Alltech is pleased to announce a new marketing structure designed to better serve both the company’s customers and the needs of its internal teams. These new roles and responsibilities will allow for increased agility in meeting stakeholder needs while cultivating closer alignment and collaboration across Alltech’s U.S. business. 

The Alltech team members taking on new marketing roles and responsibilities include (in alphabetical order by last name):

• Nicole Bangasser, Western U.S. Marketing Specialist, Alltech

Bangasser has been with Alltech for two years. Her family has been active in many sectors of agriculture, with farms in South Dakota and Minnesota. Bangasser holds a degree in agri-business from South Dakota State University. She lives in Winnebago, Minnesota.

• Cece Blythe, Western U.S. Marketing Manager, Alltech

Blythe joined Alltech over three years ago. She also serves as the chair of the communications committee for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, as her county’s chair with the Kansas Livestock Association, and on several committees for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Blythe holds a degree in agri-business and applied economics with a minor in production agriculture from Ohio State University. She lives in East Central Kansas on her husband’s family’s cattle ranch.

• Anna Burnett, U.S. Dairy Marketing Lead, Alltech

Burnett has been with Alltech for four and a half years and is based at Alltech’s global headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky. She previously served as the director of consumer affairs for the Kentucky Beef Council. A native of Central Kentucky, Burnett has had a passion for agriculture since childhood, when she showed lambs and was active in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Burnett holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in science with a focus on the economics of raising dairy heifers from the University of Kentucky. She lives in Frankfort, Kentucky.

• Leslee Burns, Western U.S. Marketing Specialist, Alltech

Burns has been with Alltech for almost 14 years out of its office in Brookings, South Dakota. She began her career at Alltech as an administrative assistant before being named the Midwest marketing assistant and, later, the regional marketing specialist for the South Dakota region. Burns grew up in Southwest Minnesota, where her family farmed and raised pigs and cattle. She holds a degree in digital arts and design from Dakota State University in Madison.

• Zach Gilles, Eastern U.S. Marketing Specialist, Alltech

Gilles first joined Alltech eight years ago. He is highly involved with his family’s diversified farming operation, where he has helped raise a herd of purebred registered Angus cattle, row-cropped corn and soybeans, and worked at his brother’s farm store selling local beef, pork and poultry products. Gilles is a member of the Kentucky & Daviess County Cattlemen’s Association and is also active in the state and Daviess County chapters of the Farm Bureau. He holds a degree in marketing from the University of Kentucky and lives in Owensboro, Kentucky.

• Bailey Irick, Marketing Lead, Show-Rite

Irick has been with Alltech since September 2022. She is based in Markle, Indiana, where she was born and raised on a family farm that submersed her in agriculture and fostered her love for the show livestock industry — specifically show pigs — from a very young age. Irick was an active member of 4-H, FFA, National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and Team Purebred during her junior career. She is actively involved in agriculture on her family’s farm, in the show barn and through judging livestock shows. Irick holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a master’s degree in business administration from Western Illinois University.

• Mallory Minnick, U.S. Pork Marketing Lead, Alltech

Minnick joined Alltech in May 2022. She grew up on a diversified livestock and row crop farm in Logansport, Indiana, and she and her fiancé continue to be involved in the livestock industry. Minnick holds a degree in animal science from Purdue University. She lives in Lubbock, Texas.

• Alex Morcom, Head of Marketing, Ridley Block Operations

Morcom joined Ridley Block Operations, a member of the Alltech family of companies, in March 2023. She also serves on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and is an alumnus of the OCA Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy. Morcom is based in Duncan, Oklahoma, where she and her husband own and operate a commercial cow-calf operation and raise cutting- and roping-bred quarter horses. In their cattle operation, Morcom and her husband focus on Angus and Angus-influenced cattle and offer ranch-raised beef direct to the consumer. Morcom holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in agriculture business from Stephen F. Austin State University.

• Mackenzie Peters, Marketing Specialist, Global Pet and Corporate Accounts, Alltech

Peters has been with Alltech for over six years. She is also a member of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Diamond Hats. Peters and her husband grow wheat for crop and cattle grazing, and they also have a cow/calf operation and breed and train registered border collie stock dogs. Peters received a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary agriculture with a focus on business and leadership from Texas Tech University. She is based out of Union City, Oklahoma.

• Terran Ronne, Head of Marketing, Global Pet and Corporate Accounts, Alltech

Ronne has been with Alltech for nine years and previously served as the company’s Midwest marketing specialist and Western U.S. marketing manager. She is the current president of the the National Agri-Marketing Association’s Northern Prairie chapter and served as the treasurer of its board for four years. Ronne holds an undergraduate degree in public relations and journalism from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree in agriculture from Murray State University. She is based in the Alltech office in Brookings, South Dakota.

• Tieggan Rouleau, Marketing Lead, Lifestyle Feeds, Alltech

Rouleau joined Hubbard Feeds, an Alltech company, in October 2022 as a lifestyle sales representative based in Wyoming. She has owned horses her entire life and continues to compete at the professional level in team roping and breakaway roping. Rouleau received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and an associate’s degree in marketing from Lethbridge College. A native of Canada, she now calls Buffalo, Wyoming, home.

