Ukraine is most important European soya supplier for EU’s livestock industry

April 26, 2024 - Ukraine is the biggest and most important European soya supplier for animal feed of the EU’s livestock industry. The soya cultivation area there could expand to 2.2 million hectares in 2024, which is a plus of nearly 20 percent compared to last year. The soya output could reach as much as 5.5 million tonnes in 2024, depending on the weather conditions. Also the soya area in the EU is projected to grow by up to 10% to an all-time high of up to 1.15 million hectares. 

Small soybean plants growing in row in cultivated field

These numbers were presented in the new April edition of market report by Donau Soja, published yesterday. “We need Ukrainian Donau Soja certified soya in the EU to fill the so-called protein gap with deforestation-free and GMO-free soya, compliant with the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is supposed to enter into application at the end of December 2024. Currently, the EU’s soya self-sufficiency rate is only 8 percent, posing a threat to the EU’s food security. Donau Soja certified soya imported from Ukraine and certified soya grown in the EU are produced under the same requirements, hence providing a level playing field for soya farmer in the EU and outside the EU”, said Susanne Fromwald, General Secretary of Donau Soja.

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Positive trends and outlook for 2024

The positive soya forecast for 2024 has several reasons. Experts of Donau Soja expect that higher market prices and margins of soybeans in comparison to other crops make soya cultivation more attractive to farmers in this season. The current relatively high prices for fertiliser and energy also encourage farmers to sow more soya, which is a less energy-intense crop. Furthermore, the rainy autumn in October to December 2023 drove farmers to shift some of their planting from winter crops to spring crops. Finally, Donau Soja expects a growing demand for deforestation- and GMO-free and regional soya supply because of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The new EU regulation is expected to increase the competitiveness of European soya in comparison to Brazilian soya with a higher deforestation- and conversion risk. Companies start looking for solutions for proven deforestation-free soya. “On the other hand, a delayed implementation of the EUDR might also jeopardise the European soya production in 2025. There is still a danger of a dropdown in soya cultivation for the harvest in the next year because of unclarity and insecurity of the details and the process of the implementation of the regulation. We urgently ask the European Commission to get the EUDR information system operational and link it to existing (national) agricultural and traceability systems. Farmers, processors and the retail industry need legal clarity and no double or over-bureaucracy”, warns Fromwald.

European soya protects ecosystems in overseas

The total production of soya is expected to be around 397 million tonnes globally in 2024. The EU imports about 35 million tonnes of soya every year. The biggest amount of these imports is non-certified soya from overseas countries like Brazil, where important ecosystems such as the tropical savannahs Cerrado and El Chaco in Paraguay and Argentina are under pressure of deforestation, degradation and conversion. “With increased support and usage of European soya, we can reduce the pressure on these valuable ecosystems”, Fromwald said.

For more information, visit 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.

Victam International 60th anniversary to take place in co-location with VIV Europe

April 25, 2024 - Victam International, the foremost gathering for professionals in the animal feed and grain processing industries, is delighted to announce the rescheduled dates for its highly anticipated 2026 edition. The event will take place from July 2-4, 2026 at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht in The Netherlands.

Originally slated for 2025, the decision to move Victam International to 2026 was made to align with VIV Europe, another leading event in the industry. By co-locating with VIV Europe, Victam International aims to foster synergy between the two events, creating a seamless experience for attendees and exhibitors alike. This strategic choice underscores our commitment to maximising value and facilitating meaningful connections within the industry.

As the flagship event of their portfolio, Victam International is renowned for its unwavering focus on innovation and excellence. During the event the four yearly prestigious innovation awards for Feed Technology and Flour Milling Technology will be handed out. The 2026 edition holds particular significance as we celebrate the event's 60th anniversary. This special milestone underscores our dedication to advancing the industry and driving progress for the next six decades and beyond.

Victam International 2026 will feature new halls, allowing for an enhanced exhibition space and a fresh allocation of stands and interactive areas that reflects their ongoing efforts to accommodate the growing demand and evolving needs of our exhibitors and attendees.

Also Grapas Europe will take place simultaneously. Grapas focuses on advanced technologies for Flour Milling, as well as grain, rice and corn elevating, encompassing storage and distribution solutions.

In addition to the exhibition, a comprehensive conference program will run in parallel, addressing current topics and trends in the industry. This format encourages meaningful discussions and collaboration among visitors, scientists and exhibitors, fostering the exchange of ideas and solutions. Already confirmed conferences are the International Feed Technology Conference organised by the University of Wageningen and the two conferences Feed Milling Maximised and Flour Milling Maximised by Perendale Publishers.

Sebas van den Ende, General Manager of Victam, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, "Victam International 2026 marks a significant milestone in our journey. We are thrilled to celebrate our 60th anniversary with a special edition that showcases the latest innovations and fosters collaboration within the industry. By co-locating with VIV Europe, we aim to create a synergistic environment that maximises opportunities for all participants."

The last edition of the event in 2022, attracted 256 exhibitors and 7239 visitors from all over the world.

For more information, visit 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.

Protix insect-based proteins and ingredients achieve new levels of sustainability with unprecedented scores

April 24, 2024 - Protix, the global leader in insect ingredients for feed and food, unveils the outstanding results of a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by the German Institute of Food Technologies. The figures follow on from impressive numbers published in an earlier assessment conducted in 2022, and demonstrate that Protix's black solider fly ingredients are crushing it again in terms of environmental footprint.

Driven by its mission to help feed the growing global world population while taking good care of our planet, Protix works tirelessly to further reduce the footprint of its ingredients for Petfood, animal feed and fertilisers. The improved results are driven by continuous improvement across operations, genetics and nutritional science. 

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All Protix products yielded standout results:

• ProteinX insect meal reduces CO2 emissions by 78 percent compared with poultry meal (ProteinX: 0.832kg CO2 eq; poultry meal: 3.8kg CO2 eq). Poultry meal is often used in period and livestock feed.
• LipidX insect fat dramatically reduces land use, using 99.9 percent less than coconut oil (LipidX: 0.0102m² land use and coconut oil: 12.98m² land use). Coconut oil is commonly used as a fat source in livestock and aquaculture feed as well as in petfood.
• PureeX insect meat uses a staggering 99.8 percent less water than poultry meat (PureeX at 0.098m³ and poultry meat at 61.13kg m³). Poultry meat is commonly used in petfood as a high moisture protein source.
• Protix's insect grass shows only 0.01kg CO2 eq per kilogram of product.
• Larvae, used as feed for livestock, show 0.198kg CO2 eq per kilogram of product.

