California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Real California Milk Kicks Off 6th Annual Search For Pizza Innovation

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced the launch of the 2024 Real California Pizza Contest, the sixth annual search for the best pizza recipes using Real California cheese and dairy. The contest, which is open to professional chefs and culinary students throughout the U.S., will award prize money totaling $28,500 for the most innovative uses of cow’s milk cheeses from California. The entry submission period runs from March 18, 2024, through May 17, 2024.

    This year’s contest simplifies submissions into two new categories: Protein and Produce. Protein pizza recipes will highlight meat toppings in combination with Real California Mozzarella and other Real California cheeses. Produce pizza recipes will emphasize the delicious flavors of vegetables and fruits paired with Real California Mozzarella and other Real California cheeses.

    “Each year we bring the best of the best in pizza together to showcase how California cheeses and dairy ingredients – paired with protein, produce or both – are essential tools for pizza flavor and innovation,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “We look forward to reviewing the submissions that celebrate California’s leading foodservice cheese, Mozzarella, and our many cheese varieties.”

    All entries will be evaluated with the top four recipes in each category selected as finalists. The eight finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to compete head-to-head at a bake-off event on August 7, 2024, at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, Calif.

    During the bake-off event, following the main competition, the eight chefs will compete in a separate Three-Cheese pizza bake-off, where they will be randomly paired and charged with crafting a signature three-cheese pizza selected from the wide array of cheeses made with Real California Milk.

    The winners of the Protein and Produce categories will each receive $7,500, and the pair of winning chefs in the Three-Cheese pizza bake-off will split $7,500. All other finalists will receive $750 each.

    Both competitions will be judged by an esteemed panel of award-winning pizza chefs, including 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani, renowned Italian and pizza chef Glen Cybulski, and 2023 Real California Pizza Contest grand prize winner Bill Crawford of Righteous Slice in Idaho.

    Professional chefs and culinary students can review the contest details, official rules, and submit entries at pizzacontest.realcaliforniamilk.com. This year’s entry form includes pizza name, photograph, and a brief description detailing the recipe concept and use of Real California dairy.

    Chefs can choose from more than 250 varieties and styles of cheeses that feature the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with sustainably sourced milk from California’s more than 1,100 family dairy farms.

    About Real California Milk/the California Milk Advisory Board
    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs.

    The Foodservice Division of the CMAB supports foodservice operators and distributors that use Real California dairy products. The CMAB offers marketing and promotional support for foodservice operators that purchase dairy products with the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with 100 percent milk from California’s more than 1,100 family dairy farms, using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the nation.

  • National Sorghum Producers 2024 Yield Contest Open for Entry

    National Sorghum Producers will now accept entries for the 2024 National Sorghum Yield Contest. State and national winners are selected from contestants split into East and West regions for the Irrigated, Dryland No-Till and Dryland Tillage divisions, and one overall winner is selected for Food Grade.

    The entry deadline for the 2024 National Sorghum Yield Contest is November 26, 2024. A complete field of 10 or more continuous acres, planted in the sorghum seed variety named on the entry form, will be designated as the contest field. NSP reminds growers, contestants are no longer required to wait 10 days after entering the contest to harvest. Contestants must harvest and report at least 1.5 continuous acres. Harvest reports will be made available to entered contestants beginning May 1, 2024, and all completed forms must be received at the NSP office no later than December 3, 2024.

    “With improvements to the contest and the continuous evolution of sorghum seed genetics, I’m confident we’re setting the stage for unprecedented achievements in sorghum production,” NSP CEO Tim Lust said. “I encourage growers to join us in this journey toward sustainable excellence and look forward to celebrating the yield accomplishments in the forthcoming growing season.”

    The goal of the National Sorghum Yield Contest is to increase grower yields, transfer knowledge between growers to enhance management and identify sorghum producers who excel in each state and throughout the country. In order to enter, contestants must pay or be an existing member of NSP. More than one member of a family may enroll, but each member must have a separate membership. All entries will be reviewed and divisions will be placed off of yield only. National and state winners will be recognized at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado.