• Katie Stenzel, Marketing Specialist, Feed and Block, Alltech

Stenzel joined the Alltech Feed Division in March 2018. She grew up near Wells, Minnesota, where her family grew corn and soybeans and operated a beef feedlot. She still lives near Wells today on her husband’s family’s crop farm. Stenzel holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with a minor in marketing from South Dakota State University.

• Jena Lee Wagner, U.S. Beef Marketing Lead, Alltech

Wagner joined Alltech in February 2023. She is involved with her family’s Angus cattle operation and actively participates in the Montana Angus Association. Wagner received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Montana State University. She lives in Billings, Montana.

• William Wallis, Eastern U.S. Marketing Manager and U.S. Poultry Marketing Manager, Alltech

Wallis has been with Alltech for 12 years. He has served as the treasurer for the Carolina/Virginia chapter of NAMA for the past seven years. Wallis holds a degree in business marketing from Barry University in Miami, Florida. He lives in Apex, North Carolina.

• Celsey Weiss, Head of Marketing, Feed and Premix, Alltech

Weiss has served in other roles within the Alltech Feed Division over the past two years. She is also the marketing chair for Pepin County Dairy Promotion and serves on the marketing committee for the Dairy Girl Network. Weiss holds a degree in marketing communications with a minor in animal science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She and her husband own and operate a 2,000-cow dairy with her husband’s family in Durand, Wisconsin.

• Shannon Zika, U.S. Digital Content Producer, Alltech

Zika has served in a variety of marketing roles for the Alltech Feed Division and its family of companies since June 2001. She holds a degree in marketing with a minor in business administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Zika is based in Mankato, Minnesota.

For more information, visit alltech.com.

*The 2023 numbers were adjusted on April 15, 2024 

World feed production remains steady, with a slight decrease of 0.01%* to 1.29 billion metric tons

Lower demand attributed in part to more efficient use of feed

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Global animal feed production remained steady in 2023 at 1.29 billion metric tons (BMT), a slight decrease of 140,000* metric tons (MMT) — or 0.01%* — from 2022’s estimates, according to the 2024 Agri-Food Outlook, released today by Alltech. The annual survey, now in its 13^th year, includes data from 142 countries and more than 27,000 feed mills.

The overall lower demand for feed was due, in part, to the more efficient use of feed made possible by intensive production systems that focus on using animal nutrition, farm management and other technologies to lower feed intake while producing the same amount of protein, or more. A slowdown in the overall production of animal protein, in response to tight margins experienced by many feed and animal protein companies, also contributed to lower feed demand. Changing consumption patterns caused by inflation and dietary trends, higher production costs and geopolitical tensions also influenced feed production in 2023.

Top 10 countries:

The top 10 feed-producing countries are China (262.71 MMT, +0.76%), the U.S. (238.09 MMT, ‑1.13%), Brazil (83.32 MMT, +1.84%), India (52.83 MMT, +13.43%), Mexico (40.42 MMT, +0.02%), Spain (36.22 MMT*, -3.28%*), Russia (35.46 MMT, +3.83%), Vietnam (24.15 MMT, -9.63%), Japan (23.94 MMT, -1.15%) and Türkiye (23.37 MMT, -11.48%). Together, the top 10 countries produced 63.1% of the world’s feed production (same as in 2022), and almost half of the world’s global feed production is concentrated in four countries: China, the U.S., Brazil and India.

Notable species results and outlook:

• Poultry experienced an increase in broiler feed production (386.33 MMT*, +12.81 MMT*, +3.43%*) and remained flat* for layers (171.29 MMT*, +0.01 MMT, 0%).
  • Broiler feed now accounts for 29.8%* of the total feed tonnage in the world thanks to a 3.43%* increase in overall tonnage in 2023. While this growth was not uniform across all regions, the poultry sector is poised to keep holding strong in 2024 thanks to a combination of regional successes and global market dynamics. Some of the biggest factors that will contribute to the resilience of the broiler sector include reduced costs for inputs, such as feed and energy, and increases in margins and profitability.
  • For layers, there are industry-wide efforts to optimize feed efficiency and to keep pace with changing dietary trends and new purchasing power. Some markets around the globe were significantly impacted by macroeconomic challenges and disease outbreaks, which can disrupt production cycles. Still, the general outlook for the layer industry remains positive thanks to its resilience in the face of difficult circumstances, when other protein sectors often struggle to adapt.
  • The poultry sector is poised for continued strength, driven by a blend of regional successes and global market dynamics. The broiler forecast remains optimistic thanks to lower input costs, increased industrial margins and shifting consumer behaviors. For layers, challenges persist, but there are pockets of resilience and growth.
• The global pig feed production sector faced many challenges in 2023, which led to an overall decrease in pig feed production of 1.26%* (323.04 MMT*, -4.41 MMT*).
  • Latin America stood out as the only region that achieved an increase in pig feed production in 2023, while Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America — which have traditionally been the top pig feed-producing regions in the world — all faced challenges. African swine fever (ASF) continues to wreak havoc on pig production in China and Southeast Asia, where repopulation efforts are slowly proceeding.
  • The trends highlight the complex relationship between economic factors, supply dynamics and disease management in the global pig feed industry. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining animal agriculture and ensuring food security.
• Dairy feed tonnage decreased by 1.12%* (127.92 MMT*, -1.45%*), primarily due to the high cost of feed combined with low milk prices, which led farmers to make strategic adjustments that included reducing their cow numbers and/or relying more on non-commercial feed sources.
  • In Europe, dairy producers will continue to grapple with stricter environmental policies in the years ahead, and they will need to find new ways to continue growing.
  • Asia-Pacific managed to buck the downward trend and emerged as the only region that increased its dairy feed tonnage in 2023. This growth was fueled by a continued increase in the consumption of milk products there, as well as an expansion of feed production in co-operatives.
  • This shift reflects the delicate balance between economic factors and the need to sustain dairy production. Lower feed costs and higher milk prices would help right the ship.

