[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech is transforming its annual Alltech ONE Conference (ONE) in 2023 into a series of international events that will invite collaboration on the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry. Instead of welcoming the world to Alltech’s home in Lexington, Kentucky, as it has for the past 38 years, the Alltech ONE World Tour will bring the ideas and inspiration of the ONE Conference to communities throughout the world.

Stops are planned in Brazil, Canada, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, the Middle East the Philippines, Singapore, Spain, the United States and Vietnam, providing the opportunity for more people than ever to experience the power of ONE and to hear from experts on trending topics in the agriculture industry. Additional stops are expected to be announced in 2023.

“As our customers and partners continue to face many challenges and uncertainties, we determined that 2023 would be dedicated to meeting them in their market,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO. “This special edition of the ONE will endeavor to deliver global expertise to locally relevant issues. In the midst of economic and political uncertainties that fuel regionalization, this ONE reflects the responsibility we have as a global company to be a connector of people and ideas, ever advancing our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.”

While Alltech looks forward to bringing the international conference home to Kentucky in 2024, the 2023 ONE World Tour is a unique opportunity to discuss the future of agriculture with stakeholders all over the world, offering both a global and local perspective for attendees. It will unite changemakers and thought leaders in unique forums to discuss the future, examining regional and local market trends in agriculture, business, health and nutrition.

Alltech will release more details about its international tour stops and event dates in the coming weeks. Visit one.alltech.com for more information and to subscribe to notifications on tour updates.

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Similar to 2021, widespread drought throughout Europe during the 2022 growing season has directly impacted the presence of moulds and mycotoxins in new crop grains and forages. Mycotoxins are produced by certain species of moulds and are a concern for livestock producers as they can influence feed quality and subsequent animal health and performance. The Alltech 2022 European Harvest Analysis uncovers the true threat mycotoxins pose to animals and producers. To determine the most accurate representation of mycotoxin risk across Europe, Alltech has again collaborated with SGS, a global leader in mycotoxin testing and certification. Data for this programme has been collected for key feed ingredients on a regional level, and analysis indicates moderate to high levels of mycotoxin risk.

The results of the 2022 analysis are based on over 1,000 samples of the most common grains and forages produced and used in the European livestock industry. Samples have been collected from farms or animal feed production sites in 20 different countries, offering a representative picture of the contamination risk in all regions, with an overall moderate to high risk.

''Generally, the current results look very similar to the analysis we performed in 2021, with the aflatoxin issue in Central and Southeastern Europe dominating the headlines and creating the greatest challenge for feed and livestock producers to manage,” said Dr. Radka Borutova, European technical support manager with the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team. “Although this analysis gives a robust assessment of the mycotoxin risk in Europe this year until you actually test the ingredients that you are using in your business, it can be difficult to implement an effective control plan.’’

Key results from the Alltech 2022 European Harvest Analysis include:

• 100% of samples contained mycotoxins, with 79% containing 2 or more
• On average, each sample contained 4.5 mycotoxins
• Aflatoxins, type B trichothecenes, fumonisins and emerging mycotoxins are the most dominant groups detected
• 67 corn samples exceeded aflatoxin regulatory limits for feed usage (>20 ppb)

The aflatoxin challenge in corn

For the second year running, aflatoxin contamination of corn in Central and Southeastern Europe is a dominant issue for feed and livestock producers to consider as they begin to purchase and use ingredients during the coming feeding season. Aflatoxin is a warm-weather toxin, and the widespread extreme heat conditions during the main growing season are likely to have contributed to the levels appearing in corn samples.

Wheat and barley

Mycotoxin levels in wheat and barley are less than those contained in corn. While the average number of mycotoxins detected in many corn samples is above 5, in small grains, it is typically closer to 3 This variance is reflected in the risk equivalent quantity (REQ) and the risk of feeding these ingredients to specific species and animal groups. For instance, in sows and gilts, this year’s corn samples represent moderate to higher risk of mycotoxins, but when small grains are fed to the same animals, the mycotoxin risk is deemed to be lower.

Straw

Although widely used in ruminant diets and swine bedding, contamination of straw with mycotoxins is often overlooked. However, as testing in Denmark continues to reveal, straw samples primarily contain higher levels of mycotoxins. DON is the leading mycotoxin of concern and is likely resulting from a combination of pre- and post-harvest contamination. The problem can be exacerbated when straw is left in the field for a prolonged period, exposed to rain and dampness.

