Pork Industry Update: Merck Animal Health, Missouri Pork, NOVUS, Lallemand Animal Nutrition
From new hires to new opportunities, here's a look at some recent news from Merck Animal Health and ByoPlanet, the Missouri Pork Association, NOVUS International and Lallemand Animal Nutrition.
Merck Animal Health Partners with ByoPlanet In $1 Million Donation to Protect Sheltered Homeless Animals Affected by Hurricane Idalia
Merck Animal Health has partnered with Athens-based disinfectant and electrostatic technology manufacturer, ByoPlanet, to donate up to $1 million in disinfection and antimicrobial chemicals, plus advanced electrostatic technology to areas affected by Hurricane Idalia. The goal: safeguarding newly sheltered homeless animals.
This donation underscores Merck Animal Health's commitment to animal welfare and community support during natural disasters. Justin Welsh, DVM, executive director of livestock technical services at Merck Animal Health, stressed the urgent need for advanced technology to protect vulnerable animals.
The donation includes ByoPlanet's electrostatic technology, ensuring comprehensive disinfection and antimicrobial coverage on surfaces and in the air, vital for disease prevention and a safe environment.
Rick O’Shea, CEO of ByoPlanet, acknowledged in the release, "We are just beginning to understand the impact of Hurricane Idalia on the local animal population. We feel a responsibility to support these communities in times of crisis. Through our combined donation of disinfection chemicals and electrostatic technology, we hope to alleviate some of the challenges faced by these animals and help them recover."
Successful 2023 Missouri State Fair Growth & Quality Barrow Classic
The 2023 Missouri State Fair hosted a thriving Growth & Quality Barrow Classic, featuring over 30 hogs from across the state. Sponsored by the Missouri Pork Association, University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the event showcased exceptional talent.
Sawyer Bolinger of Boone County secured the Overall Grand Champion title with a 307 lbs. Duroc barrow, boasting 0.642 FFLG lb. per day. Morgan Baker from Cooper County claimed second place with a 316 lbs. Poland China barrow, achieving 0.59 FFLG lb. per day. The Grand Champion received $1,006, while the Reserve Champion earned $587, with additional prizes for the top ten carcass placements.
The Growth & Quality Barrow Classic promotes Missouri's pork industry, offering crucial carcass evaluation data to producers and emphasizing desired qualities, including lean gain per day.
Participants signed up in March, providing birthweight data. At the fair, barrows underwent rigorous evaluation, including visual appraisal, fat-free lean gain, and pork quality assessments. Technicians measured 10th rib fat and loin muscle during weigh-in. Following the live show, barrows were processed at the University of Missouri Meat Laboratory, Columbia, evaluating factors like color, pH, marbling, and tenderness.
Missouri Pork Opens 2024 Internship Program for Applications
The Missouri Pork Association (MPA) is inviting college students to apply for their 2024 Internship Program, offering valuable real-world experience in Columbia, Mo. This opportunity is open to candidates who have completed at least two years of college coursework and provides hands-on training in personal, organizational, and public relations skills.
Full-time and Part-time Opportunities:
- Up to two full-time internships are available from mid-May to mid-August.
- Part-time internships are offered from January to mid-May and mid-August to December.
Compensation:
The MPA Internship Program offers competitive compensation, aligning with similar programs.
Application Deadline:
Interested candidates must submit their applications and three letters of recommendation by November 2, 2023.
Internship Highlights:
Spring Internship (January to mid-May): Responsibilities include managing live and silent auctions at the Missouri Pork Expo, assisting with In the Show Ring activities, and initiating plans for the Missouri Pork Classic Golf Tournament, among other duties.
Summer Internship (mid-May to mid-August): Duties involve attending MPA Youth Show Pig Circuit Jackpot shows, overseeing fundraising auctions, managing the Missouri Youth Pork Institute, Swine Health Symposium, Missouri Pork Classic Golf Tournament, participating in Missouri State Fair events, and handling various other responsibilities as they arise.
Fall Internship (mid-August to December): Tasks include assisting in membership drives, organizing educational events, contributing articles for the annual magazine, planning the Swine Institute, and providing support for the FFA Pork Speaking Contest, among other responsibilities.
Learn More and Apply:
To find out more about the MPA Internship Program or to submit an application, visit MPA Internship Program website.
NOVUS Announces Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa and Global Strategic Accounts Business Transition
NOVUS International announces a leadership shift as Dr. Uwe Ranft, the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) managing director and global strategic accounts head, prepares to retire. Dr. Volker Seidl, a seasoned professional with two decades of experience, will step in.
Dr. Ranft's 20-year journey at NOVUS, including 14 years leading EMEA's commercial business, has strengthened key account relationships and positioned NOVUS as an intelligent nutrition leader in the regions.
Dr. Seidl, formerly BASF Animal Nutrition's head of sales excellence and global key account management, joined NOVUS as the global strategic accounts director in 2021. In the new position, he will oversee EMEA's commercial strategy, manage sales and technical teams, and align corporate functions to drive growth and customer value.
Ed Galo, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, notes his confidence in Dr. Seidl's readiness in the release. Dr. Seidl officially assumes his role on Jan. 1, 2024, while Dr. Ranft transitions to a senior advisory role, supporting the transition until retiring on Mar. 31, 2024.
Lallemand Animal Nutrition Expands North American Team with Key Hires
Lallemand Animal Nutrition, North America, is pleased to announce the addition of four new team members to enhance its commitment to customer support and on-farm solutions:
- Katelyn Dei, Associate Brand Manager
- Mandy Marks, Territory Business Manager (Northwest)
- Brandon Mazanec, Territory Business Manager (Kansas & Colorado)
- Josh Myers, Field Support Specialist (Western U.S.)
Jeff Ast, commercial director of Lallemand Animal Nutrition, North and South America, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "We are excited to welcome these talented individuals to strengthen our support for Lallemand customers and producers."
Katelyn Dei will bolster the North American marketing team in promoting Lallemand Animal Nutrition products, including LEVUCELL® SC in the United States and Mexico, and BIOPOWER® SC in Canada. With over a decade of livestock, equine, and poultry experience, Dei brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.
Mandy Marks assumes the role of Territory Business Manager, focusing on serving customers and producers in Washington, Oregon, and northern California. Marks boasts extensive experience in nutrition and sales, including working with the only registered feed mill in Alaska.
Brandon Mazanec joins as Territory Business Manager, with a focus on sales and growth of MAGNIVA® Forage Inoculants and LEVUCELL SC in Kansas and Colorado. He holds a bachelor's degree in animal science and is passionate about hunting, travel and family.
Josh Myers will support Territory Business Managers and customers as a Field Support Specialist in the western United States, primarily in Texas. His responsibilities include conducting animal and forage audits to enhance productivity and profitability. With a background in commercial livestock and a degree in animal science, Myers brings valuable expertise to his role.
Lallemand Animal Nutrition continues to expand its team to provide effective solutions and support programs to its valued customers, notes the release.