• Beef feed production decreased by 3.78%* (119.56 MMT*, -4.70 MMT*) globally — the most pronounced downward change among all species sectors last year. Changes in cattle cycles in the United States and stricter sustainability policies in Europe had major impacts, with the Asia-Pacific beef sector notably surpassing Europe’s in 2023.
  • The substantial decline in North America was the result of lingering droughts and high production costs, among other issues.
  • While the European and North American beef industries are expected to continue declining in 2024, growth is expected in China, Brazil and Australia — highlighting the complex dynamics and landscape of beef feed production around the world.
• The aquaculture sector experienced a decline of 4.41%* (52.09 MMT, -2.40 MMT*).
  • This decline was driven in part by a significant drop in China’s supply of aqua feed due to lower fish prices, which had a far-reaching impact.
  • Latin America grew by 0.27 MMT (3.87%). Despite adverse weather conditions in that region, the demand for aqua products is still strong in Latin America, which helped aqua producers there remain resilient.
• The global pet feed industry continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace of 2.66%* (35.44 MMT*, +0.92 MMT*) in 2023. Demand for high-quality pet products and services remains high from pet owners who want only the best for their animal companions.
  • The Latin American and European* markets were the primary drivers of this growth.
• The equine feed industry experienced a decrease of 4.69%* (7.98 MMT, -0.39 MMT*) in 2023.
  • The top challenges in the equine sector include high labor and material prices.
  • The top technologies impacting the sector are biosecurity, microchipping, genetics and nutritional solutions.
  • Survey respondents said the biggest opportunities for nutritional solutions are gut health management and feed efficiency.
  • Equine feed is expected to decrease both in price and in volume during the coming year.

Notable regional results:

• North America saw a decrease of 2.8 MMT (259.26 MMT, -1.1%), with beef feed tonnage down significantly. The pig and dairy sectors also slipped slightly, but the broiler, layer and pet sectors more than made up the difference. Feed tonnage in the broiler sector was up nearly 2.9%.
• Latin America experienced growth in 2023 by 2.46 MMT (200.67 MMT, +1.24%). Despite high production costs, geopolitical tensions and changing consumer behavior due to economic reasons, the region continues to be among the global growth leaders*, mainly because of its export-driven aquaculture, poultry and pork markets.
• Europe continued its downward trend in feed production, with a decrease of 7.59 MMT* (261.89 MMT*, -2.82%*) due to issues that included the invasion in Ukraine and the spread of animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza (AI).
• Asia-Pacific led feed production growth in 2023, with an increase of 6.54 MMT (475.33 MMT, +1.4%). Feed production growth in the region’s ruminant sectors offset a setback in the aqua sector. The region is home to several of the top 10 feed-producing countries, including China, India, Vietnam and Japan.
• Africa experienced continued but slower growth with an increase of 1.94%*, nearly 1 MMT to total 51.42 MMT.
• The Middle East saw a slight decrease of 0.12 MMT (35.93 MMT, -0.32%).
• Oceania grew 3.71% or 0.39 MMT to total 10.78 MMT.

Alltech works together with feed mills and industry and government entities around the world to compile data and insights to provide an assessment of feed production each year. Compound feed production and prices were collected by Alltech’s global sales team and in partnership with local feed associations in the first quarter of 2024. These figures are estimates and are intended to serve as an information resource for industry stakeholders.

To access more data and insights from the 2024 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook, including an interactive global map, visit alltech.com/agri-food-outlook.

[BANGKOK, Thailand] — Alltech recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Thailand alongside more than 120 industry partners and friends, including representatives of prominent agri-food companies.

In 1998, Alltech entered the Thai market. It was a time of financial crisis within the region yet Alltech could see the market’s potential and its increasingly important role in global food supply. Alltech Thailand began with two team members, and today more than 50 Alltech team members are dedicated to serving the country’s agriculture sector. An initial facility and warehouse in Thailand were established in 2006 and production operations were relocated to the current facility in Samutprakarn in 2015 to meet growing demand in both the Thai and Southeast Asian markets.

Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, reflected on the company’s long-standing commitment to the country and its partnerships with Thailand-based customers.

“Within Alltech, we are committed to Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. Thailand represents some of our most enduring examples of this effort,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Together, with our customers, we have advanced the efficient and sustainable production of nutrition and are cultivating a prosperous world of abundance through Thailand’s agri-food sector.”

Steadfast in its commitment to providing smarter and sustainable solutions for customers, including feed mills, integrators and animal farms, Alltech continues to invest in local production while leveraging the best of its global network and knowledge to the benefits of its customers. These efforts have catalyzed rapid growth in Thailand’s agricultural industry, positioning the nation as a key player on the global stage.

