The Global Miller: July 2016

July 29, 2016

29/07/2016: Lallemand Animal Nutrition demonstrates commitment to probiotic and forage inoculant research at 2016 joint annual meeting of four major animal science organisations

http://www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com/

At the 2016 Joint Annual Meeting of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), American Dairy Science Association® (ADSA), Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science (WSASAS) and the Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS), organisers set the tone with the theme 'Animals and Science: Big Solutions for Grand Challenges.'

As a science-driven company, Lallemand Animal Nutrition was pleased to once again actively participate in the event - as a pre-conference sponsor and presenting the Lallemand Animal Nutrition Award for Scientific Excellence in Dairy Nutrition. The recipient was Dr Michael Steele from the University of Alberta, Canada. Lallemand Animal Nutrition also submitted posters and presentations, which brought new insights to the ruminant feed additive and forage inoculant categories.

“The studies presented this year that included solutions from Lallemand Animal Nutrition focused on both innovation and practical applications of existing technologies,” says Eric Chevaux, MSc, Global Applied R&D Manager, Lallemand Animal Nutrition.

“We are pleased to work with leading industry researchers to explore these important areas and help move the global livestock industries forward.”

Presentation of the Lallemand Animal Nutrition Award

for Scientific Excellence in Dairy Nutrition: Dr Angel

Aguilar, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Dr Michael Steele,

University of Alberta

Laurent Dussert, Category Manager for Lallemand Animal Nutrition, commented on this year’s event: “At a time when livestock production, as well as human and pet nutrition is at a turning point to move away from antibiotic usage, it is extremely interesting to see that emphasis was put on topics such as microflora management and probiotic solutions. Innovative applications for microbial solutions were highlighted throughout the conference such as: immunity modulation, enhanced feeding behaviour, reduced morbidity, pathogen control, as well as anxiety or allergies in pets, or food safety. This is clearly showing us the way forward.”

Highlights from the week include the following studies:

Effect of probiotics on the immune response and digestive system development

Immune response of newly received feedlot steers supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae subspecies boulardii CNCM I-1079 during the receiving period. Schmidt T et al. Researchers concluded that Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 supplementation appears to have a significant impact on the immune response. When newly received feedlot steers were challenged with lipopolysaccharide, which is a bacterial toxin, the live yeast supplementation had a significant impact on the febrile and immune response of steers. In addition, the metabolic and hormonal status was improved and cortisol ─ also known as the stress hormone ─ was reduced. Metabolic response also was improved, as measured by and increased blood urea nitrogen and glucose levels.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii improves acute phase response and phagocytosis during weaning in dairy calves. Fomenky B et al. Data show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii has immunomodulatory effects in calves and a possible role in enhancing innate immune and inflammatory responses of calves during the critical stress period of weaning. Direct fed Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii might play a role in innate immunity as an early defense system against infections in calves.
The impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus acidophilus on colon histomorphology and gene expression in rumen and ileum tissues of young dairy calves. Fomenky, B et al. Data shows that feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii altered the colon morphology and increased neutral mucin; an indication of early maturation in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii treated group. Results suggest that Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii could improve colon development in young dairy calves.

Effect of probiotics on the rumen digestive flora regulation

Metabolome and microbiome associations after a grain and sugar challenge. Golder H M et al. This study aimed at identifying biomarkers for rumen acidosis and examine the effects of various rumen modifiers (antibiotics, buffer and monensin-live yeast association (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077) on rumen microflora populations and fermentation profiles following acidosis challenge in heifers. Histamine, valerate and propionate had the strongest association with acidosis, followed by ammonia and butyrate as specific markers of acidosis, pH being only a consequence of the accumulation of lactate and volatile fatty acids. The monensin-live yeast group showed the greatest difference in rumen microbiome as compared to the buffers and control. The feed additives appeared to influence different microbial populations after the challenge. Moreover, bacterial community of the monensin-live yeast heifers was associated with lower concentrations of ammonia, butyrate, and histamine. This group also had quite low lactic acid so it appears this feed additive combination was able to reduce both lactate and histamine concentrations. It could be concluded to a positive impact of the live yeast-monensin combination on the rumen environment during acidosis challenge. A lower rumen lactate and higher rumen pH lead to reduced histamine (major cause of laminitis) and better protein utilisation (lower ammonia).

