Lallemand announce a new bacterial program to help maintain ruminant mobility

Lallemand Animal Nutrition is pleased to introduce an innovative bacterial program to help maintain ruminant mobility: PODO CONCEPT.

Image credit: StevenW. on Flickr
(CC BY-SA 2.0)

PODO CONCEPT is an innovative program including a range of bacterial based products combined with patented equipment and technical recommendations to easily and efficiently help maintain the hoof health of the entire herd. Maintaining healthy hooves can help reduce the risk of health issues such as lameness.

PODO CONCEPT can be used in all ruminants, including dairy cows, beef, ovine and caprine. The concept is designed for on-farm advisers looking for more natural and complete ready-to-use solutions to help maintain cow mobility and hoof health.

'According to a scientific consensus, the sooner lameness is detected and addressed, the better the results. Today, mainly chemical liquid solutions are available, which have technical limitations, environmental concerns and future regulatory uncertainty – like the extensive use of formalin in some products, for example. Lallemand Animal Nutrition can offer a different approach to lameness based on the management of microbial ecosystems naturally present around the hoof. Our main innovation consists of dry bacterial inoculation of hoof through a specific and patented footbath. It allows ruminants to maintain hoof health and reduce the need for veterinary interventions,' says Agnès CORBIN, Technical Support Manager, Lallemand Animal Nutrition.

The bacterial program to help maintain hoof health, PODO CONCEPT, covers four steps:

1. Global evaluation of the situation.
2. Individual care, including a protection paste.
3. The bacterial program itself with hoof application, dry and/or liquid bacterial solutions, complemented by bedding inoculants*.
4. Follow-up for three months.

*Bedding inoculants (MANURE PRO or EAZY BED PRO from Lallemand Animal Nutrition) will support the efficacy of PODO CONCEPT. It will help optimise the microbial management of the environment and prevent crusted hooves.

What are the products included in PODO CONCEPT?

1. PODO DRY and PODO LUVE
PODO DRY contains live beneficial bacteria selected for their capacity to colonise surfaces and to form a positive biofilm. It is formulated as a dry footbath to be used with the patented equipment, PODO LUVE, for milking ruminants.

This innovative bacterial dry footbath offers many benefits under normal conditions of use:

• It is safe, odorless, does not freeze and is not stressful for the animals
• It is easy-to-use and move (wheels and handles)
• It enables producers to control the product consumption and avoid product waste thanks to the patented dry footbath design (anti-discharge grid)

2. PODO SPRAY
A complementary liquid bacterial spray. This liquid solution of beneficial bacteria has been designed for dry cows and heifers that do not have access to the dry bacterial footbath in milking areas for example. It is provided as a powder to dilute in water and use as a liquid bacterial spray. Its adhesive formula allows the product to stick at the hoof surface. It can be used with a dye to ease the application follow up.

3. PODO PASTE (non-bacterial)
An easy-to-use topical paste for hooves with a local application before starting the program to help optimise the efficacy of the bacterial program.

For more information about Lallemand visit the website, HERE.

 

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

New phytogenic solution contributing to poultry fertility

As part of Delacon's phytogenic product line for poultry, Biostrong® Fertile represents proven natural fertility support for breeding flocks. The unique formulation was specially developed to enhance reproductive performance and control oxidative stress in breeding males. A comprehensive range of essential oils, flavonoids, and saponins, all obtained from natural sources, support the oxidative resilience of semen and its components and contribute to optimised hormonal processes.

Image credit: Delacon

With Biostrong® Fertile, Delacon offers a revolutionary natural solution to support the reproduction of breeding males, which increases the percentage of fertilised eggs. The formulation is based on extensive and deep knowledge in the universe of phytogenic active substances and their respective effects on the metabolism of farm animals. Phytogenic compounds can mitigate adverse oxidative effects since those substances can raise the sperm count and functionality and have a positive impact on reproduction. Improving males' fertility is the most efficient way to strengthen the production of day-old chicks.

Reduction of oxidative stress – a positive effect on semen
Sperm cells are sensitive to free radicals due to their significant content of lipids. This oxidative reaction may impact the morphology and functionality of the spermatozoa. Moreover, the free radicals can interfere with the DNA transported by the sperm cells, reducing the viability and quality of embryos and the offspring. Biostrong® Fertile is a unique and compelling contribution, helping to reduce oxidative stress in healthy breeding males, which can regulate testosterone production and semen quality parameters, thus indirectly contributing to the health of the reproductive performance level.

'Biostrong® Fertile is a tailored solution, addressing a primary customer need to optimise breeding flocks' fertility. Its technology is based exclusively on natural plant-derived compounds that enhance males' healthy fertility, which is the most efficient way to strengthen the production of day-old chicks. The Delacon team is convinced of the effectiveness of Biostrong® Fertile to support producers in boosting the reproductive performance of their breeders' flocks,' says Roberto Montanhini Neto, Global Unit Lead Monogastrics at Delacon.

