Sustainability Insights at Alltech ONE Calgary

Cindy Zimmerman

Alltech ONE Calgary featured global and Canadian experts discussing agricultural trends, animal nutrition and business, including a Sustainability Insights discussion.

“Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption yet remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system,” said Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech. “The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain.”

Alltech recently released initial findings of its 2022 Sustainability Insights report, with the complete report to be released later this summer. McCarthy talked about some of those findings including:

There is a strong level of optimism and positivity with 85% of respondents agreeing that the food system can rise to the challenge.

Respondents were similarly realistic about the need for support for the primary producers of the food that the 8 billion people on this planet eat. 66% agree that unless the farmer is incentivized, things will never change.

There is recognition that we won’t be able to resolve the challenges ahead without a huge degree of innovation and harnessing technology to enable us to feed ourselves sustainably, with 92% of respondents believing that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems.

There is a near-universal recognition that we need a collaborative conversation and effort across the value chain, with 93% of respondents agreeing that we all have to work together to create a better food system for the future.

Listen to McCarthy’s remarks here:
ONE Calgary - Tara McCarthy, Alltech (19:14)

Alltech ONE World Tour – Calgary Photo Album

Agribusiness, Alltech, Animal Agriculture, Audio

Precision Ag News 7/5

Carrie Muehling

  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is urging farmers to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding a new proposal on multi-pollutant emissions standards. The call-to-action was launched after EPA first announced the proposal in April. The comment period deadline closes on July 5.The new standards would effectively force automakers to produce electric vehicles at an increasingly rapid rate to comply with the stringent proposed rule.
  • Enriched Ag is pleased to announce the inclusion of its insights products in the INCA Exchange app by the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance. The data-driven insights focus on helping producers with grazing management, conservation and supply chain needs. The INCA Exchange app was designed for Native small-scale producers to enhance their participation in local agricultural markets, social connections and resource sharing.
  • Applications are open from now to Sept. 4 for the 2024 AgLaunch365 Accelerator program, a one-of-a-kind, farm-immersive business development experience for startups with a product or service that has the potential to be transformative in production agriculture.
  • Join the 2023 ARA Conference & Expo where the theme “Launching the Future of Ag Retail” will guide the forward-thinking keynote speaker messages and breakout sessions.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) signed a memorandum of understanding strengthening the collaboration between the two agencies, including efforts to improve agricultural and Earth science research, technology, and agricultural management, and the application of science data and models to agricultural decision making.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Alltech ONE World Tour Stops in Calgary

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Alltech ONE CalgaryThe Alltech ONE World Tour continued this week in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ONE Calgary welcomed more than 300 attendees from across Canada to explore collaborative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry, especially as they relate to the Canadian marketplace.

    Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech President/CEO, made remarks to get the party started. Pictured with him are the Calgary Stampede Royalty, Alayiah Wolf Child, 2023 First Nation Princess (left) and Sarah Lambros, Calgary Stampede Princess.

    “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 endeavors 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™.”

    You can listen in to Mark’s welcome here: Alltech ONE Calgary - Dr. Mark Lyons Remarks

    Thank you to Alltech for making it possible for me to attend this Alltech ONE Word Tour stop in Calgary.

    Click here for the Alltech ONE World Tour stop in Calgary, Alberta, Canada Photo Album.

    Agribusiness, Alltech, Audio

    Animal Ag News 7/3

    Carrie Muehling

  • Quick action by FAS, USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has resolved an issue that temporarily stopped U.S. poultry product exports to Colombia, our 10th largest market for these products. Colombia’s Ministry of Agriculture instructed all Colombian ports to deny import permits to any poultry products beginning June 1 on concerns of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Roughly $1.1 million in U.S. exports were impacted by the ban between June 3 and June 8.
  • As of June 1, there were 72.4 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up slightly from June 2022 and down one percent from Mar. 1, 2023, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
  • July 1st is the start to the second half of 2023 and the opening day for three National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applications. Opportunities to get involved include the CattleCon24 Internship Program, the National Anthem Contest sponsored by Norbrook, and Scholarships to attend CattleCon.
  • The National Pork Board recently announced a new five-year effort focused on addressing consumer questions related to the pork industry’s We Care® Ethical Principles and strengthening consumers’ confidence in choosing pork for their plate. The Real Pork Trust Consortium brings together the diverse expertise of five universities and will focus on three key areas to build consumer trust: 1) research designed to answer consumer questions about pork and pork production, 2) communications that share the research findings in a relatable, relevant way consumers can easily understand and use when making decisions, and 3) training to empower people from various walks of life to share research-based information about the pork industry.
  • Across America each day, nearly 5,650 animal food manufacturing facilities produce millions of tons of livestock, poultry and aquaculture feed and pet food, providing animals with safe and adequate nutrition while supporting an abundant U.S. food supply. Now, new research from the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) shows that these facilities drive economic growth, not only across the national economy but also in the counties and states where they are located.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted comments on the protocols to examine the scientific questions that will be addressed by the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). In submitting comments, IDFA was responding to the 2025 DGAC’s request for feedback as it reviews the body of scientific evidence on nutrition and health necessary to formulate a credible and reliable Dietary Guidelines for Americans report at the end of 2024.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    USDA Crop Report Surprises

