[LEXINGTON, Ky.] Alltech, a leading global animal nutrition company, has been awarded four new medals from EcoVadis, a globally recognized provider of business sustainability assessments. These medals are a testament to Alltech’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^® and the company’s commitment implementing environmentally and economically sustainable solutions, fostering ethical business conduct, and prioritizing the efficient production of nutritious food.

EcoVadis evaluates companies across 21 sustainability criteria within four core themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Its ratings are based on international sustainability standards, including the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the ISO 26000 guidelines. More than 130,000 companies have been rated by EcoVadis.

Two Alltech facilities earned Platinum Medals, placing them in the top 1% of the more than 200,000 businesses assessed by EcoVadis:

• Alltech Coppens in the Netherlands, which develops and produces high-quality, innovative fish feed and nutritional solutions
• Alltech’s Woolfox manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom

In addition, Alltech’s global operations and its manufacturing facility in Serdán, Mexico, earned EcoVadis Silver Medals, ranking them in the top 15% of businesses assessed.

“Three years ago, Alltech outlined a strategic vision for our ESG ambitions with a focus on proof points and team confidence. Over that time, we’ve expanded our policies, introduced new systems, conducted training and taken a lot of action,” said Tara McCarthy, Alltech’s global vice president of ESG. “It gives a great sense of achievement to the entire Alltech team to see that EcoVadis has recognized these efforts. Our ambition to build upon this proof remains strong, with five more assessments planned this year. Our commitment to embed best practice is unwavering as we carry out our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.”

The EcoVadis process validates Alltech’s sustainability performance and offers a clear roadmap for enhancing its impact.

Alltech continues to reach for ambitious ESG targets, find areas for improvement and innovation, and strive to nurture a culture of sustainability,” McCarthy said. “We have made great progress, but we know that there is always more work to be done.”

The company’s commitment to demonstrating its credentials in the global supply chain continues around the world as several additional locations prepare for EcoVadis assessments, including the Alltech European Bioscience Centre in Dunboyne, Ireland, which submitted its assessment this week.

Each year, Alltech shares its progress in the Alltech Sustainability Report, which outlines actions taken to align the business with its commitments to the United Nations Global Compact, the U.N. Ten Principles and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more by reading the most recent report at alltech.com/sustainability.

For more information, visit Alltech.com.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Backed by more than 40 years of scientific research, Alltech is dedicated to providing solutions and products that contribute to the success of the global animal health industry. This commitment continues with the publication of a new white paper, “Dietary biotics: Strategies to optimize pet intestinal health and wellbeing,” by Dr. Richard Murphy, director of research at Alltech, and Dr. Karina Horgan, research group director of Alltech’s biology division. The new white paper explores the role of pre-, pro- and postbiotics in supporting pet gut health and wellness.

The paper highlights the growing importance of gut health in companion animal nutrition, emphasizing the link between a balanced microbiome and overall wellbeing.

"The microbiome plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption, immune function and disease resistance," said Dr. Murphy. "By incorporating targeted dietary biotics into pet nutrition, we can positively influence gut health, mitigate the effects of harmful pathogens and improve overall pet wellbeing."

A well-balanced intestinal microbiome is essential for digestion, immune response, and maintaining a healthy gut barrier. When gastrointestinal (GI) health is compromised, nutrient digestion and absorption are affected and susceptibility to disease is heightened. The paper details how specific biotic interventions — prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics — can support a healthy gut ecosystem, ensuring improved digestive health, stronger immunity and enhanced resilience against pathogens.

"Not all biotics are created equal, and understanding the differences between pre-, pro-, and postbiotics is key to selecting the right nutritional solutions," said Dr. Murphy. "We have reviewed the literature and examined how these nutritional interventions interact within the gut to support microbiome stability and long-term health benefits for pets."

The white paper also explores the role of yeast-derived prebiotics, such as mannan-rich fraction (MRF), in pathogen control and microbiome modulation. Studies have shown that these components not only help prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the gut, but also stimulate the growth of beneficial microbes. Additionally, probiotics and postbiotics contribute to gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria and enhancing immune response mechanisms.