For more information about Delacon visit the website, HERE. 

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

Alapala agrees to build a new mill in Sweden

Alapala, one of the two leading players of the global milling industry with an impressive record of more than 700 successfully completed mills across the globe, has agreed to build a new mill for Abdon Invest AB in Vasteras, Sweden. This project is of great significance for Alapala as it will be the company's very first reference project in the region.

Driven by the passion for food and a great curiosity when it comes to developing new products, Abdon Food is one of the leading cereal companies in the Nordic region. Wishing to strengthen the offer of locally produced products and improving its environmental impact through reduced transportation, the company decided to invest in a new mill to be established in Vasteras. Looking for an equally able and passionate provider that would understand their needs and expectations and meet them with proven expertise, the company decided to work with Alapala, known for its unique global experience and know-how of more than 60 years.

Sharing the purpose of contributing to a sustainable future through a combination of experience and innovation, the two companies have agreed to work together to build a greenfield mill with a wheat flour capacity of 275 T/24h and a rye flour capacity of 25T/24h. Using locally supplied raw materials, this new mill will produce wheat and rye flour for domestic consumption.

The mill's steel construction, as well as special internal square bins will be provided by Alapala Construction, an Alapala Group company which specialises in the design, supply, and construction of industrial buildings worldwide. All equipment will be provided in compliance with European norms and the ATEX directive for explosion protection.

Alapala is well-known for its highly robust automation systems that enable the entire process to be centrally monitored, using Scada software and remote connection. These systems offer integrated process control and traceability advantages, along with advanced report generation for data such as production, yield, efficiency, etc. With the remote connection feature, the mill can be accessed 24/7 by Alapala after-sales team for technical assistance including inspection, error diagnosis, calibration, and troubleshooting.

Upon the successful completion of this significant project with its unmatched expertise in turnkey milling projects, Alapala will add a new one to the long list of its global achievements.

For more information about Alapala visit the website, HERE. 

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

Bühler and Ardent Mills celebrate the opening of new state-of-the-art mill in Florida

Swiss technology group Bühler and Ardent Mills, a leading flour milling and ingredient company headquartered in Denver, United States, celebrated the opening of Ardent Mills' new Port Redwing Mill in Gibsonton, Florida. The mill, powered by the most advanced milling technologies from Bühler, is already in operation and contributes to both companies' commitments to innovation and sustainable development within the food ecosystem.

The opening ceremony took place Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Ardent Mills Port Redwing facility in Gibsonton, Florida. From Ardent Mills, Dan Dye, CEO, Heather Dumas, Chief People Officer, John Barton, Chief Financial Officer, Angie Miller, Vice President of Sales, Troy Anderson, Vice President of Operations, and others were on site to celebrate how Ardent Mills and Bühler are transforming how the world is nourished. From Bühler, Stefan Scheiber, Bühler Group CEO, Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler, and Andy Sharpe, President & CEO of Bühler North America were in attendance.

Stefan Scheiber, Bühler Group CEO said, 'The Port Redwing Mill is another highlight in Bühler's great relationship with Ardent Mills. It is encouraging to work together with an inspiring customer, driving innovation through collaboration and implementing the most modern and efficient solutions in wheat processing in the US. This is an important milestone for Bühler, and another great example of innovations for a better world.'

'Port Redwing is a testament to Ardent Mills' commitment to transform how the world is nourished and drive innovation – and we couldn't have done that without Bühler,' said Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills. 'Bühler were exceptional partners at every step of the process, and their partnership allowed us to integrate in the insights and technologies we needed to build this new state-of-the-art facility. With the Port Redwing Mill, we are entering a new era in the milling industry.'

Ardent Mills is one of Bühler's long-standing customers in North America and the partnership dates back several decades. With roots dating back to 1867 and a steam-powered mill in the prairie town of Grand Island, Nebraska, Ardent Mills, the joint venture between Cargill and Horizon Milling, is one of the largest flour suppliers in North America. It operates in more than 40 locations and specialises in flour, quinoa, pulses, and organic and gluten-free products that drive emerging nutrition and innovation across plant-based ingredients.

Innovation to address customer needs
The construction on the Port Redwing facility began in 2019 and was completed in March 2022. The milling project comprises of two milling units (with the ability to produce 750 tons per day and 300 tons per day respectively), and Ardent Mills has kept the growth of the market in mind, adding space for a third mill in the future. The Port Redwing mill produces all-purpose, whole-wheat, high-gluten, cake, and bread flour. Bühler supplied the cleaning section, the flour mill, the finished product storage, the batch mixing system, engineering, installation, supervision, and plant commissioning.

Bühler's Arrius fully integrated system is key component of Port Redwing Mill and enables an integrated and self-adjusting grinding system that is a radical step change in how millers are able to control the quality and consistency of their product. In addition to optimum grinding performance, Arrius benefits include cutting energy costs, increasing staff safety, speedy installation, remote digital control, improved food safety, and reducing the initial outlay needed for plant investment.