Influencing fermentation profiles and digestibility in different hybrid varieties, maturities and moisture levels when forages are inoculated

Bacterial and fungal community structure of conventional and brown midrib corn hybrids ensiled with or without a combo inoculant at high dry matter concentrations. Romero, J et al. Inoculating 43% dry matter (DM) corn hybrids with Pediococcus pentosaceus 12455 and Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 resulted in silages with higher contents of acetic acid, lower populations of yeasts and molds, and improved aerobic stability compared to untreated ones. It was also shown that inoculated corn silage was dominated by Lactobacillaceae (>98% vs 50% of untreated silages).
Bacterial and fungal community structure of oats ensiled with or without a combo inoculant. Romero, J et al. Final data showed that inoculating oats with Pediococcus pentosaceus 12455 and Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 at the time of ensiling led to significant improvements in aerobic stability and dry matter recovery of the silage. Additionally, it was concluded that inoculation improved silage quality partially by a shift in the microbial community structure during ensiling.
Microbial count, fermentation, and aerobic stability of regular and brown midrib corn hybrids ensiled with or without a combo inoculant at high moisture concentrations. Romero, J et al. Researchers concluded that inoculation with Pediococcus pentosaceus 12455 and Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 resulted in consistent enhancements in aerobic stability after 100 days of storage across all corn hybrids. The corn silages had higher concentrations of acetic acid and, subsequently, lower populations of yeasts and molds compared to untreated ones. Thus, showing an improved microbial profile.

Inhibiting growth of food safety-related pathogens in forages

Inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in alfalfa silage with silage additives. Ogunde, I et al. Researchers noted that alfalfa contaminated with E coli at ensiling had the pathogen eliminated by the fermentation process (pH drop), which happened faster in haylages treated with Lallemand Animal Nutrition microbial inoculants than by a chemical additive or nothing. After recontamination during feedout, all treated haylages had undetectable counts of E coli.
Microbial and chemical additives inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in corn silage. Ogunde, I et al. Data showed E coli that was artificially spiked in corn was eliminated during active phase of ensiling (>7 days of storage) across treatments. Application of a chemical additive or L buchneri 40788 suppressed the growth of the pathogen that was recontaminated in aerobically exposed corn silage. These silages were also more aerobically stable. Inoculation with homolactic bacteria did not have an effect on E coli recontamination.

For more information on these studies, contact your local Lallemand Animal Nutrition representative.

Visit the Lallemand site HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine GFMT
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

For additional daily news from milling around the world: global-milling.com

29/07/2016: KSU grain science and industry student receives undergraduate scholarship

Kansas State University’s Milling Science and Management student Jessica Davis was awarded a scholarship toward her out of state tuition costs on behalf of Mennel Milling Company.

The scholarship’s purpose is to provide financial assistance to full-time students enrolled in the Milling Science and Management curriculum at Kansas State University. The scholarship allows non-Kansas students to attend the university at in-state tuition costs.

Ms Davis, now a junior at Kansas State University, says she is very grateful for this scholarship.

“Having this financial assistance will allow me to better focus my time and efforts on learning as much as possible at Kansas State,” Ms Davis says.

The scholarship was established in 2010. Funds provided are to cover US$10,000 of out of state tuition, and an extra US$1,000 for travel costs. The scholarship is awarded to one student from any of these five states: Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana or Virginia.

Scholarship recipients must also achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Each student who receives the award is eligible for its renewal the following year.

“Scholarships, particularly of the scale pledged by Mennel Milling, are an important component of our recruitment and retention efforts. Mennel, and in particular Ford Mennel, have the gratitude of our faculty and our students for their forward thinking generosity,” says Jon Faubion, Kansas State University professor of baking science.

To learn more about the grain science and industry programs at Kansas State University HERE.

July 28, 2016

28/07/2016: From grain logistics to aqua feeds at PT Bühler Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

“IndoLivestock 2016 is important as we are assimilated with large scale projects here,” explains Damien Shapelier who has been PT Bühler’s general manager for six months, “but that’s not only the case anymore.”

He says his company is now focused on the sale of dies for pellet mills and spare-part refurbishment as well as servicing customers through a local Indonesia workshop located in Surabaya.