Over the past quarter century, Thailand’s agricultural sector has prioritized enhancing efficiency and productivity, advancing aquaculture and livestock production, fostering value addition for agricultural products, and ensuring food security.

Alltech has forged deep connections and established significant strategic partnerships within the local industry. Its long-standing relationships with market leaders have allowed Alltech — and its customers — to grow and navigate the evolving agri-food industry.

On Feb. 15, Alltech finalized an agreement with Thai Wah Public Co., an agri-food business with operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and India, to collaborate on reducing carbon in Asian agri-food with precision nutrition, digital farming, waste management and carbon footprint assessments. This collaboration is the second formal partnership in two years to focus on sustainable farming in Thailand. On March 9, 2023, Alltech formed a partnership with the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DPO) to pioneer nutrition innovation and sustainable dairy farming, leveraging global expertise and technologies to expand and develop dairy and beef cattle production in Thailand.

Dedicated to ensuring customers’ competitiveness and to driving innovation within the industry, Alltech Thailand remains committed to educating customers through seminars and workshops, enriching their knowledge and keeping them at the forefront of leading agri-food research and technologies.

Alltech Thailand and its 5,000 Alltech colleagues around the world share a commitment to supporting the agri-food sector in providing nutrition for all while supporting local economies and revitalizing the planet’s natural resources.

“Our devoted local team remains ready to provide unparalleled expertise to the Thai market,” said Jonathan Forrest Wilson, president of Alltech Asia-Pacific. “This reflects our dedication to forging long term mutually beneficial collaborations and contributing to the thriving business landscape in Thailand. As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment to lasting partnerships remains at the forefront of our mission.” 

As winter winds down and soil temperatures start to rise, spring grass pops up all over. Our equine partners eagerly start seeking out this lush, soft, green grass. However, many owners worry about this sudden transition from a rather bland winter hay ration to green spring pasture. On the other hand, when hay resources are running low, it may be tempting to just let them be — especially given the scarcity of hay this year!

In this post, we’ll explore the challenges of managing grazing horses in this season and provide practical tips for a smooth and safe transition to spring grass.

Understanding the issue: Winter hay vs. spring grass

As grass matures throughout the growing season, the protein content decreases, while the fiber fraction and dry matter content increase, resulting in an overall decrease in digestibility and digestible energy.

It therefore makes sense for early spring grass to be higher in protein, and higher in easily fermentable carbohydrate content, than the grass used to make hay, which was allowed to grow later into the season before being cut. Of course, hay will be much lower in moisture compared to fresh grass as well.

The combination of these factors sets the stage for potential digestive upset when there is an abrupt switch from hay to spring pasture. That’s a big problem, given the overall importance of gut health for horses.

Why, you ask? Well, let’s do a quick calculation.

Depending on the variety of the grass, early spring grass can be as high as 20% or more in protein. That same grass, cut later for hay, may test around 10% to 14%. We know that the majority of the average horse’s nutrients will be supplied by their forage. So, as an example, let’s say there is a 6% protein difference between our hay and our spring grass. An increase in forage protein content of 6% equates to just over a pound of additional protein consumed by the horse each day. That seemingly small change in protein content alone can almost cover the protein requirements of the average horse. Consider that the horse is now consuming that in addition to what they were getting from the hay alone.

The same goes for other nutrients passing through the digestive tract. When combined with the higher digestibility of spring grass due to its rapidly fermentable fibers, it all represents a large and potentially abrupt change in the influx of nutrients into the hindgut. This change in nutrient influx can disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbial organisms. The highly specialized and sensitive hindgut microbial population requires time to adapt to feeding changes to avoid metabolic issues. And so, as with all nutritional changes in a horse’s diet, a gradual change is ideal when moving from hay to fresh grass.

Strategies for a successful transition

Spring grass often sprouts and grows rapidly, making it difficult to accurately determine how much horses are really consuming when they have full access to pasture — but with good management, you can help to keep the transition gradual. Here are some different approaches to gradual transitions that may suit your management situation and personal preferences:

1. Keep some hay in the pasture: Start by making hay available in the pasture for the first couple of weeks, regardless of access to fresh grass. The fresh grass is lower in fiber, so horses can manage their fiber needs by going back and forth between the two forage sources.
2. Manage turn-out time: If your horse is stalled, consider reducing the amount of time they are turned out on grass and then gradually increasing it as spring progresses. This is an easier option for those who have dry lots or other areas, to make sure horses spend enough time turned out while also restricting access to grass.
3. Consider a grazing muzzle: Horses that are exclusively kept out on pasture can also be managed with a grazing muzzle. Another option, for horses kept out on large pastures, is the use of temporary fencing to restrict access, but be aware that the fencing will need to be moved frequently.

Some horses require careful oversight

Horses diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) conditions, a history of pasture-associated laminitis, foundering, and so forth, present a different set of challenges. They require particularly careful management during this time, should some access to a dry lot, or careful restriction practices such as muzzles or time-of-day turnout, not be possible. Depending on the individual horse’s condition, turnout on spring pasture may not be desirable regardless of the restrictions implemented.

Some horses may lose a little weight in the early days of spring, specifically the picky ones that prefer soft new grass over hay. That weight should be gained back rapidly as pasture growth rate accelerates and you can give them free access. Keep in mind, though, that mares in late pregnancy or lactation need to be monitored more closely. They have higher nutrient requirements and benefit from the more nutritious grass.

