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2018 Alltech Global Feed Survey estimates world feed production in excess of 1 billion metric tons for second consecutive year

Submitted by dbutler on Thu, 01/25/2018 - 00:00

7th annual survey features expanded data from 144 countries and more than 30,000 feed mills

China and the U.S. produce one-third of the global feed supply

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – The 2018 Alltech Global Feed Survey, released today, estimates that international feed tonnage has exceeded 1 billion metric tons for the second consecutive year, with a total of 1.07 billion metric tons of feed produced in 2017. The growth seen in 2017 was strong at 2.57 percent over last year. The feed industry, valued at $430 billion, has seen 13 percent growth over the past five years, equating to an average of 2.49 percent per annum. This substantial growth is supported by the higher reported consumption of meat, milk and eggs.

The seventh edition of the annual survey is the most comprehensive ever, now covering 144 countries and more than 30,000 feed mills. The results show that China and the U.S. remain the top two countries, producing one-third of all animal feed, and that predominant growth came from the pig, broiler and dairy feed sectors as well as the European and Asia-Pacific regions.

“Now in its seventh year of analysis, the Alltech Global Feed Survey continues to serve as a valuable report on the state of the global feed industry,” said Aidan Connolly, chief innovation officer and vice president of corporate accounts at Alltech. “In addition to its insights into the feed industry, it serves as a barometer for agriculture as a whole and oftentimes demonstrates the economic strength of the countries included in the survey.”

The Alltech Global Feed Survey assesses compound feed production and prices through information collected by Alltech’s global sales team and in partnership with local feed associations in the last quarter of 2017. It is intended to serve as an information resource for policymakers, decision-makers and industry stakeholders.

The top seven feed-producing countries in 2017, in order of production output importance, were China, the U.S., Brazil, Russia, Mexico, India and Spain. These countries contain approximately 54 percent of the world’s feed mills and account for 53 percent of total production. These countries can be viewed as an indicator of the trends in agriculture.

 

Regional results from the 2018 Alltech Global Feed Survey

·       North America: The U.S. remains the second-largest feed-producing country globally, behind China. North America produces a third of the beef feed, five times that of the next-largest producer. The U.S. and Canada are two of the top horse feed producing countries. Feed prices in North America are lower than when compared to other regions.

·       Latin America: Brazil remained the leader in feed production for the region and third overall globally. Brazil, Mexico and Argentina account for almost 75 percent of regional feed production. Mexico leads the region in beef and layer feed production. Latin America as a region has had the third-highest growth rate over five years, seen primarily in aqua, horses and pets.

·       Europe: Tied with Asia-Pacific for the fastest-growing regions, Europe saw a 3 percent feed tonnage growth, resulting from increases in pig, boiler and aqua feed production. The region was led by Russia with 37.6 million tons produced in 2017, moving up in the country rankings from number seven to number four. Russia increased its estimated pig feed, including more private production. Russian broiler feed production also increased by 3 percent, while Ukraine, Romania, the U.K. and Belgium also reported higher numbers, supporting growth in the European region. Europe is the top pet food producing region.

·       Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region accounts for more than 35 percent of the world’s feed tonnage. China remained the top feed-producing country in the world with 186.86 million metric tons, a slight decline in overall feed production compared to last year. Asia-Pacific increased by 3 percent over the 2017 survey results, primarily due to increases in pig and pet food production. Increased production for Asia-Pacific also came from India with 7 percent and Thailand with 8 percent growth. Vietnam grew 4 percent over the past year and is the second-highest producer of pig and aqua feed in the Asia-Pacific region. Seventy percent of all aqua feed and 44 percent of all layer feed is produced in Asia-Pacific countries.

·       Africa: Africa remains the fastest growing region in the world for dairy and broiler feeds.  With a regional average growth rate of nearly 30 percent over the last five years, it did not show growth in 2017. Pig, dairy, layer and boiler feed production increased, while decreases occurred in beef and aquaculture. Also, on average, Africa is the most expensive region for feeding pigs, layers and broilers. Smaller countries such as Botswana and Mozambique led the growth for pig, dairy, layer and broiler feeds. Beef feed production decreases were reflected in countries such as Zambia and Morocco. While many African nations showed a small increase in aquaculture feed production, the region as a whole was down primarily because of lower reported feed production in Egypt, which has now been surpassed by Nigeria.