“We have a service technician, which is part of the sales package for single equipment. Customers are buying equipment, such as cleaners, hammer mills, pellet mills and so on which are important to us.”

He says refurbishments include work to increases existing mill capacities as well as large-scale, silos and new feedmills.

“That’s our target at this fair.”

http://www.buhlergroup.com/global/en/home.htm#.V5pQaTVDwqA

Damien Shapelier (centre), the new general manager for PT Bühler in Indonesia, with Windy Lim and colleague

In Indonesia Bühler is strong in grain milling and grain logistics as there is a lot of new infrastructure in the country.

“We are focused not only on feed and new facilities but in grain logistics and together with our colleagues and partners from Symaga Silos in Spain in grain storage.

“We also service chocolate and cocoa production as Indonesia is one of the largest cocoa growers in the world and we have other divisions providing equipment for these industries such as die casting, grinding and dispersion, pigments, optics and glass coating as well as packaging to Indonesia.

This is the first time the company displayed grain storage and processing the local production of grain drying for both large and small projects.

Windy Lim, Bühler’s regional marketing manager for South East Asia and the Pacific, says the focus of the stand at IndoLivestock 2016, “is to further strengthen our participation in Indonesia and show our customers our commitment to aquafeed as well.

“We are working together with industry partners not just in poultry but also in aquaculture.”

Both Damien and Windy agree that the demand for aqua feeds in the next few years will grow and that it is a trend that will continue.

Milling and Grain is at IndoLivestock 2016right now. You can follow what's happening on our live Twitter feed at right, or by clicking HERE.

Visit the Bühler site HERE.

28/07/2016: Endorsement of FEFAC/Copa-Cogeca code of good labelling practice

Together with Copa-Cogeca, the EU Feed Manufacturers Federation FEFAC welcomes today the publication and endorsement by the EU Commission of our EU code of good labelling practice for compound feed for food producing animals.

The Code was jointly developed by Copa-Cogeca and FEFAC to clarify requirements set out in the EU feed labelling regulation and give practical advice to compound feed manufacturers on how to draw up a label and to farmers so that they have all the right information to make informed choices and can use the product correctly.

The Code aims to harmonise practices across Member States to make life easier for farmers, agri-cooperatives and feed manufacturers. Its official endorsement by the EU Commission was published today in Official Journal C275, receiving also strong support from Member States in the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF).

Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen stated: “European farmers, agri‑cooperatives and feed manufacturers have worked hard together to develop this, drawing on our skills and expertise, to ensure that information essential for farmers is appropriately displayed on the label. We are very happy to contribute to a greater level of harmonisation and understanding on how best to apply the feed labelling rules at EU level”.

Alexander Döring, Secretary-General of FEFAC, went on to underline the importance of the section on claims in the Code. “This section outlines a harmonised set of requirements vis a vis the nature of the claims that are permitted or prohibited as well as guidance for the substantiation of claims. This is a major step towards more transparency in the feed chain and will favour innovation”.

For more information about the Code, see HERE.

Visit the FEFAC site HERE.

28/07/2016: AFIA honours animal and dairy science experts with annual awards

Left to right: Oklahoma State University Professor Clint Krehbiel, PhD, poses with Cathy Bandyk, PhD, of Westway Feed Products, after receiving the Ruminant Animal Nutrition Award

The American Feed Industry Association honoured three individuals in the fields of animal science and dairy science at the American Society of Animal Science-American Dairy Society Association Joint Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, July 19-23.

Clint Krehbiel, PhD, and Dean Boyd, PhD, received the Ruminant Animal Nutrition Award and Non-ruminant Animal Nutrition Award, respectively, from AFIA and ASAS. Hélène Lapierre, was presented with an award from AFIA and ADSA for her dedicated research on dairy cows.

"It's an honour to see such exceptional individuals awarded as they have each contributed largely to the agriculture industry," said Richard Sellers, AFIA senior vice president of public policy and education. "Their research has helped the industry provide better nutrition for swine and dairy."

