well-funded Extension Service. Third, Hagedorn maintains that the most important player in holistic theories is the farmer/ rancher who is hands-on each and every day in environmental responsibilities. Producers need to be willing to accept constructive information and communicate with the end user, the consumer. ADM Animal Nutrition is striving to educate livestock producers on environmental stewardship, hosting in-person meetings, as well as corroborating with universities through the Extension service.
to reduce methane production in ruminants. Some methane-mitigating products are available on the market now. One specific example of research and development at the company is the study of heat mitigation in beef cattle, and the effects of relieving heat stress on feed matter intake and growth. The development of RumeNext ® is the result of measuring production response in finishing cattle during hot summer months in Nebraska. The inclusion of RumeNext ® with Rumensin ® led to heavier cattle at the completion of the study and a positive effect on average daily gain (ADG). Total feed costs and cost of gain (COG) were less for those cattle fed the combination vs. Rumensin ® alone. Another example is the extensive study of yeasts and their benefits in cattle rations. Studies are showing that yeasts have demonstrated the potential to positively affect both young and mature animals as well as unborn calves, supporting the body’s defense responses. Primarily, they have shown a beneficial impact on immune systems and repair of damaged tissue by adhering to gut pathogens. Environmental stewardship focuses on reducing carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) footprints associated with production systems. Precision nutrition focuses on reducing over-formulation and optimizing resource utilization. ADM’s team members consult with livestock producers to incorporate proactive practices that enhance their management and utilization of available ingredients and resources. Thankfully practical, ADM Animal Nutrition realizes that agriculture needs to preserve economic viability in order to be sustainable in the most basic sense. Put simply, farmers and ranchers need to make a profit in order to survive; consumers are totally dependent upon this fact in order to maintain an affordable food source. For more information, visit www.feraah. com/ferappease .
REACHING BEYOND the manufacture of livestock feeds, ADM Animal Nutrition is striving to educate producers, forming leaders in environmental stewardship. Their key goal may be defined as “responsibly balancing ruminant diets with cost- effective, precision-nutrition solutions, supporting dairy and beef producers as leaders in environmental stewardship. Optimized feed and animal efficiency means a reduced environmental footprint while sustaining a reliable food supply.” Thanks to Chris Hagedorn for sharing his expertise on this topic. Hagedorn is an experienced ruminant business manager with ADM Animal Nutrition. Achieving Sustainability ADM Animal Nutrition’s philosophy of environmental stewardship may be summed up in a three-tiered, holistic approach that includes enhancing animal health and welfare, minimizing environmental impact and preserving economic viability. Who should be responsible for educating agriculturalists in achieving these goals? The most fundamental entities are universities and private companies providing basic and applied research along with teaching opportunities in which every interested party may participate. Second, the federal government helps facilitate sustainability methods through grants and educational programs. Cost-share opportunities in building rotational grazing facilities and solar- powered wells are examples, as is a ADM’S HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor
The Increasing Role of Technology
More frequently, technology plays a part in the communications tying these three entities together. Although Hagedorn prefers face-to-face meetings while conducting producer continuing education, he says there are several other acceptable means of communication. YouTube videos may be pulled up at any hour of the day, as well as additional video platforms currently available. Universities and private companies are an excellent source of video information, providing seminars both live and archived via the internet. Face-to-face interaction remains the most rewarding method because people ask questions freely and share ideas spontaneously. Analyzing the Three Pillars of Sustainability ADM Animal Nutrition’s holistic management is comprised of three pillars. The first is health and well-being of livestock, which may also be termed as basic animal husbandry. Proper nutrition is a cornerstone that ADM Animal Nutrition has researched and developed since the company’s founding. They are at the forefront of proactive applications to moderate antibiotic use, recognizing the need for continuing research and training in this ever-evolving area. Other important considerations in the husbandry arena include developing feed additives
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