AgWired

Julie Borlaug Larson, granddaughter to Dr. Norman Borlaug, was on stage this morning to accept a posthumous Alltech Medal of Excellence award for the “Father of the Green Revolution.” The award was presented by Aidan Connolly, Alltech.

“Through his adaptation of new wheat technologies and improved crop management practices, Dr. Borlaug saved more than a billion people worldwide from starvation,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “Borlaug taught the world to feed itself, mass famines were averted and countries such as Mexico and India became self-sufficient in producing grains. His work continues to inspire us today as we strive to find solutions to feeding nine billion people by 2050.”

This afternoon Julie participated in the first part of a session titled, “Africa: Land of Opportunity.” I visited with her at the break and learned some interesting things about what’s going on in Africa. BTW. Julie and I are looking for a sponsor of our attendance at the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) Cape Town Forum in June. Let us know if you’re interested. We’ll make sure we bring our message from the U.S. and also bring back what we learn.

2014 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Following this morning’s opening general session at the Alltech Symposium, (l-r) Dr. Mark Lyons, Dr. Pearse Lyons and Lopez Lomong participated in a press conference. This provide media a chance to ask them quite a few questions. I’m sharing one Q&A with each of them for you.

First up I have Lopez Lomong. I asked him his thoughts on the growing interest and activity on the part of U.S. business to invest in Africa, especially in the agricultural sector.

Next up is Dr. Pearse Lyons who was asked to expand on his earlier remarks about the Alltech initiative in Eastern Kentucky.

And next is Dr. Mark Lyons. He was asked how the technologies presented today will be used to increase animal livestock and protein production.

2014 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

The Alltech Humanitarian Award was presented this morning to Lopez Lomong, a South Sudanese-born American track and field athlete. Dr. Pearse Lyons presented the award at “What If?” the 30th Annual Alltech International Symposium in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, from May 18-21.

One of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Lomong was separated from his family at age six when he was kidnapped by soldiers during a Sunday morning Mass in his native country. He escaped from the children’s prison three weeks later, taking refuge in a camp in Kenya before coming to the United States at 16 and becoming a U.S. citizen in 2007.

Lomong is a two-time Olympian in track and field and was the flag bearer for the United States during the 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony. Lomong’s autobiography, Running for My Life, was published in 2012.

Lomong has a fascinating story to tell of how he survived his childhood ordeal and became a U.S. Olympian.