Ruminant Animal Nutrition Award
Cathy Bandyk, Ph.D, of Westway Feed Products, on behalf of AFIA, awarded Dr Krehbiel the Ruminant Animal Nutrition Award. Dr Krehbiel is a professor at Oklahoma State University, where he teaches rumenology, animal nutrition techniques, and laboratory methods and protein nutrition in ruminants. His research interests include metabolism in ruminants regarding protein, regulation of lipids, tissue and whole-animal energy, and improving efficiency of nutrient utilisation in growing and finishing ruminants. Dr Krehbiel earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science and industry from Kansas State University, and a doctorate in animal science (ruminant nutrition) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Left to right: Dean Boyd proudly receives the Non-ruminant Animal Nutrition Award from Chad Risley, Berg+Schmidt America LLC, during ASAS-ADSA Joint Annual Meeting

Non-ruminant Animal Nutrition Award
Chad Risley, Ph.D, of Berg+Schmidt America LLC, on behalf of AFIA, awarded Boyd the Non-ruminant Animal Nutrition Award. Dr Boyd is a technical director for The Hanor Company, Inc. He manages nutrition for 88,000 sows and 2.1 million pigs annually.

Prior to The Hanor Company, Dr Boyd was the global director of nutrition for the Pig Improvement Company and a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science for Cornell University.

He earned a bachelor's degree in animal nutrition from Colorado State University and a doctorate from the University of Nebraska.

Left to right: Jack Garrett, QualiTech, Inc, presenting Hélène Lapierre with the Dairy Nutrition Research Award

Dairy Nutrition Research Award
The Dairy Nutrition Research Award was presented to Dr Lapierre by Jack Garrett of QualiTech, Inc., during the Joint Annual Meeting, on behalf of AFIA. AFIA sponsors this award annually, and has done so for 69 years.

Dr Lapierre is a research scientist for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre. Her research focuses on gaining a better understanding of intermediary metabolism in dairy cows in order to improve the efficiency of nitrogen utilisation.

The National Research Council of the United States appointed Dr Lapierre to serve on the committee to revise the next edition of Nutrient Requirements in Dairy Cattle. She is author and/or co-author to more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and 250 communications and extension papers, and speaks across the globe at scientific and extension meetings and universities.

The three awards are sponsored by AFIA as part of its continuing awards program that dates back to 1948. The ruminant and non-ruminant awards were an addition to the overall awards program in 1998.

To read more about AFIA click HERE.

28/07/2016: CNBC’s Ron Insana discusses current trade environment at USGC Summer Meeting

The US economy is in good shape despite rhetoric to the contrary, and agriculture helps significantly by adding surpluses to the US trade balance, CNBC and MSNBC contributor Rob Insana told the audience at the the US Grains Council's (USGC's) 56th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting this week.

Mr Insana’s presentation focused on the global economy and the impact of trade on current US policy and politics. His presentation as a keynote speaker stressed the importance of a positive trade environment and continued exports, noting the benefits of the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.

Image: InAweofGod'sCreation

"TPP helps assess the global economic climate," Mr Insana said.

"More jobs have been lost to technology than trade; trade has not hollowed out the middle class.

With continued uncertainty surrounding TPP's approval, Mr Insana told delegates they needed to share information about how trade benefits them with their fellow farmers as well as policymakers.

"We now have the ability to export a variety of products. It's vitally important that we continue to do that," he said. "If we can get the world growing at an average of 3 percent, that could have a huge impact on the global economy and trade overall."

Mr Insana's presentation also stressed the importance of agriculture in light of the world's increasing life expectancy.

"Living for 150 years is no longer a far off reality," he said, citing the need for biotechnology to food security and the importance of agriculture in the worldwide economy. Mentorship opportunities, he said, present a unique opportunity to engage current business leaders and millennial entrepreneurs in the future of agriculture and trade.

Mr Insana closed by reiterating the need to get out the facts about the value of trade to the US economy.

“Feelings have replaced facts these days,” he said, addressing concerns about topics ranging from currency manipulation to economic threats abroad.

"In order to create a more positive impression of trade, we need to continue to present facts in a way that creates a positive feeling."

The USGC summer meeting is an opportunity for farmers, agribusiness representatives and other stakeholders in the U.S. grain trade to gather and discuss critical issues and the organisation's programs to develop grain markets.

Visit the USGC site HERE.

28/07/2016: BCPC joins the drive to protect pollinators

Image: Darko Mareš

One of the priorities of the Voluntary Initiative (VI) is to minimise the risk to bees and other pollinators. The Crop Protection Association (CPA), working with the NFU and the British Beekeepers Association, has developed a new VI tool – Bee Connected.