The magic number is two … or perhaps three?

For the best support of horse health throughout, the hay-to-grass transition is implemented over a two-week period. This allows those hindgut microbial communities to adjust without deleterious effects. If your horse has been fed only hay over the winter, with absolutely no access to pasture, start out more conservatively, extending the adaptation period to three weeks if needed.

Keep in mind that the area you live in will dictate when and how quickly your spring grass arrives, and this will influence your transition plans. Some areas have sparse pastures as compared to more lush areas such as Central Kentucky. Regular evaluation of your horse’s condition and your forage quality and quantity during this period are crucial to making informed adjustments to the transition plan.

Keeping these principles of equine nutrition in mind will empower you to plan for and oversee a healthy transition from winter hay to spring grass. By embracing a gradual approach and tailoring strategies to your horse’s needs, you can ensure a smooth and healthy transition, allowing them to fully enjoy spring pasture.

About the author: 

Originally from South Africa, Dr. Mieke Holder is a senior research scientist at Alltech. Her research focuses on equine nutrition and the use of Alltech technologies to improve feed and nutrient utilization, horse health and environmental sustainability. Prior to joining Alltech, Dr. Holder was a faculty member at the University of Kentucky, focusing on the environmental impact of grazing livestock. She earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in animal sciences from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, followed by a Ph.D. in equine nutrition from the University of Kentucky.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my horses.

Alltech is proud to continue to partner with the Women in Food & Agriculture (WFA) Mentorship Program.  Applications are now open for new mentors of any gender and for female mentees from across the global food and agriculture sector. Now in its fourth year, the free-to-join program is dedicated to supporting women across the global food and agriculture sector by providing invaluable mentorship opportunities and has proven to be a beacon of support for women seeking guidance, advice and networking opportunities in their careers.

Findings from the WFA survey and ongoing feedback from all levels of the food and agriculture sector consistently suggest that a hurdle to greater success for women in the global agri-food industry is a lack of mentorship opportunities. To tackle this issue, WFA launched its Mentorship Program.

WFA matches applicants based on their preferences, which can include gender of mentor, areas of expertise, language and industry sector, and offers opportunities for women in food and agriculture to develop meaningful industry connections. Since the inception of the program, WFA has received an overwhelming response, with 3,051 applications from individuals seeking mentorship and 1,691 industry professionals offering their mentorship services. This remarkable level of engagement underscores the program's significance in addressing the need for mentorship opportunities within the food and agriculture sector.

To date, the program has facilitated over 562 pairings, connecting mentees with experienced mentors who provide invaluable insights and support. These pairings have spanned various roles and sectors within the industry, ranging from CEOs of agribusinesses to small-scale farmers, academics, and ag-tech professionals.

“Our partnership with the Women in Food & Agriculture mentorship program is an investment not only in the lives of women, but in the future of agriculture as the industry most integral to the nourishment and vitality of our planet,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.

Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, global chair of WFA, expressed her enthusiasm for the program's continued success, stating, "We are delighted to see the overwhelming response to the WFA Mentorship Program, which underscores the importance of mentorship in empowering women in the food and agriculture industry. With Alltech's ongoing support, we are confident that the program will continue to make a positive impact, fostering diversity and inclusion across the sector."

Orla McAleer, chief culture officer at Alltech, reiterated the company's commitment to the program, stating, “I am excited to reaffirm our support and sponsorship of the WFA Mentorship Program in 2024. We believe in championing the advancement of women in this vital sector and helping to cultivate a more vibrant, equitable and diverse agricultural community. As a mentor and advisor to the program, I understand the value and impact the mentorship connection brings to everyone involved."

Alltech believes that inclusion cultivates creativity, drives innovation and is essential to the company’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM. In 2019, Alltech selected Gender Equality as one of the nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to which the company committed to advancing.

Applications are now open for the 2024 WFA Mentorship Program, supported by Alltech, to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. The program welcomes applications from across the global food and agriculture sector, and applicants will be personally matched based on their preferences and professional objectives. For more information and to apply to be a mentor or mentee, visit https://wfa-initiative.com/mentorship-program/.

Dr. Colm Moran has been appointed chief regulatory officer at Alltech, a global leader in agriculture with more than 5,000 team members serving customers in over 120 countries.

Moran has worked with Alltech for more than 20 years, most recently serving as director of European regulatory affairs and as chairman of Alltech’s crisis management team.

“Alltech’s regulatory strategy is moving into new strength under Colm’s leadership,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “This positions Alltech firmly at the leading edge in delivering innovation to our customers.”

Moran has worked in the feed industry for 23 years and has extensive experience in zootechnical studies for registration of feed additives for livestock and poultry species. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from University of Wales, Cardiff, and three master’s degrees in food biotechnology, food regulatory affairs, and brewing and distilling — from University of Strathclyde, University of Ulster/University College Dublin, and Heriott-Wyatt University, respectively. He also has a Ph.D. in fermentation microbiology from University of Plymouth.

Moran has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles in his subject area. He has received two international patents and has presented at numerous international conferences. He is based in Marseille, France.

Moran serves on the board of directors for the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

It could be argued that few more iconic or beloved brands than Mrs. Pastures® Cookies for Horses exist in today’s horse industry. With their highly recognizable, red-lidded jars, they evoke a sense of nostalgia for many of us, leading to memories of days gone by, when we would cheerfully feed them to the horses that helped us learn and grow.