Kees Aarts, CEO of Protix, comments: "We take pride in leading innovations within our industry on a pathway to low-footprint-no-footprint proteins. With our previous LCA, we shared the vision that the environmental footprint of our black soldier fly ingredients could be reduced and we have lived up to that promise: the latest DIL figures once again demonstrate an improvement in the footprint of our Protix ingredients. We look forward to translating these LCA numbers into new commercial opportunities to help our customers produce better and greener."

Data to count on

Protix understands the importance of a robust scientific foundation for its products. The company is heavily invested in substantiating its findings and sharing data that manufacturers can translate into compelling claims.

The latest LCA was conducted by DIL, the German Institute of Food Technologies. This is a private, non-profit research provider with around 150 member companies from the food industry and related fields. As in the previous LCA, the results are based on the established and proven IMPACT 2002+ methodology. To further support the robustness of the findings, the results were compared against benchmark results from literature and relevant databases.

Making a real difference

However, Protix's mission extends beyond the numbers and methodologies. The company is driven to create genuine, meaningful change in the food system. The data were taken from the year 2023, with the plant running at designed capacity. Protix is uniquely positioned to calculate with real production data from an industrial-scale facility operating at full capacity. Every kilogram of its products used in petfood, animal feed or organic fertiliser represents a tangible step towards a healthier planet, for Protix, its customers and all of us.

Wings of power

The LCA was carried out on Protix products which are based on the black soldier fly (BSF). Protix selected the BSF as its preferred and sole source of protein following in-depth research in the company's infancy, 15 years ago. The BSF was found to be a superior source of protein for a raft of reasons. Essentially, the black soldier fly is one of nature's most efficient up cyclers. 

While these latest LCA data relate directly to Protix insects derived from larvae of the black soldier fly, they also shine a light on exciting potential for the insect industry as a whole to recuse the environmental impact of feed and food.

A high-flying future

There is growing interest in insects as a sustainable source of protein. protix remains at the forefront of developments with new production facilities and international expansion high on the agenda. Kees Arts concludes: "This is an exciting time for change in the petfood, animal feed and fertiliser industries and we are scaling up our operations to meet demand. We are confident that we can achieve further outstanding figures in the future as we invest in improved genetics and build on our already deep knowledge of insect farming. When feedstock legislation changes, this will be a further driver of a lower footprint for our beloved black solider fly. A tiny creature, but an impactful eco-warrior."

For more information, visit 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.

AGI kicks-off fourth annual Safety Week with worldwide call to action

April 23, 2024 - Every year, an estimated 340 million occupational accidents happen in the global workplace, according to the International Labour Organisation. Ag Growth International (AGI) is on a mission to create a zero-harm work environment by making safety a core guiding principle and driving best practice awareness during its fourth annual One AGI Safety Week, April 22-26, 2024.

"Today, I am extremely pleased to kick off our 2024 One AGI Safety Week celebrated globally across our organisation,"says Paul Householder, AGI President & CEO. "The week reinforces the tremendous safety strides we made last year in reaching an all-time low for recordable and lost time injury rates. This year's theme, Safer Acts and Safer Conditions, is a call to action for our team to continue to be vigilant, look out for one another, and never compromise on the high safety standards we have set."

AGI recognises facilities with one of its highest designations - the AGI Safety Standout Award - for earning one, three, five and even 10 years of no lost time incident records. To date 18 AGI sites worldwide have made milestone achievements including those teams specially honoured for earning year-over-year, long-term records: (10 years) Olds, AB and (3 years) Joplin, MO; Nobleford, AB; and Marshall IL.

"Our employees' commitment and diligent adherence to safety procedures have enhanced our work environment and ensures that we all return home safely each day," says Householder. "We aim to make AGI a beacon of safety excellence."

Throughout the week, employees will engage in activities designed to reinforce a strong safety culture and share best practices that further their commitment to a zero-harm workplace. According to Harsha Bhojraj, AGI Vice President of Manufacturing and Safety Lead, the week also begins employee nominations for AGI's annual Safety Awards that acknowledge individuals, teams and locations for exemplary safety best practices and performance. 

"Our employees are AGI's safety champions. The nomination process gives them the opportunity to shine a spotlight on colleagues, who they believe go above-and-beyond to embody a safety priority. We want to tell and reward their stories of excellence," says Bhojraj.

Categories include:

• The Outstanding Performance Award, celebrating an individual, team or location that has demonstrated exceptional safety innovation. 
• The Progress in Safety Award, recognising a location or team that has shown remarkable improvement in safety metrics over the past year.
• The Safety at a Customer Site or Project Award, honouring a project where safety was not just a plan, but a well-executed reality.

Nominations end in October with awards to be announced in the first quarter of 2024. 

For more information, visit 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.

Archbold-Alltech research alliance results confirm environmental benefits of grazing ruminants

April 23, 2024 - Alltech and Archbold formed a strategic research alliance in 2019 to jointly develop beef management approaches, specifically to increase the quality and quantity of beef produced in subtropical regions while maintaining and enhancing the environment. The Archbold-Alltech Alliance brought together scientists from two different disciplines - ecologists from Archbold and ruminant nutritionists from Alltech - to understand the impact that cattle production at Archbold's Buck Island Ranch has on the ecosystem and the ability to sequester carbon.

A research alliance between Archbold and Alltech brings together two scientific disciplines, with ecologists from Archbold and ruminant nutritionists from Alltech, to understand the impact that cattle production can have on an ecosystem.

Over the past five years, the research alliance has created a model for estimating the ranch's carbon footprint - and the results have been astounding. On average, Buck Island Ranch sequesters more carbon each year than it emits. It is a net-carbon sink.

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This research shows that grazing ruminant animals on land benefits the environment and improves carbon cycling. The results confirm that carbon-neutral - and even net-positive - beef production is possible at Buck Island Ranch, a 10,500-acre ranch in Lake Placid, Florida, and that same potential likely extends to environments around the world.

To showcase the work taking place at the Buck Island Ranch, the Archbold-Alltech Alliance have released a six-part Planet of Plenty video series that explores the cattle grazing carbon cycle, the role of carbon sequestration in mitigating climate change and other insights the collaborative research alliance has unveiled.