"The stability and efficacy of biotic supplements are crucial considerations for pet food manufacturers and pet owners alike," said Dr. Horgan. "Peer-reviewed research has demonstrated that properly formulated dietary biotics can have significant positive effects on pet health and performance."

Understanding the science behind gut microbiome management is becoming increasingly important as pet owners seek out nutritional solutions that promote longevity and vitality. This latest white paper serves as a comprehensive resource for pet food manufacturers, veterinarians, and pet owners looking to harness the benefits of dietary biotics.

Click here to download the white paper, or visit Alltech.com for more information.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech is pleased to announce its reaccreditation with the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), a nonprofit organization that accelerates sustainability in the pet industry through education, implementation tools and collaboration. Companies accredited by PSC are sustainably led and measured businesses that drive positive impact for pets, people and the planet, which aligns with Alltech’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^®.

“For the last five years, Alltech is proud to again partner with the Pet Sustainability Coalition as part of our commitment to driving sustainability in the pet industry,” said Steve Elliott, Alltech’s vice president for corporate accounts and companion animals. “Our reaccreditation for the fifth year not only helps us stay ahead of evolving environmental and social expectations but also supports our mission to create a healthier future for pets and the planet.”

PSC offers companies many tools to help them align with responsible, sustainable business practices, such as good governance, supply chain efficiency, and informed strategizing. All these will help Alltech continue to strengthen our support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since PSC also offers a substantial platform for coordination between its accredited companies, this partnership will specifically dovetail with SDG Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals and with Alltech’s own to partnering with like-minded organizations on these important issues.

For more information, visit petsustainability.org and alltech.com/animal-nutrition/pet.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – The city of Lexington marks its 250th anniversary with a lively celebration of Irish culture this weekend. One of the most beloved community events in Lexington, Kentucky, the annual Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, will kick off the celebration on Saturday, March 15, followed by a concert by Irish festival headliner, Scythian, on Monday, March 17.

Produced by Lexington Parks & Recreation and sponsored by Alltech and the Bluegrass Irish Society, the Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is the city’s longest-running civic event. Alltech has sponsored the parade since the year it was first organized by the Bluegrass Irish Society, which was founded in 1980 to celebrate Irish culture and the country’s connections to Kentucky.

Festivities begin with the traditional “Blessing of the Keg” at 10:15 a.m. at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Plaza (formerly known as Fifth Third Pavilion). The festival — featuring live music, Irish dance performances, food vendors, artisans and more — will be open until 5 p.m., and will include performances by Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Celtic Blue, Draper Family Band, Kentucky United Pipes & Drums, Liam’s Fancy, McTeggart Irish Dancers, Saint Andrew’s Academy Boys Choir and William Sutherland Reid Pipes & Drums.

The parade will take over Main Street starting at 1 p.m. This year’s parade honors Father Norman Fischer as grand marshal, with members of his family and the St. Peter Claver parish marching in his memory.

The celebration culminates on Monday, March 17, with Scythian at Transylvania University. Scythian brings its signature high-energy fusion of Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian sounds to Lexington for the first time since 2018. Expect a barn-dance-meets-rock-concert experience that has made them a favorite on the global Irish festival circuit. The show starts at 7 p.m.; tickets are $15 at transy.edu/tickets.

For more information about this weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, visit the official parade and festival website or the City of Lexington’s event page for updates. 

[BANGKOK, Thailand] – Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition, has released the results of the Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis. Now in its 4^th edition, this report provides Asian feed and livestock producers with the insights needed to optimize nutritional strategies in the coming months. It uses data from the Alltech 2024 Harvest Analysis programs carried out across Europe and North America.

