Alltech to award fully funded positions to contest winners

The prize package has been sweetened for winners of the annual Alltech Young Scientist program. Beginning in 2016, the world’s largest university-level competition in agriscience will not only publicly honor the overall champions for their scientific discoveries with trophies and cash awards, but will offer fully funded Ph.D. and post-doctorate positions to the global undergraduate and graduate winners.
“The Alltech Young Scientist program has uncovered some of the best and brightest emerging research talent in agriscience, and Alltech wants these leaders to join our team,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech.
The Alltech Young Scientist program, now in its 11th year, received more than 8,800 student registrations for the 2015 term.
Registration is open for the 2016 competition and will close on October 31, 2015. Students must be nominated by a professor in order to participate and may submit scientific papers on topics such as animal health and nutrition, crop science, agriculture analytical methods, food chain safety and traceability, human health and nutrition and other agriscience-related sectors. Paper submission may be completed online until Dec. 31, 2015.
 Each student’s paper will first compete within their home region of North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific or Europe/Africa. The finalists from all four regions will be invited to attend an all-expense-paid Alltech Young Scientist Discovery Week in Lexington, Kentucky, where they will compete in the global competition. Each finalist will present his or her paper to a panel of international judges and a live audience during ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, May 22-25, 2016.

Apply for Alltech’s Career Development Program

The world could be at the fingertips of students from around the world through the fourth annual Alltech Corporate Career Development Program. Now accepting online applications from Aug. 17 to Sept. 30, Alltech invites recent graduates of bachelor’s or master’s degree programs to apply for the program, which will begin in February for the 2016 group.
Exciting opportunities are available for 10 high-caliber university graduates hoping to work with experts in the fields of science, aquaculture, agriculture, marketing, sales, veterinary science, information technology, business and biotechnology. Alltech aims to develop future leaders in the agricultural industry and values long-term talent development through the Alltech Corporate Career Development Program, which started in 2012. The animal health and nutrition company has a presence in 128 countries globally and is set to grow into a $4 billion business within the next several years.
“This is a life-changing opportunity for recent graduates to interact with colleagues from other countries, develop both their technical and interpersonal skills, and share their fresh ideas,” said Dr. Aoife Lyons, director of educational initiatives for Alltech. “Previous Career Development Program members have worked in variety of areas, including internal auditing for Latin America, coordinating Alltech educational initiative efforts and developing the crop science market in Germany. We strive to match successful applicants’ interests with Alltech’s global needs.”
The 12-month, salaried mentorship program will begin with an intensive training period at Alltech’s global headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA, where graduates will study topics including sustainable energy, communications, marketing and international business. After this, they will continue training and development while simultaneously managing key company projects in one of the company’s global offices, guided and mentored by senior management.
Cody Hutchins of the United States was accepted into the program last year and is now working in Beijing, China, on multiple projects. One of these is a new partnership with five leading companies to create a sustainable pork farm. He is also assisting with a business strategy for the aquaculture and algae markets in China.
“My experience in Alltech has been amazing, and I am continually impressed with the passionate culture that makes the company thrive,” Hutchins said. “Alltech does a great job of empowering individuals to act quickly on opportunities, and the result is a fast-paced, fun and exciting environment. If you want to join in solving some of the world’s most challenging issues, while traveling and learning by experience, definitely apply for this program.”
 Interested graduates are invited to apply during the application window of Aug. 17-Sept. 30 via the Alltech Career Development Program website. Applicants should be strong team players, with excellent communication skills and fluent in English, with another language as an added advantage.

Alltech acquires Ridley Inc.