"This research alliance brings together scientists from several disciplines to collaborate on climate-change solutions and demonstrate agriculture's great potential to positively shape the future of our planet," said Dr Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. "These exciting findings at Archbold's Buck Island Ranch prove that we capture more carbon when cows are grazing the land. That is profoundly powerful."

"Every year, we sequester 1201 tonnes of CO2 equivalent at Archbold's Buck Island Ranch and all of this work is scalable to other parts of the world," said Dr Betsey Boughton, Director of agroecology at Archbold. "The narrative people have heard is that cows are bad for the environment, but grazing animals can actually change the function of grasslands. Cows are eating the grass and not allowing as much decomposition to happen on the ground. Without cows, we actually see more carbon emitted."

"We're trying to let people know that it is not just this black and white answer," she added. "It is complicated, ad we need to think about the whole story."

Though it is a complex issue, the research has shown that agriculture can be one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against climate change. 

This collaboration has discovered a deeper understanding of the grazing-cattle carbon cycle, one that is not solely focused on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the animal but also on natural GHG emissions from the land and the sequestration of carbon in the soil. Discussions around GHGs and global warming often centre around agriculture emissions, but it is important to think beyond emissions and look at the full cycle.

The soil's ability to sequester carbon is a critical part of the story. Alltech Crop Science and Ideagro, which joined the Alltech family of companies in 2023, are now studying how microbial populations can enrich soil chemistry and nutrient density, leading to increased carbon sequestration in the soil. The potential to capture carbon in the soil presents a significant opportunity for the agri-food community to embrace its critical role in combatting climate change while simultaneously improving soil health, boosting crop yields and promoting biodiversity.

For more information, visit 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.

Concern over supply of UK breadmaking wheat

April 22, 2024 - The second wettest August to February since 1837 has severely limited the planting of wheat in the UK, with official estimates indicating the UK wheat area will be the second smallest since 1980. Additionally, current prospects for yield also look poor, with prolonged wet weather having damaged and stunted the development of wheat that farmers were able to plant.

The prospects for the breadmaking wheat element of the crop are even worse, according to UK Flour Millers head of technical, Joe Brennan.

"The poor outlook for the upcoming UK wheat harvest is going to pose a real challenge. For milling wheat this is exacerbated by the decline in popularity of high quality breadmaking wheat varieties, Group 1, which make up the backbone of UK flour milling demand."

An estimate of breadmaking wheat production for 2024 based off the forecasted area and yields from previous years (Figure A) indicate the upcoming harvest could be the smallest in over ten years and down almost 40 percent on 2023.

Figure A. UK Group 1 (breadmaking) wheat production indicative figures. 2024 is an estimate based on industry data.

The high prices of nitrogen fertiliser, which whilst down from peaks have continued to sit 40 percent higher than before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, are also limiting production of-breadmaking wheat that meets quality specifications. This cost as well as weather affected the recent wheat crop, with the AHDB Cereal Quality Survey indicating only 13 percent of Group 1 breadmaking wheat met the typical milling quality specification, compared to 33 percent in 2022.

This is reflected in the wheat market, with the spread between breadmaking and feed wheat prices since 2023 over twice as high as the average of prior years (Figure B).

Figure B. UK delivered breadmaking quotations (nearby, Northamptonshire) and monthly average UK feed wheat future (nearby). Source: AHDB price data3. Accessed: 15/04/2024.

Joe added: "We'll be going into next season very low on homegrown quality breadmaking wheat, which will make next season even tighter."

Wheat planted in prolonged wet conditions tend to generate very shallow roots, making it vulnerable to drought later in the season; weather is set to be a key watchpoint for the coming months. Weather in Germany will also be closely monitored, as farmers there have faced similarly extreme wet conditions over the wheat planting window.

"It's a bit of a perfect storm, as high protein German wheat is normally the substitute for British breadmaking wheat if we cannot get enough at the right quality in a season. Farmers and millers are hoping for kinder weather in the months leading up to harvest," Joe concluded.

For more information, visit 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.

EuroTier 2024 innovations: automation and animal welfare for animal housing of the future

April 22, 2024 - 'We innovate animal farming' - this is the guiding theme of this year's EuroTier trade fair, which takes place from November 12-15 at the exhibition grounds in Hanover Germany. The trade fair is organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), which also organises the professional program for the event. 

The innovation exhibition platform for the global livestock sector offers its visitors an international technical program on the latest developments in cattle, pig and poultry farming. Three companies from the livestock housing sector report on the challenges they are facing today and how the latest technologies - such as AI and robotics - and new housing concepts are making a contribution to improving animal welfare and energy efficiency while reducing emissions. What's more, a farm in Saxony, Germany, is breaking new ground and running its dairy housing entirely on self-generated electricity.

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We innovate animal farming - true to this guiding theme, three companies from the livestock sector continue to develop solutions in order to meet current political and social demands for greater animal welfare and sustainability. Big Dutchman International, Lely Deutschland and Schauer Agrotronic are three companies with different areas of expertise. What they have in common is their continued quest to develop innovations for animal husbandry. Agrarprodukte Kitzen e G, a cooperative farm located in Saxony, is this year breaking new ground by starting to run its dairy housing entirely on self-generated electricity.

Improved animal welfare through artificial intelligence

Daniel Holling, Head of Business Development at Big Dutchman International, sees farmers and animal housing companies caught between animal welfare, sustainability, CO2 reduction and affordable solutions driven by political demands in Germany and parts of Europe. In addition, competitive pressure from Asia, especially China is felt. However, individual measures are not enough to satisfy the demands for increased animal welfare in poultry farming, according to Holling. "Animal welfare in poultry farming requires a holistic management concept. In order to raise animal welfare standards, we focus on improving numerous factors, including climate and environmental control, automation and health monitoring as well as feeding and husbandry management methods," explains Holling.

Holding sees the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in poultry houses as another key factor. For more than 40 years, Big Dutchman has been systematically developing digital technologies for sensors, control and farm management in close liaison with customers. "With BFN Fusion, the current BigFarmNet and AMACS systems have now been merged in the cloud. This means that assistance systems based on artificial intelligence can now be used to automatically monitor, compare, analyse and provide necessary warnings. This improves the health and productivity of the animals while increasing profitability," says Holling. "Even our self-learning, energy-optimised climate management is already supported by AI." This enhances animal welfare and saves energy through economical ventilation principles.