Forages

In all regions of Europe, grass and corn silage samples contained levels of mycotoxins that would be deemed higher risk for use in dairy production. The presence of elevated levels of Penicillium toxins are seen as the main contributor to this risk.

Risk to specific animal groups

• Pig producers should be aware that the corn risk level based on the average REQ for breeding sows and young piglets is deemed to be moderate to high, while the risk coming from small grains (wheat and barley) is low, with certain pockets of moderate to high risk.
• When the mycotoxin corn contamination levels are applied to poultry, the mycotoxin risk for breeding birds, broilers and layers is moderate, while the risk coming from small grains (wheat and barley) is low.
• In ruminants, the results from the corn and forage samples analysed so far indicate a moderate to high risk in dairy cows.

Alltech will host a webinar with Dr. Radka Borutova and other members of Alltech’s Mycotoxin Management team on December 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. GMT to review the results of the Alltech 2022 European Harvest Analysis. Register for the webinar via this link and for more information about Alltech Mycotoxin Management solutions, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – The Christmas spirit is alive and well at the Kentucky Horse Park, where two longtime holiday events offer up the brightest sights and sounds of the season.

Set against a backdrop of beautiful Christmas décor, Alltech’s annual Celebration of Song features performances of traditional carols and popular Christmas music by the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre and winners of the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition. The free concert is set for Dec. 11 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Celebration of Song has been Alltech’s annual holiday gift to the community since 2006. Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons was inspired to share the holiday spirit through song after experiencing a community Christmas festival while traveling in Brazil, said his wife, Mrs. Deirdre Lyons, Alltech co-founder and director of corporate image, design and construction.

“Pearse always really loved to sing,” Mrs. Lyons said. “He wanted to have this free event to share the joy of the season with everyone. Every year, Celebration of Song gets more wonderful. It’s a beautiful event that we’ve been proud to sponsor for our community.”

The concert was held at the Square in downtown Lexington for many years, but it moved last year to Alltech Arena, which offers more space and free parking.

“We’re excited to celebrate the holidays with our community and with UK Opera Theatre, with whom we partner on several events, including our Vocal Scholarship Competition,” Mrs. Lyons said. This collaboration has enabled more than 180 UK students to pursue their operatic ambitions and receive an education in the arts.

After the concert, attendees can double down on Christmas fun by heading over to the Kentucky Horse Park campground to view the Southern Lights Holiday Festival, a dazzling three-mile display of over a million twinkling lights. This year also marks the return of its Holiday Village, which features photos with Santa Claus, model trains, a petting zoo and more. Southern Lights, now in its 29^th year, opens nightly at 5:30 p.m. from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31 – excluding Christmas Day.

Tickets for Southern Lights can be purchased online or at the campground. Learn more about Southern Lights at SouthernLightsKY.com.

Alltech, a global leader in the agriculture industry for more than 40 years, is proud to introduce Egalis^®, a new range of high-quality silage inoculants that maximize nutrient quality, increase forage stability and reduce dry matter loss to help maintain optimal animal performance. Egalis drives proper fermentation and assists epiphytic bacteria to control the fermentation through the use of specific bacteria.

“The Egalis range of products brings together decades of expertise in fermentation, utilizing bacteria strains specifically selected by Alltech scientists to maximize nutrient and dry matter protection,” said Matthew Smith, vice president at Alltech. “Together with our on-farm support teams and range of services, Alltech helps to improve fermentation to produce superior-quality silage, enabling producers to hold onto more of what they grow, from field to feed passage.”

For more information on Egalis, contact your local Alltech sales representative or visit Alltech.com/Egalis.

[Dong Nai, Vietnam] – Alltech, a global leader in the agriculture industry, opened its newest Bioplex^®plant today, the first organic mineral production facility in Vietnam. The state-of-the-art manufacturing plant is Alltech’s eighth mineral production facility worldwide. The plant’s production capacity is 7,000 metric tons per year, and it has the potential to create 100 new jobs, while being conveniently located to serve local customers and support import/export activity.

Alltech is one of the world’s largest producers of organic minerals for animal nutrition. The company has committed significant resources into organic trace mineral production, quality control and research, as trace mineral nutrition is essential to animal health.

