Food Chain Chats

What's the next #ScienceHearted solution for pathogen control in recycled manure solids (RMS)? Jesse Thompson, Manager of Ruminant Product Development, joins host Andy Vance to discuss our #ScienceHearted findings on the effects of adding Bacillus to RMS as a form of pathogen management. Discover the benefits of reducing pathogen loads in RMS, the latest research and what these findings mean for the future of pathogen reduction in RMS is this episode of Food Chain Chats.

Every individual has a role to play in food security—a role that's becoming increasingly important in our current climate. A healthy diet is out of reach for 3 billion people due to rising costs and 1 in 3 people are food insecure. Discover what role animal nutrition, food production, and food safety solution providers play in strengthening global food security from Dr. Scott Druker, general manager of Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, in this #ScienceHearted episode of Food Chain Chats.

As part of the FSIS's broader effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry, the USDA recently announced they would be taking action to declare Salmonella an adulterant in breaded and stuffed raw chicken products. Discover what this important announcement means for poultry producers across the U.S. in this #ScienceHearted discussion with Dr. Steve Larsen and host Andy Vance.

What effect does feeding a bacillus-based feed additive have on digestive health, ruminal bacterial populations, milk production, daily dry matter intake and milk production efficiency in dairy cows? Dr. Ben Saylor, dairy technical services manager, discusses the latest research, insights and upcoming research with host Andy Vance in this #ScienceHearted discussion on Food Chain Chats.

From increasing productivity to increasing profits, improving milk yield is incredibly beneficial for dairy producers. Dr. Ruby Wu has the #ScienceHearted insights on what can be learned from recent research on improving milk yield, energy corrected milk and 305ME in lactating cows. Hear it all in this episode of Food Chain Chats with host Andy Vance.

Introducing The ScienceHearted Center—ARM & HAMMER's research and technology hub! Dr. Xandra Smith, Director of Research and Innovation for Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production's state-of-the-art microbiology lab located in Waukesha, Wisconsin, joins host Andy Vance to discuss the lab's role in identifying emerging issues, finding solutions and unlocking opportunities across the food system.

As FDA guidance #263 goes into effect, the animal production industry has been abuzz with discussions about antibiotic alternatives like pre and probiotics and how they can be used to maintain animal productivity. Dr. Ben Saylor and Dr. Sangita Jalukar have the #ScienceHearted insights on prebiotics, probiotics and how farmers can start incorporating them into their animals' diets in the latest episode of Food Chain Chats.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new directive to bring all over the counter drugs under veterinary oversight. Discover what products will be affected, how it could impact day-to-day operations on dairies and what alternative options are available. Dr. Joel Pankowski, senior dairy technical services manager, joins host Andy Vance for this #ScienceHearted episode of Food Chain Chats.

How do we communicate the true impact of animal agriculture on the environment? How can we sustainably produce food for the growing world population? Dr. Frank Mitloehner, professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis, and the director of the Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research Center (CLEAR), has the answers to these pressing questions in the latest episode of Food Chain Chats with host Andy Vance.

With cases of avian influenza on the rise, biosecurity is top of mind across the poultry production world. What biosecurity measures can complex managers put in place to help mitigate risk? What can be learned from past avian influenza outbreaks? Dr. Mueez Ahmad, Poultry Technical Services Manager, has the answers to these questions and more in this #ScienceHearted episode with host Andy Vance.

Why is managing feed costs increasingly complicated? How is the pandemic still affecting poultry production systems? What does research tell us about the relationship between cost reduction strategies and bird performance? Dr. Kelley Wamsley, associate professor of poultry nutrition at Mississippi State University, has the answers to these questions and more in the latest #ScienceHearted episode of Food Chain Chats with host Andy Vance.

What role does the microbiome play in building immunity in poultry? What is the difference between in-feed antibiotics and prebiotics in helping animals through challenges? Why is inflammation a key concern for producers? Dr. Xandra Smith, Director, Innovation and Product Development, answers these questions and more in the latest #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance.