Saving costs and increasing energy efficiency with robotics

Gregor Beckmann, Managing Director of Lely Germany, also. sees a promising future in automation. However, the acceptance of these systems varies depending on the area of activity. While well over 90 percent of new investments are made in milking robots, the acceptance rate for automatic feeding is still in the low double-digit range. "The same applies to automatic barn floor cleaning. Many still rely on simple mechanisation using folding scrapers, even though robot solutions are more economical and works more favourably for animal welfare," says Beckmann. Regardless of modern animal welfare housing concepts, technology must support the animal while reducing the need for human contact with the cow. Lely is a consistent advocate of free movement and the concept of 'management by exception', in which the cow only needs the presence of humans when absolutely necessary.

"Our approach means more space for the cows, resulting in calmer movements and minimised space requirements for working around the animals. In fact, this is an enormous contribution to animal welfare and cost efficiency in animal housing construction," explains Beckmann. The use of robotics can also contribute to making farming operations more energy-efficient. "Our milking robots are among the absolute best in terms of energy and water consumption. The latest generation of robots consumes 35 percent less electricity than its predecessor, which itself consumed 20 percent less than the previous model," adds Beckmann. Robotics is therefore the logical path to greater energy efficiency.

Rethinking animal housing construction concepts and reducing CO2 footprint using regional feedstuffs

Schauer Agrotronic's finishing pig housings are also energy-efficient. This is achieved through a clever construction concept that significantly reduces emissions. The 'NatureLine' animal welfare housing offers functional separation in the lying, feeding and manure removal areas. With a variable lying area supplied with straw, long trough dry feeding and cooling, the housing system also offers enrichment material to keep the pigs occupied. The piglet rearing pens also have a structured pen and a lying area with a fixed surface, explains Karl-Heinz Denk, Marketing and Sales Manager, Schauer Agrotronic.

"We are able to prove the environmental impact of our pen with extensive data," says Denk. The NatureLine finishing pig pen underwent analysis as part of the Austrian project 'SaLu_T - Clean Air in Animal Husbandry' - as a pen that reduces emissions. Compared to conventional housing, this pen does not require exhaust fans. With the exception of the supply of cooled outside air via a horizontal ventilation shaft in the centre of the aisle in the indoor area, ventilation and extraction is achieved via natural convection. The supply air is cooled using proprietary 'Cool Pads'. "The result is sensational and exceeds all expectations. The fully mechanised pen, including feeding, bedding system and supply air cooling, reduces energy requirements by 80 percent," says Denk.

Additionally, a CO2 footprint of just 2.4 kilograms per CO2 per kilogram of live weight was determined for the production of finishing pigs in the pen through consistent regional procurement of feed and regional marketing of the pigs. According to Denk, the massive reductions in emissions compared to conventional pen technology with a fully slatted floor, single-phase feeding and a closed pen are mainly due to emission-reducing measures in the pen and feeding technology: Multiphase feeding, outdoor climate or open-front stalls, minimisation of manure areas and manure-urine separation.

Dairy housing fully powered by self-generated electricity

Farmer Tim Poppe's farm provides a practical example of what energy efficiency can look like in a running business. Agrarprodukte Kitzen e G is a mixed farm that consists of two cooperatives and operates south of Leipzig, Germany. Since the beginning of January 2024, the dairy housing has been run entirely on self-generated electricity.

"Energywise, we have had a 500-kilowatt biogas plant since 2011, made flexible to 1.2 megawatts. Within the group of companies, we have covered our roof areas with photovoltaic systems which have a peak output of 8500 kilowatts,"explains Poppe. In Leipzig-Großzschocher, an area close to the farm, a 75-kilowatt small-scale slurry biogas plant in operation since 2020, has this year led to a self-sufficient supply for the company's own 'glass cowshed' thanks to the addition and increase in output of 100 kilowatts and a 600-kilowatt electricity storage unit. Recently, inverters have become available that can form a 'power grid' themselves, ie are black-start and off-grid capable. In combination with the power storage unit to compensate for power peaks, the 100-kilowatt combined heat and power plant at Poppe's farm produces around 2000 kilowatt hours of electricity from biogas.

"So we considered the possibility of generating our own electricity and consuming one hundred percent of it ourselves. In our opinion, this is the only real way to generate electricity sustainably," he concludes.

For more information, visit 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.

Martin Engineering celebrates 50 years of air cannon technology

April 19, 2024 - Martin Engineering is marking the 50th anniversary of its invention of the world's first low-pressure air cannon. Air cannons have transformed material flows in bulk processing systems, eliminating problematic internal buildups and blockages. After five decades of continuous innovation, Martin Engineering remains at the forefront of air cannon advancements, enabling industrial plants to run more profitably, efficiently and safely than ever.

Martin Engineering Business Development Manager Mike Masterson and Product Manager Sid Dev working at the Air Cannon test stand at the company’s industry-leading Center for Innovation.

The company launched the world's first low-pressure pneumatic air cannon - its legendary Big Blaster - in 1974. It was devised and developed by Carl Mason, a member of Martin's senior team and cousin of the firm's founder Edwin F Peterson.

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The patented technology was designed to dislodge stubborn material stuck to the inside walls of hoppers and silos by firing precisely timed bursts of compressed air to keep bulk material flowing and preventing the growth of serious build-ups and blockages.

The air cannon was originally aimed at the same quarrying applications as the legendary Vibrolator, the Marin-patented industrial ball vibrator on which the company's success had been built since its inception in 1944.

By the 1980s, as Martin Engineering expanded its global presence, the Big Blaster was already being reimagined for use in high-temperature industrial applications to maintain the flow of sticky materials through the process and minimise unscheduled downtime.

Martin air cannons soon proved to be a game-changer for sectors such as cement, for the first time signalling an end to workers having to access the interior preheater vessels to manually break off hefty material build-ups using a high pressure water jet - one of the most unpleasant and hazardous jobs on a cement plant.

By the 1990s Martin Engineering had developed an extreme heat and velocity version of the Big Blaster, the XHV, with an all-metal construction capable of withstanding the harshest of conditions. In the 2000s Martin became the first to introduce safer positive-pressure firing valve with its Tornado air cannon - technology that prevents unintentional firing if there's a drop in system pressure, and also allows solenoid valves to be positioned up to 60m (200ft) from the air cannon for easier access and maintenance. Designed with safety in mind, the positive firing valve also delivers a more powerful blast.

