Dairy Nutrition News

China, U.S., and Brazil Lead Global Feed Surge Amid Regional Shifts

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:46:37 GMT

A newly released global feed survey estimates world feed production increased in 2025 by 2.9% to 1.44 billion metric tons.

In the 2026 Agri-Food Outlook released by Alltech , data shows most regions and sectors experienced growth.

“The numbers suggest a strong recovery phase for animal agriculture; but the data show that growth was uneven, increasingly regionalized and driven less by herd expansion than by structural change, productivity gains and shifts in how production is measured and recorded,” Alltech reports.

In North America, operational efficiency gains, sustainability pressures, formulation optimization and consolidation among feed mills continue to reshape the feed industry across the region. Feed tonnage contracted modestly, primarily due to a historically tight cattle cycle and declining beef herd dynamics. Alltech says the region still saw some selective, species-driven momentum, with growth concentrated in broilers and dairy. While pork feed stabilized, the egg and turkey sectors remained in recovery following health-related disruptions.

The survey collected data from 142 countries and 38,837 feed mills in late 2025. By analyzing compound feed production and prices, the survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of global feed production. Alltech says these insights serve as a barometer for the overall livestock industry, highlighting key trends across species, along with regional challenges and opportunities for growth.

Top 10 Feed-Producing Countries

The top 10 feed-producing countries produced 65.2% of the world’s feed in 2025. The survey also showed 47.7% of all global feed tonnage was produced in the top three countries: China, U.S. and Brazil.

Global Feed Volume by Species

More Regional Results

Asia: 559.297 million mt

Asia reigns as the global center of feed production, with growth via industrialization and price-conscious consumers increasing the demand for poultry and aquaculture in 2025. The survey shows continued shifts from on-farm mixing to commercial feed, especially in China. In addition, Southeast Asia experienced a recovery of the sow herd which lifted pork output. Poultry feed tonnage also remained strong.

Europe: 274.061 million mt

Europe’s feed sector in 2025 was differentiated, yet broadly resilient, growing by 1.0%, Alltech notes. Lower raw material prices, supported by large global harvests of soybeans, rapeseed, wheat and maize, improved margins and stimulated production in several key markets. The region stabilized overall even with ongoing disease pressure and regulatory constraints. Modest gains in dairy and broilers offset challenges in other segments.

Latin America: 204.446 million mt

Latin America solidified its position as the world’s premier “protein basket” in 2025. Compound feed demand expanded 2.8% year over year, rising by 5.536 million mt, supported by strong export markets and lower grain prices. Growth was broad-based across the poultry, pork and aquaculture sectors. However, local disruptions in parts of the Andean and Caribbean sub-regions tempered overall expansion.

Africa and the Middle East: 102.549 million mt

Africa expanded strongly (+11.5%) on commercialization and rising compound feed penetration as the Middle East entered a structural plateau (+1.1%). Across both sub-regions, Alltech says three forces shaped performance: protein affordability, input vulnerability driven by grain prices and currency volatility, and continued disease disruptions — particularly related to foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza.

Oceania: 11.104 million mt

Oceania experienced broad-based gains last year, with an overall 3.4% increase supported by population growth, resilient livestock sectors and strong export demand. Absolute increases were at their strongest in the broiler, layer, beef and pig sectors, the report says. High feedlot numbers and elevated cattle inventories sustained record beef production, particularly in Australia (+11%), with more moderate growth in New Zealand (+1.6%). Recovery in layer feeds following an avian influenza outbreak, along with steady demand for chicken and pork, led to a balanced regional expansion.

FAQs

Q: What was the total world feed production in 2025?
A: 1.44 billion metric tons.

Q: Why did U.S. feed production decrease?
A: Production fell by 0.8% due to a tight cattle cycle and declining beef herd dynamics.

Q. Which countries are the top producers of animal feed?
A. The top three feed-producing countries are China (330.06 million mt), the United States (267.38 million mt), and Brazil (89.90 million mt). Together, they account for 47.7% of the world’s total feed tonnage.

Q. Which livestock species saw the highest growth in feed demand?
A. Aquaculture experienced the highest growth rate at 4.7%, followed closely by the broiler sector at 3.7%.

Q. What is driving the growth in the global feed industry?
A. According to Alltech, growth is being driven by structural changes, productivity gains, and shifts in production measurement rather than simple herd expansion.

Q. Which global region had the highest percentage of growth in feed production?
A. Africa saw the most significant growth at 11.5%, fueled by increased commercialization and the rising use of compound feed.

The compound feed production totals and prices reported in the 2026 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook were collected in the first quarter of 2026 with assistance from feed mills and industry and government entities around the world. These figures are estimates and are intended to serve as an informative resource for industry stakeholders. To access more data and insights, visit alltech.com/agri-food-outlook .

New Dietary Guidelines Move Food Pyramid Closer to the Farm

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:43:24 GMT

The White House delivered a simple but clear message to Americans today: Eat real food.

“We are finally putting real food back at the center of the American diet. Real food that nourishes the body, restores health, fuels energy and builds strength,” says Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “This pivot also leans into the abundant, affordable and healthy food supply already available from America’s incredible farmers and ranchers. By making milk, raising cattle and growing wholesome fruits, vegetables and grains, they hold the key to solving our national health crisis.”

In the “most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades,” the White House released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 . The updated pyramid inverts the 1992 USDA version by prioritizing:

Protein (1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, an increase from 0.8 grams)
Dairy and healthy fats as the foundation
Vegetables (3 servings per day)
Fruits (2 servings per day)

Unlike the old pyramid’s grain-heavy base and processed carbs, new recommendations limit whole grains to 2 to 4 servings per day and added sugars and highly processed oils should be avoided entirely.

Eat More Protein

Rollins says the previous dietary guidelines demonized protein in favor of carbohydrates.

“These guidelines reflect gold standard science by prioritizing high-quality, nutrient-dense protein foods in every meal,” Rollins says. “This includes a variety of animal sources, including eggs, poultry, seafood, and red meat, in addition to plant-sourced protein foods such as beans, peas, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds and soy.”

To put the new protein recommendations into perspective, Sigrid Johannes, executive director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says for folks who should be consuming 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight that’s a 100% increase in recommended daily protein intake.

Dairy’s Seat at the Table

Dairy emerged in a strong position under the new dietary guidelines, with federal nutrition guidance supporting dairy at all fat levels for the first time.

