AI and agriculture: A look at what’s ahead
AI continues to be arguably the staple of conversation within business circles today – particularly in the often-overlooked agriculture sector. From driving more yield to meeting sustainability targets, to dealing with climate change, agriculture stakeholders are scrambling to embrace the technology to boost their performance. But doing so is easier said than done. We talk with Tom Brennan, partner at McKinsey & Company, about the biggest trends in AI within the agriculture space heading into the second half of 2024, adoption challenges and more.
Strategic use of soybean meal to maximize hog carcass weight during summer
During summer months, pig producers often face a decline in carcass weight due to the adverse impact of heat stress on pigs and the replacement of soybean meal with intake-reducing ingredients. This situation presents a significant financial hurdle for producers, especially as it usually coincides with peak hog prices, thereby missing potential revenue opportunities. The prohibitive cost of fats makes the frequently used high-energy density diets economically unfeasible. Leveraging on extensive research that highlights the critical role of soybean meal in enhancing the growth performance of pigs, we propose a summer nutrition program that uses high levels of soybean meal and excludes feed intake-reducing ingredients. Dr. David Rosero, assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State University, joins us to discuss.
Beef market outlook: What's ahead?
What's ahead for the beef market? Ever.Ag livestock market advisor Trey Freeman joins us with an update.
Heat stress in pair-housed dairy calves
There is a dearth of data on heat stress in dairy calves, but little to none when calves are pair-housed in hutches. Is ventilation the answer? Dr. Al Kertz of Andhil gives us the scoop.
EXCEDE for Swine rapidly reaches therapeutic plasma concentration levels
Micah Jansen, DVM, a Managing Technical Services Veterinarian with Zoetis, joins us to discuss a study conducted to understand how quickly EXCEDE for Swine reaches therapeutic concentrations based on MIC values for S. suis. The results at 15 minutes showed almost all of the pigs reached therapeutic plasma concentration levels greater than the MIC90 of S. suis. At 30 minutes, all six pigs reached plasma concentrations above the MIC90 for S. suis.
Improved drought conditions? What’s the pollination season look like?
Meteorologist Greg Soulje joins us with a weather update. We'll see where the nation's drought conditions currently stand, take a look at this summer conditions for pollination and more.
Real Pork Trust Consortium works to resolve gaps in understanding of pork
The Real Pork Trust Consortium develops and shares information in a credible, relevant way to resolve gaps in understanding and to enhance the reputation of pork and pork production among key decision-makers and consumers. These academics can address misconceptions through research, training and communication to inform strategies to build trust in U.S. pork and pork production. In addition, the Real Pork Scholars focus on networking, mentorship and professional development of graduate students to be future industry leaders.
Joining us to discuss this program is Nick Gabler, Iowa State University and Lindsey Britton, a Real Pork Scholar from North Carolina State University.
The barn of the future looks to innovation and technology
What does the barn of the future look like and what innovations and technology will it hold for the pork industry? Dr. Matt Ritter of United Animal Health joins us to share the details.
What's Q2 hold for the pork industry?
Increased pork consumption and lower production costs in most regions are having a direct impact on hog prices, nudging pork producers to start thinking about rebuilding the global sow herd. While the herd seems to be turning a corner after several months of decline, some regions will be unlikely to rebound, due to herd health challenges and higher regulatory costs, according to the latest RaboResearch report.
Joining us from World Pork Expo to discuss Rabobank’s Global Pork Quarterly report for Q2 2024 is Christine McCracken, Senior Analyst – Animal Protein at Rabobank.
Genetics, vaccine technology play role in livestock sustainability
When it comes to healthy animals, there is no doubt there is a link to healthy humans and a healthy planet. In fact, you may recall that animal health emerged as a clear climate solution back in November during the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28. Joining us today to talk about sustainability in the livestock sector is Shari Westerfeld, Vice President of U.S. Sustainability and Customer Engagement for Zoetis.
Joining us from World Pork Expo in Des Moines are Andy Rash, general manager, and Mark Hulsebus, sales and portfolio director of Alltech’s Pork Business team. We find out what's new within the Allech Pork business and get the scoop on the business seminar that Alltech is hosting here on Thursday at 10 am.