Soon after that came the introduction of the Hurricane valve, located in the rear of the air cannon tank rather at the tank and nozzle junction, greatly improving safety and ease of maintenance. The exterior-facing design eliminates the need for removal of the tank so maintenance is a simple one-worker operation requiring only minutes for replacement.

In 2008, Martin Engineering opened its industry-leading Center for Innovation, which accelerated the company's air cannon technology advancements including:

SMART Series Nozzles with multiple nozzle tips, one of which features a retractable design that extends the 360˚ nozzle head into the material stream only when firing, protecting it from repeated abrasions and extreme temperatures. Its clever Y-shaped assembly means the nozzle can be installed, accessed and serviced without removing the air cannon or further disruption to the vessel structure and refractory.

The Martin Thermo Safety Shield acts as a safety barrier to allow timely and safe maintenance of air cannon systems. It protects workers from exposure to severe temperatures so that maintenance can take place safely and production stays on schedule.

Martin Engineering's current ground-breaking air cannon designs are the result of the research and development in the Center for Innovation, located at the company's headquarters in Neponset, Illinois. The centre will open its doors to visitors in the Summer of 2024 as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Brad Pronschinske, Martin Engineering's Global Air Cannon Product Manager, said: "From the very beginning our air cannons were specifically designed to produce a quiet but powerful, high-velocity discharge of plant-compressed air to dislodge buildups and enhance material flow. They were developed to be capable of handling the high temperatures, harsh gases and abrasive, corrosive materials associated with heavy industries, and yet have low maintenance requirements and low costs. Since the launch of the Big Blaster 50 years ago we have continued to innovate, introducing smarter and ever more powerful air cannon systems that improve efficiency, productivity and safety.

"We're especially proud that Martin air cannons have become so important in reducing the health and safety risks associated with clearing blockages manually - such as working in confined spaces, working at height, falling materials and working in hot and dusty environments. Our team is always working on new developments and we're looking forward to bringing the next generation of air cannon technologies to our customers all over the world."

For more information, visit 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.

Applications now being accepted for the Poultry Industry Safety Recognition Award

April 19, 2024 - The Joint Poultry Industry Safety Award Program is currently accepting applications from poultry industry facilities with outstanding safety programs. The award program is open to National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) members with poultry processing plants, further processing facilities, egg processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills, animal support services and rendering facilities that, through the implementation of innovative and effective programs, have injury and illness rates below the industry average for three consecutive years.

Based on the latest data available from the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the slaughter and poultry processing OSHA's total recordable illness and injury rate for 2022 was 5.7 cases per 100 full-time workers. The 2022 rate of 5.7 represents an outstanding 75 percent decrease from 1994.

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"Prioritising the safety and wellbeing of employees is an ongoing commitment for the poultry industry. These dedicated employees play a crucial role in the poultry industry's mission to produce nutritious and affordable food, and the industry is committed to investing in processes and procedures to diminish workplace hazards to protect our people," said Allan Foy, Corporate Safety Director, Farbest Foods, and chair of the joint Industry Safety and Health Council. "Progress is made year-over-year in reducing illness and injury and, over the last few decades, has resulted in significant achievements in protecting worker safety."

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council is made up of members from NCC, NTF and USPOULTRY. Collectively, the three organisations represent 95 percent of the nation's poultry products, and their members generate more than 1.3 million total US jobs.

Award program rules, regulations and application forms are available HERE. The application deadline is May 24. The annual awards will be presented during the National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry, August 19-21, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida.

For more information, visit 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.

Latest technology on display in Sprays and Sprayers Arena at Cereals 2024

April 18, 2024 - The Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena has long been a 'shop window' at the Cereals Event for the latest innovation and technologies - and this year will be no different, with a display of new developments in pioneering precision application practices.

These new developments could herald a step change in approaches to agronomy decisions and sprayer technologies, according to Harry Fordham, Syngenta's new farming technology lead. He believes that precision application and artificial intelligence are opening opportunities to be far more targeted in production application for more specific treatments.

"This will deliver both agronomic advantages and reduced environmental impact," says Mr Fordham. "Ultimately growers can achieve better results, from reduced overall product use, and Sprays and Sprayers is a showcase for these new technologies."

Along with the chance to experience the very latest in current sprayer technology, Mr Fordham says that Syngenta application specialists will also be on hand at the event to offer insight into the future, too. "The immense potential of precision application includes innovative concepts of satellite mapping with variable rate treatment, prescription application, optical sensor spot spraying, and drones - along with other techniques.

"The move towards more precise techniques that allow better targeted application is essential for the efficiency of farm production. And with better targeting comes the chance to meet regulatory objectives that will assure future product availability."

In the demonstration arena, more than 10 manufacturers will be showcasing their kit. So what can visitors expect to see? Here's just a sample of some of this year's demonstrators.

Amazone

Amazone will be sticking with its usual trio of the UX 01 Super - a top of the range UX 4201 with 36, 24 and 12m Super-L3 boom options - a UF 1602/24m with FT1502 front tank, and a Pantera 4504 with the 36, 24 and 12m Super-L3 boom, plus all the latest gadgets.

On the stand will be the new Pantera 7004 with its variable front and back track adjustment and self-levelling suspension, along with an 8000-litre UX 7601 - which will be used to demonstrate the functionality of AmaSelect individual nozzle control technology, alongside AmaSelect Spot and CurveControl.

"Our aim at Amazone is to provide responsible and sustainable spraying technology which maximises chemical efficacy and minimises input costs," says the firm's Simon Brown.

"Using our hi-tech features like the DirectInject, ConourControl and AmaSelect Spot, the complete wet system and boom technology is designed to have the correct nozzle size and type, applying the most appropriate tank mix at the right rate, to the selected plants, with minimum drift and overlap."

Fendt

Fendt will also be returning to the arena with a much-loved favourite - the Fendt Rotator 600 self-propelled sprayer.

"The Fendt Rogator 600 continues to be popular amongst farmers and contractors alike, with various boom widths, axle configurations and two ride heights available across the range," says Ed Bennett, Fendt Marketing Manager, UK and Ireland.

"The MY24 model features recent developments, including improved nozzles, plumbing and easier options for tank cleaning, which are all aimed at maximising uptime and output without compromising on the job.

"We look forward to demonstrating this machine once again, and welcoming customers to our stand throughout the show."

