Last year’s participants generated more than $50 million in new qualified sales leads across 28 international markets

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Following a highly successful first year, Alltech will select another cohort from across the world to participate in The Pearse Lyons Accelerator, a unique global accelerator backed by Irish entrepreneur Dr. Pearse Lyons. The three-month program will be hosted at Ireland’s leading startup hub, Dogpatch Labs, and will conclude on the main stage at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, where startups will have the unique opportunity to present to more than 4,000 attendees and some of the premier thought leaders in the world.

Last year’s startups collectively added $50 million in new qualified sales leads across 28 international markets by the end of the accelerator. Last month, seven of the 10 startups were featured by CB Insights* in “Agtech: 100+ Technology Companies Changing The Farm,” illustrating the quality of the startups involved. The accelerator was described as “by far streets ahead of any ag-tech accelerator out there,” according to Gary Wickham, CEO of MagGrow, one of the participants in the 2017 accelerator. Since completing the accelerator last year, Hargol FoodTech won WeWork’s The Creator Award, six international innovation competitions as well as closing a $2.5M round of funding.

Activity in ag-tech continues to grow, with startups raising more than $4.4 billion in the first half of 2017 alone, according to the AgFunder AgriFood Tech Investing Report, in no small part due to an ever-increasing global population. The latest forecast from the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs predicts that between now and the close of the century, our global population will increase from 7.6 billion to more than 11 billion people. The question of where our food comes from and how we produce it is becoming more and more pressing.

“Alltech’s roots are in entrepreneurial innovation, and as a global industry leader, we are well-positioned to open doors for the next generation of industry disruptors,” said Dr. Lyons. “It is essential to empower the next generation of ag-tech entrepreneurs who are pioneering for a sustainable future.”

In its first year, The Pearse Lyons Accelerator received 183 applications from 38 countries across six continents, and the startups selected for the 2017 cohort hailed from eight different countries with an average funding of $3.5 million each and $35 million collectively.

The startups had direct access to the founder and management of Alltech as well as the ability to drive business development through Alltech’s global network. The program culminated at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, where the startups pitched to leading agri-business leaders, high-profile investors and the press. The startups shared the stage with thought leaders such as Peter Diamandis, founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation and co-founder of Singularity University, and George Blankenship, former executive at Tesla Motors, Apple Computer and GAP Inc.

A clear route to market remains a challenge in the industry, and this programme seeks to accelerate startups’ access to this global market, with a comprehensive package of support to help them navigate the challenge of scaling their operations to service large corporate customers.

“Last year saw some amazing outcomes for the participating startups,” said Patrick Walsh, managing director of Dogpatch Labs. “We’re excited to welcome a new cohort from across the world. This program focuses on a unique environment for the accelerator applicants to drive sales and secure investment as well as mentoring and resources for founders through our connection to the startup ecosystem.”

The deadline for applications to The Pearse Lyons Accelerator program will close on Dec. 22, 2017.

High levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) present in grain and forage samples across Canada

[GUELPH, Ontario] – The 2017 growing season was a variable and challenging one across Canada. From drought conditions on the prairies to above-average rainfall in Ontario, weather conditions can not only reduce yield, but can also increase plant stress and lead to challenges with mycotoxins. Results from samples submitted for the Alltech 2017 Canadian Harvest Analysis show that grains and forages from across Canada are at risk of mycotoxin contamination.

Samples submitted between Sept. 1 and Oct. 15, 2017, show that grains contained mixtures of mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA). Forages such as corn silage, barlage and haylage samples also contained multiple mycotoxins in 2017, particularly from mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species of moulds, such as DON, ZEA and T-2/HT-2 toxins.

As a result of the late-season rains in many provinces, especially following the dry conditions during the summer in the prairies, there is additional potential for mycotoxins such as fumonisins.

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.

“Farmers should carefully consider if and how feed with mycotoxins is used,” said Dr. Alexandra Weaver, Alltech® Mycotoxin Management technical specialist. “Even minimal changes in feed quality can have a big impact on an animal’s production over time.”

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 currently being fed, it is important to conduct a mycotoxin analysis that identifies storage mycotoxins, including the Penicillium and Aspergillus mycotoxin groups, as there is added 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 have on animal health and performance.

Alltech Canada will be hosting two webinars to review the 2017 harvest analysis results with Weaver on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2017. The Western Canada webinar will take place at 9:00 a.m. MT, and an Eastern Canada webinar will take place at 2:00 p.m. ET. Reserve a spot for the Western Canada webinar via this link and for the Eastern Canada webinar via this link.

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

The Alltech® Mycotoxin Management team can now test and analyze samples for over 40 different mycotoxins in animal feed

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Mycotoxins threaten animal health and producer profitability, so identifying and addressing these hidden challenges is very important for farmers. Alltech is a world leader in mycotoxin management and now has the ability to test for over 40 different mycotoxins in animal feed samples. With this new analytical capability, Alltech is able to not only detect these new mycotoxins, but can also begin to understand how they can impact animal performance and health.