“The 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis discloses significant diversity in crop quality and mycotoxin risk across the key grain-growing regions globally,” said Nick Adams, commercial director at Alltech. “Contrasting weather conditions in Europe are resulting in a distinct difference in mycotoxin profiles between grains harvested in Southern and Northern Europe. In the U.S., pre-harvest rains have created Fusarium challenges, with deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone and fumonisins presenting the greatest risk. These findings illustrate the importance of understanding the mycotoxin landscape when purchasing raw materials and taking a proactive approach to countering these quality challenges.”

Key themes identified from the 2024 harvest, by region:

Europe: There is a distinct difference in mycotoxin profiles between grains harvested in Southern and Northern Europe. Deoxynivalenol (DON) presents the greatest challenge in northern countries, while aflatoxin dominates in corn originating in southern regions.

U.S.: Rains pre-harvest created Fusarium challenges in the U.S., with DON, zearalenone and fumonisins presenting the greatest risk. The rains were followed by a very dry harvest, resulting in more damaged kernels and a greater percentage of foreign matter. This may present subsequent storage and shipping issues.

Canada: Fusarium toxins dominated in wheat and barley samples. Although generally, a lower risk was seen compared to the previous harvest, many individual samples contained elevated levels of mycotoxins, emphasizing the importance of routine raw material testing.

Brazil: Similar to the previous harvest, aflatoxin, DON, fumonisins and zearalenone were the primary mycotoxins of interest in Brazilian sampling programs. The average concentrations of some of the Fusarium toxins would pose high levels of risk for pigs in particular.

The report also contains risk assessments for individual species, such as broilers, grow-finish pigs and dairy cows.

For more information and to view the full results of the Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis, visit Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis.

[LONDON, England] – Industry leaders gathered in London on March 6 to launch the Food Business Charter, a program created by Meat Business Women in collaboration with more than 30 leading agri-food businesses around the world with the ambitious goal to reach 40% female representation across the global food value chain by 2035. The Food Business Charter will provide information and practical support for organisations wanting to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for the women on their teams. Alltech has expressed its commitment to the new initiative by becoming a supporting partner.

The landmark initiative reflects a strategic commitment from senior leaders to address gender imbalance and the attraction and retention of talent into the global food industry.  The initiative follows a Meat Business Women industry roundtable last year that highlighted the urgent need for action, with women representing just 33.5% of the meat industry workforce, down from 36% in 2020.

"The Food Business Charter is a defining moment in our industry's journey toward gender equality and a major milestone for our 10^th year of Meat Business Women. Working with senior leaders who understand the benefits of a gender-balanced workforce, we've created not just a vision, but a practical roadmap for change,” said Laura Ryan, global chair and founder of Meat Business Women. “This Charter, backed by major global and European food manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice businesses, demonstrates our industry's collective determination to remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for women at all levels.”

"We know that a diverse and inclusive workforce isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a business imperative,” said Orla McAleer, Alltech’s chief culture officer. “The Food Business Charter is a crucial step towards accelerating change in our industry, ensuring we attract and retain the best talent. By supporting this Charter, we are reaffirming our dedication to fostering a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive."

The Charter will be accompanied by an Action Planning Toolkit, designed in collaboration with Diversity & Inclusion experts, providing organisations with practical strategies to achieve the Charter's ambitions.

"This isn't about setting targets – it's about transforming our industry's future to ensure it remains profitable and sustainable,” Ryan said. "The Charter provides a framework for organisations to implement practical talent attraction and retention strategies, share best practices, and create lasting change. With the support of our industry partners, we're confident we can achieve sustainable change."

The launch event took place in a pivotal week, ahead of International Women's Day with key industry leaders officially signing the Charter and pledging their commitment to gender balance.

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.

For more information about Meat Business Women and how to sign The Food Business Charter, visit meatbusinesswomen.org/food-business/charter.

[BANGKOK, Thailand] – Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition, will participate in VIV Asia 2025, March 12–14 at IMPACT in Bangkok, Thailand. With a focus on promoting sustainable food production, Alltech will highlight innovative solutions that enhance profitability, animal health, and environmental sustainability across the agri-food value chain.