John Deere

A trio of sprayers from the John Deere household will be making their way around the arena at this year's Cereals Event, including the R740i 24m trailed sprayer, the R9620 36m trailed sprayer and the 340M self-propelled sprayer.

The event will be the first large outing for the 340M and its Cereals debut, says the firm's Mark James. "All three of the machines we are showing have our unique PowrSpray dual-circuit solution system, with benefits including fast filling for a quick turnaround and more hectares sprayed per day.

"They also all feature our in-house developed individual nozzle control system, reducing overlaps and misses to the minimum, helping to reduce input costs."

In terms of their connectivity, the trio also boasts John Deere's ISOBUS control systems capable of variable rate applications, spot-spraying, documentation and work planning with synchronisation to the John Deere Operations Centre.

Kuhn

Kuhn will be showing the benefits of its Metris 4102 trailed sprayer in the Sprays and Sprayers arena, which is claimed to offer users increased output and technology to improve application uniformity.

The sprayer has a 4100-litre polyester tank featuring a deep sump, offering a low centre of gravity. Application is controlled via Kuhn's Diluset+ system which gives users the benefits of semi-automated filling with a pause mode, in-cab display and partial rinsing of the sprayer from the tractor.

Continuous Circulation - Electric circulation (CCE) offers electronic continuous circulation to increase spraying quality and ensure each nozzle is primed to apply the correct amount of liquid, while the RHPA 24m tri-fold booms give operators a lightweight boom option. The sprayer also includes Kuhn's Boom Assistant Slant, which features two ultrasonic sensors for height and tilt boom control, combined with a CCI A3 joystick. This gives users up to 30 controls via one joystick, for quick and simple operation and folding.

"Cereals also provides us with a great opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of our Metris 2 sprayer range," adds Edd Fanshawe, Kuhn's arable and connected services product specialist. "With a 4100-litre capacity, it has wide appeal to many users looking to increase output and maximise spray quality via the latest technology."

Visitors can expect to see the below list of manufacturers demoing in this year's Sprays and Sprayers Arena - but more demonstrations are soon to be announced, so keep an eye on the website:

• Amazone
• Bargam Agriculture
• Bateman
• Berthoud
• Chafer
• DroneAg (robotic demos)
• Fendt
• Hardi
• Househam
• John Deere
• Knight
• Kuhn
• SAM crop sprayers

FSOOTY 2024

The winner of this year's Syngenta Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) will once again be crowned in the Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers arena on the first day of the event (11 June).

"This prestigious award recognises the professionalism of sprayer operators across UK farms," says Iain Lindsay, Syngenta application specialist. "Past winners have demonstrated their skills and expertise in every area of crop spraying, from the initial agronomy decisions through to the storage and handling of products, and to the final point of accurate and, above all, safe application."

For more information, visit 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.

Earth anchors keep farm structures grounded

April 17, 2024 - To provide protection and flexibility for seasonal needs, the agricultural sector relies on storage buildings for equipment, livestock shelters and temporary crop storage. Farmers often use storage buildings such as sheds or warehouses to store and organise farming equipment, tools, machinery and supplies.

There are many reasons why these farm structures need to be secured to the ground and stabilised, including:

• Protecting farm workers, equipment, livestock and crops from accidents due to unstable structures
• Preventing liability, tipping, shifting or structural collapse during strong winds or storms
• Securing buildings to the ground to enhance structural stability, especially in areas prone to seismic activity or soil erosion
• Meeting building code, public safety or insurance requirements

The technology or methodology utilised to secure a structure can take many forms. It can be as basic as using concrete blocks or ballasts placed on the corners or along the perimeter of a building to provide weight and stability. More sophisticated solutions may use foundation systems that include footings, piers or concrete slabs to provide a stable base for the building.

An increasingly popular and economic solution to this issue is earth anchors. These heavy-duty aluminium anchors are driven or screwed into the ground and attached to structures using cables, straps or brackets. The anchors can be easily installed into sane, soil, hardpan, asphalt and even underwater.

Securing metal buildings

Koehn Building Systems, a member of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA), works with building owners, facility managers and qualified architects to design and erect pre-engineered metal buildings throughout Missouri and surrounding states. Their agriculture building services include the full spectrum of both new construction projects, farm and ship capacity expansion projects, as well as minor and major renovations. The company as worked on a wide range of building types such as sheds, feed mills, equipment storage, hay storage, grain storage, cold storage, storage with distribution access, farm shops and shops with living quarters.

According to Jerel Koehn, Co-Founder of Koehn Building Systems, the company recently began using earth anchors, specifically Penetrators from Rhode Island-based American Earth Anchors (AEA), as temporary bracing guide anchors for pre-engineered metal buildings during construction.

AEA's Penetrators are screw anchors made of heat-treated 356 aluminium that can be installed with a portable impact wrench, machine PTO drive fitted with a suitable tool, or the company's manual ratcheting T-Handle. The screw anchors are available in lengths from 9' to 46' and can provide 2500 to 14000 lbs of holding power in asphalt or hard pan soil.

According to Koehn, pre-engineered metal buildings can be utilised as warehouses, distribution centres, industrial facilities, auto dealerships, airplane hangars, offices, gyms, churches and living quarters.

The benefits of pre-engineered metal buildings include the speed of acquisition (being mostly off-the-shelf standard parts) and the rapidity of erection. These attributes save construction time (and cost) and speed occupancy. Due to the inherent strength of metal buildings and their built-in support structure, their clear span can far exceed wood framed buildings. In addition, pre-engineered metal buildings tend to have longer life spans than traditional wooden structures since they do not age as quickly from damaging elements such as weather and termite damage.

Koehn was concerned about strong winds that might possibly rise to 35 mph or higher during a storm, given that the structure's permanent bracing is not designed to withstand high wind conditions when unshelled. Koehn Building Systems holds an AC478 accreditation, administered by the International Accreditation Service, that includes standards and guidelines for maintaining safe work practices.

With these concerns at top of mind, Koehn began searching for a solution to secure the structure temporarily, prior to sheeting. Koehn initially learned about Earth Anchors in a publication of the Metal Buildings Institute that addressed temporary bracing of metal buildings. He also attended an industry conference where earth anchors, and specifically the Penetrator screw anchors, were discussed.