 

Notable species results from the 2018 Alltech Global Feed Survey

·       In the poultry industry, broiler feed production increased across all regions, with the largest growth found in Africa with 10 percent and Europe with 7 percent. Romania, Russia and Ukraine all reported steady growth, contributing to Europe’s overall production, while Africa’s growth came primarily from Egypt, Uganda and Mozambique.

·       Global leaders in pork production, China and Russia, led the way in pig feed production in 2017. Many smaller African countries, particularly Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda and Namibia, also showed increases. 

·       Global dairy feed production saw growth across all regions. Europe, a global leader in dairy production, grew on average by approximately 2 percent. Africa as a region saw the largest dairy feed production increase by 10 percent, with countries such as South Africa, Morocco and Zimbabwe showing significant increases from their reported 2017 dairy feed production.

·       Beef feed production reported an overall global decline of approximately 1 percent, primarily in regions such as Latin America, Africa and Europe. This global downward trend has generally been felt by the industry for some time as more consumers turn to “white” meats such as chicken, pork and fish.

·       Overall aquaculture feeds showed a slight increase, particularly in the European region. China reported a decline of 5 percent this year and in 2016, which could be linked to government controls on feeding practices and food safety, such as the administration of antibiotics. Brazil, Chile and Peru led the increase in production in Latin America, as did in the Middle East. Carp leads the production of aquaculture feed, followed by shrimp/prawn and tilapia. Catfish, salmon and trout also ranked on the species feed indicator, though to lesser degrees.

·       The pet food sector had a strong year across all regions. Asia-Pacific’s pet food production increased by 13 percent, with China, Thailand and Taiwan as the primary contributors to the increase. Europe increased by 17 percent with Russia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and Hungary producing over 580,000 metric tons of additional pet food. Uruguay, Ecuador, El Salvador, Chile and Argentina represent almost all of the pet food production growth in Latin America, combining for 725,000 more tons.

 

“The Alltech Global Feed Survey provides valuable data and insights on the health of the feed industry and agriculture as a whole,” said Connolly. “As such, we will continue to offer the findings of the feed survey freely in an effort to demonstrate the significance of the animal feed industry in feeding a growing global population, sustainably and affordably.”

The Alltech Global Feed Survey has illuminated some intriguing points that can play a role in analyzing the economies of agribusiness and indeed of the world. To discover more data from the 2018 Alltech Global Feed Survey, including the results booklet, an interactive global map and a presentation of the results, please fill out the form on this page for access.

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Alltech opens applications for first North American Career Development Program

Submitted by dbutler on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 00:00

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – For recent university graduates and soon-to-be graduates who are eager to begin a career that makes a positive difference in the world of agriculture, Alltech’s new program could be a perfect fit.

Following the success of the company’s Corporate Career Development Program and specialized programs in quality, European beef, dairy and now ruminants, Alltech is introducing a region-specific model to North America focusing on beef, dairy and poultry. Applications are now open.

The Alltech North American Career Development Program (CDP) is a one-year, salaried, entry-level program, providing up to 12 recent university graduates the opportunity to train alongside experienced professionals in Alltech’s dairy, beef and poultry businesses. After an induction period at Alltech’s international headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky, trainees will be assigned to specific locations in the United States or Canada to prepare for sales positions. They will receive mentorship from senior managers who are experts in their respective fields. The CDP aims to equip and empower trainees with critical skills designed for a successful career at Alltech.

Dr. Aoife Lyons, director of educational initiatives and engagement at Alltech, is a licensed clinical psychologist who has conducted psychometric testing worldwide for hiring and training at Alltech for over 10 years. She works closely with the CDP programs and has seen firsthand how graduates have dived into the conversation about how we nourish the world’s plants, animals and people.

“These young people are chosen not just for their educational backgrounds and intelligence, but perhaps more importantly for their curiosity, enthusiasm and sense of adventure,” she said.