Devoted fans have included some of horse racing’s best-known champions, such as Hall of Famers California Chrome — who is still receiving regular Mrs. Pastures shipments at his home in Japan — and Old Friends Farm resident “Mr. Personality,” Lava Man. Mrs. Pastures cookie crumbs are even sent to 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Silver Charm, who has trouble chewing the standard cookies.

In October 2023, Mrs. Pastures built on this success when it proudly launched its first-ever addition to the product line, the sweet potato-infused Super Cookie™. Several more exciting new recipes are in the works.

How it all began

Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses was the 1986 brainchild of 66-year-old California horsewoman Patricia Burge, who wanted to create a wholesome treat for her daughter Maggie’s exceedingly picky horse, Poncho.

People are often curious about how the name of the company came to be. As the story goes, Mrs. Burge’s husband tried one of the horse cookies and remarked, “Well, it ain’t Mrs. Fields,” to which she replied, “No, it’s Mrs. Pastures!” The name stuck.

The all-natural ingredients of Mrs. Burge’s original cookie recipe remain unchanged, including apples, oats, cane molasses, rolled barley, water, and wheat middlings (a beneficial byproduct of the wheat milling process).

A legacy of love

Patricia Burge officially started the Mrs. Pastures business in her home kitchen and, at that time, never dreamed of it becoming the success it has. Her daughter, Maggie Carroll, officially took over business operations when her mother passed away in 2016 at the age of 96.

Five years later, Alltech acquired the business. Mrs. Carroll served as a close advisor in the first year following acquisition, helping to ensure that customers could continue to count on the high quality and great taste for which the treats are known.

A recipe for success

The original wholesome, home-kitchen-developed recipe, paired with Alltech’s industry knowledge and global reach, has already proven to be a winning combination — positioning Mrs. Pastures to meet the equine industry’s ever-evolving needs. The original recipe is now available not only in those red-lidded jars but in everything from 8-ounce pouches to 50-pound tubs.

With the new Super Cookie, Mrs. Pastures is giving health-conscious horse owners a superfood-filled treat option. Made with the same time-tested process as the original cookie, the Super Cookie is primarily made up of sweet potatoes, turmeric and kelp, with no molasses or other added sugars.

Nourishing the bond

Mrs. Pastures has an enduring commitment to nourishing the bond between horses and their humans — a tradition Alltech is proud to help the business carry on. The treats often serve as a healthful, positive reinforcement-based horse training incentive, helping to develop better ground manners, improve trailer loading and reward good behavior under-saddle.

To learn more or to find a retailer near you, visit mrspastures.com.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — E. Michael Castle II has been appointed chief operations and financial officer at Alltech.

Castle has been with Alltech for 19 years, most recently serving as chief operating officer and CEO of the Alltech Feed Division. He has deep experience in the business globally, having also served as chief administrative and legal officer, among other roles.

Castle began his career at Alltech as an engineering intern. He went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Washington University St. Louis School of Law and then returned to Alltech.

"Having worked with Alltech for almost two decades, Mike has Alltech DNA through and through. He worked closely with our leadership team and my father on many of the most important deals in our history. Since the passing of Dr. Pearse Lyons in 2018, Mike and I have worked hand in glove to lead the business,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “In all his endeavors, Mike has demonstrated unparalleled dedication, exemplary leadership and a passion for excellence. He is an invaluable asset to Alltech – and a trusted friend and colleague to me. There is no one better prepared — and no one I'd rather work alongside — to lead Alltech into the future.”

Castle is supported in leadership of Alltech’s financial strategy by:

• May Xu, deputy CFO, audit and reporting
• Flora Djojo, chief tax officer
• AnaLucia Medrano, who has been promoted to director of financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Medrano most recently served as finance director of Alltech Crop Science.
• Hemant Gandhi, vice president of finance, global treasury

Alric Blake, former CFO and CEO of Alltech who served as interim CFO over 2023 Q3-Q4, will remain a senior advisor to the business.

“Alltech has an exciting future built on its strong foundation of helping farmers, ranchers and producers nourish the world and nurture the planet,” said Castle. “I am pleased to continue working alongside Dr. Mark Lyons to help Alltech capitalize on opportunities to provide solutions that improve the health of animals and the soil, maximize the value of feed, increase on-farm efficiency and help lower environmental impact.”

As winter approaches and pasture availability declines, most horse owners start thinking about hay. Knowing how much hay your horse may need per day, or how to spot good hay, can be tricky if you are less experienced.

So, how do you plan your winter hay purchase?

First, know how much hay you will need to provide.

Hay can be expensive, so it is important to supply an adequate amount without wasting it. And from a health perspective, the goal is to meet fiber and foraging needs, and nutrient requirements, without over- or under-supplying.

Horses typically eat 2 to 2.5% of their body weight on a dry matter basis. Hay is typically around 90% dry matter, so an average-sized adult horse, weighing 1100 lb., should consume 24 to 30 lb. of hay over a 24-hour period. Keep in mind that the amount of grain you offer will replace some of this hay. The very minimum forage offered for a horse this size should be about 1.25% of body weight on a dry matter basis, or 15 lb. Feeding below this amount may cause harm to gastrointestinal health (e.g., gastric ulcers) and has been associated with behaviors such as chewing wood and eating bedding.

