[MANKATO, Minn.] – CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements, produced by Ridley, an Alltech company, has recently updated its Beef Cow Body Condition Score app. The free app helps beef cow-calf producers manage the nutrition program of their herd by tracking and monitoring body condition scores both individually and as a group.

The app offers producers the ability to snap profile pictures of their cows and compare them to reference photos of cows that represent body condition scores ranging from 1 to 9. The body condition score (BCS) that best describes each cow is saved, along with an ear tag number, within the app for future reference. Producers can then organize and track cows individually or by pasture group, view stats on animals and pastures over time and export data in CSV format via email for further analysis.

Cows can also be arranged by pasture within the app. Producers photograph a cow, enter the ear tag number and optionally assign it to a pasture. They then compare the individual photos to reference photos that are provided for each condition score (or producers can supply their own) and assign a score to the cow. The date and location are automatically recorded (if the app user allows GPS service).

These stored images can then be used as references at any point in the future in order to determine how best to manage nutrition programs and ensure that cows breed and calve in a timely manner.

Updates to the app include:

• An updated user interface that provides:
  • Faster data entry
  • Easier navigation
  • More robust help
• The ability to export records and email for more thorough spreadsheet analysis
• The ability to view BCS distribution graph for cows in each pasture in order to see a quick overview of the entire herd
• The distribution graph also shows average BCS for each pasture group
• An updated GPS tracking feature

“No one goes anywhere without their cell phone these days,” said Dan Dhuyvetter, director of marketing, research and nutrition services for Ridley Block Operations. “This is such an easy app to use and a great way to visually monitor how your nutrition program is meeting your cow herd needs. We have now made it easier to see and store your information.”

The CRYSTALYX® Beef Cow Body Condition Score app is available on iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android platforms.

[ATLANTA] – Dr. Mark Lyons, global vice president and head of Greater China for Alltech, presented “Understanding China: How the second-largest poultry market is changing the world,” addressing the Alltech ACE principle of developing solutions that are safe for the Animal, Consumer and Environment, to an audience of 250 people during the Alltech Annual Breakfast Meeting at the International Production & Processing Expo.

There has been a great urban shift of 300 million people within the economic power player, resulting in 188 cities in China larger than Chicago. Additionally, China has a rising middle class that is young, urban and globally minded.

“China is different and is not for the faint-hearted,” said Lyons. “They rapidly change and want transparency, and if you’re going to do business in China, then you need to be there, and you need to commit to being Chinese.”

China is going through a period of transition in many areas, including agriculture. Its industry has been very fragmented, but it is evolving toward more integration and segmentation. Results from the 2017 Alltech Global Feed Survey showed that China continues to be the largest feed-producing country but is producing that feed with fewer and fewer mills. The consolidation has been vast, with a report this year of a nearly 30 percent decline in the country’s number of feed mills.

China is home to 20 percent of the world’s 60 billion poultry birds, including 8.8 billion broilers, 1.2 billion layers/breeders and 4 billion waterfowl. Currently, China produces 26 percent of the world’s poultry meat, and studies show that both consumption and production of poultry will continue to increase in China, and worldwide, over the next 10 years. China is also the world leader in egg production, producing almost six times more than the United States, which is in second place.

Trends in China

• Poultry and egg industry moving toward integration
• Consumer awareness of environmental pollution growing and creating pressure at the farm level
• Antibiotic-free is a growing trend as testing and legislation increase
• Pressure from the cost of feed materials
• Desire for high-quality poultry products

Challenges

• High feed costs; up to two times the cost of international prices
• Flat consumption, as chicken meat is considered an inferior protein to pork, seafood and beef
• Falling exports, as China’s competitiveness is decreasing against Brazil and Thailand to its top export market, Japan
• Disease challenges, with avian influenza outbreaks as a constant reminder to consumers, which harms the image of poultry meat

“We have been talking about the power of the new consumer, which we are calling the prosumer,” said Lyons. “I believe there are more prosumers in China than any other market in the world today.”

