Here’s a round-up of industry news from Hypor and Danish Genetics, Vita Plus, ChopLocal and FFAR Vet Fellows.
Merger of Hypor and Danish Genetics Officially Closed
Hendrix Genetics announces the successful closing of the merger between Hypor, its swine genetics division, and Danish Genetics. This strategic combination unites two industry-leading swine genetics organizations under the Hendrix Genetics umbrella, creating a value proposition that sets a new benchmark for the swine industry. Together, Hypor and Danish Genetics, supported by Hendrix Genetics’ multispecies expertise and cutting-edge R&D capabilities, are committed to delivering unmatched value and innovation to the pork value chain, the company said in a release.
“The merger represents a powerful synergy of expertise, resources, and a shared vision for the future of swine genetics. By combining the strengths of Hypor and Danish Genetics, the new entity offers a differentiated and compelling value proposition for pig producers worldwide,” the company said.
Customers can expect:
• Innovative R&D: World-class research and development capabilities to stay ahead of genetic advancements.
• Comprehensive Genetics Portfolio: A range of solutions tailored to diverse customer needs in global markets.
• Global Reach with Local Proximity: Reliable partnerships and long-term support close to the customer.
To reflect the combined strengths of Hypor and Danish Genetics, the new entity will operate under the name Hendrix Genetics Swine. The company said this name underscores the collective expertise and resources of the two organizations while highlighting Hendrix Genetics’ commitment to empowering the swine industry. The headquarters for Hendrix Genetics Swine will be based in Denmark, further solidifying its proximity to key markets and customers.
Kerkhoff Named Vita Plus General Manager of Madison Plant and Distribution Centers
Ron Kerkhoff recently joined the Vita Plus team as the general manager of the Madison, Wis., plant and wholesale distribution networks in Madison, Wis., Central City, Iowa, and Fairmont, Minn. He will have the responsibility of overseeing teams in feed manufacturing, distribution and warehousing. This key leadership role is part of Vita Plus’s continued commitment to providing customers with excellent service, the comapny said in a release.
Kerkhoff has over 30 years of experience in progressive management in feed plant operations and transportation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agri-business from Morningside University. Kerkhoff most recently served as a regional operations manager for a feed manufacturing and animal nutrition company. His extensive production experience and commitment to safety and quality will be an asset to the Vita Plus team.
For more information, visit www.vitaplus.com.
ChopLocal Announces Spring 2025 Webinar Series for Niche Meat Producers
ChopLocal, an online farmer’s market for niche meat producers, will be offering its fourth round of educational webinars to help farmers, small meat processors, and fishermen increase their sales through ecommerce. The grant-funded webinar series kicks off on Jan. 28 with the first of four educational opportunities.
The first webinar, ‘Business Builder Grant for Farmers & Ranchers,’ will take place on Jan. 28. Led by Stephen Ussery of Stewards Unlimited, this session will help livestock producers navigate the USDA Regional Food Business Centers’ Business Builder grants, which offer up to $100,000 for processing, aggregation, and distribution equipment. Topics covered will include eligibility, project design, budget compilation, and resources for applying. Participants will also have the opportunity to receive feedback on their specific project ideas and how to make them competitive for funding.
On Feb. 25, ChopLocal will host ‘How to Get People to BUY from Your Online Store’. This webinar is designed for meat businesses who are overwhelmed with managing orders by text message, email, Facebook or word of mouth. In this session, the ChopLocal team will provide actionable strategies for converting local customers into online buyers. Attendees will learn techniques to increase their conversion rates, simplify the shopping experience, and grow their online sales, with practical tools to streamline the ordering process.
On March 26, join ChopLocal for ‘Harnessing Social Media to Boost Your Direct-to-Consumer Meat Sales’. Led by ChopLocal’s Marketing Specialist, Sierra Walter, this webinar will help attendees craft engaging content and develop a social media strategy that drives sales. Walter will share how niche meat businesses can optimize their social media channels, engage with their target audience, and streamline their social media task checklist to simplify online efforts.
The series will wrap up on April 29 with ‘Turn Farmers Market Customers into Year-Round Customers’. The ChopLocal team will share strategies to keep customers engaged during the off-season and build lasting relationships to sustain your business throughout the year.
These educational opportunities are free to all niche-meat producers. Learn more here.
FFAR & AAVMC Open Applications for 2025 FFAR Vet Fellows
To support the development of future veterinary researchers, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) established the FFAR Veterinary Student Research Fellowship (FFAR Vet Fellows) in 2018. This year, the fellowship features several updates to expand its scope, eligibility and impact. The program is accepting applications for the 2025 cohort.
“This year’s new Vet Fellows program updates offer expanded opportunities for veterinary students to engage in groundbreaking research that addresses critical challenges in global food security and sustainable animal production,” Nikki Dutta, FFAR scientific program officer, said in a release. “By partnering with AAVMC, FFAR is advancing its mission to develop the next generation of scientific leaders and drive innovative solutions to pressing food and agriculture issues.”
The fellowship is open to domestic and international students currently enrolled in a DVM or VMD degree program. New this year, students enrolled in or who have completed an advanced research or non-research degree, such as an MS, MPH or graduate certificate are eligible to apply. Students do not need to have prior research experience, and matching funds are not required for this program. Students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in agriculture are strongly encouraged to apply.
The program is providing up to 15 students a total of $16,000 — a $6,000 increase from last year — to perform research in, but not limited to: agricultural economics; nutritional security and food access; environmental sustainability of agriculture; advanced technologies; zoonotic diseases and pandemic prevention; antimicrobial stewardship; and new this year, livestock/production animal welfare, One Health and veterinary occupational health and safety.
The fellowship application period opens Jan. 15 and closes Feb. 26. For full details please refer to the 2025 Request for Applications.
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