Alltech’s Bioplex^® range of minerals are supported by more than 21 years of research and offer higher bioavailability to animals than inorganic minerals. The minerals are readily absorbed, stored and utilized by the animal, supporting overall health, immune status and reproductive function. Furthermore, because Alltech’s organic minerals are better utilized by animals, producers are able to achieve more with less. Mineral excretion from animals through manure is also reduced, resulting in less environmental impact.

“Our organic mineral program reflects our focus on sustainability in all aspects, from the health of the animal and the nutrition of the meat, milk and eggs produced to the economic well-being of the producer and the impact we have on our planet’s land and water,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Our investment in enhancing our mineral production in Asia reflects our confidence in the market’s continued growth and our alignment with our customers’ commitment to better nutrition from farm to market.”

Feed production in Vietnam increased nearly 7% in 2021, according to the Alltech Agri-Food Outlook, the company’s annual global feed production survey. Vietnam’s total feed production in 2021 was 18.5 million metric tons, led by the swine sector with 7.84 million metric tons, an increase of nearly 20% over 2020. Aqua feed production increased 40% in 2021 to 6 million metric tons, broiler feed increased 9% to 2.12 million metric tons, layers feed production increased 11.7% to 2 million metric tons and dairy increased 22% to 520,000 metric tons.

Consistent with Alltech’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™, the production facility in Vietnam was engineered to reduce the environmental impact of production:

• The use of CNG versus fuel oil, a common fuel source in Vietnam, is expected to reduce the mineral plant’s nitrogen dioxide emissions by 80% and carbon monoxide emissions by 87.5%.
• The facility uses high-pressure clean-in-place (CIP) pumps for tank cleaning, reducing wastewater by 50%. Its dust collection system is 99% efficient.
• The use of invertor motors saves electricity consumption by 5% by utilizing variable frequency drive (VFD), which also allows for the control of speed and torque to reduce chances of mechanical failures.
• The production system uses fluid bed drying (FBD) technology, which requires 48% less thermal consumption than conventional spray dryers.
• The facility is certified by ISO 22000:2018, which sets out the requirements for a food safety management system.
• Organic trace minerals are more bioavailable to the animal, contributing to improved animal health. Because more of the minerals are taken up by the animal, mineral excretion through manure is reduced, minimizing environmental impact on land and water.

The new facility also utilizes the Alltech Q+ (Quality Plus) Program, a mineral quality control program unique to Bioplex trace minerals that guarantees quality, safety and performance in every batch. Alltech Q+ sets the industry standard, enabling Alltech to offer a global quality guarantee to customers using Bioplex trace minerals around the world. It forms an integral part of the Alltech Quality System (AQS), which was designed to meet or exceed all global market regulatory standards and ensures that proper approvals and analyses are performed for suppliers, raw materials and finished goods.

For more information about Bioplex and the Alltech Mineral Management program, visit alltech.com/mineral-management.

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Photo caption: Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, at the opening of the new Bioplex^® plant today, the first organic mineral production facility in Vietnam.

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Photo caption: Alltech opens Vietnam’s first organic mineral production facility.

Left to right: Mr. Lai Xuan Sam, Deputy Director, Sonadezi; Dr. Mark Lyons, President and CEO, Alltech; Mr. Duong Tat Thang, General Director of the Livestock Production Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Mr. Jonathan Wilson, President, Alltech Asia Pacific; and Mr. Keith Gribbins, Director of Operations, Alltech Asia Pacific.

Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, has appointed Tara McCarthy as its global vice president of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). McCarthy will support the advancement of Alltech’s vision of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™, which underscores the ability of the agri-food sector to provide enough nutritious food for all while revitalizing local communities and replenishing the Earth’s natural resources.

“Agriculture is the sector most integral to planetary health, from its role in the nourishment and well-being of humans and animals, to the capabilities it has to not only safeguard but benefit our Earth’s environment,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “We have well-founded optimism about the future of agri-food and our planet, yet it is a moment for bold action and collective courage. Tara’s strategic approach, relationship focus and vast experience within the agri-food sector will add firepower to the advancement of our Planet of Plenty vision. In addition to furthering the alignment of our vision throughout our business, Tara will be working closely with our customers and partners on the environmental and social issues that we believe businesses within agriculture and food can positively impact.”