“One of the key messages they’re telling consumers is eat dairy and eat dairy at all fat levels — that’s whole milk, cheese and butter,” says Matt Herrick of the International Dairy Foods Association. He calls it “a significant watershed moment,” reflecting how many families currently eat and shop today.

Echoing Herrick’s perspective, National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud adds by better recognizing both fat and protein, the guidelines give a fuller picture of dairy’s nutritional value.

“Not all fats are created equal, and because the guidelines acknowledge this, dairy’s benefits are better reflected in this iteration of the guidelines,” Doud says.

When it comes to protein, consumer demand is reshaping the category, with cottage cheese at its highest level since the 1980s because of the high-protein trend, Herrick notes.

“Consumers are looking at labels more than ever and trying to find cleaner, less processed foods. Dairy fits that bill. Most products have just a handful of ingredients, and they’re all high in protein. People are turning to protein for growth, energy and overall health, and we’re going to continue to see consumers look to dairy to fulfill their protein and healthy fats needs,” Herrick says.

The processing sector has grown alongside the rising demand for dairy, reflecting both increased production and changing consumer preferences. Roughly $8 billion has been invested in new processing facilities from 2022 to 2025, with another $11 billion expected through 2028.

“We’re going to continue to see investments in processing facilities — new plants, updated lines and more capacity — to meet growing consumer demand for dairy protein and healthy fats,” Herrick notes.

Eat More Meat and Poultry

When it comes to meat and poultry, Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute President and CEO, says Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership have simplified the dietary guidelines making it clear meat is a protein powerhouse.

“Robust scientific evidence demonstrates that meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins and highly bioavailable minerals that support human health throughout the lifespan,” Potts says.

Kansas beef producer Marisa Kleysteuber describes the new “commonsense” dietary guidelines as “exciting and refreshing.”

“As beef producers we are blessed to work with a ruminant animal that can utilize Mother Nature’s production of cellulose from rain and sunshine and then convert it to one of the most nutrient rich proteins there is,” she says. “Whether the consumer is desiring an organic, grass fed or corn fed beef product, there are cattlemen and women all over the U.S. who put their heart into raising these cattle to produce a nutritious and delicious product that we have always believed in and now our leaders are standing behind the ranchers and farmers of America.”

Quintessentially American foods such as burgers, steaks, pork chops and Easter hams can remain a staple of American households, and the guidelines go so far as to recommend parents introduce nutrient-dense foods, including meat, early and continue focusing on “nutrient-dense foods such as protein foods” throughout childhood.

“America’s pork producers appreciate the 2025 dietary guidelines putting pork front and center on the plate. They took note of producer concerns and rightly gave pork and other high-protein, nutrient-dense and delicious meats their due when it comes to Americans’ health and dietary habits,” says Rob Brenneman , National Pork Producers Council president-elect and pork producer from Washington, Iowa.

Maddie Hokanson , a Minnesota pork producer and mother of two, says the new dietary guidelines’ strong emphasis on protein is a positive for the pork industry. She believes the new guidelines, paired with pork’s quality nutrition and versatility, bring together the perfect opportunity to increase pork consumption and demand in the U.S.

“As pig farmers, we are proud to produce a meat product that is packed with high-quality protein, while also being nutrient-dense with many essential vitamins and minerals,” Hokanson says. “As a parent to young children, I see both the physical and cognitive benefits of prioritizing protein in the diet at all ages, and I’m excited to see what the short- and long-term effects of this recommendation will be.”

Three Servings of Veggies and Two Servings of Fruit

Dairy and meat weren’t the only items at the top of the new dietary pyramid. Fresh fruits and vegetables were also given top billing.

“Diets rich in vegetables and fruits reduce disease risk more effectively than many drugs,” says Robert F Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health.

The new dietary guidelines recommend three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day. Like past editions of the dietary guidelines , the new guidelines recommend Americans eat “a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits” and advises whole produce items be eaten “in their original form.” Though not explicitly stated, the updated guidelines also call out “frozen, dried, or canned vegetables or fruits with no or very limited added sugars” as good options.

“Today’s dietary guidelines reinforce the critical role fruits and vegetables play in overall health,” says Mollie Van Lieu, International Fresh Produce Association vice president of nutrition and health, in the group’s response. “Scientific evidence consistently shows that fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of what people eat. The Administration’s focus on whole foods is an opportunity to increase fruit and vegetable intake, as they are the most nutrient-dense foods available.”

Rollins Teases Plan to Expand Real Food Retail Accessibility

There was more than the new dietary guidelines announced at the press event. Rollins mentioned upcoming changes at retail she says would increase the accessibility of whole, healthy foods to those in food deserts.

“Soon, USDA will finalize our stocking standards,” she says, explaining retailers that take SNAP benefits are bound by the stocking standards. “Very soon we will be finalizing that rule that will mandate all 250,000 retailers in America to double the type of staple foods they provide for America’s SNAP households. This means healthier options will be in reach for all American families, regardless of circumstance, at levels never seen before in our country.”

Grains and Oilseed Industry Focuses on Positives

In terms of grains, in its guidance USDA recommends Americans “focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates.” The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) shared mixed reactions to the changes.

“We appreciate the continued recognition of whole grains as an essential part of Americans’ diets,” said a spokesperson with NAWG in a statement to Farm Journal. “However, we are concerned that some portions of the new guidelines around grains and wheat are unintentionally confusing. Wheat, wheat flour, and foods made from wheat have been nutrient-rich, life-sustaining staples for tens of thousands of years and deserve clear, continued support as a central part of our nation’s diet.”

The American Soybean Association (ASA) focuses on the positives saying it highlights the importance of increased protein consumption, including plant-based proteins, such as soy-based foods. They also emphasize prioritizing healthy fats, including oils rich in essential fatty acids like soybean oil.

ASA says an addendum continues to call into question the process of soybean oil extraction, which it says is scientifically proven to be safe for human health.

“Soybean oil and soy protein play a critical role in the health and nutrition of Americans,” says Scott Metzger, ASA president and Ohio farmer, in a press release. “We remain deeply concerned by the rhetoric and selectively cited studies regarding the health and safety of soybean oil in DGA supporting material.”

Metzger says soybean growers will continue to work with the administration and educate MAHA commission leadership on the health benefits of soy-based foods and soybean oil.

The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) echoed those concern: “Vegetable oils, or “seed oils” as they’re sometimes referred to, are a significant provider of essential fatty acids and remain a safe and cost-effective source of dietary fats in the American diet, as they are globally,” said a NOPA press release. “However, some appendices rely on a narrow evidence base with limited citations, which is concerning given the administration’s rhetoric questioning the safety of certain vegetable oils despite an established scientific consensus.”