    To find the entry form, 2024 yield contest rules and more information, interested growers can visit SorghumGrowers.com/yieldcontest or contact NSP directly at 806-749-3478 or yieldcontest@sorghumgrowers.com.

    NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative representation, regulatory representation and education. To learn more about NSP, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com.

  • Trade and Exports Continue to Strengthen American Agriculture

    American agriculture remains strong. Total U.S. agricultural exports reached $174.9 billion in 2023. American farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners continue to have success abroad as USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service works for U.S. agriculture.

    Exports are critical to the health of America’s farm sector and the nation’s economy. USDA and the Biden Administration are committed to ensuring that U.S. agriculture has full and fair access to markets and opportunities across the globe.

    In the trade policy arena, USDA successfully opened a new grapefruit market in Vietnam, increased ethanol exports to Japan, and secured the removal of retaliatory tariffs on chickpeas, lentils, almonds, walnuts, and apples in India. These and other trade wins in 2023 helped U.S. agricultural producers and exporters gain access to potential markets worth nearly $6.4 billion.

    USDA advocated for the interests of U.S. producers in international fora. The U.S. Codex Office’s efforts at the Codex Alimentarius Commission resulted in hundreds of new maximum residue limits for pesticides, ensuring that U.S. growers continue to have access to safe and effective pest control tools. Throughout 2023, our actions set the table for the market development and export promotion activities that directly benefit American farmers and their communities.

    FAS hosted five trade missions in 2023 connected U.S. producers and exporters with buyers in Central and South America, Europe, and East and Southeast Asia. The missions facilitated more than 1,600 business-to-business meetings that resulted in nearly $70 million in 12-month projected sales. FAS organized U.S. food pavilions and exhibits at 25 international trade shows in 15 countries, enabling 820 U.S. companies and organizations to showcase their products to global buyers, resulting in $1.5 billion in projected 12-month sales.

    In October 2023, USDA launched the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), a new market development effort which emphasizes underinvested markets. The $1.2 billion initiative enables exporters to diversify into new markets and increase market share in growth markets. RAPP targets opportunities in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia where there is a growing middle class and demand for greater variety of high-quality food products.

    FAS continued to address global food insecurity in 2023. Through its Food for Progress and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition feeding programs, FAS invested a combined $442 million to combat food insecurity in 47 countries.

    While 2023 was another fantastic year for U.S. food and agricultural trade, we are not resting on our laurels. We’re setting our goals even higher as we look to diversify our markets and bring more U.S. products to all parts of the world in 2024. — By Alexis M. Taylor, U.S. Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

  • SEEAG Seeks Sponsors and Participants for 2024 Farm Day Events

    Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), the nonprofit that organizes Santa Barbara County Farm Day and Ventura County Farm Day, is looking for farmers, agricultural-related businesses, and others to become event sponsors and participants. The 2024 Santa Barbara County Farm Day will be on August 24, while Ventura County Farm Day will be on November 2.

    “Farm Day has grown to become the largest community agricultural education and outreach program in California,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “Over 15,000 people visit our agricultural venues during our two Farm Days.”

    Each year on Farm Day, sponsoring farms and ag-related businesses open their doors to the public. They offer tours, tastings, and produce and product giveaways. Other sponsors have booths at the Farm Day Hub and are included in Farm Day marketing campaigns.

    “Farm Day visitors come away from the tours with a deeper appreciation and understanding of agriculture’s importance as they learn about what goes into planting, growing, and harvesting our food. By sponsoring and participating in Farm Day, you’re demonstrating your commitment to connecting the public with the agricultural community,” says Maranville.

    Current Farm Day sponsors include Driscoll’s, Gene Haas Foundation, County of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Foundation, Edwin and Jeanne Woods Family Foundation, AgWest Farm Credit, California Giant Berry Farms, Church Brothers Farms, Mission Produce, The Land Trust of Santa Barbara, Al Lowe Construction, Duda Farms, Engle & Gray, Innovative Produce, Santa Maria Berry Farms and Scott Family Foundation.