Rather than simply consuming products, these prosumers are proactively exhibiting their beliefs, ethics, standards and aspirations through their purchases. Prosumers are product and brand advocates who now significantly affect the success or failure of companies, products and brands through their involvement on social media outlets, and food producers and farmers need to pay attention to their demands.

As consumer awareness of environmental pollution has grown, it has created pressure at the farm level. The Chinese government has put a focus on livestock pollution control regulations, new environmental laws, animal husbandry laws, standardized scale farming, water regulations and animal disease control laws.

Alltech China is hosting an environmental meeting from March 7–9. The event will focus on overcoming environmental challenges and finding opportunities in the new green economy. For more information or to attend the meeting, contact Apple Zhang, marketing manager for Alltech China (azhang@alltech.com).

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – One idea, from one person, can disrupt the status quo to create opportunity — or challenges — for many. Will agriculture be a positive disrupter, creating opportunity? Or will the industry be caught playing defense to disruption?

ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE17) will inspire farmers, ranchers, producers, suppliers and influencers in every species and segment across production agriculture to create disruption and be prepared to harness its potential — or risk being rendered irrelevant.

ONE17 will be held May 21–24 in Lexington, Kentucky, and promises to be an experience jam-packed with ideas, innovations and solutions for the agriculture industry. The annual international conference, now in its 34th year, draws more than 3,000 attendees from over 70 countries.

“Our goal is to help our partners in agriculture put their ideas into action,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech’s founder and president. “If you want to activate your vision, gain a more global perspective and connect with the most innovative minds in agriculture, ONE17 is the only place to be.”

With topics covering the growing global economy, disruptive consumer trends and the constant stream of new technologies, ONE17 will set the stage for forward-thinking discussions about the future of food production.

General sessions with headline keynote speakers will inspire business solutions and innovation, while subject- and species-specific focus sessions will give producers a chance to learn and participate in discussions relevant to their respective fields. Breakouts on crop science, beef, dairy, swine, poultry and aquaculture — as well as topical sessions on finance, food issues and emerging markets — provide an opportunity for every corner of production agriculture to engage disruption at the ONE17 conference.

“ONE is meant to encourage, empower and, most importantly, challenge us,” said Dr. Lyons. “We want individuals to leave feeling like they were part of a life-changing development for the industry and feel empowered to implement solutions back home.”

As Kentucky Living magazine said of ONE16, “You leave believing anything is possible, that with commitment, teamwork, leadership and vision, your one idea can change the world.”

For more information on ONE17, and to register for the conference, visit: one.alltech.com. Join the conversation on Twitter by using #ONE17.

View the promotional video for ONE17: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRdoYgkcm5c

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Farmers have a rich history of adapting to changing landscapes and innovating to nourish the world. While dealing with whatever challenges the day (and the weather) might bring, they also look ahead to build a future for their farm by implementing new management practices, technologies and nutrition programs as well as training the next generation.

Alltech is calling all farmers, producers and ranchers to share their stories about how they are ensuring the future of their farm. By creating a one- to two-minute video describing what they are doing for their farm’s future and sharing their farm’s story, farmers have the opportunity to win a trip to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, held in Lexington, Kentucky, May 21–24, 2017.

Videos must be submitted online by April 3, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. EST. To enter a “My Farm. My Future.” video as well as read the full contest details, including rules and regulations specific to the participating countries, please visit http://one.alltech.com/my-farm-my-future.

Alltech will select the finalists and post their videos on Alltech’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/AlltechNaturally). Voting will open to the public starting April 3, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. EST and will close April 10, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. EST. The highest number of Facebook likes will determine the winners.