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Planted Acreage report released Friday surprised many with an estimated 94.1 million acres of corn planted in the United States for 2023, up 6% from last year, while soybean area planted is estimated at 83.5 million acres, down 5% from last year.

    “You get a big surprise here I think on the movement around the crops and in particular between corn and beans,” said USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. “Once one pulls all the pieces apart, it makes a lot of sense.”

    The report showed a significant change from the planting intentions survey in March, which indicated farmers would plant just four percent more corn and slightly more soybeans than last year, which Meyer said showed they were “maintaining some flexibility” going into planting.

    “You gained acreage sprinkled around in a number of different areas,” said Meyer, including more hay, sorghum, and spring wheat acres.

    All wheat planted area for 2023 is estimated at 49.6 million acres, up 9% from last year, with winter wheat 11 percent higher and spring wheat up three percent. All cotton planted area for 2023 is estimated at 11.1 million acres, 19% below 2022. Growers planted 6.81 million acres of sorghum for all purposes in 2023, up 8 percent from last year.

    Producers intend to harvest 52.0 million acres of all hay in 2023, up 5 percent from 2022. Alfalfa harvested acreage is expected to be 15.7 million acres, up 5 percent from 2022. All other hay (excluding alfalfa) is expected to be up 5 percent from last year, at 36.3 million acres.

    Listen to this soundbite from Meyer from USDA.
    USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer comment on planted acreage (1:09)

    Audio, Corn, Cotton, Soybean, USDA

    2023 IFAJ World Congress Concludes

    Chuck Zimmerman

    2023 IFAJ Congress Canada Delegates GroupThe 2023 IFAJ Congress has concluded and attendees are on there way to post-congress tours, back home or spending more days on their own visiting farms and other parts of Canada. I’m heading back to Calgary for the Alltech ONE World Tour event which starts with a reception tonight and a day of presentations on Tuesday. Then I’ll head home to ZimmComm World Headquarters on Wednesday.

    Last night we had the closing Gala Banquet at which awards were presented and all attendees enjoyed dueling pianos and dancing. I have plenty of photos of awards as well as country delegate group photos in the online album. Feel free to share or use however you want. The group you see here is the Canada group who organized this year’s IFAJ Congress. The IFAJ flag has been passed to Switzerland where the Congress will be held in 2024. More to come on that.

    Thank you to Alltech for making it possible for me to attend this year’s IFAJ Congress.

    Click here for the IFAJ Congress 2023 Photo Album.

    IFAJ, International, Media

    IFAJ at the Panoka Stampede

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Panoka Stampede RodeoI participated in the IFAJ Congress rodeo tour for an afternoon at the Panoka Stampede. It is one of the largest rodeos in the world. Many of our attendees had never been to a rodeo and they got a great show. Afterward we had time to do some shopping at a local saddlery and western wear store. We weren’t able to stay for the evening activities which included Chuckwagon Races. However, I spoke with Billy Melville, Chuckwagon Races Historian and working on all things Chuckwagon Races, including commentary for race broadcasts. I spoke with him during our time at the venue: Interview with Billy Melville

    Yesterday we had presentations on “Confronting the Reality of Colonial Legacies” and “Celebrating Indigenous Culture.” At the conclusion of the day everyone went outside and learned a circle dance which was led by some special guests. There are some great photos in my IFAJ Congress Photo Album.

    The IFAJ Congress concludes tonight with Gala Banquet. We will have awards and a look ahead to the 2024 IFAJ Congress that will be held in Switzerland.

    Thank you to Alltech for making it possible for me to attend this year’s IFAJ Congress.

    Click here for the IFAJ Congress 2023 Photo Album.