It's widely known in the poultry industry that feeds contaminated with mycotoxins can have significant negative effects on performance and efficiency. What's less understood is the physiological effects occurring inside the bird that cause the decrease in performance. In this #ScienceHearted discussion, Andy Vance and Dr. Sangita Jalukar dive into the latest mycotoxin mitigation research, the impact mycotoxin control has in overall food quality and safety, and what solutions lie ahead.

What if there was a single, unified team connecting all the links of the food chain, working together to meet emerging customer challenges and industry trends? Now, there is. Learn more about Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production's recent internal restructure and what it means for your organization in the latest #ScienceHearted discussion with Roger Beers, Director, Global Integrated Food Production, and host Andy Vance.

How can we combat health issues at the microbial level that are constantly evolving? What can we learn from a recent validation study conducted in the South Central United States? What solutions exist to fight current pathogenic threats - and how can we get ahead of rapidly emerging challenges like E. coli F18 in swine production systems? Drawing on her deep expertise in animal nutrition, immunology and gut health, Dr. Ellen Davis, Swine Technical Services Manager, addresses these questions and more in this episode of Food Chain Chats.

How can you overcome challenges caused by high feed prices in the dairy industry? What long-term challenges can short-term feed changes cause? What role does consistency play in overcoming these challenges? Drawing on his diverse background in animal nutrition, Dr. Joel Pankowski, Ruminant Technical Services Manager, addresses these questions and more as he offers his expert insights on managing through high feed costs in the latest #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance.

What options do dairy producers have to optimize the transition diet in their herd? How do supply chain disruptions influence dietary decisions? What considerations should you be aware of when looking to make ingredient changes in the ration? The ongoing global supply challenges impacting many commodities mean these questions are more important now than ever before. Relying on her extensive experience in transition health and nutrition, Dr. Ruby Wu, Ruminant Technical Services Manager, addresses these concerns and more in the latest #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance.

How widespread is the threat of mycotoxins in animal feed? Is feed testing consistently effective in addressing this ongoing challenge? What other approaches have proven even more successful? Using recent groundbreaking research on cytotoxicity, Dr. Sangita Jalukar discusses the new Prevent-Protect-Resilience (PPR) approach that helps animals battle multiple mycotoxin challenges from the inside out. If you're interested in defeating mycotoxins you won't want to miss this #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance.

How much are you “saving” with one antimicrobial over another? What are other costs to consider, including equipment and supply chain challenges? Drawing on firsthand research and his experience as professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, Dr. Glynn Tonsor discusses a recent report, published by him and his team, on the true cost of equipment ownership when using PAA antimicrobials compared to DBDMH technology in food production. If you're interested in making the right food safety choice for your operation needs, you won't want to miss this #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance.

How does biomapping help address FSIS standards and reduce pathogen loads at meat processing facilities? Why is understanding the science behind any food safety approach important when planning a multi-hurdle, multi-technology strategy? What are the best applications and synergies for some of the most common antimicrobials? Tapping their extensive hands-on expertise as part of the Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production team, Dr. Jack McReynolds, Director of Research and Development, and Dr. Christine Alvarado, Technical Services Manager, discuss some of the most pressing food safety topics. If you're interested in learning more about the latest food safety strategies, you won't want to miss this #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance.

How can the beef industry get Salmonella on the same downward trend as E. coli? What food safety advances show the greatest promise? How can phage technology help as part of a multi-hurdle, multi-technology approach? Tapping her experience overseeing food safety and quality management systems at more than 50 beef, turkey, egg, case-ready and processing facilities, Dr. Angela Siemens, Vice President of Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory at Cargill, discusses best practices for shifting pathogen numbers in the industry's favor. If you're interested in food safety across the food chain, don't miss this #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance.