Registration is open now for ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, held in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, from May 21–24. The annual international conference draws more than 3,000 attendees from more than 70 countries to network and discuss world-changing ideas. For more information or to register, visit one.alltech.com. Join the conversation online with #ONEBigIdea17.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – The 2017 Alltech Global Feed Survey, released today, estimates that international feed tonnage has exceeded 1 billion metric tons for the first time. That’s a 3.7 percent increase over last year and represents 19 percent growth since the inaugural survey in 2012, despite a 7 percent decrease in the number of feed mills.

The sixth annual survey is the most comprehensive ever, now covering 141 countries and more than 30,000 feed mills. The results show that the U.S. and China are the top two countries, producing one-third of all animal feed, and that predominant growth came from the beef, pig and aquaculture feed sectors as well as several African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

“This year clearly demonstrates the growing efficiency and consolidation of the feed industry,” said Aidan Connolly, chief innovation officer and vice president of corporate accounts for Alltech. “Not only has total feed production exceeded 1 billion tons for the first time, but it has done so with fewer facilities, which means greater efficiencies and a decreased environmental footprint.”

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. It is intended to serve as an information resource for policymakers, decision makers and industry stakeholders.

This year’s survey showed that the top 30 countries, ranked by production output, are home to 82 percent of the world’s feed mills and produce 86 percent of the world’s total feed. The top 10 feed-producing countries in 2016, in order of production output importance, were China, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, India, Russia, Germany, Japan and France. These countries contain 56 percent of the world’s feed mills and account for 60 percent of total production.

Regional results from the 2017 Alltech Global Feed Survey

· North America: North America feed production remains relatively flat. However, the region continues to lead other regions in feed production for beef, turkey, pet and equine.

· Latin America: Brazil remained the leader in feed production, while Mexico saw the highest growth in tonnage, now accounting for more than 20 percent of Latin America’s total feed production but still only almost half of Brazil’s total production. Overall, Latin America has moderate feed prices, but Brazil’s have increased this year. When compared to the U.S., Brazil’s feed prices are 20 percent higher for pigs and 40 percent higher for layers and breeders.

· Europe: For the first time in several years, the European Union saw feed tonnage growth. The region was led by Spain with 31.9 million tons produced in 2016, up 8 percent. Decreases came from Germany, France, Turkey and the Netherlands.

· Asia: China remained the top feed-producing country with 187.20 million metric tons, while increased production for the Asian region also came from Vietnam, Pakistan, India and Japan. Vietnam in particular grew 21 percent over the past year and moved into the top 15 countries list for the first time, specifically led by increased production of pig and broiler feed. Asia continues to be one of the most expensive locations in the world to raise animals, as Japan’s feed prices are some of the highest in the world and China’s prices are double that of most of the top 10 producing countries.

· Africa: Africa had the fastest regional growth for the fifth year in a row, with more than half of the countries achieving growth. Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, Kenya and Zambia each showed significant growth that was greater than 30 percent. The region still lags in terms of feed per capita but shows continued opportunity for growth. Africa also has some of the highest finishing prices of any region, as Nigeria and Cameroon both rank in the top five countries.

“Overall feed prices are down, and therefore food production costs are down,” said Connolly. “From a global perspective, we estimate the value of the feed industry at $460 billion.”

Notable species results from the 2017 Alltech Global Feed Survey

· The poultry industry represented 44 percent of the total global feed production, a slight decrease from last year. This could be a result of avian influenza, industry consolidation and more efficient feed conversion.

· Positive growth was observed in pig feed production, particularly in Asia as Vietnam and Thailand are now top 10 pig-producing countries. China represents over a quarter of the world’s pig feed production, but sow numbers have decreased by almost 40 percent over the past three years.

· Global dairy feed production remained flat, while the U.S. and India reinforced their position as the top two producers with increases of 12 and 14 percent, respectively, whereas Europe saw a downturn. Turkey decreased by 1.5 million tons and Germany declined by 3.4 million tons.

· The U.S. maintained the top position in the beef industry, and estimated feed production was 10 percent higher than last year. China, Spain, Turkey and Mexico all showed increased beef feed production.

