Please click here to enjoy a special seasonal musical performance.

Here’s what you’ll find:

In the spirit of the season we hope you enjoy this sample of our Alltech Vocal Scholars’ outstanding performances during the Alltech Holiday Celebration of Song.

Alltech believes in community involvement. The Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition is the largest competition of its kind in the world. Held each spring at the University of Kentucky in the United States, talented young singers from across the world compete for more than $400,000 in prizes and music scholarships. During the holiday season Alltech along with UK Opera Theatre puts on a community concert – the Alltech Holiday Celebration of Song which features these talented young artists.

I’d love to know your thoughts on the Alltech Ag Network. Here’s a company that has taken a lead in utilizing new communication tools. They’ve been blogging and using social media for years. Now they have their own tv channel distributed via the internet and through mobile devices. Yes, you can watch this live on your smartphone! They have 600 people in the auditorium. How many do you think are watching all around the world?

Would your company want to provide more live streaming of your events? Got questions about how to make it happen? Give me a call and lets discuss it. For current and potential clients we would be happy to talk about how we can add this service to your plans.

Watch live here: Post Update: You can find the archived recording here.

Since 2008, more than 800 of world’s most progressive dairy and beef producers have convened for the Alltech Global 500 to network and discuss the most relevant and challenging topics in the industry.

This year, the Global 500 explores the future landscape for the dairy and beef industries and provides a rare opportunity for global colleagues and friends to engage in open discussion on critical topics such as sustainable strategies and practices that can be implemented now and in the future.

I talked with Alltech Beef Division Manager Ty Yeast about the event, which will be held December 6-8. “Originally it started as a dairy event and with the success after the first two years in the dairy event, we expanded to the beef side as well,” Ty said. “Last year was our first ever addition of the beef event and we had over 125 participants from all over the world.” This year, Ty says they already have more than doubled last year’s registration.

Ty says the conference is really about looking at new ways of approaching a business that’s been around for a long time. “It’s innovation, it’s looking at new ways of doing things, and really breaking old paradigms on how to move forward and get to that next level of efficiency.”

Interested producers can still register for the event by going to the Global 500 website. You can be sure it will be worth your while.

Listen to or download my interview with Ty here: Ty Yeast - Alltech Global 500

Allie says the Network is a place where events can be live streamed and archived, using the services of iHigh. A recent example is the FFA Convention. You can find all the sessions in the archives. She says that they can help any company or organization set up there own page to do this for their events.

Listen to my interview with Allie here: Interview with Allie Hembree

2011 NAFB Convention Photo Album

AgLeader’s Katie Monroe (center) says they were thrilled to join the companies and organizations who support the NAFB. “It’s a great opportunity to talk about our new products and how precision farming can help growers,” Katie said, noting that one of their main topics was AgLeader’s new Versa display which includes all of the most popular year-round precision tools in one small package.

AgLeader Technology also joined with Alltech to sponsor the NAFB Foundation Auction reception on Thursday night.

Listen to by interview with Katie here: Katie Monroe with AgLeader

2011 NAFB Convention Photo Album

“Agriculture is taking the lead in communications, moving high tech to engage the world in its story,” said Billy Frey, general manager of the Alltech Ag Network. “iHigh.com’s unique platform enables it to, for example, on a recent Friday night, broadcast more than 170 high school football games simultaneously and live to mobile devices free of charge. This is a capability far beyond many major sports organizations and applications. FFA is now harnessing this power, broadening its reach at a time when our growing population is moving increasingly far away from the stories of the farm and the origins of their food.”

You can find the broadcast schedule here.

“What really distinguishes our beer is its touch of bourbon. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is aged for six weeks in freshly decanted bourbon barrels, infusing the beer with a hint of oak and vanilla,” said Dr. Lyons.

Aidan told our participants that “food and food policy has never been more critical, has never been more relevant, has never been more times on the front of a newspaper or indeed in the media in general.” That really makes it very important for good quality ag journalism at this time! When it comes to solutions to today’s food problems Aidan suggests there are a number of interventions needed, not just one. He has already seen some online reporting from the class participants so I applaud them for getting right to work.