    For Farm Day participation and sponsorship details, visit www.SantaBarbaraCountyFarmDay.com and www.VenturaCountyFarmDay.com or contact Liz Shura at 805-892-8155, liz@seeag.org.

    About SEEAG

    Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging

    the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and

    the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this and other SEEAG programs, over 100,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey. Each year, it hosts Santa Barbara Farm Day and Ventura County Farm Day where the public can visit local farms and other agriculture-related entities. For more information, visit www.seeag.org or email Mary Maranville at mary@seeag.org.

  • Understanding Cattle Grazing Personalities May Foster Sustainable Rangelands

    Not all cattle are the same when it comes to grazing. Some like to wander while others prefer to stay close to water and rest areas.

    Recognizing those personality differences could help ranchers select herds that best meet grazing needs on rangelands, leading to better animal health and environmental conditions, according to a new paper from the University of California, Davis, published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

    “Cattle can actually be beneficial for the rangelands,” said lead author Maggie Creamer, who recently earned her Ph.D. in animal behavior at UC Davis. “Vegetation in rangelands actually need these kinds of disturbances like grazing.”

    Ranchers can add elements to the rangeland such as water, mineral supplements and fencing to influence where cattle graze, but little research has been done on how those efforts affect individual cows. Considering personalities could save money.

    “If you’re spending all this money to add a management tool in order to change the distribution of your animals, that’s a huge cost to ranchers,” said Creamer. “Thinking about other tools, or selecting certain animals with these grazing traits, might be a better way to optimize the distribution on rangeland rather than spending a bunch of money for something that may ultimately not pan out for all your animals.”

    Effects of grazing

    Livestock graze on an estimated 56 million acres in California, and healthy rangelands host native vegetation and animals, foster nutrient cycling and support carbon sequestration.

    Uneven grazing can degrade water quality, soil health and habitats. Optimizing grazing — including the even spread of cow pies — can improve the ecosystem while also reducing fuel loads for wildfires.

    To better understand individual grazing patterns, researchers went to the UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center in Browns Valley and tracked 50 pregnant Angus and Hereford beef cows fitted with GPS collars.

    The research

    The cattle, which were tracked from June to August over two years, had access to 625 acres of grasslands and treed areas ranging in elevation from 600 to 2,028 feet. In the second year, a new watering site was added at a higher elevation.

    Across the two years, the cows showed consistent and distinct grazing patterns even when water sources changed. Age and stage of pregnancy did not affect patterns, though cattle tended to clump near water and rest sites on hotter days.

    The cows that ventured into higher elevations and farther from watering sites had more variability in their grazing patterns than those that stayed at lower elevations near water. That suggests it may be harder for non-wanderers to adjust to some landscapes.

    “Thinking about the topography of your rangeland and your herd of cows can benefit both the animals and the sustainability of the land,” said Creamer, who next month begins work as a postdoctoral scholar in North Carolina.

    Gauging personalities

    Keying in on personality type may sound difficult, but the researchers also found some clues as to how to pinpoint the wanderers and homebodies. Unlike cattle at feedlots, the breeding cow population, especially on rangelands in California and other western states, live largely “wild” lives and are rarely handled, save for vaccinations and weaning.

    Research due to be published later this year found that paying attention to individual cow reactions during those events can help determine personalities. The cows that appeared more passive during those handling interactions tended to be nomadic.

    “We found that you can maybe predict those hill climbers if you kind of look at how they act when the veterinarian or rancher handle them,” said senior author Kristina Horback, an associate professor in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis.

    Informing practices

    For ranchers, the findings could be invaluable, said Dan Macon, a livestock and natural resources Cooperative Extension advisor in Placer and Nevada counties for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    “Any time we can improve our understanding of cattle behavior, particularly at the individual level, it can improve how we handle livestock and manage the landscape,” he said.