Choose the right hay for your horse.

Physical quality characteristics include the stem-to-leaf ratio (how “stemmy” it is) and the presence of seedheads (indicators of maturity), weeds, and foreign objects, as well as dustiness and mold. Quality can also be measured based on nutritional composition. Having a nutritional evaluation of the hay you plan to purchase is very helpful.

Often, hay can provide almost all the nutrients that a mature horse may need. However, not all horses benefit from being fed the most nutritious hay, so consider what the horse is used for, any health issues the horse may have, and winter management practice as you make your hay-purchasing decisions. For example, an overweight horse may benefit from a more mature hay that provides fewer calories but can be fed in a sufficient quantity to keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy. In contrast, a growing horse will consume a smaller amount of hay, so a higher nutritional quality is needed, with calcium, phosphorus, and protein content being particularly important.

Keep in mind the approximate length of winter in your area.

The longer your winter, the more hay you will need. Keep some on hand to transition to spring pasture. Hay intake may increase temporarily when the temperature drops particularly low, since fermentation of hay in the hindgut helps to regulate body temperature. Provide extra hay during a cold spell.

Choose storage and feeding methods with care to avoid problems with spoilage and wastage.

Ideally, store hay in a dry barn to prevent spoilage. When horses are fed outside, the use of a hay feeder or rack reduces wastage. While round bales are a popular choice, up to 40% is wasted when they are not managed properly and used with a bale feeder. In stalls, the preferred method of feeding hay is on the ground, allowing for a more natural grazing head position. However, some owners prefer using slow-feeder type hay nets, more closely mimicking continuous grazing. This is particularly beneficial for overweight horses fed a limited amount of hay. A large feed tub for hay can also be effective in stalls. Management style preference and horse preference will determine what works best.

If you are completely new to purchasing hay, seek expert advice to learn hay-buying tips, and find good suppliers local to your area. In the U.S., your local extension office will be of great help.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my horses.

Farmers and ranchers typically use late summer and early fall to do their prep work for winter. Horse owners should take note and do the same, as fall is the ideal time to tackle winter preparedness. Cooler temperatures are easier to work in and better for plants and crops to establish root systems. Plus, the timing is right to get a leg up on tasks that will make it easier to get through wintertime challenges.

Use this “to-do” list to help you coordinate beneficial fall activities, which will undoubtedly provide a more chore-efficient winter with less weather-related stress.

1. Apply a “green band-aid” to bare spots in pastures. Fall is the ideal time to fix bare spots by overseeding pastures (at least six weeks before the first hard frost, which for most of North America typically occurs from mid-September through mid-October). Warm fall soil encourages root growth, which will continue until the ground freezes. In areas with mild winters, roots may continue to grow all season. Once early spring rolls around, roots either begin new growth or continue growing at a faster rate, while also beginning top growth. When summer finally arrives, fall-planted grass is far better equipped to deal with heat and drought because of its well-established root system. By contrast, grass seed planted in the spring will get a much slower start due to the cooler soil temperatures.

Other good reasons to plant in the fall include dependable rainfall, cooler weather (which most grasses prefer), fewer pest and disease problems and less competition from weeds. Drier fall weather also makes it much easier to prepare soil than it would be in the springtime.

Encourage a thick, healthy stand of grass by overseeding with forage plant seed on existing pastures. Overseed areas that are thin or have bare spots.

Talk with local extension offices or conservation districts about ideal forage plants for your soil.

2. Plant trees and shrubs. Fall is also a great time to place native plants, which can be beneficial on a horse property. For example, native hedgerows can act as wind or dust barriers and provide an attractive visual boundary between neighboring uses. Native plants can act as mud managers alongside paddocks and confinement areas to help reduce flows, absorb water, and filter sediments and pollutants. Check with your local conservation district or Horses for Clean Water if you have any specific questions on this topic.

3. Provide shelter for your horse. Shelter requirements may vary depending on your specific horse and location. However, horses typically need a way to get out of driving rain and/or wind. They can usually regulate their own body temperature if allowed to do so. Your horse’s shelter doesn’t have to be complex. It can be as simple as a three-sided run-in shed, a stall with a paddock, or a shelterbelt of trees.

4. Bring in footing material for paddocks, confinement areas and other high-traffic areas. Now is the time to think about the sand or gravel you will need for footing in confinement and heavy use areas, such as in front of gates. These materials are easier to access in the fall before demand is high. Plus, it is easier for delivery trucks to back into paddocks and drive through pastures in the dry season rather than once these areas become slick and muddy during the rainy season. Put down 2 to 6 inches of material for each of these areas.

5. Begin a horse manure management program. If you don’t do so already, now is the time to start picking up manure on a regular basis. A horse creates 50 pounds of manure per day. When mixed with winter rain or melting snow, this quickly becomes 50 pounds per day of unsightly and potentially hazardous muck. All manure should be picked up at least every three days in stalls, paddocks, confinement areas and high traffic areas. Composting is a great way to manage manure and turn it into a valuable resource for your property.

6. Spread compost. Early fall is a great time to spread compost. Compost is a rich source of soil enhancement. It adds micro- and macro-nutrients and replenishes natural microbes, all of which improve the health of soil and plants. Spread compost in pastures during the growing season no more than one-half inch thick and no more than three to four inches per season in the same place. Check with your local conservation district for more advice and to ask if they have a manure spreader rental program.