· Aquaculture continued its year-over-year growth with a gain of 12 percent in feed production in 2016. Increased production from Turkey, Germany, the U.K. and France contributed to a strong performance from the European region. Africa increased production by almost 1 million metric tons, while Asia maintained its volume. The increase in aquaculture feed correlates to the consumption of farmed fish.

· The 2016 survey was able to gather more pet sector data than previous years, allowing for more information to be captured on the size and scale of the market. The U.S. remained number one, while Europe and Asia also showed growth. France’s estimates were increased by 1 million metric tons, although this reflects more accurate data collection rather than a production increase over 2016. The U.K., Spain, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia and China also experienced growth.

“The Alltech Global Feed Survey provides valuable information and an annual pulse check on the feed industry as we look toward sustainably feeding a growing population,” said Connolly. “The survey continues to improve and provide more robust and reliable data.”

[HELMOND, the Netherlands] – 2016 was a busy year for Coppens International, an Alltech company and leading international aquatic feed solutions provider. Since joining Alltech, collaboration between the companies’ research teams has resulted in a wide range of projects. These projects include the introduction of several new algae products containing innovative Alltech technologies, such as the revolutionary sustainable fish oil replacer ForPlusTM, to the Coppens International aquatic product range.

Together, the two companies have added the following Alltech aquaculture technologies to the Coppens International aquatic feed range in order to provide customers with a sustainable alternative to fish oil and inorganic trace minerals as well as provide functional additives to support fish health:

· ForPlusTM: an algae-derived fish oil replacer containing very high levels of DHA omega-3 fatty acids

· Bio-Mos®: supports gut integrity and overall performance by promoting good bacteria and building defense

· ActigenTM: developed through nutrigenomics as a natural means of maintaining gut health and integrity to support overall performance

· Bioplex®: optimises overall health, growth and performance of fish using organically bound trace elements such as zinc, copper, manganese and iron

“Our full range of commercial feeds now contains a range of new additives, which are specially designed for the benefit of our customers,” said Gijs Rutjes, technical sales support manager at Coppens International. “We have added Alltech’s ForPlus, which is not only derived from algae, but is a fully traceable and sustainable source of DHA omega-3 and a fish oil replacement.

“Test results show that by completely replacing fish oil with ForPlus, we have been able to transfer a high amount of DHA omega-3 into the fish,” continued Rutjes. “Due to the unsustainable global supply of fish oil, this is a huge leap forward for our aquaculture nutrition programmes.”

Amongst the latest innovations being unveiled, Coppens International will introduce a new product to market, Neogreen, a high-quality, sustainable trout feed and the first on the market to contain ForPlus.

The new Coppens International range of products provides hope for the industry as the availability and quality of fish oil and fish meal continue to decline, impacting DHA omega-3 levels in farmed fish. Research recently carried out by University of Stirling in Scotland, for example, showed that levels of DHA omega-3 oils in farmed salmon have fallen significantly in the past five years. DHA omega-3 produced through algae offers a viable alternative in the creation of such functional foods.

“We are constantly innovating,” said Rutjes. “At Coppens International, we are passionate about exploring new ways to ensure our customers receive the very best quality aquatic feeds. Our latest range will make strides in arresting the decline in levels of DHA omega-3 in farmed fish.”

For nearly 24 years, Coppens International has earned a strong reputation for being an innovative, high-quality aquatic feed producer. The company gained compliance with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council in 2016, which provides customers with a guarantee of Coppens’ cutting-edge sustainable technologies and is vital to success in today’s demanding aquaculture industry.

“The Coppens International brand has always been associated with quality and continuous improvement of aquatic feeds,” said Patrick Charlton, CEO of Coppens International. “We developed the new range of feeds to reflect not only these attributes, but to ultimately benefit our customers.”