This web-based alert system enables spray operators to alert local beekeepers of planned insecticide applications. To ensure beekeepers are only notified of a relevant spray event, as well as the timing and name of the active ingredient(s), the alert includes the distance and direction of the planned spray event as well as detailed information about the active ingredient(s).

Dr Colin Ruscoe, President of the British Crop Production Council notes, “Bee Connected includes information from BCPC’s The UK Pesticide Guide, including available data on hazard to non-target organisms. This will be invaluable in allowing the beekeeper to determine the likelihood of harm to bees arising from the product to be used, and so the relevant safety precautions to be taken”.

Bee Connected also includes details of the crop being sprayed and whether it is bordered by flower-rich margins.

Following a successful pilot in Hertfordshire Bee Connected will be launched across the UK in September 2016. The British Crop Production Council’s range of conferences, publications, online databases and working groups provides independent, authoritative science-based information to practitioners, researchers and policy-makers.

BCPC is a registered charity with a long-standing international reputation. Bee Connected is designed to notify beekeepers of spray operations in their local area.

Visit the BCPC site HERE and the conference page HERE.

28/07/2016: Mennel Milling Co reaches agreement with General Mills to buy Ohio bakery mix and packaging facility

Image: Flazingo Photos

The Mennel Milling Company are pleased to announce their tentative agreement reached with General Mills Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota to purchase their Martel, Ohio bakery mix and packaging facility pending the finalisation of negotiations. They expect the closing of this sale to be finalised before November 1, 2016.

"This is an exciting opportunity for the Mennel Milling Company to extend into the bakery mix business. It allows us to continue to add value to wheat flour and expand our product offerings to better serve our customer base. With this acquisition we will no longer be constrained to selling flour as an ingredient into baked goods or bakery mix. We will now be able to offer a full line of bakery mix products to our big box, commercial, wholesale and bakery customers and marketplaces," said D Ford Mennel, President of the Mennel Milling Company.

"Mennel has been a supplier to the Martel facility for over 40 years. We know the capabilities of the employees and the facility and we are excited to integrate them into the Mennel Milling Company."

Visit the Mennel Milling site HERE.

28/07/2016: ConAgra Foods names David Marberger Chief Financial Officer

ConAgra Foods, Inc has announced that David Marberger has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective August 29, 2016.

Mr Marberger will report to Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of ConAgra Foods, Inc, and will succeed John Gehring, who previously announced his plans to retire from the company. Mr Gehring will remain with the company until the end of September to assist with Mr Marberger’s transition.

Mr Marberger brings more than 30 years of finance and leadership experience to ConAgra Foods, including significant consumer packaged goods expertise. Currently, he serves as chief financial officer at Prestige Brands, a provider of over-the-counter healthcare products with a portfolio of over 80 brands.

Prior to joining Prestige Brands, Mr Marberger served as chief financial officer of Godiva Chocolatier for seven years, where he was responsible for the finance, accounting, audit, tax and IT functions in addition to overseeing the company’s worldwide strategic planning process. At Godiva, Mr Marberger was instrumental in spearheading efforts to establish the company as a standalone business under new ownership and delivering significant improvements in overall performance.

Prior to joining Godiva, Mr Marberger served as chief financial officer at Tasty Baking Company (then NASDAQ listed) and spent 10 years at Campbell Soup Company, where he held finance roles with increasing responsibility. He began his career at Price Waterhouse Coopers. Mr Marberger holds a MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a BBA from the University of Massachusetts.

“Dave is a proven leader with relevant industry expertise and significant experience developing and guiding finance organisations,” said Mr Connolly.

“Dave’s breadth of experience and demonstrated track record of delivering improved business performance will be tremendous assets to ConAgra Foods. We look forward to benefiting from his insights and expertise as we continue our efforts to turn ConAgra Foods into a focused, higher-margin, more contemporary and higher-performing company.”

Dave Marberger said, “I am honoured to join ConAgra Foods at such an exciting time. I look forward to working closely with Sean and the rest of the team as we complete the spin-off of Lamb Weston and deliver enhanced focus and improved performance and shareholder value.”

Visit the Conagra site HERE.