The global team of Alltech experts will be at Booth #3410, Hall 2. For producers, suppliers and industry professionals, the Alltech booth will offer a unique opportunity to interact directly with the company’s experts and explore the latest developments in the agri-food sector.

In line with its purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^®, Alltech will emphasize its commitment to sustainability through partnerships and innovations that address global food security, climate change and resource scarcity. At VIV Asia, attendees can expect to learn how Alltech’s solutions support a sustainable future for the agri-food industry.

Alltech’s programs at VIV Asia include:

• Seminar: Transforming animal nutrition: Evolving technologies to shape a sustainable and profitable future
  • When: March 12, 14:00–15:45
  • Venue: Jupiter 5, G Floor IMPACT
     
• Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis: This valuable report highlights key regional and animal-specific mycotoxin concerns in imported raw materials for animal feed.
   
• Introducing Agolin^®: This cutting-edge, eco-friendly solution is designed to promote animal productivity while supporting sustainability goals. Agolin will be featured at the Alltech booth and discussed in-depth during the event.
   
• World Without Cows screening: Filmmakers Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth have spent the past three years exploring a fascinating question: Are we better off in a world without cows? The thought-provoking documentary World Without Cows delves into the cultural, societal and environmental significance of cows, examining their vital role in nourishing the world and combating climate change.
  • When: March 12, 17:30–21:00
  • Venue: Summer House, Nai Lert Park 4 Soi Somkid Ploechit Road, Bangkok
     
• Alltech Happy Hour: Visitors are invited to enjoy refreshing drinks at the Alltech booth.
  • When: March 12 and 13, 15:00–16:00

For more information, visit Alltech.com.

Partnership between Alltech and UK has enabled more than 200 students to pursue their musical ambitions; 20th annual event awards more than $700,000 in prizes and scholarships

[LEXINGTON, Kentucky] — For 20 years, a shared passion for music and education has united Alltech and the University of Kentucky in shaping the futures of hundreds of gifted vocalists by providing them an unparalleled opportunity to study at UK and perform with the esteemed UK Opera Theatre program.

The Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition marked its 20th anniversary on Sunday at the UK Singletary Center for the Arts with 18 finalists taking the stage to compete for more than $700,000 in prizes and scholarships. The competition — one of the largest of its kind in the world — attracts top vocal performers from around the world, helping them overcome financial barriers to pursuing their musical dreams and paving their way to a successful career. It has also played a pivotal role in the rise of the UK Opera Theatre program, now widely regarded as one of the best in the nation.

The milestone event began with a special presentation by Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, who declared March 2, 2025, as Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition Day in Lexington.

“More than 200 students have been able to pursue their ambitions in opera, having opportunities to travel the world, perform, teach and inspire others,” said Mayor Gorton. “It is an honor to be here to celebrate the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition’s 20th anniversary.”  

The proclamation recognized the competition as one of the legacies of Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons, whose love for music and commitment to helping people “do what makes their hearts sing” inspired him to create this unique program with his friend UK Opera Theatre Director Dr. Everett McCorvey. The mayor also acknowledged the ongoing support of Deirdre Lyons, Alltech cofounder and director of corporate image and design, and Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech president and CEO, who continue to champion the program.

Dr. McCorvey described the scholarship program as a “game-changer for us here at the university.”

“When Dr. Lyons first began talking about starting this competition, he said, ‘I want this to be the best competition in the world,’” Dr. McCorvey recalled. “So, I took a proposal to him, and he said, ‘OK, this is not big enough. Go back to your team and bring something bigger.’ So we did. We created a competition that is the best competition in the world for young singers.”  

“UK Opera Theatre is a visionary program that helps singers reach their full potential while bringing art and joy to the community,” said Dr. Mark Lyons. “On this 20th anniversary, we celebrate not only the incredible talent on display but also the spirit of camaraderie and community that defines this competition.”

Making dreams come true for 20 years

Judges selected multiple winners in undergraduate and graduate categories. In addition to cash prizes, winners received scholarships to attend UK, including some full-tuition awards. This year’s competition featured six undergraduate competitors and 12 graduate student competitors.