Prior to joining Alltech in June, McCarthy had served as the chief executive officer of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, since 2017. Her 25 years’ experience in the food industry also includes serving as chief executive officer for Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland's seafood development agency.

McCarthy is passionate about the opportunities that can be found within sustainably produced food and has worked across the supply chain to develop insights and industry partnerships. She has led numerous capability initiatives and developmental support programs for students, early career executives and entrepreneurs within the food industry for more than a decade, forming successful partnerships both nationally and internationally. In 2019, McCarthy co-founded Agdif, an industry initiative championing diversity in the Irish food industry. She has also represented Ireland’s food industry globally, speaking on Origin Green, Ireland’s unique national sustainability program. In 2021, McCarthy led the establishment of the Origin Green Global Council.

“Our world is changing, and the role that agriculture can play in the future is, in many ways and places, being reset,” said McCarthy. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join Alltech in this new role at this pivotal time. It has never been more important to build networks across the supply chain, to start new conversations and to understand different perspectives. Supported by the ambition of Alltech’s Planet of Plenty vision and their global reach, I look forward to supporting and working alongside Alltech colleagues and customers.”

McCarthy received a bachelor’s degree in commerce from National University of Ireland, Galway (UCG) and a master’s degree in business studies with an emphasis on marketing from the University College Dublin (UCD) Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. She is an affiliate of the IMD Business School in Switzerland. McCarthy has been recognized with several awards, including UCG Alumna of the Year for Business and Commerce in 2017; a Fellow of the Marketing Institute of Ireland, as well as Ireland’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women Public Sector Leaders Award in 2018; and UCD Smurfit School Alumna of the Year in 2019.

The newly established role of global vice president of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) represents another exciting milestone in Alltech’s longstanding mission to develop sustainable solutions for agriculture. In the early 1980s, Dr. Pearse Lyons, the late founder of Alltech, established the ACE Principle, which guided the company’s efforts toward providing nutritional solutions that promote the health and well-being of animals, consumers and the environment. In 2019, Dr. Mark Lyons, Pearse’s son, carried that principle forward with the announcement of his vision for Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM.

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Alltech has released data from a new meta-analysis, published in Poultry Science, that demonstrates the impacts of mycotoxins on broiler productivity and the positive effect of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE, Mycosorb®, Alltech, Inc., KY) supplementation during a mycotoxin challenge on the performance, livability and environmental sustainability of broiler production. The first study of its kind in boiler production, the meta-analysis consists of 25 studies carried out across 11 countries with a total of 10,307 birds.

The meta-analysis measured the impact of mycotoxins on the performance and efficiency of birds in regard to body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), European poultry efficiency factor (EPEF) and the impact of mycotoxins on bird mortality, and the effect of feeding Mycosorb on these parameters when provided during a mycotoxin challenge. The carbon footprint of mycotoxins on broiler production with and without Mycosorb inclusion was also estimated.

"Consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated feed by animals can result in reduced farm productivity and profitability due to decreased animal performance and efficiency, increased mortality and greater carbon emissions,” said Dr. Alexandra Weaver, global technical support for the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management team. “However, this meta-analysis confirms that Mycosorb is an effective solution for minimizing mycotoxin effects on broiler performance and health, as well as contributing to lowering the carbon emissions of production."

The significant (p <0.05) impact of mycotoxins on bird performance and efficiency included:

• Lower total BWG in birds consuming mycotoxins compared to the control (-217.20 grams, average finishing period of 35.5 days)
• Higher FCR in birds consuming mycotoxins compared to the control (+0.12)
• Lower total FI in birds consuming mycotoxins compared to the control (-264.44 grams)
• Reduced EPEF compared to the control (-59.36)
• Higher mortality in birds consuming mycotoxins compared to the control (+2.07%)

When included during a mycotoxin challenge, Mycosorb significantly (p <0.05):

• Increased total BWG compared to the mycotoxin diet (+65.48 grams, average finishing period of 35.5 days)
• Lowered FCR compared to the mycotoxin diet (-0.05)
• Increased total FI compared to the mycotoxin diet (+99.39 grams)
• Increased EPEF compared to the mycotoxin diet (+16.81)
• Lowered mortality rates compared to birds consuming a mycotoxin diet (-1.74%) Mycosorb fed birds had mortality rates that did not differ from the unchallenged control birds.