The Alltech 37+® mycotoxin analysis test is the cornerstone of the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management program, as it tests for more than 37 types of mycotoxins. When samples are submitted for testing, farmers will now see an additional five mycotoxins that have recently gained attention in scientific research for becoming important to the agriculture industry. These additional mycotoxins and toxicity symptoms are:

- Citrinin:

o Kidney damage, oxidative stress, gut health challenges, diarrhea/loose manure

- Beauvericin:

o Oxidative stress, antimicrobial activity, contamination of milk/meat

- Moniliformin:

o Heart damage, immune suppression, loss of performance

- Citreoviridin:

o Vitamin B1 deficiency, immune suppression, oxidative stress, poor reproductive performance, reduced weight gain

- Cyclopiazonic acid:

o GIT damage, oxidative stress, immune suppression, loss of performance

Alltech 37+ test results provide a realistic picture of feed contaminants in feed ingredients or total mixed rations to speed up the process of diagnosis, suggest effective remediation and help move toward an effective mycotoxin control plan. Between Alltech’s 37+ mycotoxin analytical services laboratories in Lexington, Kentucky, and Dunboyne, Ireland, they have run nearly 20,000 samples, each searching for over 37 mycotoxins in animal feed.

To learn more, visit www.knowmycotoxins.com.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Designed through decades of practical application to unlock the genetic potential of livestock and support the animal throughout all phases of production, Alltech is proud to launch the premium Blueprint® beef nutrition program for the CRYSTALYX® and Hubbard Feeds brands.

Farmers and ranchers can learn about the product at the following upcoming launch tour trade events:

· 2017 Angus Convention: Nov.4–6, 2017, Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas

· Range Beef Cow Symposium XXV: Nov. 28–30, 2017, Little American Hotel & Resort, Cheyenne, Wyoming

· Montana Stockgrowers Association Annual Convention and Trade Show: Dec. 13–14, 2017, Doubletree Hotel, Billings, Montana

Blueprint is formulated with Alltech’s Total Replacement Technology™, organic trace minerals that support absorption, retention and utilization in beef cattle. Blueprint is designed to work synergistically to help beef cattle reach their full genetic potential, resulting in rapid growth, maximum reproductive performance and optimal animal health while reducing mineral excretion into the environment.

The CRYSTALYX and Hubbard Feeds Blueprint products include:

· CRYSTALYX Blueprint 6% PHOS

· CRYSTALYX Blueprint 20% AN

· Blueprint Cattle Mineral

· Blueprint Calving Mineral

· Blueprint Co-Product Calving Mineral

· Blueprint Brown Grass Mineral

The Blueprint beef nutrition program strengthens CRYSTALYX and Hubbard Feeds’ commitment to helping producers identify ways to improve efficiency and maximize genetic performance. Blueprint has been scientifically formulated to target animal health and performance at the cellular level and build upon the genetic potential at each stage of an animal’s lifecycle.

Blueprint will be available at participating Hubbard Feeds and CRYSTALYX dealer locations.

WHAT: Join Dr. Kayla Price, Canadian poultry technical manager at Alltech, as she discusses the essentials for a premium egg and factors affecting eggshell quality. Eggshell quality is important to consumers, as they are looking for a uniform, crack-free shell, and to producers, who are looking to increase the number of healthy chicks through eggshell strength.

The live webinar will also cover topics such as:

· How an egg is made and the role that gut health plays in the creation of the egg.

· The factors that influence egg quality.

· Programs to enhance eggshell quality.

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017

2:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: Reserve a spot now via this link. If you are unable to attend the live webinar, you can register via the link to receive the recording.

OTHER: Price’s presentation will be followed by a live question-and-answer session.

About the speaker:

Dr. Kayla Price is the Canadian poultry technical manager for Alltech. She provides technical and sales support with additional research responsibilities in Canada. Prior to joining Alltech, Price completed her Ph.D. at the University of Guelph in Canada with a research focus on environmental influence on live coccidiosis vaccine success in chickens.

Ashley Irvin from Tennessee, Hans Greisen from Wisconsin, and Mary Van Rossum from Wisconsin, were selected by a live, random draw during the 2017 World Dairy Expo to win a trip for two to Ireland for the week of St. Patrick’s Day 2018

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – For three U.S. dairy producers, the luck of the Irish was on their side when their names were selected in a live, random draw for The Great Green Getaway sweepstakes as the 2017 World Dairy Expo wrapped up in Madison, Wisconsin. In March 2018, Ashley Irvin from Tennessee, Hans Greisen from Wisconsin, and Mary Van Rossum also from Wisconsin, will embark on a journey to the Emerald Isle for a “how it’s made” tour of the KEENAN production facility in Borris, County Carlow, Ireland, a guided VIP experience at the new Pearse Lyons Distillery At St. James, visits to a number of high-performance Irish dairy farms and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin City Centre.