You can listen to my interview with Aidan here: Aidan Connolly Interview

2011 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Dan Rice, Strategic Analyst with Alltech, spoke on Raising the Bar for Student Recruitment in agriculture at the AgCareers.com 2011 North American Ag HR Roundtable on Tuesday morning. He says part of the issue is pubic perceptions of agriculture in general. “Everybody’s after the same resources so we’ve got to change the way we’re doing things in training our young people and getting them interested in agriculture,” Dan says.

Alltech used a venue at last year’s World Equestrian Games to reach out to the general public and educate them about careers in agriculture. The animal health company also sponsors a Young Scientist Program and offers students a chance to be involved in working on meetings Alltech holds around the country.

Find out more in my interview with Dan here: Interview with Alltech's Dan Rice

2011 AgCareers Ag HR Roundtable photo album.

Mandi says the New Zealand dairy model is still working but needs to evolve further in light of disruptive changes in the industry. She says that their level of productivity hasn’t kept up with the price of their product which makes them vulnerable at the moment. The current pricing of dairy products is just not financially sustainable and it looks like that isn’t going to improve soon. Mandi is a family business strategist and advises dairy farmers to take a look at their business and make sure they’re using resources wisely. Sounds like common sense advice for any business. She wants people to enjoy what they are doing by finding a balance in their life and business. Having a good plan would help a family business tremendously. Perhaps you should give Mandi a call if you need help. Mandi McLeod Interview

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Of course we talk about social media mechanisms since they now allow companies like Alltech to do their own branding without being completely dependent on traditional media channels. Billy says his number one message is “we have to listen to the customer.” These new tools that allow companies to engage with their customers make that easier than ever. At the same time they allow for very targeted and streamlined advertising efforts. There are ag media representatives from many countries that attend the Alltech Symposium. I asked him if he thought they are “getting it” when it comes to social media. He thinks they are or that they are at least in the process of making changes necessary to survive in the new media world. He’s proud of the ag media for embracing new media. In the photo Billy (left) is chatting with Dave Russell, Brownfield Ag News in the Symposium press room.

Billy thinks that the new media mechanisms provide an opportunity and a challenge since the younger generations are starting out with them while the older generations are only just coming around to accepting them. He echoes a belief I’ve had since we got into new media and that is that it’s just an evolution of the best form of marketing – word of mouth.

We also talk about the new Alltech App which currently provides unique information for pork producers and markets and weather. Basically, this means that Alltech has created their own information channel for their customers who can choose to get it and use it how and where they want.

Learn how Alltech is using new communications elements in the company’s marketing program: Alltech and New Media

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, Growmark, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired. Subscribe so you can listen when and where you want. Just go to our Subscribe page.

I’ve sampled Cafe Citadelle coffee many times now. Chris describes it as having a “robust, organic, earthy flavor.” It’s a mild roast and if you buy some online I think you’ll enjoy it. Chris Gayton Interview

Alltech Café Citadelle is a high quality, mild, mountain-grown Arabica. It is naturally shade-grown and is fair-trade. The coffee’s name was derived from the Citadelle Laferrière, the largest fortress in the Americas, next to which Cacgava and its member farms are located.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Steve says that Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech, is one of the inspirations for the effort. I visited with Steve at the Alltech Symposium this week where he was signing up new members. Steve has been a communications consultant and was a speaker at last year’s Symposium. Peter Kerr Interview

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

This year was the first time that Alltech brought in debate participants that didn’t necessarily share viewpoints or experiences with the farm audience. He was fascinated with Ben Self, who was the founder of Blue State Digital, for his idea for using new media and the internet to tell your story to engage the general public. When it came to Hans Johr, Nestle, he was happy to hear how he felt strongly about sharing value with the farmers who supply them with products. Tom Standage, Bus. Editor, The Economist, put forth some viewpoints that challenged people, especially in the area of biofuels, while providing a positive outlook for dealing with the food challenges of today.