The winners of the 2025 Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition were:

Undergraduate student winners

• Pearse and Deirdre Lyons First-Place Undergraduate Award and Scholarship — CoryOn Brooks, Paducah, Kentucky. This prize includes a $10,000 cash prize and a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music at UK.
• Bryant’s Rent-All and KPMG Second-Place Undergraduate Award and Scholarship — Destiny Cardell, Louisville, Kentucky. This prize includes a $9,000 cash award and a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music at UK.
• Alltech Feed Division Third-Place Undergraduate Award and Scholarship ($8,000 cash prize) — Darian Wright, Louisville, Kentucky.
• Barbara Rouse Kentucky Prize ($5,000 cash prize) — Emory Hampton, Louisville, Kentucky.
• Maestro’s Legacy Encouragement Awards ($1,000 cash prizes) — Lucy Schapman, Edwardsville, Illinois, and Grayson Boehm, Louisville, Kentucky.

Graduate student winners

• Pearse and Deirdre Lyons First-Place Graduate Award and Graduate Assistantship — Christian Abbo, Las Vegas, Nevada. This prize includes a full graduate assistantship to pursue a master’s degree in music or a doctoral degree in musical arts at UK, a one-time stipend of $13,000 from Alltech, and a yearly graduate stipend with UK Opera Theatre.
• Alltech and Stand Energy Second-Place Graduate Award and Graduate Assistantship — Matthew Pearce, Lexington, Kentucky. This prize includes a full graduate assistantship to pursue a master’s degree in music or a doctoral degree in musical arts at UK, a one-time stipend of $12,000 from Alltech and Stand Energy, and a yearly graduate stipend with UK Opera Theatre.
• Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation Third-Place Graduate Award — Emily Wicker, Chaseburg, Wisconsin. This prize includes a one-time stipend of $11,000.
• Encore Excellence Graduate Award — Bizhou Chang, Liaoning, China. This prize includes a one-time stipend of $10,000.
• Gail Robinson Performance Graduate Award ($8,000 cash prize) — Lily Allen, Cleveland, Tennessee.
• Alltech Crop Science Graduate Encouragement Award ($5,000 cash prize) — Lillian Broderick, Northfield, Vermont.
• Maestro’s Legacy Encouragement Graduate Award ($2,000 cash prize) — Collin Stillday, Plymouth, Minnesota.
• Reginald Smith Jr. Opportunity Award ($1,000 cash prize) — Darien Roby, Alexandria, Virginia.

• Opera LEX Victoria Meyers Graduate Award ($1,000 cash prize) — Reagan Hinze, Lincoln, Nebraska.
• Maestro’s Legacy Encouragement Awards ($1,000 cash prize) — Samuel Phillips, Birmingham, Alabama; Andrea Trusty, Ezel, Kentucky; and Austin Morgano, Georgetown, Kentucky.

• American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) tuition stipend — Matthew Pearce, Christian Abbo, Lily Allen, Collin Stillday and Bizhou Chang. AIMS, located in Graz, Austria, is the leading summer music program in Europe, a one-of-a-kind experience designed to prepare students for careers as professional musicians.

Finalists were scored based on their voice, technical skill, interpretation and accuracy by five judges:

• Reginald Smith Jr., a 2007 winner of the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition and a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning baritone who has been lauded as a passionate performer “whose voice is one of the best baritone sounds to come along in years” by Opera News. His career has included performances with some of the world’s leading opera companies and in concerts worldwide.
• Barbara Lynne Jamison, general director of the Kentucky Opera, who has led a groundbreaking, community-led approach to producing mainstage opera, increasing diversity both onstage and in the audience.
• Audrey Chalt, a director, writer and producer of opera and theatre who currently serves as the artistic programs and new works manager at Cincinnati Opera.
• Dr. Thomas King, a tenor who has sung more than 50 roles in opera, operetta and musicals over the course of his career. King has taught private voice at Austin Peay State University, DePauw University and Indiana University Jacobs School. He also taught at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, for 25 years and served as its artistic director for seven years before retiring in 2010.
• Julia Noulin-Mérat, an American, French and Canadian producer and designer with more than 25 years of experience who has served as the general director and CEO of Opera Columbus for the past five years.