Comparing environmental metrics with and without Mycosorb inclusion

A simulated lifecycle assessment applied to a 100,000-bird broiler operation highlighted how Mycosorb can ameliorate the increases in carbon footprint caused by mycotoxins. Compared to the mycotoxin diet, the inclusion of Mycosorb during a mycotoxin challenge resulted in:

• More saleable birds (+1,740)
• Increase in liveweight produced (+11.1 metric tons)
• Decreased emissions per bird (-0.12 kg CO2-eq/bird)
• Decreased emissions per kg liveweight (LW) (-0.10 kg CO2-eq/kg LW)
• Decreased emissions per kg carcass (-0.14 kg CO2-eq/kg carcass)

Across 100,000 birds, this is a total decrease of 25.41 metric tons CO2-eq, which equates to 30 fewer transatlantic round-trip flights or the annual usage of 17 cars in the UK.

“Testing of grains and feeds continues to highlight the ever-present threat of mycotoxins in animal diets globally, and as this study demonstrates, it is not only impacting animal health and performance but the environmental sustainability of animal production also,” said Nick Adams, global director of the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program. “As the agricultural industry seeks to make advances in reducing its carbon footprint, it is evident that feed additives that improve the productivity of livestock operations are one of the tools that can contribute to achieving these targets.”

This meta-analysis reaffirms that Mycosorb contributes to an increase in total protein output, improvement of profitability and reduction of the carbon footprint of broiler production under mycotoxin challenged conditions. For more information on Mycosorb and the meta-analysis data, visit www.knowmycotoxins.com/mycotoxin-mitigation/mycosorb-a/.

During the 2022 Ag Media Summit (AMS), held in Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 16–20, agricultural communications students were honored for their excellence, professionalism and leadership. The Livestock Publications Council (LPC) Student Award Program, sponsored by Alltech, provides travel scholarships for four students to attend AMS. This year’s finalists were Lydia Johnson, Iowa State University; Faye Smith, Kansas State University; Lindsey Okuley, The Ohio State University; and Sydney Garrett, Kansas State University.

Following a competitive application and interview process, Lydia Johnson from Iowa State University was awarded the LPC Forrest Bassford Student Award. She is a junior and currently serves as the President of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council and Sr. Director of Communications in Student Government.

“Receiving an award that recognizes Mr. Bassford’s contributions to the agricultural communications field is truly an honor,” Johnson said. “I am incredibly grateful to have so many supportive role models, mentors, professors, friends and family that constantly push me to be a better version of myself.”

Johnson is an active member of the National Agri-Marketing Association, Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. She also spends her time as an agricultural communications peer mentor and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador. In addition to her involvement on campus, Johnson is a communications student worker for the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative. She has completed internships with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, National FFA Organization and “The Big Show” on Newsradio 1040 WHO.

“Alltech is proud to support the next generation of agricultural communicators as the ambassadors and voice of our industry,” Jenn Norrie, Alltech’s communications manager for North America and Europe, said. “As media platforms evolve, these young leaders are playing an instrumental role in sharing stories of farmers and ranchers and helping to educate the urban population on where and who their food comes from.”

The Forrest Bassford Student Award was established in 1992 to honor Bassford’s contributions to the Livestock Publications Council and passion for supporting young people in the agricultural communications field. To learn more about this award and past recipients, click here.

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Contact: press@alltech.com

Jenn Norrie

Communications Manager, North America and Europe

jnorrie@alltech.com; 1-403-863-8547

Photo Download: https://creative.alltech.com/share/4E7AA9C6-8B10-423C-92EC695B7DE04E7B/

Photo Caption: Iowa State University’s Lydia Johnson is the recipient of the 2022 Livestock Publications Council Forrest Bassford Student Award.

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Photo Caption: The 2022 Livestock Publications Council Student Award Program travel scholarship award winners (right to left): Sydney Garrett, Kansas State University; Faye Smith, Kansas State University; and Lindsey Okuley, The Ohio State University with Jenn Norrie, Alltech communications manager for North America and Europe, during the Ag Media Summit, held in in Raleigh, North Carolina on July 16-20, 2022.

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our products improve the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for consumers and a decreased environmental impact.

We are a global leader in the animal health industry, producing specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed and complete feed. Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens.

Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our vision for a Planet of Plenty™. We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet, but it will take all of us working together, led by science, technology and a shared will to make a difference.