NOPA also argues oilseeds support the production of affordable meat, dairy and eggs as meal produced from oilseeds are a key component of livestock diets.

Why Livestock Operations Are Ditching Spreadsheets for BinSentry’s Smart Bin Technology

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:32:10 GMT

Animal feed travels a very long and winding supply chain, and up to 70% of the total cost of raising commercial animals is directly tied to the simple task of feeding the herd.

In a world where there are literally cameras and sensors everywhere that are able to measure everything, and artificial intelligence running in the background to make those cameras and sensors “smart,” it just doesn’t make sense to keep animal feed inventories on paper or Excel spreadsheets anymore.

Ben Allen, CEO, BinSentry

(BinSentry)

That’s what BinSentry CEO Ben Allen, who grew up in farming on his families’ Iowa farm outside Ames says, adding: “Too many people are still taking feed inventories the way my grandfather used too.”

His company has been on the animal ag scene for seven years and has grown over 100% annually for each of the past three years, he claims, as large commercial feedlots and multinational processors like Cargill add the companies’ bin monitoring technology to automate the logistics of refilling feed bins. Allen says BinSentry’s tech is capturing imagery 24/7/365 on more than 40,000 feed lots across the U.S. and Canada.

BinSentry recently secured a $50 million Series C investment round, led by the No. 1 growth equity fund in the U.S., Lead Edge Capital. Allen says his company will use the funds to, among other projects, expand its technology and operational reach further into South America and Brazil, where BinSentry has an exclusive distribution agreement with Cargill.

“We install a camera sensor at the top of the bin, it’s solar powered and has cellular connectivity and only takes 15 minutes to install, and we can start getting high accuracy inventory reports throughout the day,” Allen says. “That data goes directly into our software where we do a lot more than just inventory.”

Allen says the company uses the real-time bin monitoring data to run analytics mainly to inform the logistics side of the feed operation, and it can also send preventative maintenance alerts if it sees something happening inside the bin that could potentially be a problem. While not as inherently dangerous as climbing into large grain storage bins in the row crop world, manual monitoring is a laborious and risky task that would be better left to technology components if possible.

A BinSentry sensor on a poultry feed storage structure.

(BinSentry)

“We have been working with AI since the founding of the company, and we use it in a very tactical and operational way,” he explains. “Our consumption forecasts are always updating with our AI algorithms; it’s constantly adjusting to conditions like the biological variables of animals and the weather. We can really dial things in and get precise, so you can take better care of your animals, burn less diesel fuel, and then you need less workers.”

Besides Cargill, BinSentry is also working with Wayne Sanderson Farms, The Hanor Company, and Maple Leaf Foods. The company is moving at a breakneck pace, installing between 2,500 and 3,000 new sensors per 30 days, and it has its own service and maintenance teams to keep systems running and the customers happy.

“Our focus is to scale up now — because we’re growing like crazy,” Allen says. “That’s because we solve real, operational problems and we cut costs immediately. Our customer ROI is high and fast; the only way you grow this quickly (in agriculture) is by solving real problems for real people.

“We’re excited about our progress and excited about what we can do in the future, and that excitement centers around being more efficient within the animal feed supply chain, we feel like that’s a good story, because we’re helping create economic and environmental sustainability.”

You can read more about BinSentry’s funding raise here and learn more about the company at BinSentry.com.

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Global Feed Production Rebounds, Says Alltech in Agri-Food Outlook

Tue, 13 May 2025 16:06:02 GMT

Global feed production rebounded in 2024 after a stagnant 2023, increasing 1.2% from 1.380 billion metric tons (mt) to 1.396 billion mt. This growth, achieved despite challenges that included highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), climate fluctuations and economic uncertainty, underscores the resilience and adaptability of the international agriculture industry, Alltech reports in the 2025 Agri-Food Outlook.

The annual report includes the results of the company’s 14th annual global feed production survey with data collected from 142 countries and 28,235 feed mills in 2024. Through an analysis of compound feed production and prices, the survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of global feed production.

Alltech says these insights serve as a barometer for the overall livestock industry, highlighting key trends across species, regional challenges and opportunities for growth.

Top 10 Countries
The Top 10 feed-producing countries in 2024 produced 65.6% of the world’s feed, with 52% of global feed production concentrated in only four countries (China, U.S., Brazil, India).

The Top 10 include:
1. China: 315.030 million mt of feed, down 2.03% from 2023
2. U.S.: 269.620 million mt; up 0.68%
3. Brazil: 86.636 million mt; up 2.43%
4. India: 55.243 million mt; up 4.56%
5. Mexico: 41.401 million mt; up 1.38%
6. Russia: 38.481 million mt; up 8.53%
7. Spain: 35.972 million mt; up 1.46%
8. Vietnam: 25.850 million mt; up 3.41%
9. Türkiye: 24.502 million mt; up 4.83%
10. Japan: 24.297 million mt; up 0.14%

Species Highlights
Poultry feed experienced an increase in production, both for broilers (up 1.8%) and layers (up 1.4%). Broiler feed is the largest species segment, accounting for 27.6% of the total feed tonnage in the world.

“As a ‘budget-friendly’ protein option, the broiler industry benefits from surges in red meat prices,” the authors of the report share. “Affordability drove demand in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, while rising incomes boosted growth in Africa.”

Although HPAI was a persistent issue for poultry production, broiler feed volumes are expected to continue seeing moderate growth in 2025 because of broiler meat’s affordability and export opportunities, the report says.

The slow 1.4% growth rate of layers reflected the challenges facing the industry, including the disruptions by avian influenza and oversupply in some regions, Alltech points out.

Global pig feed production experienced a loss in 2024 of 0.6%, leading to a decreased total of 369.293 million mt, the report notes. Growth in the European, Latin American and North American pork segments was counterbalanced by downturns in Africa and the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Oceania.

“These trends were partly dictated by how well producers in each region continued to recover from outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF), with export demand allowing Europe and Latin America to reclaim lost ground,” the authors explain. “Survey respondents were divided in their outlook for pig feed production, which recorded the highest amount of pessimism among all feed segments.”

The report adds that disease management and stabilized feed costs will continue to be critical for the pig feed sector to achieve growth throughout the world.

Dairy feed tonnage increased by 3.2%, to 165.500 million mt. Analysts attribute this to robust consumer demand, favorable milk prices and a shift toward more intensive farming practices, with Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin America all displaying growth.