Like the existing corporate and specialized programs, the North American program will offer members the opportunity to train in a variety of functions to learn new business skills and sharpen soft skills that can be readily applied to support Alltech’s beef, dairy and poultry businesses.

“We look forward to welcoming a new group of talented, aspiring professionals who are passionate about agriculture and making a positive difference in the world,” said Suniti Mujumdar, manager of educational engagement at Alltech. “It is a privilege to be part of coaching the next generation of agribusiness leaders.”

The North American CDP is a unique first step on the path to an exciting and rewarding career at Alltech. Applications will remain open through Feb. 9, 2018.

Click here to apply, and visit the Alltech Education website to learn more about the program. Contact graduatecareers@alltech.com with any questions.

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A picture is worth a thousand words and a trip to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference for a Canadian farmer

Submitted by eivantsova on Wed, 01/03/2018 - 00:00

Rhonda McCarron from Antigonish, Nova Scotia was selected by online public voting to win the Alltech #CDNPicMeONE18Contest

 

[GUELPH, Ontario] – The Alltech Facebook #CDNPPicMeONE18Contest offered Canadian producers the opportunity to submit their favourite farm photo for a chance to win a trip to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE18), held in Lexington, Kentucky, May 20–23, 2018. The top 10 photos were selected by a panel and then posted on Alltech's Facebook page for public voting.

 

The winner of the Alltech #CDNPicMeONE18Contest with the most Facebook likes is Rhonda McCarron from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. McCarron and a guest will receive free registration and travel expenses paid to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference.

 

Registration is now open for ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, held in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, from May 20–23, 2018. The annual international conference draws 4,000 attendees from nearly 80 countries to network and discuss world-changing ideas. For more information or to register, visit one.alltech.com. Join the conversation online with #ONE18.

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Rhonda McCarron from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, has won a trip to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, for their #CDNPicMeONE18Contest photo.
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<p>Rhonda McCarron from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, has won a trip to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, for their #CDNPicMeONE18Contest photo. </p>

Alltech Wisconsin Dairy School gives guidance on preparing for the next generation of dairy farming

Submitted by dbutler on Fri, 12/08/2017 - 00:00

[GREEN BAY, Wis.] – More than 220 dairy farmers, nutritionists and industry professionals gathered at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, on Nov. 30 to discuss preparing for the next generation of dairy farming. The theme of the event was “Traditions That Last: Finding Your Team’s Competitive Advantage.”

The day kicked off with a pre-conference breakfast, during which three dairy producers and one industry professional from the Midwest shared how they use technology within their operations:

  • Zoey Brooks of Brooks Farms presented on the advantages of the operation’s automatic calf feeder barn. This automated system has resulted in healthier calves and provides opportunities for public education and a youth apprenticeship program. 
  • Craig Fietzer of Fietzer Farms discussed the collar-mounted cow identification, rumination and activity tracking sensors used on his dairy. The data from these sensors is used to determine the best times to breed each cow, resulting in improved labor efficiency on the farm.
  • Craig Finke of Finke Farm spoke on his farm’s automated feeding system, which delivers fresh feed six times a day. Feeding and milking automation systems allow him to spend more time with his cows in a herd management capacity.
  • Jack Hippen, North American and European Sales Director of STgenetics, shared how sexing technology and genomic testing allow for production of higher-value products and services.

Dr. Bob James, owner of Down Home Heifer Solutions and professor emeritus in the dairy science department at Virginia Tech, opened the main conference, speaking on strategies to care for calves and heifers. He encouraged the audience to adopt new technologies that can improve calf care, calf health and labor management.

Dr. Roger Hagevoort of New Mexico State University’s Agriculture Science Center focused on how best to train the next generation of farm workers. He encouraged producers to work with third-party resources such as extension and industry organizations to provide the necessary training. Hagevoort stressed the importance of hands-on training and having managers spend time with their on-farm employees.

Robert Walker, CEO of KEENAN, closed out the morning session with a discussion on how technology is disrupting agriculture worldwide. Walker explained that agriculture is in the midst of a technological revolution that will disrupt current business models.