Aidan says that when it comes to the Symposium, “I think we have a winning formula.” He thinks the primary reason people get enthused to attend is that they deliver new concepts and new ideas for running their businesses. Like me, he was also very enthused by all the young people who attended this year’s Symposium. Aidan Connolly Interview

See more stories on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and on-demand recordings of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

1. No fads, no fashions, just change
2. Don’t be first, don’t be the best, be different
3. Know where growth comes from and get to where it is
4. Don’t act now!
5. It is about you – and everything you do

You can hear him explain these in his closing remarks below. In addition to these action items he listed a number of “Game Changers” that included an announcement that Alltech will make the single biggest investment in the company ever within the next eighteen months. This includes building new plants and expanding others in several countries. He also announced that the National Horse Show will be moving to Lexington, KY with Alltech as the title sponsor and that Alltech will once again be the title sponsor for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games which will be held in Normandy, France in 2014.

As Dr. Lyons encouraged everyone to dream the impossible dream he was joined on stage by Dr. Everett McCorvey and University of Kentucky students opera singers. They launched into a wonderful rendition of the famous song.

I recorded Dr. Lyons closing remarks which include the beautiful voices we’ve come to love at an Alltech Symposium: Alltech Symposium Closing Remarks

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

One of the areas he spent some time on was obesity and he shared some startling figures like the fact that worldwide obesity has doubled since 1980 and it costs an average person $1429 per year in increased health costs. He emphasized, “There is a sea of change taking place in our industry. Food and healthcare are at odds and the cost of both is spiraling out of control.”

You can listen to an interview with Mark here that was done by Aly Rowell: Dr. Mark Lyons Interview

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Dr. Dawson says he’s more optimistic about the future of animal health and human nutrition than he ever has been. He then walked us through many of the projects Alltech is working on in this area via the Center that he manages. Some quotes that really caught my attention from his talk include:

“Performance & product quality are not influenced by the genes but ultimately determined by gene expression.”

“You are what your mother ate.”

“It’s not just what we feed but when we feed it.”

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Our dinner discussion provided an interesting insight into what people in agribusiness know, or think they know, about social media. Most of those in the room were either personally involved or professionally in their business. Some comments that caught my attention included:

A European participant said that not many farmers are involved in social media. I don’t know what the environment is across the pond but here in America I would disagree with that to a certain extent. So many farm companies and member organizations have been conducting training programs and encouraging farmers to get involved in the online discussion that I believe we have “a lot” of farmers involved in social media.

Another participant wanted to know how you “control” what people are saying about your company or products. Control is a red flag word to me. You have no control! No matter what your desire is, you can’t control what people are saying. However, Billy made a good point about how you can “manage” the conversation by being involved and engaging people even if they write something negative about you or your company. I always say that they’re going to talk about you whether you join the conversation or not.

A student participant startled everyone by telling us to “get off Facebook.” She said there’s no way you can believe anything you read on it and she didn’t like the idea that a company would check up on an applicant by looking at their Facebook page. Sorry, young lady. Facebook along with other social media channels are open to everyone and I highly encourage you to be careful about what you post anywhere. On the point of believing what you read, I agree to a certain extent. You need to be careful about what you read and that includes product reviews. One participant was sure that his competition was paying people to write negative comments about his products online. He didn’t have proof though. But I certainly believe it does happen. I’m just not sure how much.

It was a very good discussion but showed me that there is a long way to go when it comes to companies integrating social media into their marketing communications mix. One other comment that I appreciated was on the subject of ROI for social media expenses. He asked why it is that companies don’t have a clue what the return is on their advertising expenses for traditional media and yet want to know exactly how many widgets they sold by investing some dollars in social media. Good question. It’s kind of like a double standard. Several participants said that their use of social media had positive returns for their business.

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

First place was awarded to Adam Dotson who submitted Good Shepherd Cheese, which told the story of a sheep farm in Kentucky. You can watch it below. Second place went to the video Cow Comfort, entered by Jonathan Klingenfus who explained how his family farm turned a crisis into an opportunity. Third place was awarded to Lauren Chase’s Telling The Montana Family Ranching Story.