“While dairy feed production remained stable in North America, Oceania’s reliance on abundant pasture led to a slight dip in its feed tonnage,” the authors say. “Despite challenges that ranged from disease pressures to volatile weather conditions, the global dairy sector continues to exhibit strong resilience and growth potential. The modernization and intensification of production and higher milk yields are expected to foster further increases — but lower farmgate prices in China could limit global gains overall.”

Beef feed tonnage rose from 131.6 million mt in 2023 to 134.1 million mt in 2024. Alltech says this reflects a global increase of 1.8%. North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe and Oceania all recorded gains thanks to a rise in demand for beef exports due to tight supply elsewhere around the world.

“Scarce forages in parts of North America, Latin America and Australia drove cattle producers to rely more heavily on commercial feeds. The decline in beef feed tonnage seen in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East was attributed to oversupply and lower prices,” the report says.

Access more data and insights from the 2025 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook here.

Editor’s Note: The compound feed production totals and prices reported in the 2025 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook were collected in the first quarter of 2025 with assistance from feed mills and industry and government entities around the world. These figures are estimates and are intended to serve as an informative resource for industry stakeholders.

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U.S. Harvest Analysis Reveals Variable Mycotoxin Risk, Alltech Reports

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 20:27:32 GMT

The corn silage and corn grain crops for the U.S. in 2023 have been a “moving target” for mycotoxin risk, points out Max Hawkins, technical support manager with Alltech’s mycotoxin management team. Droughts, high rainfall and other weather events affecting the corn harvest have made it even more critical than ever to analyze mycotoxin risks across the nation.

The Alltech 2023 U.S. Harvest Analysis collected and assessed almost 450 new-crop samples from across the U.S., and the results show regional variation in mycotoxin risk. Samples showed lower risk in the upper Midwest and higher risk in the East. A combination of drought and untimely rains led to much of the risk, the report says.

Mycotoxins, produced by certain species of molds, are a concern for livestock producers. Not only can they influence feed quality and subsequent animal health, but they also can have a devastating impact on performance. To determine the most accurate representation of mycotoxin risk across the U.S., samples are collected by Alltech representatives and sent to the Alltech 37+ laboratory at the company’s headquarters in Kentucky, which can detect up to 54 individual mycotoxins, according to a release.

“Drought in the Southwest and the Western Corn Belt created distinct fumonisin risks in this region, while further eastward, late season rainfall created ideal conditions for Fusarium toxins such as type B trichothecenes to flourish,” Hawkins says in a release.

Routine monitoring of feed ingredients during storage is key. Hawkins says, “Ingredients will rarely be in better condition than when they are harvested.’’

Here are some of the key insights from the Alltech 2023 U.S. Harvest Analysis:

•Dry conditions in the West created more fumonisin risk, while the later, rain-affected harvest in the East resulted in higher levels of deoxynivalenol (DON).

•In general, the mycotoxin challenge in corn grain and corn silage is lower in 2023 than in recent years. However, there are still pockets of higher risk in the Midwest and the South.

•A surprisingly high risk of aflatoxin B1 was identified in Iowa this year. Another surprising find was Penicillium present in grains, since they are typically a concern in forages.

•A good amount of corn went into storage at 14% moisture this year. It will be crucial to monitor corn coming out of storage, as it may be at higher risk now than when it was first stored.

Corn
Mycotoxin levels were higher in the East and Midwest U.S., specifically for Fusarium mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Earlier harvest conditions and drier conditions in the West helped to create lower risk conditions, the report shows. However, producers in this region should be aware of a higher fumonisin risk.

Of the more than 190 new-crop corn grain samples analyzed this year, results show an average of 4.4 mycotoxins per sample, with 87% of samples having multiple mycotoxins. In addition to the DON and fumonsin risks, the report found a high level of aflatoxin B1 identified in Iowa.

Corn silage
The early growing season drought in the West negatively affected corn silage this harvest season. The stress of dry conditions followed by moisture allowed certain molds to flourish, particularly Fusarium molds. Although the risk was varied in the East, Alltech said it was overall higher.

“Feed and livestock producers are encouraged to continue to monitor and test silage in storage every 60 to 90 days. This will help inform them of the mycotoxin risk they are facing as the season progresses,” Alltech says in a release. “The Alltech 2023 U.S. Harvest Analysis demonstrates that mycotoxins are an ongoing, dynamic issue that livestock producers need to manage. Although testing directly post harvest provides an overview of regional contamination patterns, what happens before the animal receives the feed — including storage conditions post harvest and feeding practices on-farm — can influence what the animal will actually be ingesting in terms of mycotoxins.”

To access the complete report, as well as a series of videos that provide further species-specific insights, visit Alltech 2023 U.S. Harvest Analysis .

Burger King Ditches TV Ad, Asks Leading Extension Scientist For Help

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:00:08 GMT

Burger King pushed a lot of animal agriculture’s buttons last week with its new commercial, released July 14, touting the use of lemongrass in cows’ diets to reduce methane emissions by “up to 33%.”

The company’s goal to reduce methane and produce a more eco-friendly Whopper is a positive, acknowledges Frank Mitloehner, University of California-Davis air quality Extension specialist, department of animal science.

The negative: much of the information the fast food giant touted in the advertisement is inaccurate.

Members of the livestock industry and Mitloehner reacted quickly.

“IT’S. NOT. THE. COW. FARTS. Nearly all enteric methane from cattle is from belching,” Mitloehner tweeted, after seeing the commercial. “Suggesting otherwise turns this serious climate topic into a joke. Reducing methane is a HUGE opportunity. That should be a goal. But we shouldn’t trivialize it for trendy marketing. #COWSMENU.”

During his conversation with Mitloehner on Tuesday, AgriTalk Host Chip Flory asked him to set the facts straight about the contributions of cattle to the methane issue.

“Beef production in the U.S. contributes 3% of all greenhouse gases,” Mitloehner says.

By comparison, he says fossil fuel use and production contribute 80% of the greenhouse gas to the environment.

“That (includes) transportation, power production use and the cement industry,” he says. “These three sectors have for the longest time been masterful in making people think that it is people’s eating habits that drive the climate (problems), and that is simply not true.”

Furthermore, Mitloehner says he doubts lemongrass, at the level the company will feed it, will have the desired effect. He cites two separate studies that have been conducted. The one by UC Davis was inconclusive. The other one, conducted at the Autonomous University of Mexico, has not been published yet.

