Ag Future: Innovation in Agri-Food

#044: Sustaining hope in Haiti - Dr. Jorge Arias and Avelyne Saint Hilaire

On Jan. 12, 2010, an earthquake devastated the small country of Haiti. Alltech arrived in the aftermath and recognized that the ravaged nation needed more than immediate disaster relief. Eight years later, The Alltech Sustainable Haiti Project continues its mission of providing sustainable economic growth, jobs, agricultural resources and education. Dr. Jorge Arias and Avelyne Saint Hilaire provide an update on the efforts and share how the project is changing the lives of children and their families. Tags: podcast, education, Hope for Haiti, Alltech

#043: Programmed Nutrition: Beefing up cattle - Boland & Holder

Can the beef industry keep up with the demands of the rising population? Have beef cattle reached their maximum weight? From the world of epigenetics and nutrigenomics comes the concept of programmed nutrition. Is this the tool that will allow producers to reach a new levels of efficiency? Dr. Vaughn Holder and Professor Maurice Boland discuss the future of specialized nutrition and what it means for animals, humans and the planet.

#042: Interesting trends and developments in the world of crop science - Dr. Steven Borst

A conversation with Dr. Steven Borst, general manager of Alltech’s Crop Science division. The topics range from the lingering effects of the devastating weather events of 2017 to the rise of biostimulants and natural alternatives to chemical crop management technologies.

#041: Chickens by design -Dr. Karina Horgan

Gene-editing technology may be one of the most significant advancements of this age. In this podcast, Dr. Horgan discusses the far-reaching impact of CRISPR, particularly on the poultry industry, and explains the implications for producers and consumers.

#040: Counting your chickens before they hatch – Dr. Peter Ferket

Advancements in the poultry industry have allowed us to produce bigger chickens, but this solution for increased consumer demand poses another challenge: providing the nutritional requirement of rapidly-growing birds. Dr. Peter Ferket, professor of nutrition and biotechnology in the department of poultry science at North Carolina State University, says we can readily meet those nutritional needs, improve the welfare of animals, increase performance and improve meat quality. We can even set the stage for adaptability and immunity before the birds hatch. How? Through the use of genetic and nutritional technologies.

#039: The biologist's toolbox - Dr. Karl Dawson

What if we could use DNA to eradicate a mosquito population and stop the spread of Zika virus? What if instead of dehorning calves, they were born hornless? Through gene modification tools such as CRISPR, ideas like these can be reality. Dr. Karl Dawson, vice president and chief scientific officer at Alltech, explores the possibilities for gene-editing technology and the implications for agriculture.

#038: Disrupting the medical hierarchy - Dr. Jud Chalkley

The future of healthcare is the subject of an ongoing debate, particularly in the United States. As a practicing physician, Dr. Jud Chalkley is on the frontlines of patient care and administrative challenges. In this podcast, he addresses the issues without political bias and provides his own observations of alternative healthcare models that provide affordable, dignified care.

#037: Farming the future — A panel discussion

What does the future hold for farming and the entire food supply chain? According to a panel of agribusiness experts, everything from automated farm implements and unprecedented data, to consumers’ ability to trace food to its source and create supply chain reversal. One thing on which they all agree: The future is already here.

#036: Little box store with big ideas - Randy Lamontagne

Cowtown began with an idea to offer western wear at a feed mill and evolved into a retail chain that continues to grow. General Manager Randy Lamontagne shares his strategies for competing with big-box stores and what he says is the key to customer loyalty. Tags: podcast

#035: The Lost Art of Eating - Brian Lawless

Busy schedules, technology and a culture of convenience have made family dinners a rarity. But is the time saved worth the time lost? Brian Lawless discusses why the kitchen table still matters.