7. Check gutters and downspouts. Roof runoff systems should be cleaned and repaired in the fall. Gutters and downspouts “keep clean rainwater clean” by diverting roof runoff away from your paddocks to areas where it won’t get contaminated with manure or create mud. Good areas to divert rainwater to include a grassy ditch, a dry rocky landscaping area, rain barrels, stock watering tanks, well-vegetated woods, or an unused portion of pasture. Doing this will greatly benefit you by reducing the amount of mud your horse spends the winter standing in. It will also make daily chores easier.

8. Reroute surface water runoff. Runoff from driveways, parking areas, and hillsides can add significantly to the problem of managing mud in confinement areas. Ditches, grassy swales, dry wells, water diversion bars, and culverts are all useful means for diverting water away from confinement areas and barns. It is considerably easier to build these now than during the next downpour.

9. Review equipment needs for daily chores. Having the right equipment for chores not only makes things more efficient but also ensures that you’ll be more likely to get those chores accomplished when it’s dark and cold. Consider purchasing a manure cart that’s easy to push and to dump into the compost pile, along with a new manure fork if necessary. The heavy-duty plastic-tined type with a bent edge is made specifically for cleaning horse stalls and paddocks. Wooden handles or ones wrapped with tennis grip tape (or even vet wrap) are easier — and warmer — to grip than metal handles.

10. Review lighting needs. In the winter, most feeding time is in the dark — either early morning or evening. Indoor as well as outdoor lighting will help immensely with chore efficiency. When you come home after work, do you have enough light to pick up manure and clean stalls and paddocks? When feeding, can you see the hay well enough to weigh it and be sure it is both green and mold-free? Solar lighting along walkways or drives makes nighttime walkways safer. Prepare now instead of waiting until temperatures are freezing and you’re trying to feed by cell phone flashlight.

11. Consider your emergency equipment needs. Do you have a headlamp flashlight that frees up your hands? Store several in easy-to-locate areas in the house and barn. Keep them charged or be sure to always have extra batteries on hand. How about fuel for generators, outdoor cook stoves or lanterns? Having a car cell phone charger on hand is also extremely important to power cell phones in case of a power outage. A cell phone with a dead battery and no way to recharge it is useless.

12. Set up a water supply that won’t freeze or get too cold during winter weather events. A horse drinks 8 to 12 gallons of water per day. Academic research shows horses prefer warm water, about 45–65 F. Horses drink less when water is icy cold, and studies show they cannot get enough moisture by simply eating snow. Inadequate water consumption can lead to colic, so it is very important to make sure your horses are drinking enough. On very cold days you can either break ice twice daily, consider getting a stock tank heater, or get a heated stall and/or muck bucket.

13. Develop a backup plan for watering your horses if you are concerned you might lose power to your private well. Water can be stored in rain barrels or garbage cans. Emergency officials generally recommend having a 3-day supply of water on hand, which for horses is a minimum of 30 gallons of water each.

14. Feed more hay. If the temperatures really drop, a horse must work harder to maintain its body temperature. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends increasing caloric intake by as much as 15–20% for every 10-degree drop in temperatures below 30 F. Hay (not grain) is the best choice for helping a horse generate body heat. Forages are digested in the large intestine by a process that generates body heat and raises the horse’s core temperature. Grain is digested in the stomach and small intestine, which creates much less heat. It is wise to provide plenty of good-quality hay during cold winter weather; free choice is best if possible.

15. Check your waterproof turnout horse blankets for rips or other necessary mending or washing so they are on hand and ready for use should you need them. Most horses don’t need to be blanketed since nature provides them with their own warm coat, but there may be circumstances when a waterproof turnout blanket would be helpful, such as in the instance of a cold, heavy downpour, or a polar vortex–type freeze, or if a horse should become hypothermic for health reasons.

16. Consider your own winter waterproof clothing needs. This is a fundamental yet often overlooked point. As a horse owner, you are likely to be working with horses in inclement weather for a significant amount of time. Invest in a good, waterproof jacket; calf-high, insulated mud boots; and waterproof, insulated gloves. These items will go a long way toward helping you stay ahead on winter chores and will be particularly beneficial if there’s a winter emergency. You are no good to your horses if you become hypothermic and in need of immediate medical attention.

17. Flood-proof your property. If you live in a flood-prone area or near a creek, river or wetlands, take time to review the high-water locations on your property. If it is difficult to visualize these, get help from your county or your local conservation district. Acquaint yourself with the historic high-water locations recorded for your property. If you live in an extremely flood-prone area (of which there are many), it may be wise to consider building a “critter pad.”

A critter pad is a large mound or small hill built out of dirt and fill material above the floodwater level. It is used to keep animals above a flood. Critter pads usually require special permitting and must be specifically engineered using approved fill material to ensure that they stand up to high traffic, heavy rains and high water volumes, all while remaining above flood levels. In some cases, funding or technical assistance may be available to help with the development of a critter pad. Contact your local conservation district, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) office sooner rather than later for assistance.  

The dead of winter and the early spring are common times for damaging, dangerous storms in North America. Making chore efficiency updates on your horse property and organizing backup supplies now will prove helpful in getting through the most challenging time of the year for horse owners, and it may help you avoid disaster.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my horses.