“So this whole messaging was very premature,” he says. We don’t know yet what (lemongrass) does and how it works. But it’s likely that because the active ingredient is not very important that the effects will not be very high.”

Burger King officials contacted Mitloehner after seeing his response to the company’s commercial, saying they were surprised by his reception to their campaign.

“I educated them on the facts, and they made several changes,” Mitloehner says. “They took content out that was demeaning to farmers….and they pulled the content from all TV stations. So, to me, that is very positive and it is indicative that they ‘get it’ – that the mistake was made and that it needs to be corrected.”

The company also asked Mitloehner to work with them, moving forward. “They have asked me to cooperate with them in order to infuse science-based research on the one hand and get communication out -- and check it before it reaches the masses,” he says.

Listen here to get more insights on the story:

Read More:

Burger King Tells A Whopper!

From Farm to Field: Don’t Let Mycotoxins Win

Tue, 11 May 2021 13:16:08 GMT

Nearly 25% of the world’s crops are impacted by mycotoxins. These harmful compounds that are natural byproducts of certain molds, if unmitigated, can be felt throughout the entire food chain.

“The closer you are to animal agriculture, the more you realize the concern of mycotoxins and their costly impact on all facets of our food system,” said Scott Bascom, senior technical services manager - dairy, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, in a recent webinar. “In the U.S., where food is plentiful, we don’t often think about threats to our food supply, but mycotoxins are very prevalent and can take a huge toll on both economics and health if unabated.”

During his webinar, “ Mycotoxins and Food Security: Looking Beyond the Impacts of Mycotoxins on Animal Agriculture ,” Bascom shared that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that approximately 1 billion metric tons of food had to be destroyed in 2019 due to mycotoxin contamination.

In the U.S. and Canada alone, the American Phytopathological Society noted this created a $5 billion economic toll in lost crops. From an animal agriculture standpoint, in the U.S. alone, that equaled a $6 million feed loss in 2019, according to the USDA. To prevent or reduce the presence of mycotoxins, Bascom said that $466 million was spent globally according to USDA.

Reduce Molds in the Field
It’s a daunting problem, but Bascom said there are a number of measures farmers can take to reduce the occurrence of molds and potential for mycotoxins in their crops.

“Like any issue, prevention is more efficacious and cost-effective than mitigation,” Bascom said. “While delayed harvest and wet crop conditions are conducive to molds, which may in turn cause mycotoxins, farmers can reduce occurrence by seeking mold-resistant varieties, managing plant stressors, practicing tillage and being mindful of row widths and planting densities.”

In addition, row crop farmers also have a number of options to help treat mold once it takes hold in the field, including fungicides and biological control agents (such as microbials). It’s important to remove infected plants immediately to prevent the mold from spreading to healthy plants, he said.

Bascom also noted how important it is for farmers to harvest crops at the optimum stage of maturity to reduce the risk of mycotoxin production. They should also use proper drying and perseveration techniques while also limiting air exposure.

Proper Feed Management is Key
Because even the most vigilant of production and harvesting methods won’t entirely eliminate the risk of mycotoxins from entering animal feed supplies, Bascom said proper feed management is imperative for the health of livestock and humans alike.

Dennis Nuzback, consultant to Phibro Animal Health Corporation, shared tips for livestock producers in a webinar titled “ Smart Strategies for Effective Mycotoxin Management .”

Nuzback provided insights on recognizing signs of potential mycotoxin contamination to livestock. If producers see noticeable changes in fecal consistencies or a decrease in animal performance, mycotoxins may be present. Additionally, it’s important to monitor changes in on-farm grain storage, grain suppliers, and the switch from feed supplies from the previous crop year to the current one.

“While it’s impossible to eliminate the threat of mycotoxin contamination entirely, producers can help minimize their impact by conducting regular, thorough reviews of their stored feedstuffs for the visual presence of molds,” Nuzback said. “The presence of mold does not mean that mycotoxins are present. Rather, it indicates a failure in the harvested crop or feed preservation protocols, that failure making it more likely that mycotoxin-producing molds are present and may have produced harmful mycotoxins.”

How Livestock Producers Can Take Action
Once present, it’s impossible to remove mycotoxins from contaminated grains or feed entirely, Nuzback explained. However, after confirming mycotoxins are present, producers should then reduce mycotoxin concentrations to those below biological impact and regulatory guidance.

First, if mold is detected and mycotoxins are suspected, collect representative samples of the suspect feed and send it to a credible lab for analysis (include yeast and mold count and mold ID).

Second, begin feeding an adsorbent as soon as mycotoxin suspicions arise and continue while awaiting lab results and for as long as necessary. Consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist for recommended feeding or inclusion rates, he said.

“Producers should seek a broad-spectrum binding agent and consider an economically priced mitigation agent. If the feed is pelleted, extend the criteria list to include improved pellet durability index,” Nuzback added. “While mycotoxins are almost unavoidable, with a little knowledge, vigilance and mitigation, producers can help safeguard animal health against the threats of mycotoxin contamination.”

More from Farm Journal’s PORK:

5 Ways to Manage Mycotoxins

Continue Testing for Mycotoxins

5 Ways to Manage Mycotoxins

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:45:17 GMT

The adage that “knowledge is power” is especially true when it comes to understanding mold and mycotoxins. During a recent Phibro Animal Health webinar , Lon Whitlow, professor emeritus at North Carolina State University, discussed how harvest, storage and handling practices can set the stage for mold and mycotoxin growth, which can be potentially dangerous for livestock.

“Under certain conditions, mold can form and proliferate in the fields, in storage or in the feed bunks — and where there’s mold, there are often mycotoxins,” Whitlow explained. “Given this prevalence, coupled with the immense impact mycotoxin contamination can have on an animal’s immune and reproductive systems, feed intake and production, it’s imperative that producers know the causes of mycotoxins to better recognize and treat the symptoms.”

Whitlow offers five reminders to help livestock producers better prevent, recognize and manage mycotoxin contamination.

1. Mycotoxins are routine in the fields and are byproducts of stressed molds.
Insects, disease, low soil fertility and excess water can set the stage for mold growth, which in turn may produce mycotoxins. Once harvested, crops are subject to molds in storage, so Whitlow advised farmers to aerate dry feeds and properly pack and cover silage. Also, consider mold inhibitors or microbial fermentation aids to keep feed mold-free. Cold, wet conditions and winter damage can set the stage for molds and mycotoxins, which require water and just a small amount of oxygen.

