Global networks nurture global growth
Adverse weather does not necessarily mean adverse results by Chris Jackson, Export Manager UK TAG Today I write these notes, winter is taking a hold in the UK rather late as spring approaches with snow and frost - affecting most of our country, which has in recent years had so little winter weather we are not used to or equipped to easily deal with it. For those people of my age we still remember being frozen solid for most of March so nothing really new. It means a great deal more work for our livestock farmers, who will be looking forward to the spring regrowth and the ability to start grazing again. Faced with difficult transport conditions logistics for moving food to the farms and stock away becomes yet another problem to be coped with. It is really heartening to see, however, under adverse conditions how communities pool resources for the common good. As you read these notes with our magazine, I will be attending VICTAM, which incorporates FIAAP and Grapas in Bangkok. This event outlines the interdependence that our industry relies on; we start all of the food production process with primary production in livestock, crops, fruit and vegetables not to mention arboriculture and fish production. But very little produce is suitable for human consumption until it has undergone some process. For livestock and fish farming we rely heavily on our milling industries to supply feed that meets all the necessary nutrient requirements for efficient production, delivered in a format that is highly digestible and palatable. As our industries become more globalised and specialist, then milling and feed formulation for all species takes technology and investment in plant and machinery, making best use of the raw materials that are readily available in the local markets. In the rapidly developing markets of South East Asia, co-operation is vital to effectively supply farmers with properly formulated rations that would not be available to the 38 | March 2018 - Milling and Grain
small scale individual producers. With the advanced animal genetics that have been successfully deployed, rations have to be produced to allow the farmers to maximise the genetic potential. Indeed I have seen where the feed is not of sufficient quality the animals are suffering from lack of nutrition, a problem not seen using native breeds that have adapted to low nutrition and consequently low production. We see increasing demands on our farmers to produce protein crops such as soya bean, with the geneticists developing crops that will grow in more temperate climates, and in sub tropical regions with high rainfalls as just one example with feed scientists looking at some novel new sources of protein. By holding the three events in one location this presents our industry with an ideal event for the various sectors to come together and exchange views, ideas and discuss ways that we can by working together advantage our industry as a whole. The influence of high quality feed cannot be sufficiently emphasised to our industry, and the message has to be clearly given and demonstrated to the producers in the developing countries of the world, so that they will see that with higher production comes higher profits. Thailand, where this exhibition is held, is uniquely positioned to deliver this message, not only does it have advanced technology widely used in its sophisticated industry and can demonstrate success but with its ties both family and business it exerts influence across the region. This with friendly people, wonderful food and culture, first class hotels and transport infrastructure all contribute to the success of this event and also leading on for us the next world class event to be held in Bangkok VIV Asia in March next year, when it will be the turn of the livestock industry to promote itself. For our UK readers we will be attending 17 overseas events in the coming year with UK government help. I look forward to meeting some of you at the Milling and Grain Stand at VICTAM. @AgrictecExports
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he Dutch company, Nutreco, a global leader in animal nutrition and aquafeed has turned to AT&T to help grow its global business. In a three-year contract, The company will use virtualised network service “AT&T FlexWareSM”, as well as AT&T VPN and Internet access. These services run across a global network based MPLS infrastructure, which provides a highly secure global network environment. Henry van der Ven, CIO, Nutreco “Innovation is as important as cost savings and efficiencies. That’s why my team turned to AT&T, which is demonstrating technology leadership with softwaredefined networking.” The move will help employees connect and share business data. They are doing this in a highly secure way, whether they work from their Dutch headquarters in Amersfoort or from a factory in Vietnam. Nutreco will use the router function of AT&T FlexWare. It’s a virtual network function, so they don’t need to invest in proprietary hardware. The software offers the ability to use virtualised network functions like routers, firewalls and accelerators. This will help them adapt and upgrade functions as they grow, and their needs evolve – all designed to deliver a lower total cost of ownership. John V Slamecka, Region President, EMEA, AT&T Business explained, “We are building a global network that is elegant and future ready. It’s ideal for their global growth strategy. In fact, our customers are turning to us more and more for integrated networking solutions, and we are seeing a lot of momentum for AT&T FlexWare.”