Feedstuffs in Focus

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 than traditional research methods can deliver. Dr. Kilders demonstrates how analyzing digital conversations provides near-immediate feedback on shifting public attitudes—revealing that consumer responses during recent market disruptions showed remarkable increases in certain sentiment metrics during critical periods.

The research uncovers a fascinating distinction between what consumers say in formal surveys versus how they express themselves online. Social media and news commentary capture stronger emotional responses and more policy-centered critiques, particularly around fundamental questions of production systems and housing conditions. These emotional reactions often reveal deeper concerns about transparency and animal treatment that might go undetected through conventional research approaches.

Perhaps most significantly, Dr. Kilders highlights the growing disconnect between modern agricultural practices and consumer understanding. As production has evolved, many consumers have lost connection with how food is produced, creating a knowledge gap about what constitutes appropriate animal welfare from a veterinary or production standpoint. This presents both challenges and opportunities for producers to engage in meaningful community conversations, providing education while acknowledging different perspectives on animal care.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

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 its centennial anniversary—a meaningful full-circle moment considering StoneX began as an egg brokerage in Chicago back in 1924. From those humble beginnings, they've grown into a global financial services powerhouse while maintaining deep agricultural roots.

What makes this contract particularly valuable is its customer-driven origin. Turner emphasizes that the best financial products always emerge from client needs. 

While external factors like recent tariff announcements will impact commodity markets broadly, shell eggs remain somewhat insulated due to their predominantly domestic consumption. Nevertheless, having effective risk management tools becomes even more crucial during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. As Turner notes, once these financial instruments gain traction during volatile periods, they typically become standard industry tools for decades to follow.

The industry's participation is vital for this contract to develop its full potential, Turner notes. 

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 business that puts livestock first. Pharmgate provides a proven portfolio of technically supported, high-quality products that are the foundation of custom herd health protocols. By offering multiple options for active ingredients, concentrations, and administration routes, Pharmgate provides you with choices to fit your needs and gets you the results you want. 

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 University of Minnesota at the American Association of Swine Veterinarian’s Annual Meeting to discuss a few studies that speak to the effectiveness of on-farm PPE in preventing flu infection and transmission.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

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 Feedstuffs in Focus is brought to you by Alltech. Acting as your trusted partner, Alltech delivers integrated expertise and tailored solutions and services to provide a comprehensive one-stop resource for solving your challenges. Alltech’s expertise is your competitive edge. Visit Alltech.com to learn more. 

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 technically supported, high-quality products that are the foundation of custom herd health protocols. By offering multiple options for active ingredients, concentrations, and administration routes, Pharmgate provides you with choices to fit your needs backed by a team with technical expertise to get the results you want.

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 Zoetis Pork.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: People with known hypersensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid exposure to EXCENEL RTU EZ. Do not use in swine found to be hypersensitive. Withdraw 6 days prior to slaughter when injection site volumes are greater than 5 mL up to 15 mL per injection site and 4 days prior to slaughter when injection site volumes are less than or equal to 5 mL per injection site. See full Prescribing Information at Excenelpork.com/PI.

References

Pantoja L, Kuhn M, Farrand E, et al. Impact of a Husbandry Education Program on nursery pig mortality, productivity, and treatment cost. Journal of Swine Health and Production [serial online]. 2013;21 (4):188-194. Available from: CAB Abstracts, Ipswich, MA. Accessed May 1, 2018. 

Pineiro C, Morales J, Doncecchi P, et al. Individual Pig Care program improves productive performance and animal health in nursery-growing pigs. Journal of Swine Health and Production [serial online]. 2014;22 (6):296-299. Available from: CAB Abstracts, Ipswich, MA. Accessed August 1, 2018.

Bowersock, T. L., Meeuwse, D. M., Kausche, F. M., Lucas, M. J., Bryson, W. L. and Dame, K.J. Efficacy of ceftiofur crystalline free acid and ceftiofur hydrochloride administered intramuscularly in swine inoculated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Pharmacia Animal Health. 2001. 

Data on file, Study Document No. ZRD-PSC-004402, Zoetis Inc.

All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. © 2024 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. EXC-00084

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, President of Micro-Tracers, a manufacturer of analytical tracers that uses a minute amount of red dye number 3 in its products for the animal feed industry. The use of tracers is common among animal feed and animal health companies worldwide as a way to identify their products as proprietary. 

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 Feedstuffs in Focus is brought to you by Alltech. Acting as your trusted partner, Alltech delivers integrated expertise and tailored solutions and services to provide a comprehensive one-stop resource for solving your challenges. Alltech’s expertise is your competitive edge. Visit Alltech.com to learn more. 

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 industry is Dr. Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech. We caught up with Dr. Lyons in Atlanta, Ga., during IPPE 2025, where World Without Cows debuted on the opening night of the event.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is brought to you by Alltech. Acting as your trusted partner, Alltech delivers integrated expertise and tailored solutions and services to provide a comprehensive one-stop resource for solving your challenges. Alltech’s expertise is your competitive edge. Visit Alltech.com to learn more.