in science with a focus on the economics of raising dairy heifers from the University of Kentucky. She lives in Frankfort, Kentucky.

• Leslee Burns, Western U.S. Marketing Specialist, Alltech

Burns has been with Alltech for almost 14 years out of its office in Brookings, South Dakota. She began her career at Alltech as an administrative assistant before being named the Midwest marketing assistant and, later, the regional marketing specialist for the South Dakota region. Burns grew up in Southwest Minnesota, where her family farmed and raised pigs and cattle. She holds a degree in digital arts and design from Dakota State University in Madison.

• Zach Gilles, Eastern U.S. Marketing Specialist, Alltech

Gilles first joined Alltech eight years ago. He is highly involved with his family’s diversified farming operation, where he has helped raise a herd of purebred registered Angus cattle, row-cropped corn and soybeans, and worked at his brother’s farm store selling local beef, pork and poultry products. Gilles is a member of the Kentucky & Daviess County Cattlemen’s Association and is also active in the state and Daviess County chapters of the Farm Bureau. He holds a degree in marketing from the University of Kentucky and lives in Owensboro, Kentucky.

• Bailey Irick, Marketing Lead, Show-Rite

Irick has been with Alltech since September 2022. She is based in Markle, Indiana, where she was born and raised on a family farm that submersed her in agriculture and fostered her love for the show livestock industry — specifically show pigs — from a very young age. Irick was an active member of 4-H, FFA, National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and Team Purebred during her junior career. She is actively involved in agriculture on her family’s farm, in the show barn and through judging livestock shows. Irick holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a master’s degree in business administration from Western Illinois University.

• Mallory Minnick, U.S. Pork Marketing Lead, Alltech

Minnick joined Alltech in May 2022. She grew up on a diversified livestock and row crop farm in Logansport, Indiana, and she and her fiancé continue to be involved in the livestock industry. Minnick holds a degree in animal science from Purdue University. She lives in Lubbock, Texas.

• Alex Morcom, Head of Marketing, Ridley Block Operations

Morcom joined Ridley Block Operations, a member of the Alltech family of companies, in March 2023. She also serves on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and is an alumnus of the OCA Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy. Morcom is based in Duncan, Oklahoma, where she and her husband own and operate a commercial cow-calf operation and raise cutting- and roping-bred quarter horses. In their cattle operation, Morcom and her husband focus on Angus and Angus-influenced cattle and offer ranch-raised beef direct to the consumer. Morcom holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in agriculture business from Stephen F. Austin State University.

• Mackenzie Peters, Marketing Specialist, Global Pet and Corporate Accounts, Alltech

Peters has been with Alltech for over six years. She is also a member of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Diamond Hats. Peters and her husband grow wheat for crop and cattle grazing, and they also have a cow/calf operation and breed and train registered border collie stock dogs. Peters received a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary agriculture with a focus on business and leadership from Texas Tech University. She is based out of Union City, Oklahoma.

• Terran Ronne, Head of Marketing, Global Pet and Corporate Accounts, Alltech

Ronne has been with Alltech for nine years and previously served as the company’s Midwest marketing specialist and Western U.S. marketing manager. She is the current president of the the National Agri-Marketing Association’s Northern Prairie chapter and served as the treasurer of its board for four years. Ronne holds an undergraduate degree in public relations and journalism from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree in agriculture from Murray State University. She is based in the Alltech office in Brookings, South Dakota.

• Tieggan Rouleau, Marketing Lead, Lifestyle Feeds, Alltech

Rouleau joined Hubbard Feeds, an Alltech company, in October 2022 as a lifestyle sales representative based in Wyoming. She has owned horses her entire life and continues to compete at the professional level in team roping and breakaway roping. Rouleau received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and an associate’s degree in marketing from Lethbridge College. A native of Canada, she now calls Buffalo, Wyoming, home.

• Katie Stenzel, Marketing Specialist, Feed and Block, Alltech

Stenzel joined the Alltech Feed Division in March 2018. She grew up near Wells, Minnesota, where her family grew corn and soybeans and operated a beef feedlot. She still lives near Wells today on her husband’s family’s crop farm. Stenzel holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with a minor in marketing from South Dakota State University.

• Jena Lee Wagner, U.S. Beef Marketing Lead, Alltech

Wagner joined Alltech in February 2023. She is involved with her family’s Angus cattle operation and actively participates in the Montana Angus Association. Wagner received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Montana State University. She lives in Billings, Montana.

• William Wallis, Eastern U.S. Marketing Manager and U.S. Poultry Marketing Manager, Alltech

Wallis has been with Alltech for 12 years. He has served as the treasurer for the Carolina/Virginia chapter of NAMA for the past seven years. Wallis holds a degree in business marketing from Barry University in Miami, Florida. He lives in Apex, North Carolina.

• Celsey Weiss, Head of Marketing, Feed and Premix, Alltech

Weiss has served in other roles within the Alltech Feed Division over the past two years. She is also the marketing chair for Pepin County Dairy Promotion and serves on the marketing committee for the Dairy Girl Network. Weiss holds a degree in marketing communications with a minor in animal science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She and her husband own and operate a 2,000-cow dairy with her husband’s family in Durand, Wisconsin.

• Shannon Zika, U.S. Digital Content Producer, Alltech

Zika has served in a variety of marketing roles for the Alltech Feed Division and its family of companies since June 2001. She holds a degree in marketing with a minor in business administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Zika is based in Mankato, Minnesota.

For more information, visit alltech.com.