'The ability to deliver safe, consistent products to our customers – day in and day out – serves as our greatest competitive advantage,' said Steve Neely, Port Redwing Plant Manager. "We're grateful for Bühler's partnership – together, we've built a state-of-the-art facility that realises our vision to be the trusted partner and meet our customers' evolving needs.'

The facility sits on 10 acres and is strategically located for rail, ocean, and truck access. It encompasses a mill, grain storage elevator and cleaning house in addition to an office, and multiple packaging, warehouse, and storage locations. The mill will also execute a five-year, paperless, zero-waste and energy efficient production plan.

"This mill was built and commissioned in the past two years, in the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is testament to the partnership between Ardent Mills and Bühler, which has strengthened over the life of this project. I am incredibly proud of the work done by our North American team and our Global Supply Chain team. They came through despite the challenges presented in this time. This is the very embodiment of Bühler's values and culture,' Andy Sharpe, President & CEO of Bühler North America said.

'With the opening of the Tampa state of the art mill, a personal dream has become a reality. Having been involved from day one, we tried to develop an industry-changing concept with the lowest possible energy consumption while achieving highest yields so that this is a world leading mill also in terms of its CO2e (CO2 equivalent) footprint,' said Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler.

Solutions for optimal efficiency
The layout of the mill was designed for optimal performance with easy equipment accessibility for maintenance. Real-time data analysis and automation includes industry-first near-infrared grain analysis and automatic, high-speed packaging lines. The rapid line intervention and issue management allows the production line to be stopped, assessed and, if needed, corrected with minimal downtime. The mill also increased on-site storage capacity of up to 4.1 million bushels, critical in managing sudden supply chain shifts or in case of a natural disaster.

For more information about Bühler visit the website, HERE. 

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

Critical issues discussed with IFIF and FAO at 15th International Feed Regulators Meeting

The 15th annual International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM) organised by the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) brought together feed industry representatives and government officials from around the world to discuss critical issues facing the feed sector with IFIF and the FAO.

At the virtual meeting Badi Besbes, Head Animal Production and Genetic Branch at FAO and Ruud Tijssens, IFIF Chairman, welcomed IFRM delegates and reiterated their commitment to this longstanding partnership and agreed to continue to strengthen their work together to tackle the challenges facing the feed and food chains. Mr Besbes reaffirmed the importance of 'collaboration between the public and private sector to support the key role of the livestock sector in reducing hunger and supporting livelihoods worldwide in a context of sustainable agriculture and food systems.'

Mr Tijssens said, 'I am delighted we had a record number of participants from across the world and from key regulatory bodies join us at the 15th IFRM, which due to the pandemic again took place very successfully in a virtual setting. This meeting, yet again, proved to be an important opportunity for the global feed industry and feed regulators to discuss key issues for the feed and food chains, including important work on Nutritional Innovation to improve animal health and welfare, an update of Codex Alimentarius work with relevance to feed, as well as a very timely session on new feed sources in the context of circular economy.'

Mr Tijssens added, 'This dialogue is an important example of the private sector collaborating with the FAO and regulators from around the world and we believe that only by working together can we continue to ensure feed and food security and safety, while meeting the global demands for food sustainably.'

'The success of this meeting is proof that FAO's efforts to facilitate dialogue between the public and private sector are worthwhile and given the current challenges, collaboration among all parties at international and national level to ensure among others, human and animal well-being, and feed and food safety and security is more important than ever,' said Daniela Battaglia, Livestock Production Officer, Animal Production and Health Division of the FAO.

Ms Battaglia added, 'Feed operators can valuably contribute to make the livestock and food sectors more responsible and sustainable and to achieve other important goals such as the containment of antimicrobial resistance and public, animal and environmental health. The IFRM is an important opportunity to exchange ideas among stakeholders from around the world and to coordinate our efforts towards common goals.'

Other topics discussed at the 15th IFRM included updates on the successful work of the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF), which aims towards convergence of technical requirements specific to feed additive/ingredient authorisation across regions, as well as a presentation on the developments of EU feed legislation to address sustainability requirements.

For more information about the IFIF visit the website, HERE. 

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

FEFAC-Nevedi joint public event in Utrecht on June 2 2022

FEFAC and Nevedi, representing respectively the European and Dutch feed industry, will co-host the 66th FEFAC Public Annual meeting on June 2 2022 in Utrecht, during the VICTAM/VIV Europe Expo. The main theme of the Public Annual meeting will focus on the 'EU food & feed autonomy in times of geopolitical crisis / EU Resilience plan and the Green Deal'.