    Macon said that during the recent drought, it was hard to get cattle into higher country, but if ranchers could have selected the nomads, it may have saved money in terms of ranch labor and other efforts.

    “If you ask a rancher who has been attentive to their cattle over many years, they know the personalities,” Macon said.

    For Creamer and Horback, the research opens new doors into understanding herd behavior and dynamics, one that could be a cheaper alternative to high-tech solutions.

    “Animal science tends to look overlook the mind of the animal when searching for solutions to challenges,” Horback said. “It’s always been a direct line to genetics for immunity or nutrition, but nothing about the mind of the animal. And that’s such a loss. There’s so much we can learn from behavior in the end.”

    The Russell L. Rustici Rangeland and Cattle Research Endowment supported the research. — By Emily C. Dooley, UC Davis 

    Read the paper

  • April USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for April 2024, which are effective April 1, 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

    “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices and our cooperators to capitalize fully on the existing flexibilities in these important programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for April 2024 are as follows:

    FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.

    To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.

    Commodity and Storage Facility Loans      Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

      • Three-year loan terms: 4.375%
      • Five-year loan terms: 4.250%
      • Seven-year loan terms: 4.250%
      • Ten-year loan terms: 4.250%
      • Twelve-year loan terms: 4.250%

    Farm Loan Program Process Improvement   FSA has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate the Farm Loan Program customer-facing business process. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a direct loan application annually, FSA has made various improvements, including:

    • The Online Loan Application, an interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features, including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents, such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan.
    • The Loan Assistance Tool that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the direct loan products that may be a fit for their business needs and to understanding the application process.
    • An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local Service Center to pay a loan installment.
    • A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages.

    More Information   Since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed by President Biden in August 2022, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has provided approximately $2.1 billion in immediate assistance to more than 39,000 distressed borrowers. The deadline to request assistance through the Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Borrowers and Discrimination Financial Assistance Program has passed. Any applications submitted before the program deadlines are currently under review. Visit the related program webpages for more information.

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

  • Meat Foundation Scholarship Applications Now Open

    The Meat Foundation is now accepting undergraduate and graduate scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024.

    The Meat Foundation will be awarding one $10,000 Barry Carpenter Scholarship, along with several $5,000 scholarships. These scholarships are merit-based and open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at an accredited university who are majoring in animal, meat, poultry, or food sciences; enrolled in a culinary arts program; or are interested in pursuing a career in the meat industry.

    “The Meat Foundation looks forward to honoring the academic excellence and leadership of students pursuing a career in animal agriculture,” said Al Almanza, Chairman of the Meat Foundation. “We’re excited to invest in students who will strive to use innovative and creative strategies to promote continuous improvement in the industry.”

    Applications require department support, and a transcript must be uploaded at the time of application.  Please review the undergraduate and graduate eligibility and rules before beginning the application form. Additional details are available on the Scholarship website.

    The Meat Foundation’s scholarship program is supported by Meat Institute members and industry allies. Donations, which are tax deductible, should be sent to NAMI Scholarship Foundation, 1150 Connecticut Ave., NW 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036.  Questions regarding the Meat Foundation scholarship program should be directed to KatieRose McCullough, Ph.D., MPH at kmccullough@meatinstitute.org.

    About the Meat Foundation

    The Meat Foundation is a non-profit research, education and information foundation established to identify strategies that enable the meat and poultry industry to produce better, safer products and to operate more efficiently. The Foundation engages leaders from industry, academia and government to advance scientific understanding related to food safety, nutrition, the environment, animal welfare and worker safety, among other issues. The Foundation does not engage in policymaking, but provides scientific evidence and context to governmental agencies as needed. The Foundation also provides resources to consumers to empower them with information to select and prepare safe and nutritious meat and poultry products for their families.