Alltech will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Ridley Inc. for CAD$40.75 (US$33.57) per share. The total consideration payable to Ridley shareholders is approximately CAD$521 million (US$429.2 million).
The price of CAD$40.75 per share represents a premium of approximately 23 percent to the 20-day volume weighted average price of Ridley’s common shares on the TSX as of April 22, 2015. The closing price of the Ridley shares on the TSX on April 22, 2015, was CAD $33.94. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the merger.
“This transformative transaction that combines two industry leaders allows Alltech to deliver better performance and value to livestock and poultry producers across the globe,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech. “With Ridley’s leading animal nutrition supplements, block products, extensive livestock and poultry producer distribution network and on-farm presence, we will be able to bring our advanced nutrition technology to market faster and more effectively. This combination creates a new model to deliver superior animal nutrition and tailored feeding programs supported by robust scientific research and data analytics. This deal underscores our continued momentum in growing our business through strategic acquisitions of best-in-class companies with trusted technology and brand recognition.”
“Joining Ridley with Alltech is about bringing the best nutrition solutions to meat, milk and egg producers around the world,” said Steven J. VanRoekel, president and CEO of Ridley. “Alltech is the technological leader with a broad global footprint so by uniting forces we will create a scalable platform to grow and market solutions to enhance the profitability of producers. We are also joining a financially strong company that is committed to investing in science and innovation so that we can deliver the most advanced animal nutrition solutions.”
Ridley is one of the largest commercial animal nutrition businesses in North America. Ridley manufactures and markets a full range of animal nutrition solutions, including formulated complete feeds, premixes, feed supplements, block supplements, animal health products and feed ingredients. Ridley’s customers include livestock producers as well as equine and pet breeders. Ridley’s products are sold to producers by direct sales or through distributor and dealer channels.
Both companies are industry leaders committed to investing in sustainable nutrition solutions and advanced feeding programs that optimize physical and financial performance on farms, leading to increased efficiency and value. Alltech spends approximately 10 percent of its gross revenue on research and development, more than any other company in the industry. Ridley has a strong technical team with more than 40 advanced degree staff who have produced some of the industry’s best-selling and most widely recognized blocks and nutrition supplements and will now be working side by side with Alltech’s team of approximately 150 Ph.D.s. This deal will further enhance Alltech’s primacy in science and allow it to deliver this to a broader range of livestock and poultry producers in the US and bring more advanced animal nutrition solutions to countries across the globe.
Improved animal nutrition is a pressing need for the productivity of the world’s livestock and food chain. Feed costs comprise the majority of livestock production costs. By improving nutrition, livestock and poultry producers are able to realize a significant increase in efficiencies and return on investment. Alltech’s continued commitment to tailoring nutrition and health programs with a focus on natural, antibiotic-free ingredients allows livestock and poultry producers to raise healthier animals through a process that is better for animals, consumers and the environment.
The combined company will have a presence in more than 128 countries and 4,200 employees worldwide. Alltech has more than doubled its sales in the past three years and is on target to achieve US$4 billion in sales in the next few years.
The transaction is subject to approval by Ridley shareholders, regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter.
 Alltech has established a track record of successful acquisitions, having completed seven since 2011. 

Colin Powell to open Alltech’s REBELation Week

Colin Powell will share his insights on leadership with the international attendees at the official opening session of Alltech’s REBELation Week in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, on May 18, 2015.

A four-star general who served four U.S. presidents in various roles, including national security adviser, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the United States’ 65th secretary of state, Powell is a strategist, diplomat and leader.
“General Powell has been on the ground in some of the most unstable corners of our international community, and he has worked there to build trust and develop alliances that have laid the foundation for transformation. A man with the ‘force multiplier of perpetual optimism,’ a man who sees potential, possibility and opportunity rather than crisis, I can’t imagine anyone more ideal for the opening of our REBELation Week, which is dedicated to inspiration, innovation and world-changing ideas,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech.
The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell grew up in South Bronx, New York, earned a bachelor’s degree in geology and then dedicated 35 years of service to the U.S. Army. After serving as President Ronald Reagan’s national security adviser, Powell became the youngest officer, first Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) graduate and first African-American to be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. Under President George W. Bush, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to hold the position of secretary of state.
The highly respected general has been the recipient of numerous U.S. military awards and decorations, as well as civil awards, including two Presidential Medals of Freedom. He has also been recognized with awards, including a French Legion of Honor and an honorary knighthood (Great Britain), from more than 24 countries.
Several boards and organizations continue to benefit from his leadership, including the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York; America’s Promise Alliance for children; Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a venture capital firm; Bloom Energy, an alternative energy company utilizing fuel cell technology; Salesforce.com, the world’s largest provider of Cloud-based customer relationship management software; the Council on Foreign Relations; the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; and the Smithsonian Institute’s African American Museum of History and Culture.
He is the author of two best-selling books. “My American Journey” has been published in more than a dozen languages, and “It Worked for Me” was an instant New York Times best-seller. He and his wife, Alma Vivian Johnson, have three children and four grandchildren.
Registration for Alltech’s REBELation Week is open now for a discounted rate until March 7 at 11:59 p.m. EST. One-day access passes are available, as are special partner rates. Delegates who are members of ARPAS and AAVSB can also earn CEUs. All REBELation Week activities are open to the public, although advanced registration is required.

Registration open for Alltech Young Scientist program

Alltech has officially opened 2015-16 registration for the largest global university-level competition that rewards scientific innovation and experimental research in agri-science.

