The pork industry is buzzing with new people, business partnerships and opportunities. Here’s a look at some of the recent updates across the industry.
AFCO Distribution Added to List as BioZyme Inc. Distributor
BioZyme Inc., with headquarters in St. Joseph, Mo., recently announced its newest distributor, AFCO Distribution & Milling, based out of Spokane Valley, Wa.
The company has been expanding its distribution over the past several years, increasing access to its products across the U.S and providing easier logistics to its dealers, says the release.
AFCO serves over 400 feed and pet supply retailers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Alaska.
Biozyme Inc. Names New Director of Commercial Sales & Outreach
Ken Ford, a former CEO of two companies and South Africa native, has been named Director of Commercial Sales & Outreach at BioZyme Inc.
Leading domestic outreach, marketing and sales teams for BioZyme and its sister company, Cogen Solutions Group in Lexington, Ky., Ford will work closely with national sales managers for supplements and animal health products, as well as marketing, says the release.
“I am very excited to join the Leadership Team at BioZyme, an organization with a rich history filled with opportunities for the future. Not only do I share a strong value system that aligns with the company culture, but I am looking forward to the intentional decisions that are being made as we pave a bright pathway for the future of this growing, global company,” Ford says in the release.
Hendrix Genetics Announces New CEO
Richard Maatman has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Antoon van den Berg in the course of 2023 for Hendrix Genetics, a multi-species animal gene genetics and technology company that provides the animal protein value chain with innovative and sustainable genetic solutions to support the global food challenge, says the release.
As of Apr. 1, Maatman assumed responsibilities, while Antoon remains an actively involved shareholder in the company.
In March 2022, the company announced a joint venture with Paine Schwartz and its affiliated co-investors that own 50% in the company. Hendrix Genetics’ co-founders, Thijs Hendrix and Antoon van den Berg, also maintain a 50% ownership position in the Company and work in partnership with Paine Schwartz, the release explains.
Novus International, Inc. Adds Swine Sales Manager
Andrew Howerton, a seventh-generation farmer with experience as a 5,600-sow-unit production manager, joins the sales team at Novus International, Inc, as the swine sales manager for the central region in North America.
A Missouri native who is involved in the state’s pork association and serves on the National Pork Board’s sustainability task force, Howerton brings a wealth of knowledge in swine production, says Novus Swine Executive Sales Manager Eric Sanny, that compliments the Novus swine team.
Iowa Pork Welcomes Kevin Hall as New Communications Director
Responsible for developing and implementing the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s (IPPA) strategic communications plan, including issues management, public relations projects and campaigns, and oversee publications and the website, Kevin Hall of Ankeny, Iowa has been named communications director.
Coming from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office as the communications director for the past eight years, Trish Cook, IPPA president, says “Kevin is bringing a great deal of experience working with media to IPPA’s communications programs. This is becoming increasingly critical as we continue to share the story of Iowa’s pig farmers and pork production.”
A North Carolina native that’s been working in Iowa the past 23 years, Hall began his new position at IPPA on Mar. 13. Hall succeeds Dal Grooms who is retiring this spring, says the release.
Iowa Nutrient Research Center Open to New Proposals in Water Quality Research
The Iowa Nutrient Research Center announces it’s now accepting new proposals for research projects focused on reducing nitrate and phosphorus in Iowa’s water, says an Iowa State University release.
Water quality projects should benefit farmers, landowners, agribusinesses, policy makers and communities, says the release, and must be led by Iowa State University, the University of Iowa or the University of Northern Iowa, as dictated by the center’s legislative mandate. Other research partners may include organizations, agencies, businesses, other Iowa colleges and landowners.
The release explains, this year the center will focus funding consideration on five areas of research:
1. Integrated crop and livestock systems research
2. Sociological water quality research
3. In-stream processes and scales of N and P yields
4. Co-benefits or unintended consequences of nutrient reduction practices
5. New technologies
Potential applicants are encouraged to view the full 2023 Request for Proposals for additional details. Proposals are due by Apr. 28 for projects that would begin Aug. 15.