The afternoon continued with Dr. Roger Scaletti, who supports the Alltech® Mineral Management team, addressing the crowd on mineral use in the diet to capture more profits. Scaletti provided research results indicating that the inclusion of organic trace minerals such as those in Bioplex® and Sel-Plex® improves milk production and the transfer of immunity from cow to calf as well as increasing heifer performance.

Carl Babler concluded the main conference with a market update. He shared his insights on the future of the dairy market in the Midwest, the United States and the world. According to Babler, the United States is positioned to be the animal protein provider of the world, and dairy products will play a factor in this position. There is a need for dairy producers who produce milk as a product and milk as a commodity, but it is important for operations to determine to which group they belong.

Larry McCarren, former Green Bay Packer and current host of “The Mike McCarthy Show,” then shared insight into past and current Packers team members, and how the team’s veteran players take it upon themselves to guide rookie players on how to be successful in Green Bay both on and off the field.  

Held each year in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Alltech Wisconsin Dairy School is a long-standing tradition within the Wisconsin dairy industry. More than 2,700 dairy industry professionals have attended since it was first held in 2003. 

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Dan Weiland, North American Sales Director for Alltech (right), interviews former Green Bay Packer Larry McCarren (left) at the conclusion of the 2017 Alltech Wisconsin Dairy School, held each year at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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<p>Dan Weiland, North American Sales Director for Alltech (right), interviews former Green Bay Packer Larry McCarren (left) at the conclusion of the 2017 Alltech Wisconsin Dairy School, held each year at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. </p>

Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery taps general manager

Submitted by dbutler on Tue, 12/05/2017 - 00:00

Alltech’s new brewery and distillery project rolls toward spring 2018 completion

[PIKEVILLE, Ky.] – Beneath the picturesque backdrop of the storied Appalachian Mountains, progress continues at Alltech’s Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery in downtown Pikeville, Kentucky. Marking the latest milestone, Eastern Kentucky native Danny Branham has been appointed general manager, overseeing the region’s first (legal) bourbon, beer and moonshine operation.    

Branham has been with Alltech for nearly eight years, often traveling far from his hometown of Pikeville. At Alltech’s facilities in Tianjin and Beijing, China, Branham was instrumental in streamlining quality and production processes. He also earned his master’s degree in brewing and distilling from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland. Since returning to the U.S., Branham has served as quality manager for Alltech’s beverage division.

“I think what I am most excited about is the opportunity to return home and be involved in a project that will put Pikeville on the map as one of the premier destinations in Kentucky to visit and experience the art of brewing and distilling,” said Branham.

In addition to distilled spirits, Dueling Barrels will offer visitors a taste of rich Appalachian culture as they explore stories of mountain music, family feuds and the resilient immigrants who shaped the region.

Dueling Barrels is the latest endeavour in the continued global expansion of the Alltech Beverage Division. Alltech founders Pearse and Deirdre Lyons feel a special kinship with the mountains, craftsmanship and hardworking people of Appalachia. After immigrating to Kentucky from Ireland, they developed a strong affinity for the region and sought an opportunity to invest in its development. It is their hope that the distillery destination will extend the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour into Eastern Kentucky.

“Dueling Barrels has the potential to bring in lots of visitors to the area and increase revenues for all businesses through tourism,” said Branham.

The next milestone will be the commission and operation of the brewhouse and distillery, slated for January 2018, which will keep Dueling Barrels on track to open in spring 2018.

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Danny Branham has been named general manager of Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery.
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<p>Danny Branham has been named general manager of Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery.</p>

Alltech Euro Tour connects European farmers for a unique week of learning and knowledge sharing

Submitted by dbutler on Fri, 12/01/2017 - 00:00

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Last week, during Nov. 20 to 24, a group of 130 dairy farmers from seven countries embarked on a European tour of dairy farms with Alltech to learn about new innovations and different approaches being adopted by farmers.

Visiting seven different dairy farms in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Ireland over the four-day journey, the tour also provided a networking opportunity for farmers to discuss and share ideas about the future of dairy production.