Image credit: Loozrboy on Flickr
(CC BY-SA 2.0)

EU & Dutch feed industry and farmer leaders will exchange views with EU and national policy-makers on how the feed industry can mitigate impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which closed off essential feed grain supplies from the Black Sea in both short-term and long-term. The first panel will analyse how EU food and feed autonomy and the resilience of the agri-food chain can be strengthened while staying on the pathway for more sustainable food production systems. The second expert panel will discuss the European Commission proposal on deforestation-free supply chains as well as bring practically feasible soy value chain solutions to the table to achieve the Green Deal objectives on Biodiversity.

FEFAC President Asbjørn Børsting says, 'I look forward to a solution-oriented exchange on the future shape of the EU Contingency plan seeking to ensure EU food and feed security in response to the Ukraine crisis, which will have lasting effects. FEFAC members are fully playing their part to safeguard essential feed and food supplies in the EU and abroad while investing in the development of a more sustainable and competitive food production system.'

Nevedi President Ad Loos says, 'The Dutch feed industry is strongly engaged in Ukraine and other European countries to maintain vital feed supply chains, while providing animal nutrition solutions which make a real difference for the livestock sector enhancing its environmental performance and responsible sourcing, notably for conversion-free soy and palm products.'

Registration for the event can be found HERE.

 

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

Harald Perten Prize 2022 to be presented to Prof. Dr. Katharina Scherf

The Harald Perten Prize is intended to recognise and reward outstanding achievements in science, research, teaching or transmission of knowledge which serve the cereal sciences and technology, primarily recognising practical applications in the areas of starch, gluten and enzymes.

In full accordance with these demands this year's Harald Perten Prize is awarded to Katharina Scherf, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany, and will be officially announced at the ICC2022 Conference in July 2022.

Prof. Dr. Katharina Scherf is heading the Department of Bioactive and Functional Food Chemistry, Institute of Applied Biosciences (KIT). Together with her team, she studies the complex interplay between structure, functionality and bioactivity of food biopolymers and uses these fundamental insights to improve food security, quality and safety.

Since 2012 her main interest has been laid on the functional properties of gluten and the effect of enzymes on gluten and bread. Additionally, her specific efforts have been focused on analytical, immunological, and biochemical aspects of celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy. Having studied food chemistry, Katharina Scherf obtained her PhD degree from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and was a research group leader at the Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the TUM.

Her research was awarded with several prestigious scientific prizes, including the Research Award of the German Coeliac Society (2019 and 2014), the Young Scientist Research Award of the Cereals & Grains Association (2018) and the Gerhard-Billek-Prize of the German Chemical Society (2015).

Katharina Scherf is an exceptional scientist having brought her research to an impressive internationally esteemed level and, thus, is a worthy recipient of the Harald Perten Prize 2022.

For more information visit the ICC website, HERE. 

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

Cereals sets its stall out with latest spraying kit

Sprayer technology is moving on apace and visitors to Cereals will be able to compare the latest kit being demonstrated in the central Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena.

'The Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena is a key highlight for many Cereals attendees and we are excited to showcase the latest in application technology and innovation for 2022,' says Scott Cockburn, Syngenta business manager and application lead.

'The arena will also host the awards ceremony for the Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year competition where we will crown the winner from our six finalists. We look forward to seeing everyone and sharing knowledge on practical application tips and techniques.'

The event is well-known for its emphasis on sprayers, says James Dixon, managing director of spray component and parts manufacturer Cleveland Alliances. 'It is a mainstay for us – the best one in the UK because of the real sprayer focus which works for us. And attendance is good too.'

Given the tight cost pressure they are under, arable farmers will want to improve efficiency - and there are plenty of developments in spray equipment technology that will enable them to do just that, says Cereals event director Alli McEntyre.

'Farmers have a second-to-none opportunity to see the latest spraying kit from all the major manufacturers in action and compare it to decide what would work best on their farms,' she says.

Househam Sprayers, a regular exhibitor at the event, plans to demo two self-propelled models; the flagship Harrier and the new lightweight Spirit, says area sales manager Barry Harness.

'We have relaunched the Spirit with the latest generation features. It is fitted with a Claas Jaguar X10 Cabin with excellent panoramic visibility, air suspended seat, 27 litre fridge and full climate control.

'At just over six tonnes dry weight and perfect front to rear weight distribution, we have also lowered the machine to just under one metre ground clearance, making it a more stable, more nimble, light-weight sprayer. We have also switched to Bosch Rexroth wheel motors for higher road speeds and improved torque for hill climbing.'

The Harrier is the largest machine in Househam's range with booms up to 36m and up to a 6,000-litre tank capacity.

John Deere will be demonstrating several trailed and self-propelled machines including the R740i and R975i and the latest Mazzotti MAF.

This will be the first outing at Cereals for the R975i, which starts production in April 2022. It's the biggest trailed model the company has ever produced, with boom widths of 24-40m. It has a 7,500-litre capacity - topping the R900i Series line-up, according to Mark James, product sales specialist, sprayers UK and Ireland.

'The machine's new larger volume will mean farmers and contractors can spend more time in the field spraying, and so increase productivity by covering larger areas with one tank,' he says.