Although earth anchors are not mandated by building codes or regulations for pre-engineered metal buildings, after his personal research Koehn was convinced that AEA's anchors offered a superior solution. The company now utilises 46-inch Penetrators as temporary bracing for metal buildings. The number of anchors required varies and each is installed strategically to support end walls with vertical columns using guy-wires.

"The earth anchors definitely give me peace of mind. When I install the 46-inch long Penetrators, we can drive them into the ground and attach them with a cable. I can walk away from the project and feel totally safe and secure that we have done everything we can to prepare for any type of weather," says Koehn. 

Koehn considers the affordable earth anchors a "cheap insurance" against strong wind.

An earth anchor for every structural grounding need

Although Koehn Building Systems uses the Penetrators, there are other types of earth anchors. Selecting an optimal anchor for a temporary structure requires matching the anchor to the nature of the project and configuration of the structure, the type and characteristics of the ground, and the anticipated loads (principally wind in most cases). Key considerations include the class of soil and the project's load capacity requirements (eg Factor Safety to be applied to the maximum anticipated load). Calculating the required load capacity involves many factors.

"When considering load capacity, you need to consider the soil's real-time moisture content and compaction. In addition, you need to review the earth anchor's root penetration, installation method, pullout load angle and any other factors that may be unique to the installation's particular time and place," says Cy Henry, President of AEA.

According to Henry, besides screw anchors, other earth anchor options include bullet anchors and arrowhead anchors, which are installed using a drive rod.

Bullet anchors, named for their bullet shape, are ideal for holding in tough soil such as hard clay, gravel or soil intermixed with roots. An anchor is connected to a galvanised steel aircraft cable (typically available in 36, 60 and 130" lengths, but customisable) that attaches to the structure.

Similarly, arrowhead anchors offer superior holding in hard, compact and rocky soil. Once in the earth, the anchor twists like a toggle bolt and will not release from the ground without cutting the cable or digging it out. The arrowheads come in 4, 6, 8 and 10-inch sizes with 48, 60, 72 and 120-inch galvanised steel aircraft cable as standard. Custom cable lengths and stainless cable are available for special order.

"Arrowhead anchors are a great solution for softer and sandier soils. These anchors have more surface area in the ground when they flip around," says Henry.

Grounded in safety

No matter the type of agricultural environment, the need to ensure that the structure is completely secured to the ground is paramount to the safety and integrity of all the farm workers, livestock, equipment and crops that it protects.

"Building codes and regulations often mandate anchoring for temporary and modular structures. If you fail to secure a structure properly, it can result in code violations, occupant safety risks and valuable equipment and inventory losses, as well as property owner-operator legal liabilities," says Henry.

Whether the need for a farm structure in a particular location may be temporary or permanent, there can be no compromising on how well it is secured to the ground. Earth anchors matched to the specific conditions of use will help to ensure that the structures remain securely and safely grounded.

For more information, visit 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 meta-analysis results show inclusion of yeast cell wall extract during mycotoxin challenges benefits egg production

April 17, 2024 - A new study highlights the significant positive effects of yeast cell wall extraction supplementation on layer performance during mycotoxin challenges, Alltech announced this week.

Published in March 2024 in the journal Toxins, 'Meta-Nalaysis of the Effects of Yeast Cell Wall Extract Supplementation during Mycotoxin Challenges on the Performance of Laying Hens' demonstrated that the inclusion of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE, Mycosorb^®, Alltech, Inc., KY) supplementation during mycotoxin challenges results in an increase in layers' body weight by 12.5 grams, and a substantial increase in egg production and egg weight by 4.2 percentage points and 1.37g respectively.

The meta-analysis showed that layers fed mycotoxins experienced lower body weight (by 50g), decreased egg production (by 6.3 percentage points), and reduced egg weight (by 1.95g) compared to control-fed birds. Economic analysis suggested that the inclusion of YCWE not only supported performance but could also result in a positive return on investment. Based on results from the meta-analysis, production and profitability, calculations were made, resulting in:

• +2.7 eggs per hens housed (HH) over 9.5 weeks
• +29.7g edible protein output per HH
• 4.65:1 ROI

"To the researchers' knowledge, this is the first time a meta-analysis study has been conducted with laying hens which evaluates the influence of not only mycotoxins alone but also the use of a mycotoxin mitigation strategy on key performance parameters," Dr Alexandra Weaver, global technical support for the Alltech Technology Group team.

The meta-analysis assessed a total of 25 trials and the data was extracted from eight trials that met the inclusion criteria. These trials represented a total of 12 treatments and involved 1774 laying hens. The meta-analysis confirms that mycotoxin presence had an impact on body weight, egg production and egg weight and the role of YCWE mitigated the effects on egg production and quality, even at high mycotoxin levels. Therefore, the use of YCWE could contribute to increased edible protein output and increased farm economics during mycotoxin challenges.  

Overall, the meta-analysis underscores the importance of addressing mycotoxin challenges in layer production and highlights the potential role of YCWE in minimising these effects and enhancing profitability. 

 Backed by more than 40 years of scientific research, Alltech provides nutritional solutions and products that contribute to the success of the global animal health industry. This new study is a demonstration of Alltech’s continued commitment to delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture that deliver targeted health benefits while increasing productivity, enhancing animal welfare, reducing environmental impact and increasing producer profitability.

For more information, visit 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.

Feed production of the future: The potential of insects as an alternative source of protein

April 15, 2024 - Can the industrial breeding of insects as animal feed contribute to feeding the growing world population? The 'Inhouse Farming - Feed & Food Show', which will take place from November 12-15, 2024 at the trade fair grounds in Hanover, is dedicated to answering this question.

The B2B platform organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society) focuses on technologies and solutions that show that insects can now be used economically as an alternative source of protein for sustainable animal feed. 'Inhouse Farming' optimally complements the world's leading trade fair, EuroTier, and EnergyDecentral, the leading international platform for decentralised energy supply, which will take place at the same time, offering new perspectives and business models for the entire value chain.

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For Professor Mills Borchard, Head of DLG Research and Development, insects are the missing link in the circular economy. "They could be the animal feed of the future, as they provide valuable proteins, fats and other nutrients. Their production is also very resource-efficient." But what makes them the raw material for the feed production of the future? Answers to this question will be provided at the 'Inhouse Farming - Feed & Food Show' in Hanover in mid-November.

