Alltech Releases 2024 Sustainability Report

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Alltech’s newly-released 2024 Sustainability Report highlights progress toward emissions reduction, champions agriculture’s role in building resilient food systems

“Our vision of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty® recognizes that thriving farms and food businesses are essential for a more sustainable planet,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “When producers are equipped to succeed — to be profitable, to build a legacy and reinvest in their land and communities — we all move closer to a world of abundance.”

The 2024 report highlights a year of strong momentum and measurable impact: Alltech achieved double-digit business growth in 2024 while reducing its Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 7.8%. Since 2021, Alltech has reduced those emissions by 26%, more than halfway to its 2030 target of 42%, proving that strong business performance can go hand in hand with environmental progress.

Among Alltech’s 2024 achievements, the company invested $2.04 million in six energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, cutting emissions by 3,602 metric tons of CO2-e. The company also expanded its zero-waste-to-landfill practices, with five facilities achieving full zero-waste status in 2024. In water stewardship, Alltech launched a strategy to benchmark usage, identify high-usage sites, implement conservation technologies and share global best practices.

The report also spotlights Alltech’s role in telling agriculture’s story in a new way through the World Without Cows documentary, which was viewed by more than 5,000 people last year at private screenings, film festivals and events around the world. “Through the film, its digital platform and in-person events all over the world, we are creating space for science-led storytelling that encourages critical thinking and sparking broader conversations about livestock, food security and sustainability,” Lyons said.

The film was screened at CattleCon in February where we interviewed Dr. Lyons about it.
Interview with Dr. Mark Lyons (4:59)

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Industry Ag News 6/27

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Bob Ellison, a trained broadcast journalist with decades of experience, is joining Agri-Pulse as managing editor.
  • The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) recently announced that Alex Enlow has joined ARA as the new Director of Communications and Member Experience.
  • The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) hosted its fifth annual Farm Tour, welcoming Congressional staff, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees, and representatives from the University of Maryland. This immersive event offered attendees a firsthand look at wheat production and the essential partnerships that support American agriculture.
  • AgCareers is proud to extend an exclusive invitation to senior leaders and decision-makers in the agriculture and food industries for a high-level leadership experience—the Executive & Senior Leadership Forum, taking place on August 5, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • HLK, a creative agency headquartered in St. Louis, has been named marketing and product brand PR agency of record for Pivot Bio, a forward-thinking ag tech company pioneering nitrogen solutions.
  • Ports of Indiana has selected Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), a leading global merchant and processor of agricultural goods, to operate the grain export facility at its Lake Michigan port.
  • The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) reiterated its strong support for timely, bipartisan reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) during testimony before the House Agriculture Committee. Testifying on behalf of NGFA and its more than 700 member companies, Nick Friant, Director of Raw Material Quality at Cargill and Chairman of NGFA’s Grain Grades and Weights Committee, stressed the importance of the USGSA in maintaining America’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality grain.
  • Program sponsors American Soybean Association and Corteva are seeking farmers to apply for the 2026 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program. Learn more about the program and how to apply here.
  • Project GREEEN, Michigan’s plant agriculture initiative based at Michigan State University and supported by the Michigan Plant Coalition, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, is undergoing a leadership change.
  • Farm Credit Mid-America announced the results of its recent Board of Directors and 2026 Nominating Committee elections. Customer-owners with voting stock elected the following to its Board of Directors:
    · Arkansas/Missouri – Dane Coomer, Piggott Arkansas; re-elected
    · Kentucky – Amanda Gajdzik, Shelbyville, Kentucky; newly elected
    · Ohio – Rachael Vonderhaar, Camden, Ohio; re-elected
    · Tennessee – Ben Neale, Columbia, Tennessee; newly elected
  • Zimfo Bytes

    DWFI Podcast 43 – Irrigation and Global Health

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    In the 43rd episode of the Water for Food Podcast, host Frances Hayes speaks with Claudia Ringler of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) about the crucial link between irrigation and global health, expanding on Ringler’s recent Heuermann Lecture as part of the 2025 Water for Food Global Conference and previous episodes in this podcast. Together they explore how irrigation can improve health outcomes while also addressing potential unintended negative impacts and how to avoid them when designing irrigation solutions.

    The conversation highlights successful irrigation projects, strategies for ensuring access to irrigation for beneficial outcomes like decreased malnutrition and improved hygiene, and necessary policy changes and international collaborations to maximize positive health impacts globally.

    Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
    DWFI podcast episode 43 41:23

    The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

    How to subscribe:

    Food, Irrigation, Podcasts, Water, Water for Food

    Farmers and Ranchers Join Trump for Tax Relief

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Virginia farmer Jeb Cullipher and NCBA past President Kevin Kester (left) with President Trump at White House event

    Representatives of the nation’s farmers and ranchers were front and center Thursday at a White House event urging Congress to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and deliver tax relief.

    President Donald Trump welcomed National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Past-President Kevin Kester from California and Virginia Cattlemen’s Association member Jeb Cullipher to represent those in the agriculture industry who will benefit from provisions in the legislation.

    “The one big, beautiful bill will also be an incredible victory for American farmers, another group that we did great with, especially family farmers,” said President Trump. “Our bill will provide 100 percent expensing so they can buy a new farm, new farm equipment. And by the way, the expensing is good for everybody, not just farmers. And it will virtually eliminate the so-called estate tax or the death tax.”

    Kester raises cattle with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Over 30 years ago, he inherited the ranch from his grandfather and faced a $2 million Death Tax from the IRS.

    “It was an incredible honor to stand with President Trump and echo his message that America’s family farmers and ranchers need tax relief now,” said Kester. “When I was hit with the Death Tax 30 years ago, I couldn’t hire new employees, invest in equipment, or make improvements to the ranch. My family and I had to stretch every dollar and sacrifice basic purchases so that we could pay off that tax bill. To protect our food security and national security, we need to make sure no other farming family experiences that same burden, which is why Congress must pass the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and deliver lasting tax relief.”

    The Cullipher family has been farming in the area for almost 200 years and Jeb added cattle to the farm. For his business to thrive, farmers like Cullipher need Congress to support small business tax deductions, credits, and other provisions that help farmers invest in the success of their operations.

    Listen to Trump’s comments here.
    Pres. Trump on bill's benefits for farmers 1:53

    AgWired Animal, Audio, NCBA

    Women in Ag Tech Returns to Tech Hub LIVE 2025

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Women in Ag Tech (WiAT) returns to Tech Hub LIVE next month in Des Moines, offering a full afternoon of inspiring conversations, actionable insights, and meaningful networking for women working in every corner of agriculture and ag tech. The event will take place Monday, July 21, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

    Hosted by Meister Media Worldwide, WiAT brings together forward-thinking professionals working across precision agriculture, R&D, digital platforms, crop protection, financial services, ag retail, and farm management technologies.

    Now in its third year, WiAT has become a cornerstone of Tech Hub LIVE, delivering content that’s smart, strategic, and grounded in real-world experience. From crop input innovation to data science, farm finance, and digital tools, Women in Ag Tech is built for professionals leading and shaping the future of the industry.

    The agenda this year begins with a keynote address from Susan Olson, Ph.D., a former aerospace engineer who now leads ag tech startup Action Intel. Other highlights include a panel discussion on getting more value out of ag tech investments by addressing data gaps and infrastructure challenges, and a presentation from Sarah Canada with Corteva Agriscience on how innovation moves from the whiteboard to the field inside one of agriculture’s largest R&D organizations.

    The program will also explore how ag tech is reshaping farm credit and insurance, from underwriting to digital documentation, and what that means for producers navigating a shifting landscape and Iowa farmer and ag advocate April Hemmes will host an open-floor Q&A, inviting attendees to ask anything—from cover crops to carbon markets to career pivots.

    The Women in Ag Tech event is supported by a group of committed sponsors who continue to champion leadership, innovation, and inclusion in the sector. Corteva Agriscience returns as Signature Sponsor, joined by Agri-Access as Visionary Sponsor and Faegre Drinker as Sustaining Sponsor.

    “Creating space for women to thrive in ag tech is essential to the future of the industry,” said Kristin Utterback, Innovation and Engagement Strategy Leader, R&D for Corteva. “We’re proud to support initiatives like WiAT that encourage innovation and inclusion.”