Titled, “Challenging health and productivity: How does the U.S. lead the world in sustainable, profitable pork production?” the seminar will include leaders in the agriculture industry as they discuss the U.S. pork industry’s role in global trade, animal health and sustainability. It is aimed at enhancing economic and environmental outcomes for producers and consumers alike.
Speakers will include:
• Mark Hulsebus (moderator): Sales and Portfolio Director, Alltech
• Dr. Mark Lyons: President and CEO, Alltech
• Dr. Frank Mitloehner: Director, CLEAR Center, UC Davis
• Maria Zieba: VP of Government Affairs, NPPC
• Dr. Gordon Spronk: DVM Chair Emeritus, Pipestone
Connecting pork to specific consumer wants and needs
Consumers are motivated by three things: taste, balance and convenience. For Pork Checkoff, knowing the consumer means connecting pork to what they want and need in the most relevant way to them. Joining us to discuss the new north star for pork and NPB Consumer Connect is Bill Even, CEO and David Newman, senior vice president of Market Growth, both with the National Pork Board
Best practices in nutrition for swine and cattle
What are some best practices to keep in mind when it comes to the nutrition of swine and cattle? Michael Ray of Granite Creek Capital Partners shares his insight.
Producers to be paid grid premiums for AngusLink beef scores
For the first time, cattlemen can earn grid premiums based on the genetic merit of their cattle, stemming from their investment in superior genetics. National Beef Packing Co., LLC (NBP) announces the addition of new premiums on their U.S. Premium Beef, LLC (USPB) grid for qualified cattle based on their AngusLink Genetic Merit Scorecard (GMS). AngusLink value-added programs are administered by the American Angus Association in partnership with IMI Global. Joining us to explain the new grid premiums that take effect in August and December are Mark Gardiner of Gardiner Angus Ranch and Troy Marshall of the American Angus Association.
Optimizations to managing mastitis caused by gram-negative bacteria
Mastitis caused by Gram-negative bacteria can be elusive and cause trouble down the line, leading to aggressive treatment, spread of mastitis pathogens and delayed return to the milking parlor. The University of California, Davis published a study in the Journal of Dairy Science in 2023, that demonstrated how ceftiofur hydrochloride was effective in improving bacteriological and clinical cures, lowering mastitis recurrence, reducing use of supplemental therapy and minimizing mastitis-related culls and deaths. Joining us to tell us more is Dr. Juan Rodrigo Pedraza, Managing Director with Zoetis.
Good, bad, unknown of new sustainable aviation fuel tax guidance
The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax incentives were designed to expand production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and lower-carbon fuels. The U.S. Department of Treasury recently released guidance addressing the tax incentive for SAF if the fuel reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%. CoBank's Jacqui Fatka joins us to walk us through the good, the bad and the unknowns related to the SAF tax guidance.
What's this growing season hold? Are any weather extremes likely?
With seed in the ground and crops starting to pop up, what does the growing season ahead hold. Meteorologist Greg Soulje fills us in.
Building a bigger appetite for pork
The Pork Checkoff continues to work to build demand for pork both domestically and internationally. The goal is that of building partnerships, meeting consumer demand and growing the appetite for US pork. Dr. David Newman of the National Pork Board joins us with an update.
Innovafeed expands to US; opens insect innovatio center
Innovafeed, a global leader in the production of insect ingredients for high-quality animal feed, pet food and plant nutrition, inaugurated its North American Insect Innovation Center (NAIIC) in Decatur, Illinois last month. This pilot plant is the first step of the rising French agtech’s industrial expansion to North America and aims to scale up production and commercialization of insect protein in the US. Maye Walraven, US General Manager for Innovafeed, and Jorge Martinez of ADM join us to share the details.
Summer ventilation of calf hutches
Providing an external fan source had limited effect in calf hutches versus different size openings in the back of the hutches, but this would be dependent on the type and specifications of hutches. Dr. Al Kertz explains why it is encouraging that studies are being done on ventilation to increase comfort and performance of calves, just as has been done for lactating cows.