This year marks one decade for the Alltech Young Scientist program, which saw more than 8,800 students register for the 2014-15 term.
“In the last 10 years, we have seen students from across the globe exploring topics such as Salmonella detection in meat and poultry to CO2-enriched wheat grain protein,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “These bright young minds are revolutionizing the way our industry approaches challenges, and Alltech is proud to promote these young leaders in their scientific pursuits.”
Regional winners will receive cash prizes and eight finalists will be invited to compete for top honors during Alltech’s annual international innovation conference in May 2016 in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. The graduate grand prize is $10,000 and the undergraduate grand prize is $5,000.
Students may submit scientific papers on topics such as animal science, crop science, food science, environmental science, food production economics, and aquaculture. Papers will be judged by a panel of industry professionals. Registration and paper submission is available online until Dec. 31, 2015.
In addition to direct student registration, the program now offers research organizations and university departments the opportunity to become Alltech Young Scientist affiliate partners. As an affiliate partner, the local competition winners are fast-tracked to the Alltech Young Scientist regional competitions and receive a range of academic and career-orientated benefits.

Alltech builds algae plant, expands Latin America production

Alltech is constructing a Latin America algae production plant on the same premises as Alltech Sao Pedro. This US$63 million investment in Brazil will generate more than 200 direct and indirect jobs, and it will increase Alltech’s Latin America production by 58%, according to the company.

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“The company’s experience with its first algae manufacturing plant in Kentucky has been a great success, and this is the reason for making the investment in Brazil,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech’s vice president for corporate affairs. “People are looking for something different, and algae are critical for conquering new markets. The future of nutrition lies in functional foods, and we are determined to meet the increasing global demand for DHA omega-3 on the farm and at the market.”
Alltech has also announced the expansion of its production capacity through the acquisition of a new 7,300m² plant in Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. In the new facility, the company will specially manufacture nutritional solutions for beef and dairy cattle, in response to the increasing regional demand and to support the production capacity of the nine plants that Alltech currently has throughout Latin America, particularly Alltech’s plant in Araucaria, Brazil. At this latter facility, the company has recently doubled the production of one of its leading products, Optigen^{, Alltech’s non-protein nitrogen source for ruminants.}
With this new acquisition, the company is planning to close 2014 with a sales growth of around 27% in Latin America.

Alltech to present webinar on mycotoxins in 2013 stored grain crops

Alltech's mycotoxin management team is offering a webinar update on the latest mycotoxins being detected in North America's 2013 stored crop.

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Dr. Max Hawkins will lead the June 20, 2014, webinar and will discuss the impact toxins can have on animal health and performance as well as tips for producers to minimize the risks to their animals and their profits. The webinar will take place at 11 a.m. EST. Spots can be reserved here.

Alltech celebrates presence in China, looks to future

Alltech recently held its China 20 Year Celebratory Summit in Beijing to celebrate the global animal nutrition company's 20 years of successful presence in the Far East and to explore where the Chinese feed and food industries are heading.

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"China must be able to feed itself," said Alltech Founder and President Dr. Pearse Lyons, while addressing more than 700 attendees at the summit.
China is experiencing a growing demand for dairy products and its ever conscious consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety. According to Alltech North China General Manager, Gordon Gao, who addressed the dairy session of the Alltech China 20 Year Celebratory Summit, China urgently needs to increase milk production efficiency, maintain profitability and focus on food safety.
"Chinese dairy farmers need to find sustainable ways to maintain profitability by lowering costs and increasing the level of production and Alltech can provide solutions for these issues that Chinese dairy farmers face," Gao said.
Adaptation
Chinese companies have the capability to quickly adapt technologies and learn from other markets. In 2013, China contributed 30 percent of the total 267 million tons of global swine feed produced. China is set to remain the largest pork meat producer and consumer in the world and the Chinese perspective on pig production has global implications.
Lyons spoke about the very recent Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) cases in the U.S. and Canada. After another recent outbreak of the virus, many industry members are now reassessing their feed ingredient sources and tightening the reins on the traceability of their overall management and nutrition programs.
"While it is unrealistic to believe that a simple nutritional change will result in the elimination of the virus from a herd of pigs," Lyons said. "Alltech's distinct set of technologies can help in maintaining healthy pig populations, which is the first step in dealing with a herd crisis."
Alternative raw material sources
It will also soon be critical that Chinese companies use alternative raw material sources. Lyons predicts that systems such as solid state fermentation (SSF) will soon allow the production of customized enzyme cocktails for improving digestion, animal performance and health. Algae has already began to play an increasing role in animal production as a source of sustainable vegetable protein or oils (DHA).
As part of Alltech's China Now strategy Dr. Mark Lyons, vice president corporate affairs commented that "Alltech has committed to investing $2.5 million by 2016 in research alliance programs with leading Chinese universities and our partnership with Ocean University of China in Qingdao will contribute to a sustainable future for the Chinese aquaculture industry."