2. Where you find evidence of one mycotoxin, there are likely more.
There are thousands of known mold species, Whitlow said, and they may replicate quickly under certain environmental conditions. Fortunately, approximately two-thirds of molds are non-toxigenic or don’t produce mycotoxins, but the remaining one-third may produce more than 500 mycotoxins.

3. Mycotoxicosis can have widespread effects on animal health.
Mycotoxins may impact almost every aspect of immunity, reducing an animal’s ability to process antigens and build antibodies to those antigens. This reduces the maturation of disease-fighting immune cells and also reduces the production of cytokines, which limits the communication of immune cells, he said. Mycotoxins can also have intestinal effects, creating a loss of barrier function, reducing enzymes, increasing intestinal pathogens and causing diarrhea, because animals are unable to maintain water balance.

4. Symptoms of mycotoxin toxicity can be difficult to diagnoses.
Two of the more common mycotoxins are fumonisins and deoxynivalenol (DON). Fumonisins are known to disrupt metabolism and cause nerve degeneration, while DON may cause intestinal irritation, reduction in weight gain, changes in feed intake or lowered immunity. Aflatoxins tend to target the liver, while zearalenone often reduces conception and reproductive performance. One of the least prevalent but potentially most dangerous of all, T-2 toxins, produced by Fusarium molds, can cause cellular injury to multiple organs, resulting in increased disease incidence and even death.

5. Producers can reduce the threat of mycotoxin toxicity.
If contaminated feeds are discovered, Whitlow encouraged producers to sample and test their feeds to help identify what mycotoxins are present and to dilute or remove the contaminated feed if possible. Consider feeding immune enhancers, antioxidants, fibers, buffers or microbials to help strengthen immune systems and GI tracts and include binding agents in feeds to help protect animals from the harmful effects of mycotoxins.

“While prevention in the field and in storage is important, it’s also incumbent upon livestock producers to be vigilant in looking for signs of illness that might be a result of mycotoxin contamination and to act accordingly,” Whitlow said. “The best treatment requires multiple approaches, from buffers to binders.”

More from Farm Journal’s PORK:

Continue Testing for Mycotoxins

Feed Sustainability: Moving the Animal Protein Industry Forward

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:22:09 GMT

As the animal protein industry continues to find innovative ways to decrease the carbon footprint of animal products, a new resource guide may help move those efforts forward.

The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) recently released the Resource Guide on Sustainable Animal Feed , a digital resource to help companies in the animal feed supply chain better understand and address how the demand for animal protein products – and subsequently animal feed – affects the environment, including air, land, soil, water and biodiversity.

The free resource guide was developed by TSC alongside a group of stakeholders made up of over 20 different organizations including the National Pork Board, Pipestone Systems, BASF, The Nature Conservancy, Syngenta, American Feed Industry Association, Sustainable Food Lab, and others.

“As the demand for animal protein increases, so does the demand for animal feed. Every company along the value chain has the opportunity to make a significant contribution towards feed sustainability. This resource guide supports these organizations in their efforts,” Christy Slay, TSC’s senior director of science and research, said in a release .

Demand Is Rising
Population growth, rising income and changes in diet are just a few reasons why the global demand for animal protein is increasing. According to TSC, recent life-cycle assessments estimate that feed production accounts for 70% of the total carbon footprint of animal products.

The resource guide was created as a resource for sustainability professionals, procurement teams, feed and animal protein industry professionals, researchers, and non-profits. The guide brings together relevant resources and information related to feed sustainability globally with a focus on the U.S.

“The National Pork Board is committed to greater transparency about our industry’s efforts regarding environmental sustainability and our journey of continuous improvement,” Brett Kaysen, vice president or sustainability at the National Pork Board, said in a release. “This means making information, resources and tools available to those who buy pork to sell pork and help them better understand the animal feed supply chain. We’re proud to work with TSC and the other stakeholders to produce this valuable guide.”

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
The authors behind the guide, Slay and TSC research assistant, Teresa Garcia-Moore, LL.M., hope companies will use this guide to create a more holistic approach to enhancing the overall sustainability of the animal and environment systems.

The guide addresses these key topics:
1. Leading organizations engaged in feed sustainability efforts
2. Useful tools
3. Reports and case study spotlights
4. Research
5. Companies’ feed sustainability initiatives

TSC plans to continually update the guide as resources become available. Access the free, digital guide here .

More from Farm Journal:

The Carbon-Neutral Pig and Chicken: The Pivotal Moment is Now

U.S. Pork More Sustainable Than Ever, Study Shows

Food: A Serious Quest at Olympics

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:49:14 GMT

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) — First, U.S. snowboarding star Chloe Kim tweeted about being “down for some ice cream” while competing in Pyeongchang, then about being “hangry” because she hadn’t finished her breakfast sandwich.

Clearly, food is a big deal for Olympians, and it’s usually much more complicated than ice cream and sandwiches: the very specific, highly calibrated fuel they put in their bodies — for energy, for health, for warmth, for a psychological and physiological edge — is an important part of what makes them excel.

Korean food is some of the world’s finest — savory, salty soups with fish so tender it falls off the bone; thick slabs of grilled pork and beef backed with spicy kimchi that many Korean grandmothers swear cures the common cold. But it’s very different from what many foreign Olympians are used to.

“What I recommend for athletes right now in competition mode is to be as safe as possible. This might happen once in a lifetime; you don’t want to blow it with just having an upset stomach because you’ve eaten something that’s different to what your body’s used to,” Susie Parker-Simmons, a sports dietitian for the U.S. Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, Colorado, said in an interview in Pyeongchang. “I say, as soon as the games is over, go at it; enjoy, be adventurous.”

FEEDING THE ATHLETES

The U.S. team has its own chefs and dietitians, as well as two “nutrition centers” here. And then there’s the food at two athletes villages, where nearly 3,000 athletes from 90 different countries — most of whom strictly follow unique food routines — get fed.

The goal is to provide lots of everything.

The two villages each have massive, 43,055-square-foot dining rooms where nearly 500 chefs and cooking assistants provide a combined 18,000 meals per day. Each dining room is open 24 hours a day and offers about 450 different types of food in buffets that include Western, Asian, Korean, Halal, Kosher, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, David Kihyun Kwak, the director of food and beverage at the Pyeongchang Olympics, said in an interview.

To determine what to serve at Pyeongchang, Kwak’s team analyzed food data for the past five Olympics and also worked closely with other nations’ nutrition specialists.