July 27, 2016

27/07/2016: IGP Institute names Flour Milling and Grain Processing Curriculum Manager

Shawn Thiele, IGP Institute Flour Milling and Grain Processing Curriculum Manager

The IGP Institute announces the recent appointment of Shawn Thiele as the flour milling and grain processing curriculum manager at Kansas State University.

In this role, Mr Thiele develops and teaches the core milling and processing courses at the IGP Institute. In addition, he oversees the creation and presentation of workshops, on-site courses, distance education courses and other technical outreach programs to enhance the market promotion, consumption and utilisation of US cereal grains, oilseeds and their value-added products for the global grain and feed industry.

“I hope to strengthen and expand the IGP Institute’s milling and processing courses through new and innovative teaching materials to provoke learning for participants and vest interest from the industry to energise the consumption of US grains worldwide,” Mr Thiele says.

Before stepping into this position, Mr Thiele was the operations manager at the KSU Hal Ross Flour Mill for more than three years. Prior to that, he worked in the oat and corn milling business units for eight years at Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Grain Science and Industry Department Head and IGP Institute Director Gordon Smith says he is excited about leveraging Mr Thiele’s skills in his new role.

Shawn Thiele leads a milling demonstration during the Flour Milling Course for US Wheat Associates Nigerian/South African Millers training

“Shawn is a proven technical expert and leader in milling operations and has demonstrated his commitment to K-State through his leadership at Hal Ross over the years,” Mr Smith says.

Brandi Miller, IGP Institute’s interim associate director, echoes Mr Smith’s sentiment by saying, “Shawn has already demonstrated his technical expertise through facilitation of courses at the IGP Institute. I am really excited to see him in a leadership role supporting the IGP Institute programs. He will truly be an asset as we look to building the future programing at IGP and are thrilled to have him on board.”

Mr Thiele may be reached via e-mail at smt9999@ksu.edu or by phone at 785-532-1189.

Learn more about the IGP Institute and its programs HERE.

4B Braime company profile

4B has the world's largest range of bucket elevator components, leading the field in elevator bucket and elevator bolt design and manufacturing the highest quality forged conveyor chains and elevator belting.

Our electronics division specializes in level controls, intelligent sensors and safety control systems for bucket elevators and conveyors. 4B components prevent costly downtime and minimize the risk of explosions in hazardous areas.

With 125 years of engineering experience in the bulk handling industry and subsidiaries on all continents along with a worldwide network of distributors, 4B can provide practical solutions for any application no matter the location.

Visit the website HERE.

27/07/2016: Airbus Defence and Space launches 'One Tasking', new satellite tasking service for the agriculture industry

Airbus Defence and Space has launched its latest development in satellite imagery acquisition and distribution, One Tasking.

Representing a major step change, One Tasking offers customers working in agriculture the most intuitive and cost-effective way to rapidly task an Airbus Defence and Space satellite – all from the comfort of their own desk or when out in the field.

The new One Tasking service provides 24/7/365 access to Airbus Defence and Space’s high-resolution and wide-swath satellite sensors. A team of dedicated in-house experts ensures that any requested area is captured on time and in line with the customer’s requirements.

30 years ago, Airbus Defence and Space was the first to offer bespoke satellite tasking services – helping to support a variety of unique agriculture-related challenges ranging from monitoring growth and optimising water, fertiliser and pesticide usage to forecasting crop yield and assessing the impact of a natural disaster. Today, with One Tasking, Airbus Defence and Space is resetting the bar once again, with a capability to only deliver the very best results. This commitment to customer centric flexibility goes far beyond the current “best effort” approach, where cloud cover and other environmental factors can too often reduce the extractable value from the resulting imagery.

“We wanted to create a product which was unlike anything already on the market and truly focused on the agriculture industry and its specific needs. To achieve this we asked our customers to challenge us. The result was a clear desire to eliminate some of the risk and simplify the longwinded ordering-process clients associated with tasking satellites,” said Bernhard Brenner, Head of Intelligence Business Cluster at Airbus Defence and Space.

“With One Tasking, those objectives have been met and in many areas exceeded, especially with our commitment to only deliver the very best results, which we believe is a real game changer.”