Among the self-propelled models being demonstrated will be the R4150i, a 5,000-litre machine. Built for high output, it features the unique XtraFlex individual wheel suspension for a smooth ride at high spraying speeds. The QuadControl transmission provides more performance and convenience thanks to a new cruise control function and individual wheel slip control.

Mr James says users will appreciate the unobstructed views both ahead and out to the spray boom, as well as the Category IV cab filtration system offering the highest levels of operator protection.

Chandler Fendt will be demonstrating the self-propelled RG600 Rogator sprayer, which is unique in offering variable ride height, explains managing director Gavin Pell. 'For a large part of the season crops are short so the ground clearance can be low. This makes the sprayer more stable – its lower centre of gravity also makes it much safer for road transport.

'It also helps when working on hillsides where small sprayers containing a lot of water are much less stable. Having a lower centre of gravity also means the sprayer can travel faster on more even ground with better output.' Sprayer clearance can be increased when crops become taller.

Also gracing the Sprays and Sprayers arena will be the trailed Chafer Sentry, says Joe Allen, sales and marketing executive at the company. 'It has a 30m boom with 5,000-litre stainless steel spray tank; Chafer plumbing liquid control; Raven Hawkeye pulse width modulation and Norac UC7 Active Roll boom levelling.'

The self-propelled Chafer Interceptor will also be on demo with a New Holland forage harvester cab; CVT transmission; 30m boom with 4,000-litre stainless steel spray tank; Topcon GPS System with CropSpec sensing; Raven Hawkeye pulse width modulation and Norac UC7 Active Roll boom levelling.

'Cereals is the most important show that most sprayer manufacturers go to and have a successful time,' says Mr Allen. 'Visitors can look at the machines together, all at once. It is an important show for them.'

For more information about the Cereals event visit the website, HERE. 

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

AB Agri accelerates growth plans in South East Asia with senior appointment

AB Agri has recruited business development specialist Graham Wong to head up operations in South East Asia as part of plans to significantly increase its market share in the region.

Mr Wong, whose new remit as Head of South East Asia includes recruitment, technical development and innovation, joins the business having spent more than a decade in the animal nutrition sector, most recently as Managing Director, South East Asia in Nuscience of the Royal Agrifirm Group. 

Graham Wong

Mr Wong's appointment follows that of Visiel Tolentino, who joined the company as Head of Strategic Marketing for Asia last year. 'With a rapidly increasing population and higher levels of disposable income, the scope for growth in Asia is considerable,' explains José Nobre, AB Agri's Chief Executive Officer.  

"Strengthening our presence in the region with key appointments such as Graham and Visiel, as well as growing the team more widely will give us the strong foundation we need to achieve our ambitious commercial targets.

"Graham has a fantastic track record in developing commercial businesses so is a real asset to our team," he adds.

Commenting following his recent appointment, Mr Wong says that "we have some very large customers in Asia and our expansion plans will help us serve them even more effectively, as well as giving us scope to bring new customers on board. Our distribution partners will continue to play an important role as we grow our businesses together.

"With nine percent of the world's population in South East Asia, there is a huge opportunity for us to significantly contribute towards meeting the growth of animal protein demands, sustainably and responsibly," he adds. 

AB Agri plans to recruit for more roles in the region in the coming months including technical support and commercial colleagues who will work alongside well-established local teams from its animal nutrition divisions AB Vista, AB Neo, Premier Nutrition, and new alternative protein specialist, Livalta.

To read more about this story, be sure to follow this LINK.

 

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

VIV Feed Series Webinar: Technology's role in lifting European aquaculture production

Join VIV Europe and International Aquafeed magazine for a one-hour Webinar on Aquaculture titled: 'Global Expertise – Technology's role in lifting European Aquaculture Potential' – on Thursday March 31, 2022 and look at how European aquaculture might provide consumers with a wider choice of high-quality, and sustainable aquaculture food products.

Limit spaces are still available - enrol HERE

The assembled expert panel will present and then debate the issues the industry faces from their various perspectives. There will be time for your comments and questions to be addressed by the panel.

Program

Duration: 1 hour 

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 CET

Introduction by the moderator Mr Roger Gilbert, CEO & Publisher, Perendale Publishers Ltd.

Speakers:
Dr Karthik Masagounder, Evonik
Dr Benedict Standen, DSM
Mr Erik Hempel, The Nor-Fishing Foundation
Dr Bernhard Eckel, Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition GmbH & Co. KG

To find out more and to register, follow this LINK.

 

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

AIC welcomes removal of US maize import tariffs to secure UK feed supplies

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) welcomes the Government's announcement that from 1st June, it will remove the 25 percent import tariff on maize imported to the UK from the United States.
 