Alltech is a private, family-owned company, which allows us to adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and maintain focus on advanced innovation. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Alltech has a strong presence in all regions of the world. For more information, visit alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The Alltech ONE Conference (ONE) wrapped up today in Lexington, Kentucky, after a robust agenda of in-person and virtual activities and presentations. ONE welcomed nearly 2,000 international delegates in person, with an additional 5,000 participating virtually. Now in its 38th year, this world-class event brought inspiring keynote speakers and more than 100 industry leaders to the stage, sharing valuable insights in live workshops and focus tracks and uncovering the challenges and opportunities in agriculture, business, health and wellness, and professional development.

“We must unify and take action, today, for the future of agriculture and our planet,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Together, we have the collective courage and impact to work together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

Lyons was joined on the ONE Mainstage for the closing session by Mick Ebeling, founder and CEO of Not Impossible Labs, and world-class blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer.  

Ebeling was recently named by Fortune Magazine as one of the Top 50 World’s Greatest Leaders. He is a recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award and is listed as one of the world’s most influential creative people by The Creativity 50s. Ebeling has sparked a movement of pragmatic, inspirational innovation, and as a career producer and filmmaker, he harvests the power of technology and storytelling to change the world.

“What we do is, we start by telling the story of one person,” said Ebeling. “And then, telling the story of that one person, that’s what scales us to help many people.”

Despite losing his vision at age 14, Weihenmayer is an accomplished climber, paraglider, skier and kayaker who never allows blindness to interfere with his passion for pursuing an exhilarating and fulfilling life. In 2001, he became the first blind person in history to reach the summit of Mount Everest. In 2008, he completed his quest to climb the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent. Additionally, he has ascended dozens of major peaks, rock walls and ice climbs around the planet, including the first blind ascent of the 3,000-foot Nose of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and the ascent of a rarely climbed 3,000-foot frozen waterfall in Nepal.

“We could all stand on this stage and talk about our accomplishments, but what doesn’t get talked about enough are our struggles,” said Weihenmayer.

During the closing session, Lyons presented the Alltech Humanitarian Award, an award that is bestowed annually to someone of strong character who uses their platform to positively influence and inspire those around them, to both Ebeling and Weihenmayer.

“We are pleased to present friends and first-time double Alltech Humanitarian Awards to Mick Ebeling and Erik Weihenmayer at the Alltech ONE Conference,” said Lyons.

Previous award winners have included Muhammad Ali, Steve Wozniak, Bear Grylls and late Alltech founder and Mark’s father, Dr. Pearse Lyons.

As Lyons closed, he noted a mantra often repeated by his father.

“‘Don’t get it right. Get it going,’ … And he was right! It’s not about perfectionism, it’s about progress. If we change the lens and the way we look at things, we can change the way we think.”

The Alltech ONE Conference returns May 21–23, 2023. For more information, visit one.alltech.com.

During the 38^th annual Alltech ONE Conference (ONE) in Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech was pleased to host 65 journalists from approximately 20 countries. Another 213 were in attendance virtually, representing nearly 35 countries. In a presentation on Monday, several awards were presented to honor a few of those international agricultural journalists for their excellence and leadership in sharing the stories of agriculture.

“Compelling, fact-based communication has never been more important for society, and that holds especially true for agriculture,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “No other business sector is as integral to planetary health. The stories of agriculture production, industry innovations and sustainability efforts must not only be told, but told well, which underscores the importance of the work of agricultural media.”

In partnership with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), Alltech is pleased to announce Lindi Botha of South Africa as the recipient of the 2022 IFAJ–Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism. This recognition honors Alltech’s late founder, Dr. Pearse Lyons, who was a passionate storyteller with a great respect for agricultural journalists.

Botha is an agricultural journalist and communications specialist and serves as the deputy chairperson of Agricultural Writers South Africa. She has an unrelenting passion for agriculture and for writing stories that serve to enhance the sector and arm farmers with the knowledge they need to succeed in these times of political, climatic and economic uncertainty. The fast pace at which the agricultural landscape is changing necessitates an increased awareness to ensure that journalists are up to date with the latest trends and technology, and Botha prides herself on effectively and timeously communicating these advancements to farmers. A core focus of her work is communicating success stories within agriculture and ensuring that the sector is seen as a positive contributor to social change and economic upliftment.

