Alltech Provides Natural Solutions with Scientific Innovation

With a mission to improve the health and performance of people, animals and plants through nutrition and scientific innovation, Alltech was founded in 1980 by Irish biochemist Dr. Pearse Lyons.

The Lexington, KY-based company develops agricultural products for use in both livestock and crop farming, as well as products for the food industry, helping farmers to feed the world, raise healthy plants and animals, and protect the environment through nutrition and scientific innovation.

“The primary goal of the company is to have sustainable products that are good for agriculture, good for the community and good for the environment,” said Jon Collison, technical sales manager. “Pretty much everything revolves around natural solutions.”

Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder, Alltech

Alltech Crop Science is a division of the company, and for approximately 25 years has been a global leader in the application of microbial fermentation and nutrigenomic research to enhance yields, reduce stress and improve health in crops. These natural, proven solutions promote sustainability, profitability and value creation throughout the food chain.

In 2018, the company received organic certification for Grain-Set and Agro-Mos, two micronutrient fertilizers based on amino acid and fermentation technology. Alltech also have Organic Materials Review Institute-certified products in Soil-Set, Crop-Set and Galvanize Contact, increasing options for organic growers to meet the nutritional needs of their crops.

Jon Collison, technical sales manager, Alltech

“The products are derived from natural fungi, bacteria and yeasts and they are helping that plant hit its genetic potential,” Collison said. “Through a lot of our research, scientists have been working very hard to find combinations of those parts and pieces that can help a plant reach its genetic potential from a nutritional standpoint.”

The three aspects of the product line are soil, performance and protection, and any crop that has leaves and roots can benefit from Alltech’s ag products

“We’re very much actively working in the area of bringing fully-registered protection for our product within the next 12-18 months, but everything we have right now is pretty much in that organic, and CDFA-approved range,” Collison said. “We have sustainable solutions that can help growers with their everyday ergonomic needs.”

The company’s main soil product, Turn, is a combination of bacterial metabolites, which aid in healthy root development and plant growth while optimizing soil microbial populations.

There’s also Specify in its performance range, and Proma, a yeast-formulated hybrid between the performance and protection side. These products are all listed with the OMRI and offer organic producers more options for combating the specific agricultural challenges of the region.

“The biggest challenge is getting people comfortable with the technology,” Collison said. “It’s not just hocus pocus. It’s done with a lot of research and a lot of high-tech combinations and processes. We utilize the gene chip and bring the technology into a palatable, understandable format, and I think we’re doing a good job of producing marketing pieces for that.”

Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO, Alltech

Today, the family-run company is run by Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO, who took over for his father upon Dr. Pearse Lyons’ death in 2018. Alltech currently employs approximately 6,000 people world-wide, and are in 120 countries. The company’s core business is in fermentation and it utilizes the natural organisms in everything it does. These specialty products are designed to help all living things.

As more growers bring these applications to their field, Alltech expects to see an increase in sales and envisions strong growth in the upcoming years as it works to provide organic growers in California with innovative technologies to help maintain quality and improve yields.

“We see some really good opportunities for building the brand awareness and partnering with various organic shows,” Collison said. “We have partnered with Simplot Grower Solutions, working to get the word out and getting more exposure with their organic growers.”