Producers are increasingly asked to minimize their environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and implementing more sustainable farming practices. This requires innovative approaches to feed formulation, manure management, and emissions reduction—all of which hinge on cutting-edge science and technology.
 Global Additives Business Director
Cargill
The food industry is facing a pivotal moment. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the demand for protein is continuing to rise. Simultaneously, the industry must address significant challenges, including reducing environmental impacts, supporting animal health, and adapting to shifting consumer preferences. These demands are compounded by rising production costs, fluctuating ingredient availability, and growing regulatory scrutiny.
At Cargill, we see this as a defining opportunity to lead the charge toward a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient livestock system. This requires a holistic approach—one that integrates advanced scientific research, innovative technologies, and a commitment to sustainability. By leveraging the latest advances in animal nutrition and health, we aim to empower producers to meet these challenges while unlocking new levels of performance and productivity.
NAVIGATING A COMPLEX LANDSCAPE
Today’s livestock producers are being asked to balance competing priorities. On one hand, they must improve efficiency and productivity to meet the growing global demand for protein while remaining profitable. On the other, they face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, address concerns about animal welfare, and adapt to changes in consumer expectations. These complexities require a new way of thinking—one that considers the interconnected challenges of performance, health, and sustainability.
One of the greatest challenges is managing feed costs, which account for a significant portion of livestock production expenses. Rising ingredient prices, supply chain disruptions, and variability in feed quality make it increasingly difficult for producers to maintain profitability. At the same time, nutrient waste from inefficient feeding practices contributes to environmental issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. Precision nutrition—an approach that optimizes feed formulations to meet the specific needs of animals—offers a way to address both concerns by improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Animal health is another critical area of focus. As the industry transitions away from antibiotics, producers must find alternative ways to safeguard animal welfare and productivity. This shift is driven not only by regulatory changes but also by consumer demand for antibiotic-free products and the global imperative to combat antimicrobial resistance. Solutions like probiotics, postbiotics, and phytogenics are emerging as nature-inspired, science-backed alternatives to support gut health, strengthen immunity, and enhance resilience against disease as well as other promising technologies.
Lastly, the sustainability imperative is reshaping the way we think about livestock production. Producers are increasingly asked to minimize their environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and implementing more sustainable farming practices. This requires innovative approaches to feed formulation, manure management, and emissions reduction—all of which hinge on cutting-edge science and technology.
THE ROLE OF INNOVATION
At Cargill, we are committed to addressing these challenges through a science-based, customer-focused approach. Our Micronutrition and Health Solutions (MHS) business is at the forefront of this effort, combining advanced research with practical solutions to improve animal performance, support health, and preserve resources. One of the cornerstones of our approach is microbiome research, which is unlocking new game changing insights into the complex interplay between nutrition, gut health, and overall animal performance. By understanding the role of each microelement and the combined effect on the microbiome and animal health, we can develop targeted solutions that optimize the microflora, enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, and improve resilience to stress and disease.
For example, our newly branded Biostrong™ solutions for poultry enhance digestion, optimize feed conversion, and support long-term productivity helping a balanced and healthy microflora mature quickly. Similarly, our Cinergy™ portfolio for swine offers tailored solutions for every life stage, including innovative products that stimulate early feeding behavior in piglets to enhance growth, and support immunity and welfare.
Our anti-mycotoxin agent portfolio, branded as Notox™, combines rapid detection, risk assessment, and targeted treatment, helping producers safeguard animal health and ensure feed safety.
LEADING THROUGH COLLABORATION
While innovation is essential, it is only part of the solution. Transforming the livestock industry requires collaboration across the value chain, from producers and nutritionists to researchers and policymakers. At Cargill, we take a customer-back approach, listening to the needs of producers and working closely with them to implement solutions that deliver measurable impact.
One of the most significant insights we’ve gained is the importance of clarity and simplicity. Producers are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products and information available to them. That’s why we’ve streamlined our MHS portfolio into a cohesive, easy-to-navigate framework, organized by species (ruminant, poultry, swine, aqua, equine, and pet) and technology areas (enzymes and anti-mycotoxin agents), clearly articulating the role of each product. This makes it easier for producers to identify the solutions that best meet their needs and understand the science behind them.
Our commitment to partnership extends beyond product delivery. We provide expert technical support, digital tools, and data-driven insights to help producers optimize their operations. For example, our Galleon™ microbiome assessment platform offers actionable insights into the gut health of poultry flocks, while our Panorama™ and MAX™ digital solutions enable confident decision-making in the face of complex health challenges.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, the future of livestock production will be shaped by our ability to integrate performance (Perform), health (Protect), and sustainability (Preserve) into a unified framework. This isn’t just about feeding animals better—it’s about reimagining the entire system to create long-term value for producers, animals, and the planet. We are investing in solutions that enable producers to achieve these goals, from precision feeding technologies to sustainable sourcing strategies.
Animal health will also remain a top priority. As regulatory and consumer demands evolve, the industry must continue to innovate with nature-inspired, science-backed solutions that enhance resilience and reduce reliance on antibiotics. Advances in microbiome science, immunology, and digital monitoring will play a key role in this transformation, alongside cutting-edge R&D as customers are asking for deep scientific evidence about product efficacy understanding the role of specific and standardized microelements.
Ultimately, the path forward will require bold thinking, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to drive meaningful change. We are proud to be part of this journey, working alongside producers to unlock the full potential of livestock systems. By combining science-based innovation with a deep understanding of the challenges producers face, we aim to create a future where agriculture meets the needs of a growing population while safeguarding the health of animals, producers, and the planet.
The animal health and nutrition industry is at a crossroads, but it is also on the brink of a transformative era. Together, we can harness the power of science and innovation to build a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for all.