The amount of raw ingredients used each day to feed the athletes is staggering: 1,540 pounds of beef, 992 pounds of eggs, 771 pounds of lamb, 440 pounds of bacon, 374 pounds of chicken, 220 pounds of rice, 7,495 pounds of fruits and vegetables, about 15,000 pieces of bread and 800 pizzas.

FOOD SAFETY

Most Olympic athletes don’t eat outside of the villages because of worries about the purity of ingredients, Kwak said. The United States did tests before the 2008 Beijing Olympics that found some local chicken contained enough steroids to trigger positive test results.

Experts examine ingredients closely for possible contamination that could threaten athletes’ health or disrupt doping tests. South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has sent more than a dozen food safety specialists to take ingredients samples to buses equipped with fast-testing laboratories to look for potential problems before the food even gets eaten.

HOME COOKING

Finland’s Riikka Valila, the oldest women’s ice hockey player in Olympic history at 44, likes the food options here but misses the “really good bread” back in Finland. She said some of her teammates on gluten-free diets have brought food from home.

The Americans shipped over 85 pallets, each about 6 feet tall and 3 feet deep and wide, filled with pastas, sauces, peanut butter, grains and plants like quinoa, and spices, Parker-Simmons said.

There’s food meant to help with performance and recovery, but there’s also “psychological food,” which Parker-Simmons explains like this: Say an athlete training her whole life for the Olympics fails. She takes it hard; she stops eating. This is when the dietitians will turn to something special — a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, maybe, or Cheez-Its.

Vincent Zhou, a U.S. figure skater, said he needs a lot of carbs, “before, between and after sessions,” to fend off fatigue. “It hasn’t been very difficult finding comfort food,” he said.

EATING FOR PERFORMANCE

The work to optimize nutrition can seem as thorough as the work to perfect the sports skills.

Dietitians have to regularly test cross-country skiers, for instance, who have the highest energy expenditure of any sport in the world, Parker-Simmons said. An average-sized woman will need 4,000 calories or more per day to train and compete; a typical man needs about 7,000 calories, she said. Ski jumpers, on the other hand, sometimes have to drop 10 kilograms below their natural body weight, while keeping up their muscle mass and energy.

FANS SPLIT ON KOREAN FOOD

Foreign fans, of course, have their own food worries and routines.

South Korean officials have tried to provide menus in English and other languages to thousands of local restaurants. And the Korea Tourist Organization has published a brochure, complete with a hotline in English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese, that outlines “must eat” dishes and where to find them.

Some tourists embrace the exotic.

“I was impressed with the little fish, the eyes and everything,” Julie Thibaudeau, 53, from Quebec, said as she celebrated her son’s gold medal in mogul skiing in a local Pyeongchang restaurant. “I tried, and it was salty, but it was good. And after that I had a good glass of ... beer.”

Others play it safe. Very safe.

“We found Papa John’s (pizza) today, which was literally life-changing because ... we haven’t eaten a lot for the last few days,” Rachel Basford, 31, a teacher in Shanghai who’s from Kent, England, said while drinking in a fried chicken restaurant. “I’m not that adventurous when it comes to trying local foods. I just like to eat British food in various places around the world.”

Asked if she planned to try Korean food she said, with a laugh: “No. Absolutely not. We’re going to Seoul tomorrow so there’s the McDonald’s at Seoul Station, so that should be good.”

WILLPOWER IN THE DINING HALL

For the athletes, sheer abundance can be a danger.

When U.S. figure skater Adam Rippon got to Pyeongchang a coach told him about the last Winter Games in Sochi, when one of her athletes became very excited about all the food available even as his performance in training tanked.

The coach finally understood what was happening when the athlete donned his costume for the short program: “He’d been in the cafeteria the whole time; he’d gained seven pounds before the competition,” Rippon said with a laugh. “And my coach is sitting next to me, and he was like, ‘ha, ha, ha, ha,’ and he turned to me and said, ‘You’d better not get fat while you’re here.’”

Chloe Kim, by the way, finally got her ice cream — and a gold medal. She could be seen eating her treat while being swarmed by reporters.

Copyright, The Associated Press

Perdue Answers Buzz on Hemp in Animal Feed

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:21:07 GMT

From fiber and oil to clothing and makeup, hemp products are hot. And now some are exploring whether hemp could be a useful ingredient in animal feed.

So what’s the Secretary of Agriculture’s take?

“Hemp in animal feed? I’m not aware of any uses of hemp in animal feed. I know there are other uses,” Sonny Perdue says with a chuckle. “But we’re trying to determine really what those individual uses are.”

While hemp currently isn’t an approved ingredient in animal feed, the Association of Association Feed Control Officials has invited the hemp industry to present information about hemp’s value in feed for scientific review. A high sign agriculture is moving on scientific research is Colorado Senate Bill 17-109, signed by Governor Hickenlooper, that establishes a study group to look at hemp’s possibilities for commercial feed.

Perdue, who worked as a veterinarian and small businessman before entering politics, says he has seen signs that hemp is a hot topic in ag this year—in part because of its new crop status outlined in the 2018 farm bill, which labels hemp with less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as a commercial crop.

“You know, there’s a good bit of hysteria about hemp, and our marketing regulatory program, Under Secretary (Greg) Ibach, fields more questions about hemp than probably anything in the farm bill,” Perdue says.

He concedes that feed could be a potential use.

“Feed, it possibly could be involved in there. That has not been one of the primary uses we’ve heard of. We hear a lot of industrial uses for it, but I think it remains to be seen if part of the product could be used in animal agriculture. Happy cows,” he jokes.

Read more about cannabis here:

> Five Fast Facts About Cannabis

> What’s the Farmer’s Role in Growing Hemp?

> From Drovers:

Facts and Fiction About Hemp in Animal Feed

> From Farm Journal’s PORK:

Could Cannabis Improve Pork Flavor? Weed-Fed Pigs Creating a Stir

PORK Poll: Could Marijuana in the Pig Diet Make a Difference?

Elanco Possibly Up for Sale; Cargill Acquires Diamond V

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:06:28 GMT

In a pair of totally unrelated news releases this morning (October 24), Cargill announced its acquisition of Diamond V and Eli Lilly and Company announced it would entertain purchase offers for its Elanco Animal Health business.

The acquisition of Diamond V now gives Cargill the market leading position in the $20 billion global animal feed additives market. “Our combined businesses will accelerate growth, build industry-leading capabilities and natural solutions for animal health and food safety, and help fulfill Cargill’s purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsibility and sustainable way,” says David MacLennan, Cargill’s chairman and CEO.