Alltech is also proud to partner with the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Agricultural Communicators (Red CALC). The ninth annual Innovation and Quality Awards in Agricultural Journalism were presented to Sofia Neumann of Chile and Nicolás Gómez Bernal of Ecuador.

Neumann’s winning article, entitled “5 Chilean innovations that will impact the agricultural industry,” was published in Chile’s Financial Journal and addressed the impact of the adoption of research and development in the fruit sector of Chile.  Neumann highlights how the country has positioned itself as the main fruit exporter in the Southern Hemisphere with advances in areas such as breeding technologies, the automation of labor and fruit processing. Today’s biggest challenge is the transfer of knowledge to medium and smallholder farmers.

Gómez Bernal’s award-winning report, “RAZA 4 joins Latin American countries in defense of their plantations,” published in the newspaper El Productor de Ecuador, focuses on the banana industry as the first export area of many Latin American countries. However, the new Fusarium fungus, known as Tropical Race 4, could directly affect this sector. As such, different regional agencies and governments have begun taking proactive steps to help prevent the spread of this plague.

The IFAJ–Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism and the Red CALC Innovation and Quality Award in Agricultural Journalism align with Alltech's vision of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM, in which a world of abundance is made possible through the adoption of new technologies, better farm management practices and human ingenuity within agriculture. Alltech is proud to partner with these organizations and to support the mentorship and education of these communicators, who connect agriculture to a global audience and share the stories of agriculture through balanced, independent, evidence-based information.

“IFAJ and Red CALC share our commitment to supporting journalists who give a voice to the farmers and producers, the innovators and change-makers, and the scientists and scholars all working toward a Planet of Plenty,” said Lyons. “On behalf of Alltech, I congratulate Lindi Botha, Sofia Neumann and Nicolás Gómez Bernal as the well-deserving recipients of these awards.”

For more information about the IFAJ–Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism or the Red CALC awards, contact press@alltech.com.

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Contact: press@alltech.com

Jenn Norrie

Communications Manager, North America and Europe

jnorrie@alltech.com; (403) 863-8547

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Image caption: Lindi Botha of South Africa is the recipient of the 2022 IFAJ–Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism.

Image download: https://photos.alltech.com/pf.tlx/5wM5I2v5oabsc

Image caption: Steve Werblow (left), vice-president of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, accepted the 2022 IFAJ–Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism on behalf of Lindi Botha of South Africa from Dr. Mark Lyons (right), president and CEO of Alltech at the 2022 Alltech ONE Conference.

Image download: https://photos.alltech.com/pf.tlx/2W2yDd2yI4jf6

Image caption: Sofia Neumann of Chile was recognized by Alltech and the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Agricultural Communicators (Red CALC) with an Innovation and Quality Award in Agricultural Journalism.

Image download: https://photos.alltech.com/pf.tlx/H3EH84MH8PQs2Z

Image caption: Nicolás Gómez Bernal of Ecuador was recognized by Alltech and the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Agricultural Communicators (Red CALC) with an Innovation and Quality Award in Agricultural Journalism.

Image download: https://photos.alltech.com/pf.tlx/yDEycYdyi9zoN

Image caption: Dr. Mark Lyons (left), president and CEO of Alltech, presented the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Agricultural Communicators (Red CALC) Innovation and Quality Awards in Agricultural Journalism to Sofia Neumann (right) of Chile and Marlene Bernal Munoz (middle), accepting on behalf of Nicolás Gómez Bernal of Ecuador, at the 2022 Alltech ONE Conference.

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Image Caption: Alltech is proud to partner with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) to recognize excellence and leadership by young journalists with the IFAJ–Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism.

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Image Caption: Alltech is pleased to partner with the Network of Agricultural Communicators of Latin America and the Caribbean (Red CALC) to recognize the winners of the Innovation and Quality Award in Agricultural Journalism.

About Alltech:

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our products improve the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for consumers and a decreased environmental impact.

We are a global leader in the animal health industry, producing specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed and complete feed. Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens.

Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our vision for a Planet of Plenty™. We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet, but it will take all of us working together, led by science, technology and a shared will to make a difference.

Alltech is a private, family-owned company, which allows us to adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and maintain focus on advanced innovation. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Alltech has a strong presence in all regions of the world. For more information, visit alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.