Why is the rumen so important to dairy cattle production and reproduction? What are some practical ways to keep it functioning at a high level? What is feed hygiene and how can it lead to better results on a dairy farm? Tapping his years of experience developing customized microbial products, Dr. Tom Rehberger, Director of Innovation and Product Development at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, discusses optimal rumen function and the role that products like CERTILLUS™ can have on ultimate success. If you want to learn how high-functioning rumens drive dairy productivity and profitability, don't miss this #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance.

What are some of the latest, research-proven strategies for helping beef cattle deal with transportation stress and other challenges? How can building resilience in cattle reduce the chance of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)? Why does the G.I. tract play such an important role in immune function? In this practical, wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Elliot Block, Research Fellow and Director of Technology at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, talks about the role diet can play in helping beef cattle when they need it most. If you want to get all the details, you won't want to miss this #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance.

How can those involved in animal and food production build greater trust in their work and ongoing sustainability efforts? What role does credible research play in sharing that story? How are organizations like the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) advancing the conversation? Drawing on his continuing work as General Manager of Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, as well as his recent appointment as board chair at IFEEDER, Scott Druker shares his take on these and related questions. If you want to hear strategies for building even more confidence in the safety and reliability of the world food supply, you won't want to miss Scott's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance.

How can the poultry industry better manage the multimillion-dollar threat of heat stress? What are key signs that indicate your birds could be at risk? Which management practices can help mitigate both the long- and short-term effects of heat stress in poultry? Using her extensive background in academic, research and industry settings, Dr. Theresia Lavergne, Monogastric Manager, Field Technical Services, at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, discusses everything from water and ventilation strategies to using feed additives in poultry diets. If you want to help birds keep their cool when the heat is on, you won't want to miss Theresia's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance.

How can an integrated, farm-to-table approach advance food safety? What bridges can be built between government, industry and academia moving forward? How will performance standards for Salmonella and other pathogens impact the future of food safety? In this in-depth discussion, Dr. Mindy Brashears, former Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety (2019-2021) and currently Associate Vice President of Research at Texas Tech University and Director of the International Center for Food Industry Excellence, discusses key takeaways from her years in key regulatory, academic and research roles. If you want to learn more about the most pivotal food safety topics, you won't want to miss Mindy's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance.

What did the first half of 2021 teach us about the state of the global food chain? What were some of the more positive developments after a difficult 2020? What opportunities and challenges lie ahead in Q3 and Q4? In this wide-ranging chat Ben Towns, Global Business Director at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, discusses everything from pricing, consumption and transportation trends to recent developments in microbial technologies. If you want to use learnings from the first half of the year to make the rest of 2021 as successful as possible, you won't want to miss Ben's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance.

Which innovations, both in dairy nutrition and elsewhere, have contributed most to the dairy industry's incredible advances over the years? What industry innovations can we expect to see next? Tapping a diverse background that includes both academic leadership and hands-on experience, Dr. Elliot Block, Research Fellow and Director of Technology at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, leads a celebratory journey through the industry's past, present and future. If you want to reflect this June Dairy Month on how far the industry has come and anticipate what's next, you won't want to miss Elliot's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

How can a close evaluation of protocols, procedures, and data help address food safety challenges within the poultry industry? What are some specific points in the system that can make all the difference when it comes to Salmonella and other pathogens? With a background that includes both research and hands-on experience “in the arena,” Kara Stewart, Poultry Business Manager at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, shares insights on taking a multi-technology, multi-hurdle approach to food safety—from live production through processing. If you want to hear the latest thinking on maintaining a safe, consistent, farm-to-family food supply, you won't want to miss Kara's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.” You can also learn more about the Salmonella webinar series she introduces at this link https://www.youtube.com/c/ArmandHammerAnimalandFoodProduction/videos.

