**

Cargill's Global Team Tours Aviagen's European Breeding Operations: Strengthening Poultry Supply Chains

The global food industry is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change and geopolitical instability to rising consumer demand for sustainable and high-quality protein. In a move to bolster its poultry supply chain and strengthen its partnerships, a high-level Cargill team recently embarked on a comprehensive tour of Aviagen's state-of-the-art breeding facilities across Europe. This visit underscores the growing importance of collaboration within the poultry industry to meet the escalating needs of a global population.

Strengthening the Poultry Value Chain: A Cargill-Aviagen Partnership

Cargill, a leading global agricultural company, and Aviagen, a world-leading poultry breeding company, share a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable poultry products to consumers worldwide. This recent tour represents a significant step in furthering this crucial collaboration. The visit focused on gaining a deeper understanding of Aviagen's breeding programs, operational efficiency, and commitment to biosecurity, all vital components of a robust and resilient poultry supply chain.

Key Focus Areas of the European Tour

The Cargill team, comprising representatives from various divisions including poultry production, feed, and animal nutrition, focused on several key areas during their visits to multiple Aviagen sites across Europe:

• Ross 308 Breeding Stock: The team observed firsthand the superior genetics and breeding programs behind the highly sought-after Ross 308 broiler, a breed known for its exceptional growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and overall performance. This emphasis on genetic improvement highlights the continuing drive for efficiency and sustainability within the poultry sector.
• Aviagen's Biosecurity Protocols: Biosecurity is paramount in the poultry industry to prevent disease outbreaks that can significantly impact production and food safety. The Cargill team thoroughly reviewed Aviagen's rigorous biosecurity protocols, witnessing firsthand their commitment to maintaining the health and welfare of their breeding flocks. This is particularly relevant given the increasing concerns regarding avian influenza and other poultry diseases.
• Sustainable Breeding Practices: Cargill and Aviagen share a dedication to sustainable agriculture. The tour encompassed a detailed examination of Aviagen's sustainable breeding practices, focusing on reducing environmental impact through efficient feed conversion, minimizing resource consumption, and enhancing animal welfare. This alignment on sustainability is crucial given the growing consumer demand for ethically and sustainably sourced food.
• Technological Advancements in Poultry Breeding: The visit provided insights into Aviagen’s investment in research and development, showcasing advanced technologies employed in breeding programs. These advancements enhance genetic progress, improve flock performance, and ultimately contribute to increased efficiency and profitability throughout the poultry value chain. This commitment to innovation underscores the importance of ongoing investment in poultry genetics and breeding technology.
• Operational Efficiency and Data Management: The Cargill team gained valuable insights into Aviagen's data-driven approach to managing breeding operations. Advanced data analytics and precise record-keeping allow for optimized decision-making, continuous improvement, and increased efficiency throughout the entire process, from incubation to breeding stock management. This focus on data analytics represents a growing trend in precision agriculture and the poultry industry.

The Importance of Collaboration in the Global Poultry Industry

This strategic visit signifies the critical role of collaboration in navigating the complexities of the global poultry industry. By fostering strong partnerships and sharing best practices, companies like Cargill and Aviagen can collectively contribute to a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable food system. The shared commitment to innovation and sustainability is crucial for addressing the increasing challenges of feeding a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact.

Future Implications and Key Takeaways

The collaborative visit underscores the importance of integrated value chains in ensuring a secure and reliable supply of poultry products. Key takeaways for both Cargill and Aviagen include:

• Strengthened Partnership: A reinforced commitment to working collaboratively to optimize the poultry value chain.
• Improved Efficiency: Identifying opportunities for enhanced efficiency in breeding, production, and distribution.
• Sustainable Practices: Sharing best practices and accelerating the adoption of sustainable poultry farming techniques.
• Enhanced Biosecurity: Strengthening measures to mitigate the risks of disease outbreaks.
• Technological Advancement: Leveraging technological innovations to improve efficiency and sustainability.

The Cargill-Aviagen partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration within the poultry industry. This visit serves as a strong foundation for future collaborations and underscores the joint commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable poultry products to consumers worldwide, fulfilling the ever-growing global demand for protein while upholding sustainability standards. The continued focus on breeding technology, biosecurity, and data-driven decision-making will be crucial to navigating the complex challenges and opportunities of the modern poultry industry. The success of this collaboration sets a benchmark for future partnerships within the sector, demonstrating the collective power of industry leaders working together towards a common goal.