  • Alltech Global Feed Production Survey Data and Influential Trends in Ag

    Global animal feed production remained steady in 2023 at 1.29 billion metric tons (BMT), a slight decrease of 2.6 million metric tons (MMT) — or 0.2% — from 2022’s estimates, according to the  2024 Agri-Food Outlook, released by Alltech. The annual survey, now in its 13th 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%), Russia (35.46 MMT, +3.83%), Spain (27.53 MMT, -11.88%), 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 (385.04 MMT, +13.10 MMT, +3.5%) and remained steady with a slight increase for layers (170.88 MMT, +0.01 MMT, 0%).
      • Broiler feed now accounts for 29.9% of the total feed tonnage in the world thanks to a 3.5% 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 1.23% (320.80 MMT, -4.01 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 2.3% (126.23 MMT, -2.28%), 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 4.36% (117.49 MMT, -5.35 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 4.4% (52.09 MMT, -2.42 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 0.74% (34.96 MMT, +0.26 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 North American markets were the primary drivers of this growth, with the pet food sector in North America surpassing Europe’s this year.
                  • Europe was the only market experiencing a decline in pet food production in 2023. Supply-chain disruptions and inflationary pressures were the key factors contributing to this decrease.
                • The equine feed industry experienced a decrease of 3.9% (7.98 MMT, -0.32 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%.

                 

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

                About Alltech:

                Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. A global leader in the agriculture industry. The Alltech team produces specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Alltech serves customers in more than 120 countries, has five bioscience centers, and operates more than 80 manufacturing facilities across the globe. For more information, visit alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

  • RNAi Technology: Another Biological Tool in the IPM Arsenal

    As the food production faces the persistent threat of endemic and invasive pests, researchers continue to develop new technologies and strategies for protecting crops from these threats.  One such new technology is RNA interference (RNAi) with targeted mechanisms towards specific pests.  RNAi can be used as a trait in a crop or as a sprayable product against the target pest.  Before delving further into this here are a few basic details of this biological process that will help understand the RNAi mechanism.

    Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the chromosomes of most living organisms contains genetic code for making proteins that are essential for various biological processes.  Ribonucleic acid (RNA) carries the genetic code from DNA to the protein-making factories within the cell known as ribosomes.  DNA has two strands of nucleotides (sets of deoxyribose sugar with nitrogenous bases connected by a phosphate group) whereas RNA has only one strand of nucleotides.  RNA also differs from DNA in having ribose sugar, instead of deoxyribose, and a different kind of nitrogenous base.  The purpose of RNA is to transfer the genetic code from DNA as amino acids are made in ribosomes.  A chain of amino acids makes a specific protein.  Examples of proteins in insects include juvenile hormone responsible for development and reproductive maturation, ecdysone responsible for molting and metamorphosis, digestive enzymes like amylases, glycosidases, lipases, and proteases, and esterases that are important in metabolizing various compounds that regulate behavior, development, insecticidal resistance, and other processes.

    RNAi involves silencing the expression of a specific gene by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) pieces (either small interfering RNA or microRNA each containing about 21-23 nucleotide pairs) attaching to messenger RNA (mRNA) carrying the code from DNA and thus interfering with the production of a specific protein.  RNAi is also known as post-transcriptional gene silencing because the silencing is done after the DNA code is transcribed to mRNA.  RNAi is a natural phenomenon that helps organisms to defend against infections or regulate gene expression.  For example, when there is a viral infection, cells activate RNAi to destroy virus particles.  RNAi-based therapies are currently used in the medical field to treat cancer and neurological issues and to regulate oxalic acid in urine or the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in blood.