A variety of tailored One Tasking solutions are also available to meet specific industry needs and requirements:

OneDay: Risk-free imagery acquisition for a specific day. Weather forecast will be sent 24 hours before the acquisition date, enabling customers to confirm, postpone or even cancel a tasking request, at no cost.
OneNow: Immediate and useful imagery in an instant. Satellites are tasked to deliver valuable insights in the shortest possible timeframe.
OnePlan: Qualified coverage within an agreed timeframe. The qualified coverage is agreed and delivered according to customer selected timeframes and dates to meet specific project milestones.
OneSeries: Repeated coverage. Imagery is acquired and delivered on a regular basis to monitor long-term changes or highly dynamic situations.

Visit the Airbus Defence and Space site HERE.

27/07/2016: Borussia Dortmund and Evonik: An international success story

http://corporate.evonik.com/en/Pages/default.aspx

Image: Peter F.

Borussia Dortmund and Evonik Industries are now bringing their international success story to China. There, BVB will play the International Champions Cup in Shanghai and Shenzhen against Manchester United and Manchester City.

The management of Borussia Dortmund has specifically chosen China as the first big stage for the team of the 2016-17 season. After all, Asia is at the core of this major international club's growth strategy. After a year's break, Dortmund will once again take part in the UEFA Champions League.

Just last year, the BVB summer tour took place in Singapore and Malaysia and it was obvious just how well known the Borussia Dortmund brand and its stars such as Marco Reus and Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang are in Asia. And another factor was plain to see: The enthusiasm of the local fans when BVB comes to town and takes to the pitch.

These very emotions are one of the main reasons for Evonik's commitment to BVB.

“We are a perfect match: Thanks to the emotions involved with supporting BVB, Evonik can touch people who would otherwise be out of reach for a specialty chemicals corporation. And Borussia Dortmund benefits from the creativity with which we support the club worldwide,” says Klaus Engel, chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries.

“As a globally active specialty chemicals corporation, our involvement with BVB helps Evonik to promote its own brand on a global scale. This enables us to reach important target groups such as customers, skilled professionals or capital investors in many countries through our BVB connection. And that's why we’re supporting the Borussia Dortmund tour to China this summer.”

First BVB Evonik soccer school activity in China
Chinese soccer is expected to edge its way into the world leading teams by 2050. According to the pragmatic Government Development Plan for Chinese Soccer, soccer’s development will be accelerated in schools. The number of schools with a specialty in soccer will reach 20,000 by 2020.

Borussia Dortmund and Evonik has paid attention to the youth soccer training for a long time. In 2011, the BVB Evonik soccer school was opened to offer soccer enthusiasts a professional training.

On the occasion of the International Champions Cup China, the BVB Evonik soccer school will be held for the first time in China. Both Borussia Dortmund and Evonik hope the Soccer School activity can contribute to the successful development of Chinese soccer.

At this football school - under the guidance of expert German football coaches - Chinese kids and youngsters will learn according to the most modern training methods. They will learn the theory and practice of the sport, but above all they will enjoy the game and the camaraderie of the group. Children of Evonik employees will take part as will children from six local schools as part of a summer camp.

Strong brand coupling
The connection between BVB and Evonik Industries goes back to the year 2006. At that time, Borussia Dortmund was in the middle of an economic and sporting restructuring phase. The Evonik management concluded its first sponsoring contract with BVB to help establish the new company brand. The initial goals were focused on increasing the brand awareness for the new company at a national level in Germany. Since then, this sponsoring venture has developed into a long-term and very successful partnership.

Mr Engel says: “With our long-term cooperation, both partners have laid a solid foundation for new business and sporting successes on the international stage. As a result of its cooperation with Evonik, Borussia has secured a solid basis for peak sporting performance in national and international competitions for many years to come.”

Since 2014, Evonik has also had a stake in Borussia Dortmund KGaA. The sponsoring contract runs until 2025.

Visit the Evonik site HERE.

27/07/2016: Roto-Flate® valve now designed to close and inflate in all failure modes

Roto-Disc® Inc has completed design of an Inflatable Seal Mechanical Interlock system for the Roto-Flate® spherical valve that enhances its reliability and causes it to fail closed and inflated in the case of electric or pneumatic loss. The Mechanical Interlock prevents the inflatable seal from inflating before the valve dome is in the closed position.