The host farms included a German farm near Berlin called Milsana, which has 3,600 cows. Herd health and performance are paramount at this large-scale operation, and it currently achieves 12,000 kilograms per lactation and 27.5 kilograms of dry matter intake. In the Netherlands, the group visited two family farms, one of which is outsourcing heifer rearing and calving at 22 months as well as placing emphasis on excellent silage management and quality to drive farm efficiency and performance.

Farm diversification was a common theme in each country, with biogas plants present on several farms in order to generate alternative sources of revenue and sustainable energy. In addition, a German farm showcased how it is developing its own brand of milk and selling it on-farm as well as a Dutch farm that welcomed the group to it’s very impressive new B&B facility.

In France, the group had the opportunity to visit Drakkar Holstein, a well-known genetics specialist selling high-genetic value animals, embryos and semen around the world. It also hosts an annual on-farm auction. On the final day of the Alltech Euro Tour, the group learned about Ireland’s unique grass-based system and seasonal calving at John Wynne’s impressive unit in County Wicklow, which is currently achieving a 72 percent conception rate to first service.

In addition to farm tours, the group heard presentations on the global dairy market outlook from Dr. Markus Fahlbusch from the University of Göttingen in Germany as well as the impact of digital technologies on dairy farming from David Hunt, CEO of Cainthus.

“The Alltech Euro Tour is a clear reminder of the desire for farmers to meet with, learn from and share experiences with neighbouring farmers across Europe,” said Julien Martin, Alltech regional director for Northwest Europe. “With many changes and uncertainties across the agricultural industry, the benefits of travelling to see what other farmers are doing, engaging in group discussion and idea sharing on occasions such as this are so invaluable.”

The tour experiences made a strong impression on the participating farmers, with one farmer in his 60s admitting that, instead of looking to retirement, he is now eager to take on some new projects, including a biogas plant, on the family farm.

“Alltech is extremely proud to have brought together this fantastic group of seven different nationalities,” added Martin. "We hope each attendee has walked away with at least one new idea to improve or change their business for future sustainability.”

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Several of the Irish delegates enjoy a visit to Milsana dairy farm, which has 3,600 cows, in Germany.
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<p>Several of the Irish delegates enjoy a visit to Milsana dairy farm, which has 3,600 cows, in Germany.</p>

Alltech’s European Summer Harvest Survey indicates ruminant and monogastric animals at risk from mycotoxins

Submitted by eivantsova on Thu, 11/30/2017 - 00:00

High levels of trichothecenes from DON and T-2 as well as Penicillium and aflatoxin present

 

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – The Alltech 37+ European Mycotoxin Summer Harvest Survey offers a high-altitude view of the potential mycotoxin risk of grain and forage crops to livestock. Samples of wheat, barley, corn, corn silage and grass silage were submitted for analysis to the Alltech 37+® mycotoxin analytical services laboratory in Dunboyne, Ireland, between Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, 2017. The samples are representative of many geographic regions across Europe and were analysed for 40 individual mycotoxins, including a new panel of five mycotoxins.

The grain crops are showing risk levels of trichothecenes from DON and T-2 to swine. Silages are showing risk levels of not only DON and T-2, but also high levels of Penicillium and, to a lesser degree, aflatoxin.

 

“Understanding the risk of mycotoxins and combination of mycotoxins, even at lower risk levels, allows farmers and producers to institute a management programme for more optimum animal performance and health,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, nutritionist for the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management team. “Testing feedstuffs and finished feeds is paramount to putting this management programme into action.”

 

Weather events not only affect crop yield but can also affect plant health and mould growth. Moulds such as Aspergillus prefer warmer and drier climates, while Fusarium moulds prefer wetter and more moderate temperatures. These weather events can be localised or spread more widely across geographic regions. The weather in parts of Europe ahead of the 2017 summer harvest was dry and warm prior to the small grain harvest, but as corn harvest neared, some regions experienced excess rainfall. The European Summer Harvest Survey therefore shows a blend of Aspergillus- and Fusarium-generated mycotoxins as well as Penicillium, which will result in multiple mycotoxins in finished feeds.

Another mycotoxin that is trending high across Europe is fumonisin, which can have a negative impact on feed intake, gut health, liver function and immune response.