    Learn more here and in the Tech Hub LIVE preview interview below with conference organizer Magda Gibson.
    2025 Tech Hub LIVE preview - Magda Gibson (11:12)

    AgWired Precision, Meister Media, Precision Agriculture, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

    Precision Ag News 6/26

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Early registration savings for Tech Hub LIVE 2025 end June 27. Register now to save $245 to join the largest gathering of thought leaders and innovative practitioners dedicated to turning new technology opportunities into practical business advantages, July 21-23 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The deadline for discounted hotel rates ends June 29.
  • Further enhancing the international strategic and scientific advisory offering for agriculture and food business, AgriThority® and India Advisory Firm AgVaya have entered into an agreement to collaborate. Under the agreement, AgriThority and AgVaya together will offer consultative strategic growth and business transformation services for the full breadth of business, market and product development, as well as regulatory services. In close collaboration they will work together in specific regions of focus including technology transfer across continents.
  • Agoro Carbon signed a landmark 12-year offtake agreement to deliver 2.6 million carbon removal credits to Microsoft. This agreement represents one of the largest soil-based carbon removals commitments to date, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of agriculture-driven climate solutions. It unlocks significant investment to scale sustainable agriculture, reflecting corporate demand for durable, science-backed soil carbon removals. The credits will be generated from Agoro Carbon’s U.S. crop and rangeland projects, developed under Verra’s VM0042 Improved Agricultural Land Management methodology. These projects deploy regenerative agricultural practices such as cover cropping, improved grazing and reduced tillage to sequester carbon in the soil while enhancing agricultural resilience, biodiversity, food security and water retention. Farmers and ranchers who enroll in the Agoro Carbon program can experience improved crop and forage yields, increased input efficiency, and enhanced resistance to extreme weather, while generating a new income stream. Agoro Carbon’s rigorous, quality-focused approach continues to resonate with corporations seeking credible, high-integrity solutions to meet their climate commitments.
  • Verdesian Life Sciences announced that Primacy ALPHA® has been awarded the Certified Biostimulant label from The Fertilizer Institute’s Certified Biostimulant Program. This certification confirms that Primacy Alpha meets the rigorous criteria outlined in the United States Biostimulant Industry Guidelines for efficacy, composition, and safe use product claims.
  • Ceradis B.V., a global developer and marketer of environmentally friendly plant nutrition and crop protection solutions, announced the appointment of Thiago Gianeti as Supply Chain and Product Development Leader for the Americas. With more than 15 years of experience spanning agribusiness supply chains, research and development, regulatory affairs, and technical innovation, Gianeti brings extensive expertise and a proven track record of delivering profitable, high-impact results. His appointment supports Ceradis’ continued growth across the Americas and its commitment to scientific innovation and operational excellence.
  • AcreConnect™, a U.S.-developed software platform designed to help spray drone operators manage their spray seasons, announces a new integration with Intuit QuickBooks® Online. With this integration, spray drone operators can now create and send invoices from AcreConnect™ , using customer and inventoried products and services from QuickBooks® Online. This means users can handle billing and invoicing without ever leaving the AcreConnect™ platform.
  • Precision Conservation Management (PCM), in partnership with the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), is proud to announce expansion into north central Missouri. This development brings new opportunities for corn growers to improve profitability while adopting proven in-field conservation practices, enhancing soil health, and protecting water quality.
  • Michigan State University researchers and MSU Extension educators are evaluating the potential of agrivoltaics — which combines agricultural operations with solar energy production — in Michigan. Agrivoltaics systems place solar panels directly in the field, either arranged several feet above agricultural activities or in rows to allow for crops or animals to be between them. The goal is to continue producing an agricultural commodity while gaining another revenue source for the farm through solar energy.
  • André Dias steps into the role of Chief Commercial Officer for Kynetec, pivotal in leading the company’s commercial transformation; delivering financial performance and continuing the execution of the corporate strategy. Dias joined Kynetec in 2022 as Executive Director for Latin America, following Kynetec’s acquisition of Spark. Dias has more than 25 years of experience in the agricultural sector, and at Kynetec has successfully led a team of over 100 research professionals across the core agricultural markets of the Latin America region.
  • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Cook Out Costs Hold Steady in 2025

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    This year’s Fourth of July cookout will cost slightly less than last year’s record, but the federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index report for food at home still shows an overall increase of 2.2% compared to a year ago.

    According to the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation annual summer survey, holiday cookout for ten will cost $70.92, down only 30 cents from last year’s record-high cost, making it $7.09 per person, the second-highest cost since Farm Bureau began the survey in 2013.

