Ag Future: Innovation in Agri-Food

#236: Combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through optimal gut health strategies | Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard

If left unchecked, the potential global impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could result in a tenfold increase in AMR-associated human deaths by 2050. On this episode of the Ag Future podcast, Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard, director of gut health at Alltech, discusses the primary contributors to AMR — including factors such as antimicrobial misuse in humans and animals, as well as the influence of climate change on animal health. Dr. Taylor-Pickard also explores optimal gut-health strategies that producers can adopt to enhance the resilience of animals to infectious and non-infectious stresses, ultimately reducing their reliance on antibiotics.

#235: FoodChain ID: Nourishing Transparency and Sustainable Growth | Ruud Overbeek

Gain insights into the crucial role of transparency, compliance, and sustainability in the food supply chain — as Ruud Overbeek, senior vice president for corporate development and strategic relationships at FoodChain ID, shares strategies for fostering sustainable growth in the Ag Future podcast.

#234: Reducing disease without increased antimicrobial resistance | Dr. Fiona Walsh

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to the global health of humans, animals and the environment. By 2050, more humans globally will die from issues related to antibiotic resistance than from cancer. Within the same timeframe, there will be an 11% loss in livestock production just from antimicrobial resistance.

Dr. Fiona Walsh, professor of microbiology at Maynooth University and head of the Antimicrobial Resistance One Health Research Centre, joins the Ag Future podcast to discuss ideas on reducing animal disease without increasing antibiotic resistance.

#233: Key dairy industry trends to watch in 2023 | Muzaffar Yunusov

Globally, approximately 970 million tons of milk were produced in 2022, with 55% of it processed for further dairy commodity production. The remaining 45% is considered part of the "informal market," either consumed by households or sold to traders. As milk consumption continues to increase, it is crucial for dairy farmers to understand what they need to remain profitable. Muzaffar Yunusov, the lead of key account management at the IFCN Dairy Research Network, joins the Ag Future podcast to discuss the six current trends that dairy producers should monitor. These trends encompass various aspects, ranging from the economics of dairy farming to the labeling challenges associated with alternatives to cow milk.

#232: Sustainability in the poultry business | Graham Atkinson

Can egg production be both sustainable and profitable? Graham Atkinson, agricultural sustainability manager at Noble Foods, joins the Ag Future podcast to explore this fascinating question. Discover how Noble Foods is leading the way in sustainable practices by reducing food loss, transitioning to cage-free production and enhancing water quality — all while maintaining profitability. Explore the pivotal role of Noble Foods' partnership with Alltech's Planet of Plenty™ program in driving these innovative practices and the transformative power of collaboration.

#231: The qualities of diversity, equity and inclusion as drivers of business innovation | Tanya Torp

Does diversity foster innovation? Tanya Torp, executive director of Step by Step, a nonprofit organization based in Lexington, Kentucky, joined Ag Future to discuss the benefits of diverse teams, the empowerment individuals gain from inclusion, the positive impact of inclusive policies on the bottom line, and the necessity for sustained commitment and clear plans to create lasting change in organizations.

#230: Meeting the demands of sustainability | Erica Lain

Consumers are increasingly demanding proof of sustainability, but many producers are struggling to meet these expectations. Failure to demonstrate efforts could lead to a loss of consumer trust and, ultimately, reduced revenue. Erica Lain, sustainability manager at Iowa Select Farms, joins the Ag Future podcast to share insights on the measures producers need to take to meet the growing demand for sustainability.

#229: Advancements in precision dairy technologies | Dr. Marcia Endres

How is precision dairy farming revolutionizing the dairy industry? Dr. Marcia Endres, professor and the director of graduate studies in the department of animal science at the University of Minnesota, joins Ag Future to discuss the various ways precision dairy farming can help dairy farmers save time and money while improving cow health and welfare.

#228: Exploring the role of enzymes in animal nutrition | Dr. Amy Petry

What insights can we gain about enzymes and their role in animal nutrition? Dr. Amy Petry, assistant professor in the department of animal and food sciences at Texas Tech University, discusses how these enzymes can enhance gut health and fiber fermentability in pigs and improve the energy contribution of fiber in pig diets. Additionally, Dr. Petry shares her experience as a graduate student and provides advice for those interested in pursuing research careers.

#227: Unlocking the secrets of nutrigenetics | Dr. Yael Joffe

In this episode of the Ag Future podcast, we're joined by Dr. Yael Joffe, founder and chief science officer at 3X4 Genetics, to discuss the emerging field of nutrigenetics. Dr. Joffe explains how understanding the relationship between food, genetics and health can be used to personalize diets and lifestyles for optimal health. They also discuss the importance of personalized nutrition and the challenges of building trust in the field of genetics.