Focus on the black soldier fly

Seven insect species are now authorised in the EU for use as processed animal protein in livestock feed. The larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) have proven to be ideal for the production of animal feed. Their protein content is comparable to that of soya bean meal - 40 to 47 percent in dry matter. "The potential of larvae is huge," confirms Dr Frank Hiller, CEO of Big Dutchman. This is because they produce high-quality protein from otherwise hardly usable residues, which is ideal as animal feed. Hiller assumes that the alternative protein source can permanently replace a significant proportion of the soya imported to Europe. For this reason, Big Dutchman has pooled its existing expertise in the field of insect farming and production in Better Insect Solutions, which was founded in 2020. The company, which specialises in complete solutions for insect farming, will be presenting its systems at the 'Inhouse Farming - Feed & Food Show'.

What these look like in practice could be seen in Hvirring (Denmark) in November 2023 - when the Enorm Biofactory, currently the largest insect farm in Northern Europe, was opened. Larvae of the black soldier fly are bred on site on an area of 22,000 square metres and processed into insect protein and oil. Large parts of the technology, including the climate control systems for the breeding and fattening area, the exhaust air purification and heat recovery, the liquid feeding system and the boxes for fattening, were supplied by Better Insect Solutions. The experts plan and build complete high-tech insect farms for investors, including breeding, fattening and processing. The highly automated, modular fattening systems in the product range are aimed more at farmers who want to add another mainstay as insect fatteners.

Opportunities for livestock feeding

The black soldier flies bred in the Enorm Biofactory are given food consisting mainly of waste from the regional food industry. After around twelve days, the larvae are processed into insect oil and meal, with have already shown promising results in trials on farms in terms of production and animal health in poultry and pigs. The aim is to produce 100 tonnes of larvae on a daily basis. Europe's farmers want to avoid importing some of their soya from overseas in future by using insect-based protein feed. Even though beneficial insects have been authorised as an ingredient in fish feed since 2017, such animal feed has so far been a niche product in Europe. Only since September 2021 has it been possible to feed processed animal protein from farmed insects to pigs and poultry in the EU under a special regulation. This opens up new growth areas for producers of insect proteins such as Livin Farms AgriFood, Illucens and Viscon.

However, experts like Professor Nils Borchard see even more potential applications. In addition to being used as animal feed, the farmed insects or their constituents could also be used in the production of meat substitutes and other foods as well as in the manufacture of cosmetics. Until now, the production of insect protein has often been difficult from an economic point of view, as the production and processing methods are not yet able to compete with conventional animal feed. "Utilising agricultural by-products and by-products from the food industry as feed for insect breeding can help reduce production costs," says Borchard. How the potential of organic residues and waste can be exploited is therefore one of the questions that will be discussed at the 'Expert Stage: Inhouse Farming' on November 12 as part of the Insects theme day. The IPIFF (International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed), a non-profit EU organisation representing the interests of the insect production sector, is an expert partner in the development of the content.

Insects as upscaling professionals

The answer to this question has long since attracted the attention of research institutions and start-ups. There are more than enough residual materials, because "in the European Union, around 58 million tonnes of unused food are produced every year," explains Professor Jörg, Woidasky from the Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences. The university has been cooperating with Alpha-Protein, a start-up from Bruchsal, Germany, for several years. "In addition to selecting suitable by-products from the food industry, we were also able to optimise the handling of the sensitive animals," explains the expert in sustainable product development. Alpha-Protein uses these by-products as food for the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and upcycles them into a protein-rich raw material with vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals.

"In addition, we obtain a nutrient-rich plant fertiliser when rearing the mealworms which has many other positive effects such as soil activation and long-term fertilisation. Last but not least, by utilising discarded insect skins (ie exuviae), we achieve full recycling of all our material flows," says company founder Gia Tien Ngo. These are produced during the natural moulting process and are used to manufacture sustainable products such as alternative plastics. The researchers will now build on the results of the first project. The focus here is on the systems and automation of the rearing process. Industrial production is currently being planned in Ludwigshafen, Germany on an area of two hectares. The plan is to produce 1000 tonnes of dried insects and over 5000 tonnes of fertiliser annually. The plan is to feed used bread from bakeries in the region as a primary source of animal feed.

Challenges of automated breeding

The control of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, the precise handling of sensitive fly eggs and the uniform portioning of freshly hatched larvae are complex tasks that need to be solved when automating breeding - a topic that the exhibiting companies at the 'Inhouse Farming - Feed & Food Show' are also addressing. WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp, a specialist in feeding technologies, will also be present in Hanover. The company from Lutten recently supplied a corresponding system, including control and process visualisation, to the Portuguese company EntoGreen. The larvae of the black soldier fly are fed with the residues in the system of containers and mixing tanks until they reach their final weight. The integrated dosing system ensures a customised combination and precise portioning of the feed substrate in the fattening containers. The residues on which the larvae thrive consist of regional vegetable residues that can no longer be used for food production. "The system generates a substrate for a larval output of around 25 tonnes per day. Its modular structure makes it easy to scale for future expansion," explains WEDA Export Manager Gabriel Schmidt. A new system is already being planned and is expected to produce up to 45 tonnes of live larvae from 2025 with a daily raw material input of 210 tonnes. 

For more information, visit 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.

Researchers evaluate slow versus fast growth rate regimen and its relation to animal welfare

April 15, 2024 - USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation announce the completion of a funded research project by researchers at University of Georgia that evaluated slow versus fast growth rate regimen and its relation to animal welfare. The research was made possible in part by an endowing Foundation gift from Wayne-Sanderson Farms.The research is part of the Association's comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. 

Project #719: longitudinal assessment of skeletal and cardiac structures in broilers reared under slow versus fast growth rate regimen and its relation to manifestation of lameness, ascites and woody breast condition

(Dr Prafulla Regmi, Department of Poultry Science Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Ga)

Dr Prafulla Regmi, assistant professor at the University of Georgia, and other colleagues conducted a study of the longitudinal assessment of skeletal and cardiac structures in broilers reared under slow versus fast growth rate regimen and its relation to manifestations of lameness, ascites and woody breast condition. The goal of the study was to identify physical and physiological markers associated with welfare issues in broilers grown at different rates. Findings suggest that growth restriction can improve welfare outcomes of broilers. However, the extent of restriction does not necessarily have to be below 50 g/d as recommended by some third-party organisations. Furthermore, reducing growth rate does not increase breaking strength of the bones.

For more information, visit 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.