    “Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America’s families,” said AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub. “High prices don’t mean more money for farmers, however. Farmers are price takers, not price makers. Their share of the food retail dollar is just 15%. The cost of running their farm is up, from labor and transportation, to taxes.”

    The survey included prices for a meal with cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other favorites. It shows an increase this year in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans, while prices are lower for pork chops, chips and hamburger buns.

    The retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef increased 4.4% to $13.33. Pork and beans will cost $2.69, up 20 cents from 2024. Potato salad is up 6.6% to $3.54. Several factors influence these increases, reflecting the sort of challenges farmers regularly face. Fewer cattle are available for processing, which is affecting supplies. Steel and aluminum tariffs mean increased prices on canned goods. The cost of eggs – used in potato salad – is still elevated, although they are much lower than record highs earlier this year as egg-laying chicken populations are recovering from avian influenza.

    Our survey found a reduction in cost for six cookout staples. Among them is a 3-pound package of pork chops, which is down 8.8% from last year, at $14.13. Chips average $4.80 a bag, a dime less than 2024. Hamburger buns are 2.6% less expensive, at $2.35. The amount of pork available to stores is up, which is pushing prices down. The demand for potatoes has eased, helping bring down the cost of chips. Wheat prices are still much lower than record highs of three years ago, contributing to the slight decrease in the cost of buns.

    Read more from AFBF

    AFBF, Food

    Animal Ag News 6/23

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed the July cattle survey to about 18,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories. This is the first July cattle survey mailed to producers since the reinstatement of key reports was announced earlier this year. To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding via the website agcounts.usda.gov, telephone, mail or a personal interview with a local NASS representative.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas and announced a sweeping five-pronged plan to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest. These urgent actions are necessary to finish the fight against NWS and protect the United States.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced strong support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plan to build a New World screwworm sterile fly facility at Moore Air Base in south Texas. NCBA President Buck Wehrbein and NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane joined Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins at Moore Air Base for her press announcement.
  • The Secure Beef Supply (SBS) website has been redesigned to better serve the growing number of users seeking new, updated and classic biosecurity resources.
  • A Kansas State University engineer is evaluating the feasibility and efficiency of producing aviation fuel precursors from swine waste. The project focuses on anaerobic membrane reactors, or AnMBRs, as a viable platform to recover and valorize swine waste streams through co-fermentation into short- and medium-chain organic acids, which ultimately can be transformed into synthetic aviation fuel.
  • Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is investing in the future of the next generation through its annual scholarship program. Five young adults will receive $2,000 scholarship awards to pursue higher education. Two scholarships will be awarded to students currently enrolled in college or an university, and three scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors.
  • When you’re feeding cattle, it counts to keep track of every calf, pound and dollar. That’s why customer-focused feeders and cow-calf producers should plan to attend Feeding Quality Forum in Rochester, Minn., on August 14 and 15, 2025. Register for half-price ($125) through June at FeedingQualityForum.com. Registration costs $250 from July 1 to 21. Students can register for $50 until July 21.
  • The American Feed Industry Association is pleased to announce it has been awarded $242,600 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emerging Markets Program (EMP) for the animal food sector’s continued market expansion into Vietnam. The EMP will promote exports of U.S. animal food products by continuing to grow the business-to-business relationships that are vital to the success and progression of the U.S. animal food industry.
  • The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. This award recognizes family farmers who demonstrate exceptional environmental stewardship in poultry and egg production. Eligible nominees include family-owned poultry growers or egg producers who supply products to a USPOULTRY member or are independent producers that are USPOULTRY members. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 24.
  • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 6/20