It is important to note that once there are mycotoxins in the crop, they will not go away. There will be higher levels of mycotoxins on farms practicing monocropping of corn, as opposed to those farms that are rotating crops or using deeper tillage methods.

Mycotoxins are a regular concern for producers, as they influence feed quality and animal safety. They are produced by certain species of moulds and can have toxic properties that impact animal health and performance. 

Mycotoxins are seldom found in isolation, and when multiple mycotoxins are consumed, they may have additive, or even synergistic, interactions that increase the overall risk to performance and health. As a result, an animal may have a stronger response than what would be expected if it was only experiencing a single mycotoxin challenge.

For feedstuffs harvested in 2017 and that are currently being fed, it is important to conduct a mycotoxin analysis that identifies the storage mycotoxins, including the Penicillium and Aspergillus mycotoxin groups, as there is potential for additional mycotoxins to develop during storage. Proper mycotoxin management techniques can reduce the risk of mycotoxins coming from feed materials as well as help to prevent the negative effects mycotoxins can on have animal health and performance.

 Alltech will host a webinar to review the Alltech 37+ European Mycotoxin Summer Harvest Survey results with Dr. Max Hawkins on Dec. 8, 2017, at 14:00 CET (13:00 GMT). Register for the webinar via this link

 For more information on mycotoxin management, visit knowmycotoxins.com.     

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Results from the Alltech 37+ European Mycotoxin Summer Harvest Survey indicate high levels of mycotoxins in corn silage across Europe.
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<p>Results from the Alltech 37+ European Mycotoxin Summer Harvest Survey indicate high levels of mycotoxins in corn silage across Europe.</p>

Cheers to Alltech’s 21st master’s degree graduate in brewing and distilling

Submitted by dbutler on Tue, 11/28/2017 - 00:00

Advanced education contributes to Alltech’s expertise in yeast fermentation technologies for animal, crop and human health

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Specializing in brewing and distilling may sound like a hobby — or even a covert practice — but it is indeed a formal degree, and biotechnology leader Alltech considers master’s degree graduates of the program to be essential to its core business. For that reason, the company is proud to congratulate Kendon Jacobson, Alltech’s 21st employee to receive a master’s degree in brewing and distilling from Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University, known for graduating some of the foremost brewing and yeast fermentation experts in the world.

According to Becky Timmons, global director of applications research and quality assurance at Alltech, Heriot-Watt’s course offers the most practical advanced education for employees given Alltech’s focus on yeast fermentation technology.

“We are very excited to add Kendon to our growing list of Heriot-Watt graduates,” said Timmons. “Yeast fermentation is fundamental to our core business in animal health and nutrition, and I have found that this unique program provides background on a range of subject matter that is beneficial in our industry.”

Alltech is currently collaborating with Western Kentucky University to offer a similar degree. The program would serve the rising craft beer industry in the U.S. as well as the burgeoning bourbon industry.

Such a partnership is not uncommon for Alltech, a company that considers education to be the foundation of both the present and future. This emphasis is reflected in Alltech’s current work with universities globally to collaborate on research, create further educational opportunities for its employees and provide work experiences to the universities’ current students. 

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Cheers to Alltech’s 21st master’s degree graduate in brewing and distilling
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<p>Cheers to Alltech’s 21st master’s degree graduate in brewing and distilling</p>

Alltech 2017 Harvest Analysis indicates high levels of mycotoxins in corn silage across the U.S.

Submitted by dbutler on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 00:00

High levels of risk from DON, fusaric acid, T-2 and fumonisin present

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – In 2016, corn growers faced challenges from mycotoxins, and those challenges seem likely to show up for them again as they harvest this fall. The 2017 growing season was challenging across the U.S. Growers in different regions experienced varied weather conditions that could not only reduce yield, but could also increase plant stress and lead to challenges with mycotoxins.

Corn silage samples from across the entirety of the U.S. have shown extremely high levels of mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON), type A trichothecenes (T-2), fusaric acid and fumonisin. It is important to note that once there are mycotoxins in the crop, they will not go away. There will be higher levels of mycotoxins on farms practicing monocropping of corn, as opposed to those farms that are rotating crops or using deeper tillage methods.

Samples submitted to the Alltech 37+® mycotoxin analytical services laboratory between Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, 2017, show that grains contained mixtures of mycotoxins, including DON, fusaric acid and fumonisin. Forages such as corn silage, barlage and haylage samples also contained multiple mycotoxins in 2017, including DON, fusaric acid, T-2 and fumonisin.

Fumonisin is trending higher across all states as of this time and can have a negative impact on feed intake, gut health, liver function and immune response. Swine and horses are particularly sensitive.

Mycotoxins are a regular concern for producers, as they influence feed quality and animal safety. They are produced by certain species of molds and can have toxic properties that impact animal health and performance.

“Understanding the risk of mycotoxins and combinations of mycotoxins, even at lower levels, allows livestock owners and managers to institute a management program for more optimum performance and health,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, nutritionist with the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management team. “Testing feedstuffs and finished feeds is paramount to putting this management program in action.”

Mycotoxins are seldom found in isolation, and when multiple mycotoxins are consumed, they may have additive, or even synergistic, interactions that increase the overall risk to performance and health. As a result, an animal may have a stronger response than what would be expected if it was only experiencing a single mycotoxin challenge.

For feedstuffs harvested in 2017 and that are currently being fed, it is important to conduct a mycotoxin analysis that identifies the storage mycotoxins, including Penicillium and Aspergillus mycotoxin groups, as there is potential for additional mycotoxins to develop during storage. Proper mycotoxin management techniques can reduce the risk of mycotoxins coming from feed materials as well as help to prevent the negative effects mycotoxins can on have animal health and performance.

Alltech will be hosting a webinar to review the 2017 Alltech Harvest Analysis results for the U.S. with Dr. Max Hawkins on Dec. 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Register for the webinar via this link.

For more information on mycotoxin management, visit knowmycotoxins.com.  

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Results from the 2017 Alltech Harvest Analysis indicate high levels of mycotoxins in corn silage across the U.S.
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<p>Results from the 2017 Alltech Harvest Analysis indicate high levels of mycotoxins in corn silage across the U.S.</p>

Alltech Canada provides the opportunity for Canadian farmers to win a trip to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference with online farm photo contest

Submitted by dbutler on Fri, 11/17/2017 - 00:00

[GUELPH, Ontario] – From green pastures and blue skies to rolling hills and vast prairies, from newborn calves to hardworking farm dogs, life in agriculture can be a thing of breathtaking beauty, rich in picturesque moments rarely experienced by an increasingly urban population. Alltech wants to celebrate these moments in farm life and is calling all Canadian farmers, ranchers and producers to submit and share their farm photos for the opportunity to win a trip to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE18) held in Lexington, Kentucky, May 20–23, 2018. 

Photos must be submitted online by Dec. 15, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. EST. Alltech Canada will select ten photos as finalists, and those photos will be published on Alltech’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/AlltechNaturally) for public voting.  

Voting will open to the public on Dec. 15 at 3:00 p.m. ET and will close on Dec. 29 at 9:00 a.m. EST. Use the hashtag #CDNPicMeONE18Contest to find the photos, or visit the Facebook album to vote. The entrant with the photo that receives the highest number of Facebook likes and correctly answers a mathematical skill-testing question, will be declared the winner.

The winner and a guest will receive free registration to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, flights to and from Lexington, Kentucky, and four nights’ accommodation. To enter a photo and read the full contest details, including the rules and regulations, visit https://go.alltech.com/picmeone18contest/canada.

Registration is now open for ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, held in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, from May 20–23, 2018. The annual international conference draws 4,000 attendees from nearly 80 countries to network and discuss world-changing ideas. For more information or to register, visit one.alltech.com. Join the conversation online with #ONE18.

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Submit your farm photos for the opportunity to win a trip for two to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference through the Alltech Canada #CDNPicMeONE18Contest.
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<p>Submit your farm photos for the opportunity to win a trip for two to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference through the Alltech Canada #CDNPicMeONE18Contest. </p>

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