Since its inception, the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition has awarded more than $12 million in UK scholarships and prizes. 

In addition to UK Opera Theatre productions, Alltech Vocal Scholars enrich the local community throughout the year with performances at the annual Alltech Celebration of Song, a free holiday concert at Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the popular summer concert series “It’s a Grand Night for Singing.”

“Alltech has been a wonderful partner for us,” said Dr. McCorvey. “There’s a whole culture at Alltech of creating excellence and helping people to pursue their dreams.”

Learn more about the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition and watch the livestream of this year’s competition at alltech.com/vocal.

CoryOn Brooks of Paducah, Kentucky, won the 2025 Pearse and Deirdre Lyons First-Place Undergraduate Award and Scholarship award, which includes a $10,000 cash prize and a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music at UK.

Christian Abbo of Las Vegas, Nevada, won the 2025 Pearse and Deirdre Lyons First-Place Graduate Award and Graduate Assistantship, which includes a full graduate assistantship to pursue a master’s degree in music or a doctoral degree in musical arts at UK, a one-time stipend of $13,000 from Alltech, and a yearly graduate stipend with UK Opera Theatre.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech, a global leader in biotechnology, has released the complete Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis report. The comprehensive final report shows that a combination of heavy early-season rains and late-season droughts has created distinct challenges for crop producers in the United States and indicates that overall risk is moderate to high.

“The trend for corn grain and corn silage is somewhat higher across all regions of the U.S. than it was for 2023,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, global technical support for the Technology Group at Alltech. “This increase in risk is due to the occurrence and levels of type B trichothecenes primarily, but zearalenone and fumonisins are also included in the increase, particularly in the Eastern U.S. The result is an increased pressure on animal health and performance that producers will need to monitor moving forward to maintain a proactive mycotoxin management program.” 

The final mycotoxin risk will ultimately depend on the animal species and groups being fed and the mycotoxin concentrations and combinations in the finished diet.

Mycotoxins, which are natural substances produced by molds and fungi, are more prevalent — and more of a problem in agriculture — than ever before. More than 95% of crops today are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin, and usually with two or more. Because these toxins are difficult to detect, they can cause significant damage to animal health before producers even realize they are present. A proactive mycotoxin management program is essential, and the first step is learning which mycotoxins pose the highest risk in specific regions, crops and species.

The Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis program tests samples of new-crop grains and forages collected from farms or animal feed production sites across the country, ensuring an accurate picture of mycotoxin contamination. All samples are tested at the leading-edge Alltech 37^+® lab, which can detect the presence of 54 mycotoxins.

Other key results from the Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis include:

Corn silage

The Upper Midwest showed higher risk due to DON than in 2023, while other regions showed a similar risk to 2023. Emerging mycotoxins and Type B trichothecenes had the highest prevalence.

Corn

The risk from corn grain is primarily DON and fumonisins. The risk in the East is similar to 2023, while the risk in the Midwest is greater than 2023, particularly for monogastrics.

On Nov. 21, 2024, Alltech hosted “From Field to Feed: 2024 Crop and Mycotoxin Analysis”, a broadcast streamed live from Alltech’s headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. During the broadcast, panelists shared valuable insights for managing risks across the supply chain. Here are the key takeaways:

• Test and monitor: Regularly test crops and feed to understand what’s present and to ensure high quality.
• Leverage weather data: Pay attention to weather patterns and farm-specific conditions to assess potential risks early.
• Use comprehensive information: Gather unbiased data from all aspects of your operation and tailor it to fit your specific needs.
• Combine methods: Utilize both traditional techniques and new technologies to refine processes and ensure feed quality.
• Act proactively: If mycotoxins are present, be proactive with management to ensure high-quality feed production, thus protecting animals and safeguarding your operation’s resilience and success. 