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Whether you’ve risen the ranks or are new to agri-marketing, Boot Camp has something for you. Join fellow agri-marketers of all skill levels in Kansas City, August 6–8, for a fast-paced, jam-packed crash course in how to grow and succeed as a well-rounded professional. Sign up for NAMA Boot Camp now.
  • Brush Art Corporation, a full-service marketing agency with over 63 years of experience delivering integrated solutions to local, regional, and national clients, is pleased to announce the addition of Scott McClure as Director of Strategy.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted agribusiness and cooperative associations at the Regional Office in Lenexa, Kansas, to discuss topics at the intersection of agriculture and EPA regulations. Together, these groups represent thousands of agricultural businesses and stakeholders across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
  • New artificial intelligence technology is enabling agricultural retailers and farm supply cooperatives to optimize their operational performance while strengthening all-important customer relationships. In addition to broad-based AI platforms that can be leveraged to simplify everyday business operations, farm suppliers now have access to AI apps specifically designed to support field agronomy and crop production. According to a new research brief from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, AI technology offers ag retailers a new set of tools to optimize workflows, inventory management, employee performance and other key business functions. Farm supply businesses that rise to the challenge of adopting AI can also enhance their position as trusted advisors and essential partners in the ag supply chain.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) 107th convention theme is “Imagine. Grow. Lead.” President Zippy Duvall will be the keynote speaker for the opening general session on Sunday, Jan. 11 where he will set his intention for the year ahead. His address, plus the convention’s many workshops, presentations, and events will encourage you to imagine a bright and successful future, grow within Farm Bureau, and lead in your communities.
  • Kubota North America Corporation (KNA) announced significant leadership changes following the Kubota Corporation (KBT) Board of Directors meeting held yesterday in Osaka, Japan. Effective July 1, 2025, Todd Stucke will take on new responsibilities in Japan as Deputy General Manager of Farm and Industrial Machinery Consolidated Division and Deputy General Manager of the Customer Solutions Division at KBT. He will be succeeded as President of Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) by Alex Woods. Stucke will continue to maintain a connection with KTC as its Chairman, and he will continue in his role as Sr. Vice President of KNA and will participate on the KNA Executive Board.
  • The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Davis as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. With a distinguished career in leadership and a deep commitment to the equipment industry, Davis is poised to guide NAEDA into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
  • 258 food and agriculture groups representing millions of American farmers, ranchers, producers, and manufacturers sent a letter calling on the Make America Healthy Again Commission to create greater transparency and input in the commission’s activities. The groups raised concerns that the erroneous representations about food and agriculture, as well as the poor evidence used to support those findings, could have been avoided if there had been greater opportunities for stakeholders to participate and provide input to the commission.
  • The American Soybean Association is recognizing exceptional soy volunteers and leaders and requests your help with candidate nominations. During the 2026 Commodity Classic, individuals will be recognized and honored for state association volunteerism, distinguished leadership achievements, and long-term, significant contributions to the soybean industry. The nomination period is open through Oct. 24. 2025.
  • Artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of agriculture — from livestock and crop production to horticulture, forestry and sustainable land management. Kansas State University’s AI in Kansas Ag Conference will delve into how AI-driven innovations are reshaping the future of farming and food systems. Community members, researchers, agricultural businesses and local Kansas producers are invited to attend the conference. Registration is free, but space is limited to the first 200 attendees — register today.
  • Zimfo Bytes

    Preview 2025 Tech Hub LIVE

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    The fifth annual Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo returns to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines July 21-23 with the theme “TECH THAT WORKS: Driving Efficiencies for Retailer Success and Farmer Resilience.”

    Powered by the CropLife Media Group™, in partnership with the Global AgTech Initiative and AgriBusiness Global brands, Tech Hub LIVE continues to grow as the industry’s largest gathering of ag retailers, dealers, agronomists, distributors, manufacturers, consultants, and tech providers committed to advancing practical innovation in agriculture.

    Conference organizer Magda Gibson says the whole purpose of the event is to create great business, learning, and networking opportunities. “The idea is to bring together leaders across agronomy, data, automation, digital platforms to explore how technology is transforming the business and practice of agriculture,” said Gibson.

    The conference officially kicks off with the Welcome Party Monday evening, sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, which will be held this year at Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs. Prior to that will be the co-located Women in Ag Tech (WiAT) event, which continues to grow in popularity.

    Tuesday will include a welcome from Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, and a fifth anniversary celebration with awards, followed by the keynote address from Jeff Blair, President and CEO of GreenPoint Ag, and multiple educational and networking opportunities. “We have a great and ever-expanding expo floor, we have the Tech Talks, the Fireside Chats, conference sessions…all of our programming is focused on helping retailers do more with less but continue to innovate and grow as every dollar counts,” Gibson said.

    Wednesday includes sessions on artificial intelligence, Purdue University’s Bruce Erickson with the latest Precision Ag Adoption survey, and concluding with the popular farmers panel.

    Learn more about the 2025 Tech Hub LIVE in this preview interview and click here for registration.
    2025 Tech Hub LIVE preview - Magda Gibson (11:12)

    ag retailers, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Events, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology