Alltech Norway recently held its sixth annual Lunch and Learn event, a feed seminar for fish farmers, to address the specific issues affecting the Norwegian salmon industry.

Lunch and Learn 2024 brought together industry experts to discuss crucial aspects of aquaculture production, with a focus on sustainability, market trends, feed optimization and health considerations for key species, such as shrimp and salmon. The insightful presentations delivered during the event shed light on various challenges and opportunities for aqua farmers, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of the aquafeed industry.

Here are some key takeaways from the presentations shared at the event.

Novel Sharma's aquaculture outlook: A shifting tide

Novel Sharma, a seafood analyst with Rabobank, kicked off the event by highlighting the significant impact of aquaculture production on key species like shrimp and salmon. The industry is expected to experience growth in 2024, with the forecast predicting that salmon will surpass pork and poultry in trade volume. Challenges do still loom, however — especially in the shrimp market, with an imbalance in Ecuador’s demand and supply leading to a slowdown in pricing. The emphasis on sustainability metrics — particularly on reducing emissions — has emerged as a collaborative opportunity for companies to enhance their environmental consciousness.

Guido Crolla's deep dive into sustainability: Balancing costs and conservation

Guido Crolla, manager of procurement at Alltech Coppens, spoke about the evolving landscape of aquafeed and stressed the need to redefine sustainability in ways that consider factors like digestibility, net energy, the gut microbiome and local sourcing of feed materials. Crolla went on to identify circular practices, marine independency and lifecycle assessments (LCA) as key components of sustainable fish feed. He also highlighted the potential for achieving cost savings through sustainable practices, making a compelling case for businesses to prioritize sustainability.

Dr. Vivi Koletsi's mycotoxin warning: Safeguarding salmon growth

Dr. Vivi Koletsi, global aqua technical sales support at Alltech Coppens, explored the risks posed by emerging mycotoxins — specifically enniatin B and beauvericin — in Norway’s salmon feeds. Salmon farmers are being urged to pay attention to these mycotoxins, which have been found in feeds at levels as high as 250 parts per billion (ppb), even though the generally recommended safe limits are between 20 to 50 ppb. Dr. Koletsi stressed the importance of producers making informed management decisions to protect both their salmon growth and their operational profits from the detrimental effects of mycotoxins.

Elin Kvamme's mineral nutrition insights: Embracing insects and their environmental impact

Elin Kvamme, aqua director at Innovafeed, shared details about insects as a promising alternative for mineral nutrition in aqua production. The low CO₂ footprint of insects, coupled with their ability to convert low-value agricultural waste into raw materials, makes them an environmentally friendly choice. The production of black soldier flies, whose short lifecycle lasts only 45 days, was highlighted as an efficient and suitable option for vertical farming. Kvamme added that the nutritional profiles of insect-based feeds are comparable to fishmeal, leading to improvements in feed conversion ratios (FCR) in freshwater operations.

Alltech’s and Nofima’s mineral research collaboration: A four-year journey

Maren Skare Rullestad, project coordinator at Alltech, and Marialena Kokkali, researcher at Nofima, discussed the two institutes’ four-year strategic research alliance, with a focus on their mineral projects. This collaborative effort included studies of supplementation with micro-ingredients, with a particular emphasis on how zinc levels can impact salmon health. The research has shown that organic selenium could potentially help improve salmon health and reduce emissions.

Mona Gjessing’s overview of gill challenges in farmed salmon and trout

Mona Gjessing, researcher at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, discussed some of the health challenges that are most commonly seen in farmed salmon and trout. In order to find a widespread solution that will help resolve these challenges, the whole aquaculture community — including specialists in the fields of genetics, water quality, clinical signs and pathology — must work together more closely. Looking at these problems from as many different angles as possible will allow us to solve unanswered questions about gill diseases and other challenges in aquaculture production.

Henrik Hareide’s overview of R&D licenses in Norway

Henrik Hareide, consultant and partner at BøeHareide, has many years of experience in the aquaculture industry, including nine years with the Directorate of Fisheries. This wealth of knowledge has given him insights into R&D licenses — a topic that interests many in the aquaculture industry. Licenses must be relevant to the industry, Henrik explained, and must have a targeted purpose while remaining transparent and being undertaken at the right scale. Henrik then discussed some of the factors that should be considered when applying for an R&D license in Norway, including the length of the license period, the goals of the license, and a clear plan for publishing the results in order to remain transparent.

Conclusion

The 2024 Lunch and Learn event offered attendees a comprehensive look into the challenges and opportunities facing the aquaculture industry. The day’s focus on sustainability, feed optimization and health considerations illustrated a collective commitment to navigating the future of aquaculture in ways that are both practical and environmentally responsible. Altogether, the presentations delivered by the expert speakers highlighted the need for collaboration, innovation and taking a holistic approach to ensure a thriving and sustainable aquafeed industry in the years to come.

About the author:

Niamh McNally is the partnership manager for Alltech. In her work, Niamh plays a pivotal role in uniting internal and external teams and fostering impactful communications and collaborations around cattle and the climate.

Niamh has a varied background in marketing, with notable experience in both the genealogy and construction industries. Since joining Alltech in 2018, she has also been involved in driving the company’s aquaculture marketing and communication initiatives.

I want to learn more about nutrition for aquaculture. 

The health and performance of the intestinal tracts of dairy cows is critical for the success of every dairy. As the primary site of microbial fermentation and digestion in dairy cattle, the rumen plays a pivotal role in both the well-being and production of individual cows and in the overall profitability of the entire dairy operation. Optimal nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tracts of dairy cattle is especially imperative for achieving optimal herd health and performance.

With so much at stake, nutritional solutions like yeast and Bacillus are two tools we cannot ignore. 

Enhancing rumen function with yeast

The research on yeast is clear: When formulated properly into dairy rations, yeast can help deliver more milk and establish a more stable rumen pH, leading to more consistently high-quality milk production and elevated rumen efficiency overall. But which yeast is the best choice for your cows?

Not all strains of yeast preparations are equal in terms of their benefits for ruminal fermentation. The process used to produce Yea-Sacc®, Alltech’s leading yeast feed additive, makes it unique — and helps preserve the benefits of yeast and metabolites, thereby elevating animal performance. Introducing Yea-Sacc 1026 into the diet enhances the diversity of the animal’s microbial population through rumen conditioning. This process of changing and enhancing the rumen microbial population can take up to two weeks to fully go into effect.  

Benefits of Yea-Sacc supplementation for dairy cattle:

1. A more stable rumen pH: By stimulating lactate-utilizing bacteria, the cow is able to maintain a more stable rumen pH — which, in turn, decreases its risk of rumen acidosis.
2. Improved feed efficiency: Yea-Sacc encourages nutrient digestion by stimulating cellulolytic bacteria, allowing for greater feed intake.
3. Increased microbial protein synthesis: Increased amounts of anaerobic bacteria trigger increased protein synthesis, allowing for an increase in protein flow in the duodenum.

The inclusion of yeast products, such as Yea-Sacc 1026, in the diets of dairy cows has been shown to increase milk production by an average of 2.2 lbs. per day.

Protecting the lower GI tract with Bacillus

While the rumen performs the vital task of initial digestion and fermentation, it's the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract that takes on the responsibility of nutrient absorption. However, this phase is not without its challenges. The complex interplay of enzymes, nutrients and the gut environment can sometimes hinder efficient nutrient uptake. The lower GI tract also gives negative bacteria an opportunity to establish a foothold, potentially leading to digestive disorders, reduced nutrient absorption and compromised cow health.

Bacillus species, including Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, are known for their ability to form spores that survive harsh conditions, including pelleting and processing. That allows them to colonize the gut and create an environment that is more conducive to improved nutrient absorption, thereby effecting the overall well-being of the cow.

Bacillus can also combat undesirable organisms linked to potentially deadly issues, such as hemorrhagic bowl syndrome and abdominal distension. More specifically, Bacillus has been proven to target Clostridium perfringens by producing organic acids that inhibit the growth of this bacteria, making it an ideal dietary component supporting the GI tract.

Benefits of Bacillus supplementation in dairy cattle:

1. Improved nutrient absorption: Nutrients are often present in complex forms in the cows’ diet. For instance, carbohydrates can be present in the form of starches and cellulose, proteins can be offered as complex polypeptides, and fats can be included as triglycerides. These complex molecules need to be broken down into simpler forms (e.g., glucose from carbohydrates, amino acids from proteins and fatty acids from fats) for absorption into the bloodstream. Bacillus species have the capability to produce various digestive enzymes, which assist in breaking down these complex nutrients into simpler, more bioavailable forms. This makes it easier for the cow's digestive system to absorb these nutrients through the walls of their digestive tracts and into the bloodstream.
2. The inhibition of undesirable bacteria: Bacillus bacteria's unique ability to produce antimicrobial compounds, including bacteriocins and enzymes, helps suppress the growth of harmful pathogens within the gut. These compounds can disrupt the cell membranes or metabolic processes of harmful microorganisms, which prevents them from thriving.
3. Elevated milk production: The improved digestion and nutrient absorption facilitated by Bacillus probiotics can contribute to increased milk production in dairy cows. Milk production requires a significant amount of energy and nutrients — and when these are readily available, cows can produce more milk.

Synergistic benefits of combining yeast and Bacillus

When dairy cattle can efficiently convert the nutrients from their diets into milk, the result is often higher milk yields. This is a significant benefit for dairy farmers, as it means they can produce more milk with the same amount of feed, effectively lowering their feed costs per unit of milk produced.

Yea-Sacc 1026 BAC provides continual support to the entire GI tract, which helps condition the rumen for optimal efficiency and offers support against undesirable organisms. Yea-Sacc 1026 BAC combines the proven rumen modifier Yea-Sacc 1026 with the combined powers of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, making it a cost-effective solution for optimizing the overall health and efficiency of the rumen and the gut.

I want to learn more about nutrition for dairy.

Under the surface of every thriving farm, a subtle yet dynamic relationship unfolds between soil and carbon, coordinated by the complex web of life beneath our feet. The beneficial effects of a balanced soil microbiome — the harmonious coexistence of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes — are at the core of this performance. These tiny but mighty inhabitants form a vibrant underground ecosystem, enhancing soil health and resilience.

Not only does this boost agricultural production, but around the world, more farmers, producers and researchers are recognizing the power of healthy soils to capture and sequester carbon, making them a vital part of the fight against climate change.

Soil is Earth’s second-greatest carbon sink, holding three times the amount of carbon currently in the atmosphere.

The connection of soil and carbon

Carbon, a crucial building block for organic molecules, is key to life on Earth, forming the basis of all living organisms. Particularly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), it also acts as a greenhouse gas, retaining heat in the atmosphere. In the past, this has helped to maintain a habitable temperature range for our planet. However, excessive carbon emissions, primarily from human activities, are now overloading the atmosphere with carbon, contributing to the harmful effects of climate change. Capturing this excessive carbon and storing it away, a process known as carbon sequestration, is essential to combating climate change — and healthy soils are the key.

Soil health depends on a range of factors, including plant diversity, deep-rooted crops, soil microbial activity, and soil organic matter (SOM). These attributes enable soil to efficiently capture and retain carbon, a process primarily moderated by plants through photosynthesis. The soil can then store this soil organic carbon (SOC) in the overall soil carbon pool.

Healthy soils have the remarkable capacity to capture and store approximately 10% of carbon emissions over the next 25 years, making them a vital player in the fight against climate change.

 

Unveiling the mechanisms: How does it work?

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key component of soil, affecting its physical, chemical and biological properties. It consists of decomposed organic materials, from either plant or animal sources. As this organic matter is introduced to the soil through compost application or cover cropping, it sequesters carbon. Therefore, the more that soils are enriched with organic matter, the higher their carbon sequestration potential is.

Moreover, with its carbon content, SOM improves soil structure by forming stable aggregates, clumps of soil particles held together by organic matter and microorganisms. These aggregates help to create channels and pockets where carbon can be sequestered more effectively, further powering the overall carbon sequestration process. Well-formed aggregates also mitigate soil erosion and enhance water retention, creating a strong soil structure conducive to long-term carbon storage. Additionally, SOM is a critical food source for beneficial soil microorganisms.

This intricate interplay not only maximizes carbon sequestration but reinforces the fertility of the soils, making it a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation.

From cover crops to crop rotation: Implementing soil health principles

Soil can hold the equivalent of three times the atmosphere’s carbon — and nearly four times that of all living things combined. Over the past 10,000 years, however, soil carbon has declined by 840 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) worldwide, due to unbalanced agricultural practices and land conversion, and many farmed soils have lost 50–70% of their original organic carbon. This has created an exceptional opportunity for carbon sequestration. According to a recent assessment out of American University, soils could sequester 2–5 GtCO₂ per year by 2050, with a cumulative capacity of 104–130 GtCO₂ by the end of the century.

For this to happen, farmers must engage in practices that enrich the soil with organic matter, creating an environment where microorganisms thrive, enhance soil properties and aggregates, and mitigate soil erosion.

• Regenerative agriculture: This approach involves maintaining living roots in the soil throughout the year, continuously supplying organic matter and encouraging microbial activity, thus promoting carbon sequestration.
• Cover crops: Deep-rooted cover crops ensure a constant presence of living roots in the soil, protecting it from erosion, enriching it with organic matter, and enhancing its sequestration ability.
• Crop rotation: Diversifying the types of crops grown in a field aids in naturally managing pests and diseases and reduces the risk of depleting necessary nutrients.
• Soil cover: Practices like no-till farming and mulching help maintain a protective cover on the soil, minimizing carbon loss.
• Microbial fermentation and biotechnological solutions: These innovative approaches harness the power of soil microorganisms to enhance organic matter decomposition.

Reaping the benefits of carbon sequestration for crop production

It is important to remember that discontinuing such practices results in the quick release of carbon from the soil and back into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is crucial that any such changes in farm management be permanent.

Luckily, many of these approaches offer significant benefits in agricultural productivity as well as climate change mitigation.

Soil health controls the production capacity of our land. Healthy and stable soils enable farmers to better face market fluctuations and the effects of climate change. By nurturing soils and focusing on sustainable crop practices that promote biodiversity, farmers can create a healthier environment for crops and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Improved soil quality translates to increased nutrient availability for crops, fostering robust crop growth and development and resulting in higher yields. Also, enhanced soil structures resist erosion and amplify water retention, which is especially valuable in regions subject to drought or highly irregular rainfall.

Carbon sequestration even aligns with sustainable agricultural practices at times when conventional farming methods are used, because the carbon stored in the soil acts as a buffer, reducing the carbon footprint associated with these methods.

Microbial fermentation and biotechnological solutions

In the pursuit of enhancing soil health and maximizing carbon sequestration, microbial fermentation plays a pivotal role. A natural process driven by soil microorganisms, it breaks down organic matter into stable soil organic carbon, enriching the soil and contributing significantly to carbon sequestration.

While this process is a natural one, it does not always happen at the levels needed for maximum soil health. Biotechnological solutions introduce specialized microbial communities to optimize organic matter processing and soil organic carbon formation. These innovations reduce the need for chemical inputs and foster not only carbon sequestration but overall sustainability.

The approach of boosting microbial fermentation with leading-edge biotechnological solutions offers a fresh perspective on building soil health sustainably.

In conclusion, the role of healthy soils in carbon sequestration cannot be overstated. By adopting agricultural practices that promote soil health and long-term productivity, including taking advantage of the latest developments in biotechnology, we can contribute to carbon sequestration while building a more resilient and sustainable food system for Earth’s growing population into the future.

For further insights, check out our blogs on how suppressive soils yield healthier crops and how agriculture could be carbon negative by 2050.

About the author:

Helena Estiveira is the Global Marketing and Communications Manager at Alltech Crop Science (ACS). She works closely with the ACS executive team to plan and execute the strategic marketing and communication goals of ACS.

Helena is based in Portugal, where she initially joined Alltech as European Marketing Manager for Crop Science. Prior to joining Alltech, she worked for 16 years in the advertising industry in agencies in Portugal and Brazil as an account manager and account supervisor, gaining vast experience in the pharmaceutical and bank services industries.

Helena received a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the Institution of Visual Arts in Lisbon, Portugal, and also completed a post-graduate course in marketing and communication at Instituto Superior de Novas Profissões/Lusófona in Lisbon and executive training in CRM and finances at Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing in São Paulo, Brazil.

I want to learn more about soil health.

Beef animals can be at risk for mycotoxin-related health issues.

Why haven’t we given more thought to mycotoxin risk in beef cattle? Other animal industries have long recognized the risk, but it’s often overlooked in the beef industry. However, that narrative seems to have changed somewhat over the past few years, as better testing methods have revealed more mycotoxins and as producers better understand the negative impact mycotoxins can have on beef animals. 

Mycotoxins can be found in feedstuffs often fed to beef cattle.

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain types of molds (fungi), with some of the more common ones being from the Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Claviceps families. Although the process isn’t fully understood, it is believed that mycotoxins are expressed when molds undergo stress. This stress can be induced by fluctuating temperatures or by drought or excess rainfall, among other stressors. Sound familiar in recent years?

Mold growth in feedstuffs can lead to a mycotoxin issue at any point in the life of the crop – during the growing season, after harvest or during storage. When tested, most feedstuffs will show more than one mycotoxin present, and it is not uncommon to have five or more. Alltech’s 2023 Harvest Analysis, a look at the mycotoxin risk in the corn harvest — both in silage and grain — showed an average of 4.9 mycotoxins per sample, with 91.5% of samples showing two or more. The analysis represented 400+ feedstuff samples from across areas of the United States.  These samples were tested by the Alltech 37+^® lab.

A mycotoxin issue can present itself in several ways.

Mycotoxins have been shown to decrease cattle performance and thriftiness, decrease conception rates, increase animal health issues, and increase pregnancy loss. Some common symptoms of a mycotoxin challenge could include decreased and inconsistent feed intake, lack of response to treatment, decreased average daily gain, lameness, abortions, open animals and decreased milk production which can lead to lower growth rates in calves.   

There are several ways to test for mycotoxins.

Grain producers may be familiar with the black light test, performed at some elevators, that is used to visually inspect for some mycotoxins. This test, however, doesn’t work for all mycotoxins, particularly those that are most prevalent in the US. To get a better idea of the total amount and varieties, it is better to send a sample into a lab to be tested. There are some variations in equipment, processes and number of mycotoxins that can be detected by different labs. The Alltech 37+ lab in Lexington, Kentucky, currently tests for 54 different mycotoxins and will give a report that shows the types and quantity detected along with the potential impact those mycotoxins can have, especially in combination. This information can help producers to understand the physical and financial impact of mycotoxins on their operations.

You can mitigate mycotoxin risk through testing and proactive nutrition.

Mycotoxins can occur at any time and have been shown to negatively affect animals in all stages of beef production. Fortunately, there are ways to help offset the risk mycotoxins pose. Talk to an Alltech representative about mitigation strategies, like feed ingredients, that can be added to your loose mineral and mineral blocks, protein and mineral tubs, calf creep feeds and range cubes, feedlot supplements and through micro-dosing machines.

For a full look at the mycotoxin risk from the 2023 harvest and how it could impact you, download the 2023 US Harvest Analysis report.

About the author: 

Bryan Sanderson grew up in Lake Preston, South Dakota, and spent most of his childhood working on pig, crop and cattle farms. After receiving a degree in animal science from South Dakota State University, with minors in ag marketing and ag business, Bryan began his impressive career in animal agriculture. With experience in livestock production, feedlot supervision, sales and finance, Bryan is currently the U.S. beef business manager for Alltech.

I want to learn more about beef nutrition. 

Beef sustainability encompasses the multifaceted environmental, economic and social aspects of production systems that upcycle feedstuffs inedible for humans into high-quality beef protein for human consumption. Discussion around the environmental impacts associated with beef production often focuses on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a measurable value. Carbon footprints are a tool for quantifying those emissions to benchmark baseline GHG production of beef systems.  

Carbon footprints include three main GHGs — carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) — and each has a different global warming potential (GWP). The GWP is a measure of how much heat a gas will absorb in the atmosphere in relation to CO₂ over a given time frame. The larger the GWP, the more that gas warms the earth compared to CO₂. Carbon footprints are expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-eq), which accounts for the different GWP of each GHG relative to CO₂.

Visualization of comparative warming impact of a single emission of a tonne of methane (CH₄) or nitrous oxide (N₂O) compared to a ton of carbon dioxide, averaged over 20 years and 100 years. Source: Crops and Soils.

As companies set sustainability goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, carbon footprints are one piece of the GHG accounting puzzle. The IPCC has concluded that net-zero emissions by 2050 will be necessary to remain consistent at 1.5°C of warming, and net zero is recognized as the international goal to bring the climate crisis to a halt. Similarly, the Paris Agreement, set in 2015 as an international treaty on climate change, states its goals in terms of temperature, targeting global warming limits of less than 2°C.

Carbon neutral, net zero, or climate positive?

Whether emissions goals are discussed in relation to temperature or volume reductions, several terms are used interchangeably, often leading to confusion. “Carbon neutral,” “net zero” and “climate positive” sound similar, and all can be used to describe emissions (CO₂ or CO₂-eq) above, below, or at a net level of zero — but they refer to different GHG accounting outcomes.

Carbon neutral refers to a business removing the same amount of CO₂ from the atmosphere as it releases, thus making the carbon accounting balance zero.

Net-zero emissions balance the total GHGs emitted by an activity, not just CO₂, with an equivalent amount of removed, reduced or avoided emissions from the atmosphere. For example, a beef production system may be classified as net zero if GHG emissions from the system are balanced by an equivalent amount sequestered on the land that produced the beef. Similarly to net zero, climate neutrality can be achieved by emitting GHGs at an equal rate to their removal from the atmosphere.

Carbon negative and climate positive are used interchangeably and generally refer to the same accounting outcome. Both mean that an activity goes beyond achieving net zero by removing more CO₂-eq or CO₂ from the atmosphere than is emitted, thereby producing an additional environmental benefit. So, for example, beef production may be considered climate positive if more carbon was sequestered than emitted by the system.

Carbon positive is an additional term commonly used. It means that an entity produces more emissions than zero. Not to be confused with carbon negative, carbon positive describes most business-as-usual situations, as most companies produce more carbon than they remove from the atmosphere.

Where is beef production on the negative, neutral, positive scale?

In 2021, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) verified the U.S. beef industry’s commitment to sustainability with the announcement of its environmental goal to attain climate neutrality in U.S. cattle production by 2040. In order for the beef sector to reach climate neutrality, innovation will be required, with a focus on methane emissions. Possible paths to climate neutrality for the beef and dairy sectors are discussed in a white paper published by the CLEAR Center (Place, S.E., and F.M. Mitloehner, 2021), highlighting the important fact that the GHG footprints of animal agriculture are largely made up of methane.

Applying metrics that account for warming differences in long-lived CO₂ and short-lived CH₄ emissions, animal agriculture’s goal of climate neutrality can be met by reaching net-zero CO₂ emissions combined with stable or declining emissions of short-lived GHGs such as CH₄. Reducing enteric and methane emissions by 18–32% in the coming decades can help the cattle industry reach climate neutrality by 2050, but not without partnered reductions in emissions of CO₂ and N₂O from feed production, land use and energy use (Place and Mitloehner, 2021).

Representation of the difference in atmospheric concentration responses for a scenario of constant annual emissions between long-lived, stock gases such as CO2 and short-lived, flow gases such as CH4. Adapted from Allen et al., 2018.
Source: CLEAR Center Climate Neutrality White Paper.

In short, climate neutrality goals for the beef industry are obtainable within the timelines set, but the shift will require strong and constant collaboration throughout the agriculture sector to make sure that these goals in sustainable economic, social and environmental outcomes are being met.

I want to learn more about beef nutrition. 

Cattle are relatively less sensitive to the cold when compared to other domestic animals. This hardiness is due to their large size, their usually effective thermal insulation through thick haircoats and extra fat, and the amount of heat they produce through normal digestion and metabolism. In particular, cattle that are already acclimated to the cold are able to increase their metabolisms to prevent hypothermia during periods of severe cold stress.

However, not all cattle have this ability, at least not to a sufficient extent, either because they are not accustomed to extreme cold or because of variations in age or breed. By taking some simple steps, producers can help their cattle stay comfortable, healthy and productive through the long winter days and nights to come.

Feeding for maximum cold protection

Dairy cows, for instance, must maintain a core body temperature of around 101 degrees. Cold stress occurs when the weather gets cold and a cow’s metabolic processes are not enough to keep her temperature at 101. When this occurs, the cow will divert her energy to maintain a normal body temperature, and this leaves less energy for essentials such as weight maintenance, reproductive function and milk production.

In fact, a USDA study has highlighted that maintenance energy requirements for lactating cows increase by a full 50% when the temperature falls from freezing (32°F) to 0°F. It is not uncommon for cows to require an additional 20% more feed during cold weather (Table 1) to maintain body condition and productivity and to ward off illness. This is especially true because they naturally add a layer of fat as insulation, and this requires a higher caloric intake.

Table 1. Temperature effects on dry matter intake in cattle

Cows commonly increase feed intake naturally as outside temperatures fall, and that increase in intake will typically cover most of the extra energy needed to cover increased maintenance requirements. However, in extreme cold, dry matter intake does not increase at the same rate as metabolism, so animals are in a negative energy balance and temporarily shift energy use from productive purposes to heat production. Additionally, in extreme cold, dry matter digestibility can be lowered due to an increased rate of passage of feed through the digestive tract.

And so, while increases in feed intake can go a long way in maintaining core body temperature, providing extra feed is not enough; rations should also be formulated to meet increased cold-weather requirements. For instance, slight increases in energy inclusion (starch, sugar and/or fat) during this time can help to moderate energy losses due to lower intakes.

The research-proven feed technology Yea-Sacc® 1026 BAC can also be of help here. Supplementing Yea-Sacc 1026 BAC supports the entire GI tract, helping to condition the rumen for optimal efficiency while optimizing nutrient digestibility and minimizing the growth of undesirable organisms.

Keeping feed and water warm, safe and accessible

One issue that is not often considered during winter is the impact of cold temperatures on the feed that cows are consuming. Wet forages and byproducts can freeze during long stretches of very cold temperatures, resulting in chunks of feed and sorting at the bunk. This can lead to reduced intake. Also, when cows do consume frozen forages, they must work harder to warm up that TMR, and this requires additional energy. In winter, be careful to prevent feed from becoming wet and freezing. Feed bunks should also be monitored more frequently to ensure that feed is pushed up and that intake potential is being met with adequate feed delivery.

Frozen water or even excessively cold water can also cause problems. Cows can drink three to five gallons of water per minute, and the water supply needs to keep up with demand. Also, cows prefer water between 40° and 65°F; if the water gets much colder than 40°F, water intake and dry matter intake can both be reduced. To ensure safety and adequate water intake:

• Check regularly to ensure that waterers and water tanks are not frozen.
• Check tank heaters and waterer heating elements to ensure that they are in good working order and properly grounded, to minimize the chance of stray voltage.
• Check the area surrounding the waterer to ensure that it is free from ice, which may deter cows from visiting it because of the risk of slipping.

Prioritizing warm, dry housing

Of course, housing type and environment are a major factor during cold weather as well. For instance, a thick haircoat offers significant protection against the cold, but cows housed in tie stall barns will not have the same thick, long haircoats as cows in free-stall barns or cows with access to the outdoors during winter months. Whatever their housing situation or physical condition, however, cows should be kept warm and dry to help them maintain an adequate core body temperature.

When evaluating housing options in winter, be sure to keep wind chill in mind (Table 2). Protection from the wind is vital to keeping animals warm in cold temperatures.  

Table 2. Wind chill temperatures based on air temperature and wind speed

Conclusion

Providing increased nutrition and caloric intake, adequate access to water, and protection from environmental conditions during cold weather is crucial to maintaining your cows’ comfort, health and performance. Take steps now to be ready for the coldest part of winter in the U.S. For more details on protecting your cows and your productivity in winter, contact your local Alltech representative.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my dairy cattle.

To assess an operation’s mycotoxin risk, the mycotoxin type and concentration must first be determined. Mycotoxin testing types are generally classified into either rapid test methods or the more advanced laboratory-based detection. The primary rapid test methods include lateral flow devices (LFDs) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Of the lab-based methods used for mycotoxin analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography and ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLCMS/MS) are two of the most widely recognized.

The test method influences the risk assessment

As a greater number of mycotoxin types are analyzed, a better picture of the total mycotoxin risk can be determined. But what happens if a test only looks for a limited number of mycotoxins in the first place? Traditional mycotoxin guidelines that only consider one mycotoxin at a time are not always helpful for gaining a better understanding of the true risk of exposure for the animal.

This lack of information about the total risk is why the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team developed a tailored risk assessment method in 2012. Known as Risk Equivalent Quantity (REQ), this method provides feed and livestock producers with a unique way to identify the true risk associated with the presence of multiple mycotoxins in raw materials or finished feeds. Using the REQ value to compare the difference between assessing one mycotoxin, six mycotoxins or 54 mycotoxins, it is possible for producers to see how much they might be underestimating their risk if a test only analyzes the feed for a limited number of mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins in corn grain and the risk for monogastric animals

Based on samples analyzed by Alltech 37+ over a five-year period between 2018 and 2023 (Table 1), if aflatoxin (AF) was the only mycotoxin measured in the feed, the mycotoxin risk for sows would be underestimated by 96% (Figure 1). This makes sense, as aflatoxins were only detected in 9% of those samples, whereas other mycotoxins were detected more frequently.

In situations where the only option is to test for one mycotoxin, analyzing samples for deoxynivalenol (DON) is slightly better than analyzing for AF, as doing so led to an underestimation of 77% of the risk to sows. Still, there are many mycotoxins that are typically present in corn that are yet to be accounted for. When corn grain is analyzed for all six mycotoxins that can be detected through a rapid test method, the overall risk assessment is closer to what would be delivered by testing for an increased number of mycotoxins.

A similar underestimation of risk would occur for poultry. Using the same corn grain samples mentioned above, the risk assessment would be underestimated for broilers by 92% or 59% when the analysis only considered AF or DON, respectively (Figure 1), whereas an analysis of six mycotoxins reduces that risk underestimation to 21%. The presence of fusaric acid and other emerging mycotoxins would not be detected by rapid test methods, but many of the mycotoxins posing the greatest risk to pigs and poultry — such as DON, zearalenone and T-2/HT-2 — would be included.

Figure 1 – Differences in risk assessment in corn grain and corn silage (to broilers, sows and dairy cows)

Corn silage and dairy cows

Similar to grain, total mycotoxin risk assessment of corn silage can vary depending on the mycotoxins analyzed (Figure 1). In this case, assessment for only AF could result in a 99% underestimation of total risk for dairy cows, as AF was detected in only 9% of samples, with the majority of these containing very low concentrations (median <1 ppb). Sample analysis for only DON would be better — in this case, a 60% underestimation of total risk — but again, many key mycotoxin groups would not be detected. Assessment for 6 mycotoxins comes closer to the total risk assessed by the more advanced laboratory method, but this assessment in corn silage does not get as close to those results as the similar assessment in corn grain. This may be due to the higher occurrence and concentrations of mycotoxins such as fusaric acid, Penicillium mycotoxins and Aspergillus mycotoxins in corn silage.

Using readily available data, the comparisons in these examples were made using Alltech 37+ as the most comprehensive risk assessment method. This method identifies 54 individual mycotoxins. If other LMCS methods were used to identify an even greater number of mycotoxin types, the potential risk underestimation when only relying on rapid test methods would likely be amplified.

Mycotoxin testing plan

Although assessment of a limited number of mycotoxins by simpler analytical methods may not provide the full picture of an animal’s exposure to mycotoxins, these rapid test methods are still a valuable and accurate means of testing for mycotoxins. Many of these rapid test kits have been validated, with validation results published in scientific journals. The best mycotoxin management program is typically based on a combination of on-site rapid testing and laboratory-based analysis. Rapid tests can be used for routine testing where speed and cost are of concern, but periodic mycotoxin testing by laboratory-based methods can be used to learn about more complex mycotoxin mixtures.

Turning analysis into a control program

It is important to remember that at any point in time, the results of the average mycotoxin analysis can only show you a best-case scenario. In those cases, the mycotoxin levels will remain the same in the tested ingredient or ration — but they can continue to increase over time during storage. Equally, the total risk can be greater when multiple ingredient sources are brought together. Without knowing the full mycotoxin profile of a commodity or ration, developing a mycotoxin management program may be difficult. We also learned from the examples included above that analyzing samples for only one mycotoxin can lead to a significant underestimation of the total risk, even if the results for that particular mycotoxin type are accurate. Testing for a greater number of mycotoxins allows for the creation of a more accurate picture of the risk to the animal.

Determining the presence of multiple mycotoxins is important, but there may be a limit on the number of mycotoxins that can be assessed in a ration. More than 500 mycotoxin compounds have been identified, but it is sometimes not possible to routinely test for this number. Furthermore, it is still unknown how many of those mycotoxins impact animal performance and health. However, most mycotoxins are detrimental to animal performance, welfare and profitability.

To effectively combat the mycotoxin risk, a complete mycotoxin management program that focuses on identifying, quantifying and mitigating the risk level is needed. From a nutritional perspective, risk mitigation can be achieved directly within the animal through the use of Alltech’s Mycosorb® range of mycotoxin adsorbents, a family of products that contain yeast cell wall extract and can help to manage the collective mycotoxin challenge in the animal. Recently published meta-analyses with broilers and nursery and grow-finish pigs (Weaver et al., 2022; Weaver et al., 2023) reaffirm that when mycotoxins pose a problem, Mycosorb can play a role in improving performance, efficiency and livability. Mycosorb has even been linked to the improved environmental sustainability of broiler production.

To learn more about the tools and technologies offered by the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

References are available on request.

This blog post is an updated version of an article published in All About Feed on October 23, 2023.

“Agriculture is a key opportunity and solution to the climate change issues we’re seeing today,” said Kevin Ogorzalek to the audience at Alltech ONE Dubai, the final stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour in 2023.

Ogorzalek is a partner and the sustainability supply chain leader at Concord Agriculture Partners, which works to build bridges between farmers and brands with the mission of achieving shared sustainability goals. Over the course of his career, he has gained extensive experience in the areas of sustainable production, land use, and carbon across global agri-commodities and in multiple sectors.

His closing plenary talk at Alltech ONE Dubai addressed how climate change is impacting agriculture, how governance and compliance are influencing the food sector, and how agri-businesses can benefit from taking actions to mitigate climate change risk through carbon market opportunities.

Key drivers of sustainability efforts for agri-business

In the past year alone, climate change has cost the U.S. $1 billion. Recent flooding and other extreme weather events have highlighted the urgency for agri-businesses to address climate-related risks.

Ogorzalek noted six key drivers of sustainability efforts for dairy and animal feed customers:

1. Supply chain consistency: The brittleness of food supply chains, which was particularly exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need for greater resilience and consistency.
2. Brand reputation: Brands are increasingly concerned about protecting their reputations, recognizing that many consumers now expect greater transparency in supply chains.
3. Regulatory frameworks: Growing regulatory pressures, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements, are pushing agri-businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
4. Investor ESG requirements: Shareholders today require ESG reporting from their major investments.
5. Talent retention: Sustainable performance, including environmental responsibility, is becoming a key factor in retaining top talent within agri-business.
6. Value creation: Collaborative efforts between brands and supply chain partners can lead to improved overall performance and value chain enhancements.

Climate change impacts and risks

In his presentation at ONE Dubai, Ogorzalek introduced the concept of planetary boundaries by the Stockholm Resilience Centre, within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come (image 1). Crossing boundaries increases the risk of generating large-scale abrupt or irreversible environmental changes, according to the scientists who proposed the nine planetary boundaries.

Image 1: The 2023 update to the planetary boundaries

Source: Azote for Stockholm Resilience Centre, based on analysis in Richardson et al 2023

From a business perspective, there are risks to operations and supply chains, such as weakened production capacity, resource scarcity, new stakeholder demands, potential reduced demands for goods and services, and increased capital and operational costs.

“If we focus specifically on the planetary boundary of our climate, which will be addressed by the global community over the next several weeks, we can see that as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures are rising to all-time highs,” Ogorzalek said. “This year will be the hottest year ever recorded. And since 2014, eight of the hottest years ever recorded will have occurred.

“Now, these emissions are the result of the entire human enterprise. Often, one specific sector or another is singled out as being a contributor, but it’s going to take an entire collaborative approach as a global society to address these issues and bring our emissions down to net-zero by 2050,” he continued.

Acknowledging the severe drought in Brazil and Argentina and the resulting challenges in the animal feed sector, Ogorzalek outlined the interconnected risks, from water scarcity to reduced production capacity. He emphasized the need for agri-business to be proactive in managing these risks, especially by avoiding deforested areas when sourcing feed.

Global initiatives to reduce climate change impacts

Ogorzalek discussed global initiatives, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, and how they shape the commitments of the agri-business sector. The global commitment to ending deforestation and reducing methane emissions presents both challenges and opportunities for the dairy and animal feed industries.

“World leaders signed the Global Methane Pledge, which will reduce methane by 2030, a key opportunity for the dairy sector especially,” Ogorzalek said, adding that at COP28, “there will be specific discussions on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which is the overarching governing framework trading carbon credits.”

A map created by the World Bank in 2023 indicates that carbon markets are increasing in scope and scale, and also in regulations.

Carbon pricing dashboard | Up-to-date overview of carbon pricing initiatives

Summary map of regional, national and subnational carbon pricing initiatives

Carbon markets are trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought. Compliance markets are created as a result of any national, regional and/or international policy or regulatory requirement. Voluntary carbon markets – national and international – refer to the issuance, buying and selling of carbon credits, on a voluntary basis.

International carbon markets can play a key role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively, according to the European Commission.

Many countries and jurisdictions are developing compliance carbon markets and levying taxes to bring down and contribute to each country’s individual, nationally determined contribution to the Paris Agreement.

In addition, the European Commission, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and the California Air Resources Board will all have regulations requiring businesses that operate within their jurisdictions to report on emissions, both of their own operations and of their supply chains.

Voluntary carbon market opportunities for agri-business

Ogorzalek also delved into the evolving landscape of voluntary carbon markets, noting the increasing importance of carbon credits. He highlighted the voluntary carbon market’s potential for agri-businesses to play a significant role in reducing methane, citing examples of over 6,000 companies committing to ending deforestation and engaging in carbon offsetting.

“There is a variety of quality in the carbon markets. There is also a lack of supply,” Ogorzalek said. “The Wall Street Journal is projecting that by 2030, 2 gigatons of carbon credits will be needed. However, based on current business practices, there will be only 700 million tons available. A significant portion of this gap can be made up by agri-business.” 

Significant voluntary market activities are happening in the Middle East:

• UAE’s Blue Carbon has arranged memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Liberia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe to purchase carbon rights in forests.
• 16 Saudi firms purchased 2.2 million MT of CO2 credits in Nairobi in June 2023.
• Saudi Arabia will launch its Greenhouse Gas Crediting and Offsetting Mechanism (GCOM) in 2024.
• ACX Ltd, based in Abu Dhabi, is the first fully regulated carbon exchange connected to the voluntary carbon market.

Ogorzalek outlined key opportunities for the dairy and animal feed sectors:

1. Efficiency and value creation: Driving efficiency in production while partnering with brands to improve environmental outcomes can create value for agri-businesses.
2. Transparency and innovation: Transparency in the supply chain, coupled with innovation in key areas such as feed sourcing, positions agri-businesses to be part of the solution.
3. Collaboration with banks and brands: Working with financial institutions and brands on pricing and financing solutions aligns with the growing demand for sustainable practices.
4. Feed additives for methane reduction: Addressing methane emissions, a global priority, through the use of feed additives offers a tangible way for the animal agri-business sector to contribute positively.

The call to action

Ogorzalek concluded by challenging regional leaders in the agri-business sector to adopt practices that not only feed the world affordably but also create value while operating within safe planetary boundaries. His presentation underscored the urgency of collectively addressing climate change, emphasizing that the actions taken today will shape the future of agriculture and the planet.

In essence, Ogorzalek’s insightful talk serves as a call for the agri-business sector to engage proactively in sustainable practices, leverage emerging opportunities, and play a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on global food systems.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is widely known for its petroleum reserves and the wealth they inject into the country’s economy — but even in an oil-dominated economy in a desert climate, agriculture plays a major role.

“Our region isn’t an agricultural powerhouse, but we have to build food systems to be able to be more resilient to ‘black-swan events,’” said Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi in a presentation at Alltech ONE Dubai — the most recent stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour — in late November.

His presentation explored the numerous ways the UAE is actively working to make its food and agriculture systems more sustainable, equitable and accessible. This topic was particularly relevant in light of the recent 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, which was hosted by the UAE days after Alltech ONE Dubai.

“We are now in the spotlight,” Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi said. “This year, our legacy as the UAE is to bring food systems as a theme to COP.”

Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi is uniquely qualified to speak on the topics of food systems, agriculture and technology as the founding partner of Soma Mater, which promotes radical transparency across the food system in the UAE and works to facilitate conversations, empower the country’s producers, support sustainable importers and keep policymakers informed. Previously, he served in the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

“What we do is help companies like yourselves shorten the critical path to making changes,” he said to the producers and industry representatives in attendance.

Thanks to his impressive career, he has seen firsthand how the UAE is working to improve its food and agriculture sectors.

“We’re fortunate to have a government that’s so proactive,” he said. “The challenge here is: How do we scale [the initiatives] the government has led and, ultimately, how do we get the industry to support them?”

Change from the top down: Federal ag agencies in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates formed in 1971 when seven separate emirates, or states, came together as one federation. Its 10 million people, like all people, depend on properly working agri-food systems for their health and well-being, and the government promotes sustainability, accessibility and ag-tech at all levels. While each emirate has its own authorities and offices, the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment oversees agriculture as well, working to enhance food security while finding solutions to climate change.

“This is part of a 50-year legacy where food has been moving into a larger arena,” Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi added. “What we [at Soma Mater] have started doing is helping the industry be in the room with the policymakers.”

Sustainable food production in the UAE

Sustainability is a hot topic across the agriculture industry due to its impact on both the environment and on a production’s bottom line, and it promises to become even more important in the future.

“We’re going to have consumers that want to see sustainability in all their products,” said Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi. “And that’s a challenge for producers, for manufacturers, for processors. How do you communicate sustainability to the end user through your value chain?

“And have you started the work? Because in 10 or 20 years, there will be clients who will say, ‘I can’t really work with you because I can’t get the metrics I need to prove that sustainability to my customer. So, we’re going to either have to go with somebody else or you’re going to have to step up.’”

In line with its food security strategy, and as part of its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UAE is working to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. Both those in the government and on the ground know how imperative these efforts are for the future of the emirates and the planet.

“The industry is very organized [around this issue], and we’re trying to figure out how we get more efficient — not only for our bottom line but for the precious resources we work with in the natural world,” Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi said.  

One strategy being employed is the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative (ne’ma). Launched in 2022, this initiative encourages both public- and private-sector entities to promote responsible consumption.

“The ne’ma food waste initiative is a roadmap for the country on how we ensure that consumers are valuing what you are producing rather than buying it and throwing it away,” Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi said. “[This is] a step back from this hyper-commoditization of products [to ensure that] any waste finds its way back into the food system rather than a landfill.”

While these efforts are moving the needle within the UAE, collaboration across borders is imperative as well. At COP26, the emirates launched a joint initiative with the U.S., known as the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate, or AIM. Through AIM, these two countries are addressing climate change and global hunger by boosting investments in climate-smart agriculture and food-systems innovation.

“AIM has [brought together] one of the largest ag producers in the world [the U.S.] and what, seemingly, is a small country with a very limited capability,” said Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi. “This program was a way to raise this issue to the world and to say, ‘The agriculture industry globally will look like this if we don’t tackle [these issues].’”

Making food security a reality — and a priority

Food safety is another important issue in the UAE, for both the government and the industry.

“More and more, this region has had food security pushed up in its [list of] priorities,” said Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi.

To address food security for all people, the UAE established the 1 Billion Meals initiative in 2020. Through this program, institutions, companies, entrepreneurs and individuals can donate meals to low-income families and other vulnerable groups around the world.

“The 1 Billion Meals initiative addresses waste so that this food that you’re all working so hard to produce doesn’t go into the landfill and does go to hungry mouths,” said Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi. “It’s also addressing a matter of distribution — making sure that people can get to the food and the food can get to them — as one of the major definitions for food security is really accessibility.”

The Food Security Alliance is essential as well, ensuring through strategic partnerships and foreign investments the continuity of commodity supplies during crises. It includes large agricultural producers, government entities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from both the UAE and elsewhere in the Middle East.

“The whole region can do a lot together; it doesn’t have to be country by country,” Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi said. “Ultimately, when you have enough players in the room together, that’s when you can create real impact. And the Food Security Alliance does this.”

Utilizing innovation and technology for the good of the people

Perhaps more so than any other country in the Middle East, the UAE is known as a center for innovation and technology; consider, for instance, the towering Burj Khalifa, an engineering feat admired the world over.

“Technology is a critical component of how we do business in this part of the world, and innovation is really the [biggest] opportunity here,” Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi said.

To capitalize on these strengths, the UAE is now home to several ag-tech and food parks, which “bring the brightest ideas and the industry together under one roof to research and innovate,” said Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi.

Some of the most notable ag-tech and food parks include:

• Dubai’s Food Tech Valley, an economic zone that unites the complete food and agriculture sectors.
• ADQ’s AgTech Park in Al Ain, an ecosystem that harnesses technology to create a controlled environment that advances the UAE’s ability to grow fresh foods year-round.
• Sharjah Food Park, a sector of the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority that enables businesses to expand their food production, storage and packaging capacities.
• Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, which promotes research, technology and innovation in healthcare, energy, the environment, food security and technology.

Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi hopes that these parks will give more producers and technologists a space to collaborate on some of the country’s greatest challenges.

“It’s really up to the industry to step up and say, ‘I want to engage, I want to learn — and also, I have problems that need to be solved,’” he said. “We’ve learned in the industry that the researchers, the people who are innovating in-country, aren’t getting enough face-to-face time with the industry, and we’re looking to facilitate that more.”

In closing his presentation at Alltech ONE Dubai, Sheikh Dr. Al Qassimi acknowledged that while governments are actively working to address agriculture’s greatest challenges, the most impactful changes will be made by the people on the ground.

“Government bodies [may] deliver policy, but ultimately, if we don’t have the industry aligned with this, then this will just be a lot of wasted effort,” he said. “So, I’d leave you with this: If you’re here today, it means you want to learn. But if you meet after this, it means you’re ready to do the work.”

World’s leaders to focus on food systems and agriculture at upcoming COP28 in Dubai

The role of food systems and agriculture in climate action is taking center stage at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, which kicks off Nov. 30 in Dubai.

COP convenes country leaders each year to discuss and coordinate global efforts to address climate change. Since COP21 in 2015, the conference has focused heavily on how to implement the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the rise in the Earth’s temperature and prevent the potentially disastrous effects of global warming.

This year, the organizers of COP28 have added a food-systems focus to the agenda, urging global governments to sign a declaration of intent to integrate food systems and agriculture into their national climate agendas. An initiative encouraging the widespread adoption of regenerative agriculture has also been launched.

Farmers, ranchers and producers have been focused for many years on agriculture’s role in feeding the world and meeting its climate change goals. They recognize the vital importance of creating healthy, sustainable food systems, a goal that is disrupted by the climate crisis.

Indeed, agriculture stands at the forefront of solutions to nourish the world and nurture the planet.

Three things to know

• COP28, set for Nov. 30–Dec. 12 in Dubai, will explore a Food Systems and Agriculture agenda.

• It will call on global leaders to sign a declaration that aligns national food systems and agriculture strategies with climate efforts.

• Agriculture is vital to feeding the world and meeting its climate change goals. It has the capability to reduce its own emissions and capture and sequester emissions released by other industries

“There is no other industry that plays such a fundamental role in terms of not only producing food, but also preserving our planet,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “If we produce our food in the right way, we can deliver on some of those big objectives of having the right nutrition, of creating new economic opportunities, and protecting and renewing our natural resources.”

Climate change cannot be solved without agriculture, and agriculture cannot thrive without tackling climate change. We must meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.

The world needs the nourishment of protein-rich meat, milk, eggs and seafood and crops that are grown in healthy soil. At the same time, we must work to minimize any harmful effects of agricultural practices on the environment. This can be accomplished by improving the health of animals and the soil, maximizing the quality of animal feed, increasing the efficiency of the farm and reinvesting in innovation.

The power of carbon sequestration

While agriculture currently contributes about a quarter of global GHG emissions, it possesses the unique capability to reduce its own emissions and capture and sequester emissions released by other industries. This makes agriculture a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.

A study published in PLOS Climate earlier this year suggested that agriculture could be carbon-negative by 2050. Advancements in agricultural technology and management have the potential to not only slow down the growth of greenhouse gas emissions from the global food system but actually achieve net negative emissions, the study’s authors said.

“Our study recognizes the food system as one of the most powerful weapons in the battle against global climate change,” said co-lead author Professor Benjamin Houlton, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. “We need to move beyond silver-bullet thinking and rapidly test, verify and scale local solutions by leveraging market-based incentives.”

Focusing on soil health, leading-edge nutrition and pasture management practices, and the use of climate-smart technologies will allow the agriculture industry to capture more carbon each year.

Alltech has been studying the agriculture industry’s ability to sequester carbon through a research alliance based at the 10,000-acre Buck Island Ranch in Lake Placid, Florida. The alliance brings together Alltech’s scientists with ecologists and agriculture experts to understand the impact cattle production has on an ecosystem.

Researchers at Buck Island have learned that grazing ruminant animals on land actually benefits the environment and improves carbon cycling, which refers to the movement of carbon through various reservoirs on Earth — the atmosphere, soil and water, for example. The team is measuring the carbon emissions of beef production and evaluating the effects of pasture management, grazing strategies, mineral supplementation and other nutritional strategies.

The results have confirmed that carbon-neutral — and even net-positive — beef production is possible at Buck Island, and that same potential likely extends to other environments around the world.

“What Buck Island shows us is that with animals on the land, we capture more carbon than without them,” said Dr. Lyons. “That is profoundly powerful.”

Agricultural technologies and practices required to increase carbon capture could be “regionally down-scaled according to local culture, economics, technology readiness and agricultural management capacities,” the PLOS Climate study concluded. “This makes agriculture a unique economic sector and reiterates that it should be a key focus when discussing climate targets.”

The potential to capture carbon in the soil presents a significant opportunity for the agri-food community to embrace our critical role in combatting climate change while simultaneously improving soil health, boosting crop yields and promoting biodiversity.

“The biggest carbon sink that we can have is our land,” Dr. Lyons said. “Agriculture is the answer.”