    RNAi can be used in agriculture for improving yield or quality, imparting abiotic stress tolerance or pest resistance, and incorporating other desirable traits or as biopesticides in crop protection (Bharathi et al., 2023; Chaudhary et al., 2024).  Many research studies have been exploring the RNAi potential in agriculture for decades (Fletcher et al., 2020).  Modifying plant height in apple (Zhao et al., 2016), rice (Qiao et al., 2007), and tomato (Cheng et al., 202); imparting drought, salt, and heat tolerance in cotton (Abdurakhmonov et al., 2014), abiotic stress tolerance in cereal crops (Dubrovna et al., 2023), and cold tolerance in tomato (Jiao et al., 2024); imparting resistance to blast (Magnaporthe grisea) and leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) in rice (Jiang et al., 2009), citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri) in citrus (Enrique et al., 2011), late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in potato (Eschen-Lippold et al., 2012), Fusarium head and seedling blight (Fusarium graminearum) in wheat (Cheng et al., 2015), soybean mosaic virus in soybean (Kim et al., 2016); imparting resistance to bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) in cotton (Mao et al., 2007 and 2011) and resistance to brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) in rice (Zha et al., 2011); and imparting resistance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in tomato (Dutta et al., 2015) and soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) in soybean (Guo et al., 2015) are some of the examples of improving crop traits.

    The first RNAi crop in the United States is corn (SmartStax® PRO) against the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) containing both Bacillus thuringiensis toxins and RNAi technology (Head et al., 2017).  With its ability to resist both below- and above-ground lepidopteran pests, this hybrid is an important IPM tool.  This hybrid is also available in Canada for cultivation, and grain and products from the hybrid are approved for consumption in the European Union.  RNAi-based crops are not considered genetically modified organisms (GMOs) because they do not contain a foreign gene to express a particular protein like GMOs but use a natural mechanism to silence a particular gene.

    In addition to adding desirable traits to crops, RNAi has also been explored or developed for treating plants against pests and diseases.  While RNAi crops use the host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) method, RNAi biopesticides use the spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS).  SIGS has been explored for controlling Fusarium graminearum in barley (Koch et al., 2016), sucking and/or stem-boring insects in multiple crops (Li et al. 2015; Hunter and Wintermantel, 2021; Jain et al., 2022), hawthorn spider mite (Amphitetranychus viennensis) in fruit trees and woody ornamentals (Yang et al., 2023).  The first sprayable formulation of RNAi-based biopesticide is CalanthaTM from GreenLight Biosciences against the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Rodrigues et al., 2021).  The active ingredient is a dsRNA molecule known as Ledprona (Leptinotarsa decemlineata-specific recombinant double-stranded interfering Oligonucleotide GS2).  It belongs to a new class of insecticides under group 35 as an RNAi-mediated target suppressor.  Applied as a foliar spray, Ledprona suppresses the gene that produces proteasome subunit beta type-5 (PSBT5) in CPB and arrests insect feeding within 2-3 days after it is ingested leading to the death of the pest.  PSBT5 is an essential protein important in maintaining cellular protein quality by degrading damaged or misfolded proteins or proteins that are no longer needed.

    RNAi can also be used to protect honey bees from the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (Hunter et al., 2010) and the Varroa mite (Garbian et al., 2012).  In field studies, honey bee populations and honey production increased when bees were fed dsRNA for the virus in the presence of virus in the colonies (Hunter et al., 2010).  The ectoparasite Varroa mite is a major threat to the honey bee colony health and its management is a significant challenge.  When honey bees ingest the mite-specific dsRNA that silences the calcium ion-binding protein known as calmodulin, the dsRNA is transmitted to the Varroa mite feeding on the hemolymph of the bees resulting in mite mortality (Garbian et al., 2012).

    As with any new technology, it is important to consider the impact of RNAi on the environment and non-target organisms.  Environmental risks and regulatory aspects of RNAi-based products have been reviewed in various reports (Liu et al., 2021; De Schutter et al., 2022; Christiaens et al., 2022).  Microbial activity, UV radiation, and other environmental conditions degrade dsRNA and they are generally less stable in the environment, especially under the field conditions where they are used (Bachman et al., 2020).  Studies showed that dsRNA degraded within two days in soil and 1-3 days in the aquatic environment (Dubelman et al., 2014; Fishcer et al., 2017).  Chen et al. (2023) reported that while an RNAi-based biopesticide was highly effective against the 28-spotted ladybeetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata), a pest of solanaceous crops, it had no non-target effect on the predatory lady beetle Propylea japonica.  Similarly, studies showed that the dsRNA developed for controlling Varroa mite were safe for honey bees (Tan et al., 2016; Vélez et al., 2016) and the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexxippus) whose calmodulin mRNA has a slight match to the Varroa-active dsRNA (Krishnan et al., 2021).