When utilised with a spring return pneumatic actuator and normally open seal solenoid, the Roto-Flate® now closes AND inflates upon electrical power loss, regardless of the position of the valve at the time power is lost. The interlock also prevents un-intended and/or premature inflation of the inflatable seal, thereby decreasing risk of damage during start-up.

For applications where the valve is required to also close on pneumatic loss, the Roto-Flate® can be provided with a valve arrangement that will inflate the seal from a reserve air-source, and keep it inflated for extended periods. Applications that require a fail-open or fail-last disposition can also be easily accommodated upon request.

These enhancements allow users of the Roto-Flate® to gain the benefits of its 2-stage sealing system while being assured of a known action in the event of electric of pneumatic loss.

Visit the Roto-Disc, Inc site HERE.

July 26, 2016

26/07/2016: Storage project: How Blumberg Grain is reducing post-harvest loss and improving food security globally

https://issuu.com/gfmt/docs/mag1605_w1/80

Grain projects across the world are bringing meaningful benefits for governments and farmers

by Eloise Hillier-Richardson, Milling and Grain

First published in Milling and Grain, May 2016

As the world’s population continues to rise, the significance of food security -- the ability to provide reliable access to affordable and nutritious food -- is more important than ever. In fact, the world’s population is expected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, and global food production will need to nearly double by 2050 to keep up.

The significance of strong food security innovations have substantial impacts on countries, particularly in the developing world. These innovations have the opportunity to reduce hunger, enhance food security, and improve national, regional and global security. However, many countries across the world do not have the resources to develop effective food security systems in a large-scale environment that can benefit their populations as a whole.

Blumberg Grain, a leading global food security company, is working around the world to help these countries improve food security, reduce post-harvest loss and increase the quality and marketable output of harvests by providing harvest protection systems and technology.

Blumberg Grain provides the most comprehensive, stateof- the-art storage units, technology and management systems for post-harvest food safety and security. Whereas in some countries, post-harvest loss can reach 40 to 50 percent due to depletion by insects, rodents, pilferage or inclement weather, Blumberg Grain’s fully integrated crop and food security systems can reduce post-harvest losses of grain, produce, and other perishables to five percent or less.

The company modernises agricultural value chains, increases the quality and marketable output of harvests, enables efficient market timing, and significantly boost exports of agriculture products.

Read the full article in Milling and Grain HERE.

Lambton Conveyor company profile

Family owned since 1965, Lambton Conveyor Limited is a multinational manufacturer of grain, storage, material handling, drying and feed equipment. We provide an ever-expanding line of innovative and practical products.

Products include: bucket elevators, chain conveyors, tube conveyors, screw conveyors, flow system accessories, grain bins, bin unloads, bin dryers, gravity screen cleaners, pellet mills, hammer mills, mixers, coolers, crumblers and custom fabrications. Almost all of the equipment produced by Lambton Conveyor is fabricated using galvanized steel. The galvanized coating ensures a long service life and a low maintenance finish. Most products are also available in stainless steel and painted mild steel upon request or depending on the application.

Lambton equipment can be seen around the world in varying environments and applications. The modular design of our equipment provides our customers with flexibility and assembly efficiencies. From the local farmer to the commercial processor we have a reputation for providing high quality and cost effective equipment.

Visit the website HERE.

26/07/2016: FEFAC welcomes action on low-carbon economy but calls for caution on potential phase-out of crop-based biofuels

FEFAC welcomes the European Commission’s package of measures to drive Europe’s transition to a low-carbon economy, published on 20 July 2016.

The European feed sector is involved in key European (DG ENVI Product Environmental Footprint) and global (Global Feed LCA Institute) initiatives that seek to actively contribute to emission mitigation strategies at farm level that help with tackling climate change. These new approaches in methodology and database development should be used as the key reference for setting realistic reduction targets for livestock related emissions at national level.

FEFAC invites the European Commission to carefully study the impact of the proposed phase-out of crop-based biofuels after 2020, which is bound to have a detrimental impact on the European feed sector’s capacity to utilise EU produced proteins. Vegetable protein meals, resulting from biodiesel production, provide a significant contribution to the protein supply of the EU livestock sector. FEFAC, therefore, calls on the Commission to create a robust EU protein balance sheet that would serve as input to a comprehensive impact assessment of a potential gradual phase out of crop-based biofuels after 2020.

Read more HERE.

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