    Audio, IFAJ, International, Media

    2023 IFAJ Congress in Full Gear

    Chuck Zimmerman

    IFAJ World Congress 2023Hello from Olds, Alberta, Canada. The annual IFAJ Congress is taking place between Calgary and Olds. I missed the opening reception and half of the next day thanks to a flight delay/cancellation in Portland, OR on Tuesday. Sure seems like there are flight problems all over the country based on all the messages I’m seeing and that includes other attendees for this event.

    Canadian Farm Writer of the year Ed WhiteIf I was able to be here on time I would have seen Ed White, The Western Producer, receive the Canadian Farm Writer of the Year Award, sponsored by Rabobank Canada. Thank you to Melanie Bernds for sending me a photo and congrats to Ed! Ed was presented the award by Rabobank’s Roxane Lieverse, EVP, Head of Canada.

    We have a number of tours taking place. Yesterday I went on the Beef Tour because beef is what is for dinner me very often. We visited a ranch and unique feedlot and then had presentations with the Canadian Cattle Association before eating a prime rib at The Cattle Baron Restaurant. Today, it’s off the Panoka Stampede Rodeo for me. It is a pre-cursor to the Calgary Stampede coming up starting July 7.

    I’ve got a lot of photos posted and am getting help from some contributors to add to the album from events I missed or other tours. Tomorrow we’ll learn a lot about the indigenous culture here in Canada and the schedule will conclude with a banquet Sunday where we’ll have IFAJ awards and a passing of the flag to Switzerland where the Congress will be held next year.

    Thank you to Alltech for making it possible for me to attend this year’s IFAJ Congress.

    Click here for the IFAJ Congress 2023 Photo Album.

    IFAJ

    Industry Ag News 6/30

    Carrie Muehling

  • Join fellow agri-marketers of all skill levels in Kansas City, August 9–11, 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.
  • The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor survey, a joint effort between Farm Journal and agricultural policy research centers at the University of Missouri, launches with results from its first monthly survey. Questions were sent to nearly 60 agricultural economists nationwide to gauge perspectives on important drivers of agriculture and provide unique, timely insights that affect stakeholders at all levels of the industry.
  • Celebrating the 4th of July with a cookout will cost significantly more than two years ago, although prices have fallen slightly from record highs in 2022. Families will pay $67.73 to host an Independence Day cookout with 10 family members or friends, based on the 2023 American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey.
  • Dan Basse of Chicago, Illinois, president of AgResource Company, has been elected chair of the Farm Foundation Board of Directors. Basse, who will serve a two-year term, succeeds Jerome Lyman, a retired executive of McDonald’s Corporation.
  • American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition kick off the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration — a significant milestone to celebrate the only annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the United States as voted on by the public.
  • John Linder, an Ohio corn grower and former president of the National Corn Growers Association, was elected to serve as president of MAIZALL, an international farmer’s organization that focuses on eliminating regulatory obstacles to innovation in agriculture. The group contains members from the U.S., Brazil and Argentina.
  • The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska recently named Nicole Lefore as Associate Director of Sustainable Agriculture Water Management.
  • National Association of Wheat Growers welcomes Jack Long as the new Government Relations Representative. Long is a recent graduate from Oklahoma State University, where he received a Master’s in Agribusiness. Long is originally from Cole Camp, MO, and comes from a multigenerational farming operation.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    NCBA Files Legal Motion to Strike Down Biden WOTUS Rule

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and litigation partners filed a motion this week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas asking the court to strike down the Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA.

    “In Sackett v. EPA, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the EPA had overstepped its authority under the Clean Water Act,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “A full rewrite of the Biden administration’s WOTUS definition is the only path to comply with the Sackett decision. NCBA is seeking summary judgement in our lawsuit against the Biden WOTUS rule and urging the Southern District of Texas to strike the rule from the books.”

    The Sackett case was not directly about agriculture, but the plaintiffs in the case were harmed by the EPA’s overregulation on WOTUS. NCBA filed an amicus brief before the Supreme Court siding with the Sackett family in their lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers. Ultimately, points raised in NCBA’s brief were incorporated in the justice’s final opinion, demonstrating the importance of NCBA joining the fight on this issue.

    Separate from the Sackett case, NCBA and a coalition of litigation partners also filed their own lawsuit against the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule to block it from taking effect. NCBA secured injunctions in 27 states to temporarily halt the rule. Now, NCBA is filing a motion for summary judgement to ask the court to rule on vacating the full Biden administration WOTUS rule based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Sackett case.

    NCBA Director of Policy Communications Hunter Ihrman provided this interview with Thomas-Hart about the case.
    NCBA interview with Mary Thomas-Hart 5:37

    Audio, Beef, NCBA, Water