To find out more about the new innovative range of aquatic feeds optimised with Alltech’s algae and nutritional know-how, visit www.coppens.com.

Coppens International exports quality aquatic feed to more than 60 countries worldwide. The business is spread across three locations, with its headquarters in Helmond, the Netherlands, production in Nettetal, Germany, and research and development in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. Coppens International is also ISO 22.000, ISO 50.001 and Global GAP certified.

[STAMFORD, UK] Leading agri-environmental consultancy Alltech E-CO2 has launched a new website offering farmers and the wider food industry valuable knowledge on resource efficiency. In addition to free farm efficiency assessments, the site also hosts new interactive ‘virtual farm’ graphics that provide quick and easy information on the main origins of carbon emissions.

“The new website offers opportunities to gain a better understanding of the factors affecting food production efficiency, as well as access to tools that will help farmers improve enterprise performance,” said Ben Braou, general business manager at Alltech E-CO2.

“A farm’s carbon footprint is an accurate indicator of performance efficiency and therefore profitability,” continued Braou. “Therefore, managing the business to minimise emissions helps the bottom line as well as the environment.”

The website’s interactive online ‘What If?’ tools, which calculate carbon footprints from enterprise input and performance data, offer a good starting point by providing farmers with a quick and simple opportunity to assess and benchmark their business efficiency. The tools offer insight into current practices and provide opportunities to see how changes can benefit performance. As such, using the online tools provides a good introduction to more comprehensive farm assessments, which Alltech E-CO2 finds give farmers the best opportunities to review and improve their businesses.

The interactive ‘virtual farm’ graphics are currently available for both ruminant and non-ruminant livestock enterprises, providing a quick guide to the origins of greenhouse gas emissions. The new site also highlights Alltech E-CO2’s wider range of farming solutions, which include tools to calculate costs of production, evaluate biodiversity and measure water footprints.

Alltech E-CO2 works closely with the Carbon Trust and other independent bodies to ensure its assessment tools are technically sound, robust and accredited. The company has pioneered the use of on-farm environmental tools and assessments with software licensed globally. To date, it has carried out more than 6,000 farm consultancy visits throughout Europe, commonly in collaboration with food processors and supermarkets, and is now operating as far afield as the United States of America and Australia.

To view the new website, go to alltech-e-co2.com.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – In an effort to improve soil quality and environmental protection in China, various key players from soil, fertilizer and livestock industries formed the Soil and Fertilizer Alliance of China (SFAC) in February 2016.

Alltech, guided by its founding ACE principle of positively benefiting the animal, the consumer and the environment, has joined the SFAC. Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech’s global vice president and head of Greater China, has been named SFAC vice president.

“Alltech and the SFAC share a common goal to integrate livestock feeding and crop planting industries more efficiently and to work together toward a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Lyons.

The SFAC aims to fulfil the needs and promote the sustainable development of Chinese agriculture. It strives to improve the quality of Chinese soil and contribute to food security and modern agricultural development while being ecologically sustainable. Alltech is one of the top five animal health companies in the world, with a growing crop science business sector.

The Chinese government has put an increasing focus on the environment in recent years, with a particularly close look at agricultural practices. While traditional concerns such as proximity to water and large populations, as well as biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand levels, have been cited as reasons for farm closures, issues related to high levels of minerals and soil quality impact factors are now being examined. The Environmental Tax Law was approved at the end of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee meeting in December 2016, and minerals (e.g., copper and zinc) and heavy metal (e.g., arsenic) are listed in the Environmental Tax Law for scale livestock farms. Alltech’s proprietary mineral technology Bioplex® is being utilized in China to reduce levels of minerals and other polluting materials in manure, thus reducing environmental impact.

“Alltech has solutions to help livestock farms reduce pollution in animal manure, compost manure to a higher quality of organic fertilizer, and improve crop and animal health and performance by adding nutritional value more naturally through our research-based technologies,” said Dr. Lyons.

Alltech China is hosting an environmental meeting from March 7–9. The event will focus on overcoming environmental challenges and finding opportunities in the new green economy. For more information or to attend the meeting, contact Apple Zhang, marketing manager for Alltech China (azhang@alltech.com).

[BARCELONA, Spain] – Alltech, a global animal health and nutrition company, has acquired Solbiosur, a specialised agricultural and horticultural crop solutions company in Spain. Solbiosur is well-regarded in Spain as being a provider of innovative agricultural and horticultural solutions dedicated to improving yield and efficiency for the producer. For more than 10 years, Solbiosur has manufactured and distributed agricultural and horticultural solutions that are respectful to the environment and are cost-beneficial for the producer. With the arrival of Solbiosur to the Alltech family of companies, agricultural and horticultural producers in Europe can enjoy quality nutritional and highly efficient solutions.

“Solbiosur has worked in collaboration with Alltech for the past five years,” said Jomi Bernad Blanch, Iberian regional director for Alltech. “Our coming together will mean an ability to deliver greater value to our agricultural and horticultural farming customers. Between Alltech’s primacy in science and Solbiosur’s distribution strength and reach, we have a winning combination for delivering greater crop efficiency and profitability directly to our customers.”

Alltech and Solbiosur have identified possible growth opportunities, which may include new product development and expanded routes to market.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the growth of our business, not just in Europe, but around the world,” said Steve Borst, general manager of Alltech Crop Science. “We are excited to have Solbiosur join with the Alltech Crop Science team and we look forward to the customer support this will enable us to provide in the region. Both companies have a very progressive mindset on the future of agriculture and the technologies needed to improve the health of crops while maintaining a high standard of environmental stewardship. This is a thrilling time for both of our businesses, and we look forward to the growth opportunities it will provide.”

Their coming together forges a natural crop science centre of excellence for Europe.

“Joining the Alltech family creates an exciting future for Solbiosur,” said Pedro Navarro, commercial director at Solbiosur. “Alltech is a well-respected agricultural leader providing nutritional solutions across animal and crop production. Solbiosur’s new journey with Alltech will further strengthen our ability to deliver crop and horticultural nutrition solutions to a wider market given Alltech’s reach in more than 120 countries worldwide.”

Solbiosur will continue to distribute from and manufacture in Murcia, Spain, due to the region’s primary position as one of Europe’s largest horticultural areas. Solbiosur will be lead by Navarro, who will report directly to Blanch. Together, Alltech and Solbiosur employ more than 40 people in Spain and more than 5,000 people globally.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Celebrated in several countries on Dec. 5, World Soil Day raises awareness about the importance of soil preservation and stimulates discussion on effective crop practices. These discussions quickly become a call to action. Many producers are looking to decrease the damage caused by inefficient management practices and, subsequently, improve crop results through a balance in soil microbiology.

More natural farming practices combined with modern science can help increase diversity in the soil biology. Dr. Steven Borst, general manager of Alltech Crop Science, emphasizes the importance of integrating biological technologies into existing management programs to feed the soil.

“We need to work with nature, not against it, to grow not only our crops, but our soil as well,” said Borst.

Better soil quality that is part of a healthy agribiome can increase plant health and, in turn, potentially decrease the amount of synthetic chemicals needed to combat stress and disease. The results include increased quality and productivity.

Around the world, each generation of growers worries about the legacy they will leave. In Texas, Mike Helle, a grower who has been using biologicals to improve soil health, knows that years of conventional practices have diminished natural microbes, and he wants to be a better steward of his farm. In Brazil, Silvia Nishikawa is learning to repopulate the soil on her farm with beneficial microorganisms so that she will have something to leave for her children.

“It is important for the grower to understand the delicate balance in the soil-plant system and the correlation between the two,” said Borst.

The foundation for healthier, more productive plants is nutrient-rich soil and management practices that continue to improve the soil with each passing season.