    With regards to Ledprona, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that it has minimal human and environmental risks due to low application rates, rapid microbial degradation in the environment, and physiological barriers and degradation mechanisms in mammals.  EPA also gave Ledprona a “No Effect” determination according to the Endangered Species Act.

    Environmental instability is one of the concerns for SIGS but formulation technology can address this problem.  Instead of spraying naked dsRNA, formulating it with layered double hydroxide clay nanoparticles known as BioClay significantly extended the stability of dsRNA.  Spraying dsRNA in BioClay provided protection against pepper mild mottle virus and cucumber mosaic virus at least for 20 days and dsRNA was detected on the leaves 30 days after application (Mitter et al., 2017).  Similarly, spraying BioClay-formulated dsRNA 5 days before exposing to virus-containing green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) offered protection against the bean common mosaic virus in cowpea and benth (Nicotiana benthamiana) (Worrall et al., 2019).  In a more recent study, BioClay-formulated dsRNA against gray mold (Botrytis cenerea) increased disease protection from 1 week to 3 weeks on leaves and 5 days to 10 days on fruit (Niño-Sánchez et al., 2022).

    Arthropod pests and pathogens are resilient and rapidly evolving organisms and can develop resistance to RANi technology just like they develop to pesticides or transgenic crops.  Whether it is HIGS or SIGS, avoiding heavy reliance on one tool and adopting integrated pest management (IPM) and resistance management strategies is crucial even when using RNAi.  An IPM strategy that takes advantage of multiple tools will minimize the risk of resistance development while achieving desired pest suppression. — By Surendra Dara, Oregon State University Extension Entomologist

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  • Ginning up a Market for U.S. Cotton in Bangladesh

    USDA Foreign Ag Service — For almost 50 years, Bangladesh required U.S. cotton be fumigated because of concerns about the boll weevil. Collaboration between USDA agencies and the Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture resulted in amended import requirements, exempting the United States from the list of countries required to fumigate cotton upon arrival.

    This is a significant trade win for American cotton as Bangladesh is the fifth-largest export market for U.S. cotton, with export values exceeding $339 million in 2023. This decision gins up a new chapter for U.S. cotton growers to expand their market access to Bangladesh. As one of the world’s top import markets for cotton, Bangladesh is a growth market with great potential for American cotton for years to come.

    FAS worked diligently to improve perceptions of U.S. cotton and provide evidence that the boll weevil is not a serious threat to imports. Momentum spun up when FAS provided significant technical evidence on the near total eradication of the boll weevil back in 2021 to ease Bangladesh’s concerns over the pest. Following that, FAS spent two years meeting with Bangladesh officials, including a High-Level Economic Consultation and an Agriculture and Ease of Business meeting.

    The Cotton Council International (CCI) continued bilateral efforts, bringing a Bangladesh delegation to visit U.S. cotton facilities and farmers in November 2022. The delegation witnessed the effectiveness of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program. Also, during the visit, the delegation learned about modern cotton harvesting and standardized ginning techniques while touring cotton fields, gins, and warehouses in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

    This is an example of American farmers showcasing high quality agricultural products to an overseas market – a crucial element to growing American exports. U.S. cotton farmers not only utilize the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Boll Weevil Eradication Program to eliminate the pest, but the program also helps thousands of U.S. cotton growers become more competitive. Additionally, the CCI receives FAS Market Access Program funds to help grow overseas markets for American cotton growers.

    This success is a testament to the continued efforts and nearly 22 years of engagement among the U.S. cotton industry, FAS, APHIS, and Agricultural Research Service officials, and the Government of Bangladesh to advocate for fair and open trade practices that benefit American farmers and businesses.