"Since the start of the war in Ukraine, AIC has been clear that the UK Government must be prepared to take quick action to facilitate the continued supply of inputs to UK agriculture, such as animal feed. This includes addressing barriers to trade with the EU or the rest of the world," says Ed Barker, Head of Policy at AIC.

Image source

"AIC has been pressing Government to review the 25 percent import tariff on US maize since the end of 2021. The decision to lift it will help to mitigate the now limited maize exports coming from Ukraine and Russia and will improve the ability of the agri-supply chain to maintain a continued supply of animal feed to UK farmers. This will be welcomed by AIC Members and UK livestock farmers.

'However, there will continue to be challenges arising from the war in Ukraine that will have negative impacts on the wider agri-supply chain. Government must work closely with the agri-supply industry to find appropriate resolutions. No policy or legislative responses should be considered off the table.'

The 25 percent import tariff on US maize was part of a group of import tariffs applied on US goods in retaliation for 'Section 232' tariffs imposed by the USA to UK exports of steel and aluminium in 2018 under then President Donald Trump. Since the tariff was applied, no maize has been imported to the UK from the USA. 

Since 1st January 2022 the EU has removed the 25 percent tariff on imported maize from USA, whereas the UK chose to retain it.

To find out more, follow this LINK.

 

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

McArthur Agriculture's acquisition of BDC Systems

Specialist engineering firm McArthur Agriculture has announced as of yesterday that it will be acquiring grain handling solutions provider BDC Systems Ltd in a deal that is due to be completed in early April. Both companies will be operating as independent business with BDC Systems' Andrew Head and Andrew Lee remaining as directors: a sales director and a technical director.

In explaining why both companies will be operating independently, John McArthur, MD of McArthur Agriculture, says it ensures they will "meet the needs" of farmers throughout the UK and Ireland:

"This acquisition ensures that two leading players within the post-harvest sector will continue to provide a range of valuable and proven grain drying, storage and processing solutions, that meet the needs of farming enterprises, of all sizes, and commercial grain operators throughout the UK and Ireland."

"BDC's position as sole agents, UK and Ireland, for Skandia Elevator AB and Svegma remains in place," Andrew Head explains. "Our dealers will continue to offer their customers market leading manufacturers' grain handling solutions and will have the opportunity, going forward, to access a wider range of equipment, enhancing their product portfolio."

Image credit: McArthur Agriculture

 

BDC Systems will continue to operate from its Wiltshire base, benefiting its dealers and customers with a well-stocked warehouse and ensuring equipment down-time is kept to a minimum.

The acquisition is part of McArthur Agriculture's plan to extend the range of grain drying, storage and processing products sourced from leading manufacturers. 

Andrew Head says of the acquisition that it is "timely," as they looked to how they could guarantee BDC Systems' good service to their dealers and customers.

"Andrew Lee and I are confident that McArthur Agriculture who we know well, having been a BDC dealer for over twelve years, will take the company to the next phase of its growth following the acquisition. It will be 'business as usual' for our suppliers, our dealers, their customers and our staff, well into the future," Andrew Head concludes.

For more information on McArthur Agriculture visit their website, HERE.

For more information on BDC Systems Ltd visit their website, HERE.

 

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

AFIA: Formulating feed diets to improve nutrient uptake, reduce environmental footprint

Paul Davis, PhD, director of quality, animal food safety and education, American Feed Industry Association recently had the privilege of presenting to the US Department of Agriculture's 98th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum on the ways the feed industry is working toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions on farms.

Being the son of a career USDA veterinary medical officer, a fifth-generation farmer and the first person from the American Feed Industry Association invited to present at the forum, this opportunity was indeed special. It gave me the opportunity to share how established animal nutrition concepts, as well as new feed technologies, could be part of the path to less environmental impacts from animal agriculture, if certain regulatory roadblocks are cleared.

Image source

As I gathered my thoughts for this presentation, I reflected on my former animal nutrition professors' and mentors' advice: do not discard established concepts in favour of flashier, yet unproven strategies. The feed industry is and will continue to be sustainable in several manners.

First, let's look at some established concepts in animal nutrition. The ingredients that are included in a feed diet (or 'ration' as we call it in the industry), how they are combined with respect to the amounts, proportions and ratios, how they are presented to the animals and how they may be enhanced with technologies, both established and novel, can increase animals' nutrient utilisation and thus decrease environmental impact.

Put simply, we endeavour for more of the feed ration to be ingested, digested and metabolised by the animal to turn into nutritious foods that people can eat.

When formulating a ration, we choose ingredients often from the creation of a primary product or process outside of the animal agriculture industry (e.g., dried distillers grains), otherwise known as co-products, which can improve nutrient utilisation. In doing so, we can divert materials destined for landfills and 'upcycle' them into animal feeds, using more of what was grown or mined for food production, increasing efficiency and decreasing environmental impact.