How can you help your dairy cows beat the heat this summer? What steps can you take to keep them cool, healthy and productive as the temperature starts to rise? Tapping into an advanced degree from Virginia Tech and years of hands-on experience working with cows in California and the Midwest, Jeff Kearnan, Ruminant Account Manager at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, provides practical tips for relieving heat stress—everything from maintenance for fans and soakers to ration adjustments. If you want your cows to perform at their best when the heat is on, you won't want to miss Jeff's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

How can you manage gilts for improved sow productivity and longevity? What economic considerations should drive the decision-making process? How can data help deliver the best possible results? In this highly informative chat, Dr. Billy Flowers, a leading expert on swine management and reproduction, and a Williams Neal Reynolds and Alumni Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University, discuss how to manage gilts for lifetime productivity. If you want healthier, more productive females that stay in the herd longer, you won't want to miss Dr. Flowers' #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

What's the long-term impact of cutting corners in a poultry nutrition program? Are there better ways to manage costs without putting overall productivity at risk? How do products like CELMANAX™ and CERTILLUS™ help protect poultry performance and increase profitability, both now and down the road? In this chat, Vic Fox, Poultry Account Manager at ARM & HAMMER™, draws on his degree in poultry science and nearly three decades of live production and complex management experience to discuss strategies for long-term, sustainable gains. You won't want to miss Vic's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

What processes, systems and technologies help the beef industry stay ahead of pathogenic challenges? What's phage technology and how has it successfully and safely pinpointed threats before they become issues? In this chat Brent Marnin, U.S. Beef Business Manager at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, draws on his years of relevant industry experience to discuss all things phage technology, including specific examples of how it has successfully worked in real-world scenarios. You won't want to miss Brent's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

What's the key to a healthy immune system in cattle? How do you lay the foundation for a healthy herd? In this chat with Dr. Chris Chase, a professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at South Dakota State University, he draws on research to discuss how it often comes down to one factor — balance. A homeostasis where the immune system isn't overactive but is also doing enough to fight off invaders. It's delicate, but doable. If you're interested in the immune system balancing act, you won't want to miss Dr. Chase's in-depth #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

What does #ScienceHearted service look like? How does a consultative approach address each customer's unique needs and lead to the most trusted solutions? In this chat, Mark Martinez, Director of Americas Sales for Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, draws on his years of experience serving customers within the poultry and swine industries to talk about the difference a truly customer-centric, relationship-driven approach makes. You won't want to miss Mark's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

How can improving the resiliency of livestock and poultry support performance? What are some efficient, natural strategies for strengthening the immune system to fend off clostridial challenges and other pathogenic threats? Tapping his years of experience developing customized microbial products and his doctorate in food microbiology from Iowa State University, Dr. Tom Rehberger, Director of Innovation and Product Development at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, shares his insights on how Refined Functional Carbohydrates™ (RFCs™) and Targeted Microbial Solutions™ can help tackle pathogenic threats naturally. If you're interested in the results you can get from innovative products like CERTILLUS™ and CELMANAX™, you won't want to miss Tom's #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

What are the challenges food safety managers encounter when faced with the deluge of food safety data out there? How can you avoid information overload to discern what's best for you and your unique situation? Tapping her expertise in both food safety and the quality of poultry meat, eggs and egg products, Dr. Christine Alvarado shares strategies for keeping it simple, targeting objectives and getting the actionable answers you need—when you need them. If you're interested in making the most of food safety data in your decision-making, don't miss Christine's #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

How are food safety standards and regulations evolving? What can protein producers, packers and processors expect this year and beyond, especially as it relates to Salmonella and other pathogenic threats? Tapping his food safety expertise in both livestock production and meat processing, Dr. Steve Larsen, Technical Services Manager at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, shares his insights on how taking a multi-hurdle, multi-technology approach can ready you for whatever might be coming down the line. If you're interested in taking a farm-to-fork food safety approach that stresses continuous improvement, you won't want to miss Steve's #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

What exactly is the microbiome and how does it affect the health, resiliency and productivity of both humans and animals? What are proven strategies for introducing beneficial bacteria into poultry, dairy, swine and other animal diets? With an impressive resume as a researcher, presenter and adjunct faculty member at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Xandra Smith, Research Manager at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, shares her insights into why the microbiome matters, as well as the latest advances in targeting specific challenges by adding beneficial bacteria to feed. If you're interested in getting maximum benefit at the microscopic level, don't miss Xandra's #ScienceHearted discussion with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