Visit alltech.com/harvest-analysis to access the recording of the broadcast as well as the full 2024 Alltech Harvest Analysis program, including the complete U.S. report, which is available now.

For more information about Alltech mycotoxin management solutions, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

Life-changing event annually awards more than $700,000 in prizes and scholarships to UK 

[LEXINGTON, Kentucky] – Talented vocalists from across the United States and beyond will compete before a live audience Sunday, March 2, in the 20th annual Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition at the UK Singletary Center for the Arts. This life-changing event annually awards more than $700,000 in prizes and provides scholarships for the renowned UK Opera Theatre program. The community is invited to enjoy an afternoon of music with complimentary admission. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 2 p.m.

This year’s competition is also part of the City of Lexington’s celebration of its 250th anniversary. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton will be in attendance on Sunday to issue a proclamation in honor of the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Program’s 20th anniversary.

This prestigious event has grown to become one of the largest vocal scholarship competitions in the world. Founded in 2006 by the late Dr. Pearse Lyons, an enthusiastic advocate for the arts, the competition has awarded over $12 million in prizes and enabled more than 200 students to pursue their musical ambitions and receive an education in the arts.

Prestigious judges from the world of opera will select multiple winners in several categories, including undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students. In addition to cash prizes, some winners will receive scholarships for the UK Opera Theatre program, including full-tuition awards.

This year, one of the competition’s most celebrated winners, acclaimed opera singer Reginald (Reggie) Smith Jr., will serve as one of the judges.

Smith took one of the top prizes in the competition in 2007, when he traveled nine hours from Atlanta to Lexington on a Greyhound bus and arrived just in time to take the stage.

Dr. Everett McCorvey, UK Opera Theatre director, said Smith was a stellar student who took advantage of every opportunity to learn and develop his skills.

“He was a leader among the students during his undergraduate years and he was well respected by his peers and in the community,” McCorvey said.

Since his time at UK, Smith has enjoyed a flourishing singing career, performing on prestigious stages worldwide. Among his many accomplishments, he participated in the young artist program at Houston Grand Opera, won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2015 and sang on the Grammy Award-winning recording of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2019-20 production of “Porgy and Bess.”

Smith credits the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition, which he says provided him with the financial freedom to pursue his education without debt, allowing him to focus on both vocal performance and music education.

“The most important door that the competition opened for me was the ability to go to school and get an education and not have to worry about tuition costs,” Smith said, adding that traveling with Dr. Lyons to perform around the world was also an important educational experience.

“Being able to see the world through the numerous trips with Dr. Lyons and through all the generosity of Alltech really helped to change my perspective on the world,” he said.  “It helped make me a better global citizen.”

In addition to serving as a judge, Smith also sponsors the Reginald Smith Jr. Prize, which supports students whose lives will be as dramatically changed by the program as his was.

See tomorrow’s opera stars in the making

By removing financial barriers to pursuing a musical education, the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition has helped talented vocalists realize their dreams and launch successful careers. The competition has also played a pivotal role in the rise of UK’s opera program, which is now widely regarded as one of the best in the nation.

“It is because of our partnership with Alltech that we are able to attract and invite the top students in the country and from across the world to join us in the heart of Central Kentucky,” Dr. McCorvey said. “The generosity of Dr. Mark Lyons, Deirdre Lyons and all those who support the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition enables us to create competitive scholarship offers for students, allowing us to compete with major conservatories and encouraging these talented students to continue their education in vocal music here with us.”

In addition to UK Opera Theatre productions, Alltech Vocal Scholars enrich the local community throughout the year with performances at the annual Alltech Celebration of Song, a free holiday concert at Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the popular summer concert series “It’s a Grand Night for Singing.”

Join us this Sunday at the UK Singletary Center for an unforgettable celebration of music, opportunity and two decades of commitment to advancing the arts.

Learn more about the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition and watch last year’s competition at alltech.com/vocal. Learn more about the UK Opera Theatre program at finearts.uky.edu/opera.