Feedstuffs in Focus

A Super Bowl commercial extolling "a world without cows" became the final straw for Alltech, spurring them to commission a documentary that would tell the real story of global animal agriculture. What emerged after three and a half years of investigation across 40 locations worldwide is a compelling narrative that's changing minds—even among non-agricultural audiences.

"World Without Cows" takes vi...

Phibro Animal Health made a landmark move in the animal health industry with its recent acquisition of the medicated feed additive product portfolio and certain water-soluble products from Zoetis, Inc. This pivotal expansion marks a significant advancement in fulfilling the company's mission of optimizing global animal health for a more sustainable world.

During our conversation at the World Pork Expo with Scott Fry, ...

A collaboration between the Angus Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund and Global Methane Fund has sparked passionate debate throughout the cattle industry. At its heart lies a $4.85 million research grant focused on exploring genetic differences in methane production among cattle—but as we discover, this project represents far more than environmental concerns.

Matt Perrier of Dalebanks Angus, whose family has ranched the s...

PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) stands as the most economically devastating disease in US swine production since the eradication of classic swine fever. What makes this viral pathogen so destructive? Dr. Nic Lauterbach, Technical Services Veterinarian with Pharmgate Animal Health, brings seven years of front-line experience battling PRRS to this essential conversation.

The days of PRRS being merely a s...

Taste is taking center stage as the National Pork Board unveils a bold new strategy to transform how consumers—especially younger generations—think about pork. Sarah Showalter and Neal Hull reveal how deep consumer insights are reshaping the future of pork marketing in America.

At the heart of this transformation is a surprising disconnect: millennials and Gen Z consumers who claim they "don't eat pork" whil...

The safety nets protecting America's agricultural workforce are unraveling. Dr. Jeff Bender, Director of the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH), reveals the far-reaching consequences of recent budget cuts to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - cuts that have already eliminated 85% of the agency's workforce.

For fourteen years, UMASH has served as a vital res...

A tug-of-war is brewing between building America's shipbuilding capacity and maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural exports. As Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, explains, this tension stems from recent USTR actions addressing Chinese dominance in global shipbuilding—a position China achieved through 25 years of focused development to capture over 50% of vessel production wor...

The razor-thin margins in today's pork industry demand a laser focus on herd health to maintain profitability. Dr. Nic Lauterbach, Technical Services Veterinarian with Pharmgate Animal Health, draws on his years of industry experience to deliver practical insights on keeping pigs healthy during challenging times.

What makes sick pigs so costly? As Dr. Lauterbach explains, illness diminishes the efficiency of every pro...

Cattle producers often turn to average daily gain, feed conversion or reproduction when targeting improved efficiency but while they all have a place, a focus on feed efficiency traits is critical as it zeroes in on both the cost of feed and the value of gain.

Jason Osterstock, Chief Science Officer at Vytelle, joins Sarah Muirhead to explore how data-driven approaches are transforming herd management decisions. Rather tha...

Ever wonder what consumers really think about animal agriculture practices? Dr. Valerie Kilders of Purdue University reveals groundbreaking approaches to understanding public sentiment through web-scraped data and media analysis during her presentation at the PEAK Conference in Minneapolis.

When poultry markets experience price volatility and consumer concerns about animal welfare intensify, producers need insights faster ...

Egg prices have been on a wild ride, with unprecedented volatility creating headaches for everyone from producers to restaurant chains. But what if there was a financial tool designed specifically to smooth out these price swings? That's exactly what StoneX has developed with their new shell egg contract.

As Ryan Turner of StoneX explains, this innovative risk management solution emerges just as the company celebrates...

Ileitis is a common cause of diarrhea in grow-finish pigs. When underdiagnosed, ileitis can result in a significant amount of money being left on the table and out of producers’ pockets. 

Joining our Ann Hess today to talk about ileitis and what producers can do to minimize its impact is Dr. Nate Winkelman, co-owner and veterinarian at Swine Services Unlimited.

This episode is brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health, a growing busi...

To prevent the spread of influenza in a commercial livestock system, it is highly recommended for staff to wear personal protective equipment or PPE. Considered the last line of defense to prevent an infection in an individual, it is also the least effective as wearing PPE well and consistently can be a challenge for producers and caregivers on farm. 

Feedstuffs Ann Hess caught up with Montserrat Torremorell of the Univers...

With unique access to those on the frontlines of agriculture and science, two filmmakers set out on an incredible journey around the world to find the answer to what would seem like a relatively easy question. That being, Are we better off in a World Without Cows? 

Joining our Ann Hess from the NCBA tradeshow floor in San Antonio are World Without Cows filmmakers, Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth.

This episode of Feed...

Dr. Luke Strehle of Nebraska Vet Services, a full-service mixed animal practice based in West Point, Nebraska, joins us to share his insight on swine respiratory pathogens – how to reduce and eliminate their risk as well what interventions are available to manage pig health. 

This episode is brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health, a growing business that puts livestock first. Pharmgate provides a proven portfolio of tec...

Joining us for this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is Dr. David Baumert, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian at Zoetis Pork, to discuss the reasons why producers sometimes choose not to treat pigs — usually heavier weight finishers — in need of swine respiratory disease (SRD) therapy and the implications of non-use from a performance, labor and economic standpoint. 

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus has been brought to you by Z...

Red dye number 2 was banned in 1976 due to links to cancer in rats. Red dye number 3 was banned in 2025 over similar health concerns. Manufacturers have been given until January 16, 2027, to remove red dye number 3 from their products. 

What might this ban mean for the animal feed industry? Does it have application and perhaps implications?

During IPPE in Atlanta, Ga, we had the opportunity to talk with David Eisenberg, Pre...

Have you ever stopped to think what our world would be like without cows? Around the world, cows hold both cultural and economic significance. They provide nourishment of bodies and minds. They also impact climate. When it comes to cows, it’s not all black and white.

Joining us to talk about a thought-provoking documentary about the cultural, economic, nutritional and environmental significance of cows and the global feed...

There is a new leadership in Washington, D.C., and changes have already started to happen on the policy and regulatory front. What’s might all the change mean for the U.S. feed industry?

Joining us from IPPE 2025 in Atlanta, Ga., to talk about policy and the new Administration is Constance Cullman, President and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by Uni...