KEENAN, the maker of the “Green Machine” mixer wagon, became part of the Alltech family of companies in April 2016. KEENAN machines are unique in the proven nutritional benefits they deliver, and they provide producers with control, accuracy and real-time feeding advice. The mixers are designed to improve rumen health, resulting in increased feed efficiency and livestock production.

“We are looking forward to hosting The Great Green Getaway sweepstakes winners in Ireland and sharing the Alltech and KEENAN Irish heritage,” said Dan Gard, sales manager for KEENAN USA. “Our customers trust our KEENAN mixers for their durability, flexibility and longevity, and these winners will get to see them in the factory as well as on-farm in Ireland.”

The sweepstakes opened June 28, 2017, during National Dairy Month, and the winners were announced on Oct. 7, 2017, at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The sweepstakes was open to U.S. dairy farmers who have 50 cows or more and are over 18 years of age. For more details about The Great Green Getaway sweepstakes, visit http://go.alltech.com/greatgreengetaway.

The Alltech Young Scientist program offers fully funded Ph.D. and postdoctoral positions for undergraduate and graduate winners

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – The Alltech Young Scientist (AYS) program is considered the world’s most prestigious agriscience competition for university students. Now in its 13th year, AYS has discovered some of the best and brightest upcoming researchers from universities around the world. Rising agri-scientists now have until Dec. 31, 2017, to register for the 2018 competition.

Undergraduate and graduate applicants will compete first within their home regions of North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific or Europe/Africa. Regional finalists will be invited to attend an all-expense-paid Alltech Young Scientist Discovery Week held May 17–23, 2018, in Lexington, Kentucky, where they will compete in the global competition. Global winners will be announced during ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE18) on May 23. The prizes include a fully funded Ph.D. position and $5,000 USD for the global undergraduate winner and a fully funded postdoctoral position and $10,000 USD for the global graduate winner.

“Lifelong learning is a core value within Alltech, and we are proud to invest in young, bright minds through our Alltech Young Scientist program,” said Dr. Aoife Lyons, director of educational initiatives and engagement at Alltech. “It provides a global stage for students to present their research and have the opportunity to further their education and join the Alltech team.”

Students must be nominated by a professor in order to participate and may submit scientific papers on topics such as animal health and nutrition, crop science, agriculture analytical methods, food chain safety and traceability, human health and nutrition, and other agriscience-related sectors. Paper submissions may be completed online through Dec. 31, 2017, and regional winners will be announced in March 2018.

For more information and to register for the Alltech Young Scientist program, visit AlltechYoungScientist.com, and stay connected through the Alltech Education Facebook page.

WHAT: An idea, even in its root meaning, is “to see.” Da Vinci, Einstein, Edison, the Wright brothers, Tesla, Bell, Borlaug and Fleming — they had the ability to see what others could not. Because they opened their eyes to possibilities and thrived in pursuit of them, we have light. We have abundant food. We can even fly. Ideas change everything.

The transformative power of ideas will be the focus of ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference 2018. Join us to explore how ideas can germinate into innovations that change the course of our businesses and lives.

WHEN: May 20–23, 2018

WHERE: Lexington Convention Center

Lexington, Kentucky, USA

one.alltech.com

MORE: Register before Nov. 1 to save $600. Details on sessions and speakers will be available in early 2018. To view last year’s presentations, visit ideas.alltech.com, where access is free after sign-up.

[THOMASVILLE, Ga.] – In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Florida dairy producers are still feeling the impacts of the storm and are likely to for many months to come. This historic hurricane’s damage has been devastating to Florida farmers and ranchers. Many producers are turning cattle out onto pastures with no fans or sprinkler system to keep them cool and comfortable. Not being able to effectively cool cows not only reduces production, but can also cause health problems and risks on top of the property damage and milk losses these farmers have already experienced.

“Alltech believes in giving back,” said Kevin McBride, southeast regional sales manager for Alltech. “The Alltech ACE Involvement Foundation helps fund philanthropic projects around the world. We are thankful that we are able to lend a helping hand to our local dairymen in this time of need. Our core principles are based on having a positive impact on the animal, the consumer, and the environment.”

To deliver relief specifically to Florida’s dairy farms impacted by the storm, Alltech is donating $90,000 of Optigen^®, its unique source of slow-release urea. Added on farm, Optigen provides a consistent, high-quality source of protein, giving herds the energy they need to produce at their peak even during times of environmental or production stresses, which can result in depressed intake. By enhancing forage digestibility, supporting rumen function and promoting microbial protein production, this product will help producers maintain efficiency and relieve heat stress. Hubbard Feeds, part of the Alltech family of companies, will utilize its trucks to transport the product to the producers in need.

For inquiries regarding donations, contact Brent Lawrence, Alltech territory sales manager, at (352)212-6240.