Likewise, when ingredients with higher bioavailability are selected (eg, selenomethionine), more of the nutrients can be utilised by the animal, lowering nutrient excretion. In some instances, animal food nutritionists and formulators can choose ingredients based on content of a specific nutrient into a specific application, an example being high-lysine corn included in a growing swine diet. Targeted inclusions such as these increase the utilisation and decrease nutrient loss due to 'over formulation.'

Further, the ways and means in which the chosen ingredients are processed and combined affect their utilisation and efficiency, something which, at first blush, seems simple, such as particle size, but has a great impact on digestibility. Adhering to optimum particle sizes for ingredients for each species and livestock class can greatly reduce nutrient waste.

In addition, some nutrients, minerals in particular, can have an antagonistic or binding effect on each other. Responsible, sustainable formulation accounts for these and helps ensure that antagonisms are not inherently created. I have known of feed formulations that contained molybdenum (included to help prevent copper toxicity in sheep) and added copper. This combination pretty well assures that the added copper will be excreted into the environment as a copper-thiomolybdate, something in which animal nutritionists are cognisant.

Once a ration has been formulated and compounded, its delivery and presentation to the animal also has bearing on its final efficiency of use. Nutrients from feed that are wasted prior to ingestion have no chance of being utilised; likened to spilling gasoline on the ground as you try to fill your vehicle's fuel tank.

Great care is taken to ensure on-farm feeders are adjusted properly to ensure proper feed flow, minimise waste and allow for the optimum height. Likewise, there should be adequate feeder space when self-feeding animals, and feeding frequency and amounts should allow for optimum production. It truly takes a village in animal agriculture!

Finally, the US feed industry is blessed with a wide variety of feed additives that help improve nutrient utilisation and production efficiency. We often take their safety and efficacy for granted. As part of being a good steward of feed resources, feed additives should be included in rations where appropriate.  

There are instances of up to 10 percent efficiency being gained from the inclusion of one feed additive, and while there is no guarantee of a cumulative effect, at times, using multiple feed additives pays dividends. Even with the advances that we have enjoyed, it seems feed additives remain a new frontier. 

We have many talented nutritionists, veterinarians and other scientists across the US working tirelessly to discover or create new efficacious feed additives to improve production and/or reduce enteric methane emissions in livestock.

However, their efforts seem to reach a regulatory bottleneck in the Food and Drug Administration's approval process and are further hampered by the inability to make label claims regarding production, except in the realm of medicated feed additives, which are regulated as drugs. Other countries, such as Brazil and some across Europe, have embraced these feed additives with environmental benefits, putting US farmers and ranchers at a disadvantage globally.

In order to advance animal agriculture and continue to produce meat, milk and eggs more efficiently and sustainably, the industry desperately needs more expedient approvals of feed ingredients and a broader pathway for label claims. Imagine what the next great feed additive could do for improving production and reducing environmental impact.

To read more, visit the original AgDay post HERE.

 

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

DSM Webinar: Shaping the future of piglet care

DSM would like to invite you to participate in its three-part webinar series to introduce the company's pioneering approach to shape the future of piglet care.

Its complete solution approach to piglet care centres around dedicated approaches to PREPARE, PROTECT and SUPPORT RESILIENCE of your piglets.

Find out more HERE

Over the course of this webinar series, you will get to hear from a host of world experts who specialise in immune competency development (PREPARE), optimising gastrointestinal functionality (PROTECT) and enhancing digestive efficiency (SUPPORT RESILIENCE).

Part 1 – Webinar 31 March, 15.00 CET
PREPARE: Immune Competency Development
Three speakers will cover the topic of optimising piglet immune competency development through two paths: Systemically via sow nutrition and locally via microbiome shaping.

Part 2- Webinar, 12 April 15.00 CET
PROTECT: Optimising Gastrointestinal Functionality
Three speakers will cover the topic of optimising gastrointestinal functionality through a combined approach of deactivating anti-nutrients both from the feed and also the gut microbiome.

Part 3- Webinar, 10 May 15.00 CET
SUPPORT RESILIENCE: Enhancing Digestive Efficiency
Three speakers will cover the topic of enhancing digestive efficiency and closing the gap between genetic potential and actual production performance.

To find out more, visit the webinar's website HERE.

 

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

Sioux Steel Company acquires Scafco Grain Systems

Scafco Grain Systems Co, a subsidiary of the Stone Group of Companies, has been acquired by grain bin and livestock equipment manufacturer, Sioux Steel Co.

Stone Group of Companies president Larry Stone the sale of Scafco Grain Systems Co to Sioux Steel Co of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. 

Scafco Grain Systems Co has been acquired by Sioux Steel Co.

"The Sioux Steel Company is an excellent manufacturer with over 100 years of experience," says Mr Stone in a statement. 'I'm thrilled the Sioux Steel Company is retaining all of our current Scafco Grain Systems Company employees and is also keeping the business in Spokane.

Founded in 1961, Scafco Grain Systems is headquartered at 5400 E. Broadway Ave. in Spokane Valley, manufactures grain bins, structures, handling equipment, drying technology and accessories. It was the only subsidiary of the Stone Group of Companies included in the sale.