I spoke with Allie Hembree, North American Public Relations Coordinator, Alltech, about the Farming Film Festival and other new technological features of this year’s Symposium. She says participation in the festival was great and they plan to do it again next year. Listen to my interview with her to hear what else is new from Alltech at this year’s event. Allie Hembree Interview

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Pictured (l-r) are moderator Aidan Connolly, Alltech, Tom Standage, Bus. Editor, The Economist, Hans Johr, Corporate Head of Agricutlure, Nestle and Ben Self, Founder, Blue State Digital. I will update this post after the debate with some audio from the session. Aidan is posing questions to the participants. The first one is “What are the game changers as we move to feed over nine billion people.”

Post Update:

Here are answers to the first question from each of the participants:

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

I have not read the book but perhaps I will after hearing Tom’s presentation. It’s very interesting to hear about the “game changers” in history and their relationship to food and farming. Here’s what the book is about:

This book looks at history in another way entirely: as a series of transformations caused, enabled or influenced by food. Throughout history, food has done more than simply provide sustenance. It has acted as a catalyst of social transformation, societal organisation, geopolitical competition, industrial development, military conflict and economic expansion. From prehistory to the present, the stories of these transformations form a narrative that encompasses the whole of human history.

Tom Standage Interview

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

The Undergraduate Winner is Yakov Cepilov – Novosibirsk State University, Russia. Yakov will receive a $5,000 scholarship as part of his award.

Listen to an interview with Wai-Fun: Yakov Cepilov Interview

Presenting the awards were Dr. Mark Lyons and Dr. Inge Russell.

The Graduate Winner is Wai-Fun Leong – Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. She will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

Listen to an interview with Wai-Fun: Wai-Fun Leong Interview

The Alltech Young Scientist Award brings together the world’s brightest scientific thinkers from colleges and universities across the globe. To compete for the top prizes, undergraduate and graduate students are asked to register and submit a scientific paper on an agricultural topic such as veterinary science, animal feed technology, agricultural developments or agriculture management.

The 2012 competition will comprise of 10 regions. The 3 best regional winners on each category will then have the opportunity to compete in the Global Phase, which will take place in Lexington, Kentucky, USA at Alltech’s Annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium in May 2012. Undergraduate and graduate students will compete separately at each phase.

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Damien says that the whole idea of game changing has been driven by marketing efforts in the technology sector. One of the key companies he points to is Apple computers. I can relate to that! He says it’s not a matter of trying to copy what Apple did to change its whole image but rather the idea of investing in management innovation. The one piece of advice he wants people to take away is, “You have to invest in having the right people around. You have to provide them with the time to think about these ideas. And then you have to have confidence that those idea might actually work out.”

The interview with Damien was conducted by Aly Rowell, Lloyd Bell Productions. Aly is conducting interviews for people like me who did not get their own interview. Thanks to her and Alltech for making this available. Great idea!

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Troy’s presentation chronicled his personal experiences using social media to become what a lot of us call an “agvocate.” He helped show how relatively simple and powerful today’s new communications channels can be for farmers to speak out on their own and inform and engage consumers.

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

So we ate well, enjoyed good fellowship and had a band and dancing. I’ve updated my photo album so you can see what you missed if you’re not here. We’ve got a record attendance of 2,200 here from 72 countries and 48 states in the USA!

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

The app:

Helps pig producers search for information about swine health issues, environmental concerns and pork quality. Includes customizable commodity listings and local weather forecasting.

You can get it in the iTunes store with this link or just search the keyword Alltech.

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

1. Fiber not corn
2. No antibiotics
3. Programmed nutrition
4. Feed to the genetic potential
5. Algae – the farm of the future
6. Be a leader

You can listen to him describe each of these ideas in detail below. He also introduced the Alltech Future of Farming website that interactively describes his vision of the type of farm we will see. Check it out.

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

These include:

Dr. Inge Russell
Damien McLoughlin
Dr. Ronan Tynan
Dr. Mark Lyons
Dr. Pearse Lyons

I recorded the question and answer session for you to listen to. There are quite a few questions and some dealt with the idea of moving from corn as a feedstuff for livestock to a form of fiber. That ought to generate some discussion. Alltech Symposium Press Conference

Follow the action on the Alltech Innovations Blog, including photos, interviews and there will be live streaming of certain sessions.

2011 Alltech Symposium Photo Album