The purchase of Diamond V will encompass all of its business divisions, including human health, Embria Health Service and its branded product EpiCor. Its headquarters will remain in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Eli Lilly and Company also announced today it was undergoing a “strategic review” of its Elanco Animal Health business, including the sale of the unit. Other options include an IPO, merger or retention. “Through acquisitions and organic growth, we’ve grown Elanco to a size and scale that now allows us to consider a variety of options to maximize value,” says David Ricks, Lilly chairman and CEO.

In its third quarter review also released today, Elanco’s third quarter sales were up 5% over a year ago, but year-to-date sales are down 1%. Just last month, Elanco announced it was willing to sell of its rBST business.

Elanco recently acquired Novartis Animal Health and BI Vetmedica’s U.S. vaccines portfolio. “We believe that the outcome of a strategic review may result in more value and further enable Elanco’s top-tier leadership in animal health,” says Elanco president Jeff Simmons.

Minding Mycotoxins: How to Protect Livestock in Direct Grain Sales

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 03:03:51 GMT

If you’re considering selling some of your wet grain to livestock owners, it’s important you determine who will test for mycotoxins. The season’s weather and conditions could mean mycotoxins spring up.

“We haven’t heard a lot about toxins yet, but I think there’s going to be some after looking at fields,” says Ted Koehler, Syngenta Enogen ruminant nutritionist. “I’ve seen quality issues everywhere from southern Iowa to northern Wisconsin where there is noticeable mold on ears.”

Because molds and mycotoxins could start rearing their ugly heads, it’s time to start sampling for them in grain that will become feed. Grain sellers should work with livestock owners to determine who will take the sample, where it will be sent and how the cost should be covered. You might be used to the elevator sampling for you, but in direct sales to livestock producers you’ll have to be conscious of mycotoxins yourself.

Here’s what you need to know about sampling for dangerous levels of mycotoxins in grain, according to research from Iowa State University :

Mycotoxins aren’t evenly distributed in grain, so you’ll need to pull a variety of samples to get an accurate view.
Just because you’re sampling grain with visible molds doesn’t mean it’s a sample that will contain mycotoxins. Grain without visible mold can have the fungi.
Send dry samples to the lab instead of wet as the mold can keep growing. You can dry a standard 1-pound sample in the oven to 13% moisture before sending.

Gather your sample and send it to reputable laboratory. Be sure to ship samples in coolers on ice to preserve the grain.

No matter what, understand what is acceptable for the end user—it varies by animal. “Feedlot animals can tolerate some mycotoxins more than dairy,” Koehler adds.

Here’s a quick look at Purdue University’s guide on what is acceptable in feed for the three dangerous strains of mycotoxins—note there are more than 800 kinds.

Learn more about wet grain management and how livestock and grain producers can partner for a win-win here:

Wet Grain Problem? Solution: Sell It to Livestock Owners For A Win-Win

Tools to Help with High Moisture Harvest

Could Grain Bags Be Your Wet Grain Storage Solution?

Need-To-Knows Of Moisture, Quality Deductions And Long Elevator Lines

Drought Increases Aflatoxin Risk

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:08:44 GMT

Hot and dry cornfield conditions are breeding grounds for dangerous aspergillus ear and kernel mold that produces aflatoxins. This toxin is a known carcinogen, can harm livestock if fed and can lead to rejection at the elevator if abundant in a load.

Drought states are at a particularly high risk for the disease this year.

Aspergillus ear and kernel mold is a green to yellowish green, powdery fungus that survives on plant residue. In addition, spores can be transferred by wind. Damaged and exposed kernels are more susceptible to Aspergillus.

There are ways to manage aflatoxins, according to AgriGold Agronomist Brandon Nystrom.

Scout to determine if the mold is present
Change combine settings and grain moving equipment to minimize kernel damage and remove cracks, fines and lightweight, diseased kernels
Consider harvesting when the corn is above 20% moisture as less Aspergillus will be present and if you do, dry rapidly to at least 14% moisture in under 48 hours
Don’t store grain in any non-aerated site for more than six hours
Manage storage conditions to discourage fungi growth, cool dried grain to 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit

If you find mold that produces aflatoxins in fields it will limit where you can sell the grain. The table below, from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension showcases outlets for the infected grain.

Note, blending aflatoxin-contaminated corn is not legal except for on-farm use, according to Alison Robertson, professor of plant pathology and microbiology at ISU. Ethanol could be another outlet for infected grain. For on-farm use, anhydrous ammonia can reduce the contamination .

USB Promotes U.S. Soybean Meal As A Safe, Dependable Feed Ingredient

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:07:48 GMT

By: United Soybean Board

The global animal agriculture industry consumes 97% of all U.S. soybean meal, and U.S. farmers are diligent about practices to ensure that U.S. soybean meal is a dependable feed ingredient.

Most of this soybean meal is consumed by swine and poultry. Because of this, the United Soybean Board (USB) is monitoring and responding to a recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Chinese swine herds and U.S. farmers are being encouraged to take extra measures to mitigate a potential domestic outbreak by using U.S.-produced soybean meal. While spread by direct or indirect contact, viruses can live on most surfaces for short periods of time, including feed that comes in contact with infected animals. African swine fever has not been detected in the U.S., although it has spread to parts of Europe. Consequently, U.S. pork producers are being cautioned to take extra care with imported meal or synthetic additives and to consider buying more U.S. soybean meal.

“I raise both soybeans and livestock, so I have a personal appreciation for the concerns of the animal agriculture industry,” says Lewis Bainbridge, United Soybean Board (USB) chair and soybean farmer from South Dakota. “We know U.S. soybean meal is a nutritious, reliable product for our animals, and the U.S. soybean industry is committed to providing this abundant supply of feed for poultry and livestock.”

The soy checkoff has consistently participated in efforts to control foreign animal diseases, including projects to mitigate and eradicate threats such as African swine fever, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) and others. USB efforts related to pathogens include cross-industry discussions with USB’s feed technical team, who will continue to coordinate during this latest occurrence.

“U.S. soybean farmers know we are providing global pork producers with a wholesome, quality feed ingredient – U.S. soybean meal,” adds Bainbridge. “Through our checkoff, we’re working closely with the pork industry to produce the soybean meal that meets their needs.”

USB’s 73 farmer-directors work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds in programs and partnerships to drive soybean innovation beyond the bushel and increase preference for U.S. soy. That preference is based on U.S. soybean meal and oil quality and the sustainability of U.S. soybean farmers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

Perdue Answers Buzz on Hemp in Animal Feed

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:06:56 GMT