The Stone Group of Companies has more than 400 employees and businesses in California, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Nevada and Washington. It includes SCAFCO Steel Stud Co, Steel Construction Systems, CWallA, Kern Building Materials, LB Stone Properties Group and Playfair Commerce Park.

Sioux Steel Co, founded in 1918, is a fourth-generation, family-owned business. The deal was closed on March 1, 2022 with no additional financial details being disclosed.

The addition of Scafco Grain Systems Company will elevate our business and I'm excited to welcome all the great Scafco Grain Systems Company employees to our family and to acquire such an impressive facility,' somments Scott Rysdon, president and CEO of Sioux Steel Co.

Between them, Sioux Steel Company and Scafco Grain Systems Co. have more than 164 years of providing real customer service and manufacturing of grain systems, satisfying long-term customers all over the world.

The acquisition provides a natural fit, with both companies having family origin and ownership.

To find out more, follow this LINK.

 

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

Event marks 50 years of business for Bühler in South Africa

Bühler is celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing its business in South Africa. The country is of particular importance to Bühler for its customers and Bühler plans to expand its business there as well as to other African nations.

To commemorate the anniversary, a special event, celebrating milestones and special memories between Bühler, its customers and staff, was held in Johannesburg on March 18, 2022.

CEO Stefan Scheiber and guests at the event img source

It began on January 10, 1972, when Bühler MIAG South Africa was registered in Johannesburg. René Schneider founded the joint company, and Hans Widmer was appointed the Managing Director and the offices moved to the Raschers corner in the central district of Johannesburg.  

As the company grew, a workspace of Rand Steel Engineering in Booysens was purchased. In 1976 Bühler MIAG expanded its offerings and leased a workshop in Wadeville, covering an area of about 9250m2 on a 24,000m2 industrial site, which was later purchased in 1978.

In the beginning, the company's main activity was customer service, selling spares and wear parts as well as fluting and welding in the workshop. Soon after, the product portfolio got larger as the business grew and more demands of customers and markets needed to be served.

Fifty years later...

Now the Johannesburg office is the regional headquarters for the Southern Africa sub region, from here they are responsible for Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, La Reunion, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Bühler Johannesburg is the central contact point for all enquiries, from grain to consumer goods processing and advanced material processing solutions. 

'South Africa has been, and will remain, a country with particularly important customers, both local family-companies and leading regional and global brands. Therefore, a local presence, with local experts has been and will remain key to secure our business, now and in future,' says Stefan Scheiber, Bühler CEO.

Celebrating the journey together

To commemorate Bühler's success in South Africa a celebration was held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg, on March 18, 2022. In the morning there was a customer event with Bühler's top customers from South Africa and neighbouring countries, as well as the Mayor of Johannesburg, various Southern African country ambassadors, representation from the Embassy of Switzerland and high-profile guest speakers.

'We celebrate the presence of businesses such as Bühler, we celebrate their contribution towards building our beautiful city of Johannesburg. And we celebrate their growth. Today it's their birthday, so it signals growth. But not only growth for the company but growth for our city because when they grow, we also grow,' says Dr Mpho Phalatse, the Mayor of Johannesburg.

Various videos capturing Bühler milestones on the African continent and special memories with its customers and staff were shown at the event. The guests were treated to some interesting insights by the keynote speakers as well as some entertainment by motivational speaker Quentin Coetzee, who shared his knowledge of surviving in the wild to surviving in the boardroom.

A special menu was served based on the products used in Bühler processes and solutions. In the evening the event is marked with a black-tie ball for staff and their partners, full of celebration, music and dance hosted by a local celebrity Ayanda MVP. 

Future aspirations and plans 

Building on its success in South Africa, Bühler plans on expanding other business units besides Milling in the region. Stefan Scheiber, Bühler CEO, says, 'in the long term, the market of South Africa including the neighbouring countries will double its inhabitants to 400 million people by 2050. This is our motivation and reasons for Bühler to continue strengthening our organisations in South Africa but also in Southern Africa, as we continue to live our vision: innovations for a better world.'

The company has a focus on food processing technologies as well as value services including digitalization; also education and training plays a key role going forward. Bühler has a drive to increase business opportunities into other regional countries such as Angola, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi. India has recently been added to the MEA region as part of Bühler's South-South-strategy, now being MAI, (Middle East, Africa & India) so the company foresees further collaboration and opportunities within this scope. 

"The growing together of the MEA region and the Southern Africa region has reached the next level, so we are changing from a co-existence into a successful partnership with all the great benefits," says Heiko Feuring, Head of Middle East and Africa Region.

"We can create customer solutions for MEA, we can utilise the supply chain, we can focus on the best country sourcing and develop and provide solutions for Africa within that region. It's a great opportunity for us."

To read this article in full, follow this LINK.

 

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