Science drives innovation up and down the food chain, including the dairy farm. What are some of the latest dairy research initiatives and how will they help producers increase productivity and improve profitability? With a diverse background that took him from the streets of Brooklyn to the halls of academia, where he served as professor and head of the cattle teaching and research complex at McGill University, Dr. Elliot Block, Research Fellow and Director of Technology at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, discusses his lifelong passion for research and how it has informed recent dairy initiatives. If you're interested in what's at the heart of our #ScienceHearted commitment, don't miss Elliot's discussion with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

Consumer preferences continue to influence swine production practices, including the use of Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs). How can swine producers navigate changing preferences and standards while maintaining productivity? With a Ph.D. in swine nutrition and immunology, plus wide-ranging, hands-on expertise in animal nutrition, animal health and immunology, Dr. Ellen Davis, Monogastric Technical Services Manager at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, is well qualified to discuss the latest innovations for keeping pathogens in check, increasing resiliency at every stage of a pig's lifecycle and mitigating food safety issues. If you're interested in alternatives to AGPs and a #ScienceHearted conversation about industry trends and your best, next moves, don't miss Ellen's discussion with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

Now that 2020 is in the rearview (finally), what did we learn from all the unprecedented disruptions and difficult decisions? And how can the food safety and food production industries apply lessons learned to the coming year—and every year after that? With a diverse background that includes leadership roles within the food safety and food production industries Roger Beers, Global Director of Food Safety at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, takes a close look at a year filled with disruptions and how they impact current and future decisions. If you're interested in taking the next, best steps in 2021 and beyond, you won't want to miss Roger's #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

With the price of commodities in dairy feed rations trending up, is it still possible to feed a productive, nutrient dense ration that's also cost-effective? Tapping a diverse background that includes leadership roles at several animal nutrition and health companies, Dr. Joel Pankowski, Manager of Field Technical Services at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, discusses ways to achieve your feed and profitability goals in a challenging price environment. If you're interested in replacement protein sources and other strategies to protect your bottom line now and down the road, you won't want to miss Joel's frank, #ScienceHearted conversation in this episode of “Food Chain Chats.”

What's the link between “terroir,” a hard-to-pronounce phrase used in the wine and cheese industries, and even greater success on your dairy? How can closer attention to your herd's overall production environment—as well as the interactions within it—have a positive impact on your bottom line? Using his extensive knowledge of dairy nutrition, cow environment and performance monitoring, Dr. Neil Michael, Ruminant Technical Services Manager at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, shares his insights on how you can address clostridia and other bacteria impacting your herds' production environment. If you're interested in making 2021 as successful as it can be, you won't want to miss Neil's engaging, #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance.

What does the new year have in store for the poultry industry? How will a challenging 2020 impact production environments, consumer preferences, inventories and more in 2021? Tapping more than three decades of experience, Shannon Burasco, Senior Manager of Monogastric Sales with Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production shares his insights on what lies ahead for the global poultry industry, as well as strategies for tapping the full genetic potential of birds. If you're interested in the poultry industry and where it's headed, you won't want to miss Shannon's lively, engaging, #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance.

How did a dairy nutrition business unit within a company best known for its popular consumer packaged goods brands transform itself into a multi-species brand uniquely positioned to solve animal and food production challenges around the world? With a tangible passion for how science and innovation can make all the difference for those working within the food chain, Scott Druker, General Manager of Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production shares how some internal brainstorming about industry needs and opportunities, as well as several strategic moves, led to a significantly expanded set of offerings and greater global presence. Specifically, Scott talks about the key acquisitions that evolved the business unit to what it is today and discusses how ownership of goals, a commitment to two-way dialogue and an ongoing commitment to customer service have helped navigate an unprecedented 2020. You won't want to miss Scott's lively, engaging, #ScienceHearted conversation with host Andy Vance.