As a young girl on my parent’s farm, it was one of my responsibilities to monitor the cows of our beef herd. In the morning, I would start by saddling my horse and riding the fence to ensure all was in order and none were out. Quick check of the water, hay and the animals to be sure everyone was OK. I had been trained by my father and uncle to look for anything ‘off’, to spot any animals that needed attention or help.
By keeping an animal in the herd just one year longer or ensuring that she had a calf every year, would be the difference between operating in the red and operating in the black. Feeding a cow through the winter who was not going to calve in the spring was a painful economic loss. And like for most farmers, ranchers and livestock producers, these animals were more than just a number to us. We cared about each one of them and did what we could to ensure we raised healthy productive animals. Although this was a time before sustainability was a buzzword, it was simply intuitive to do what it took to maximize the performance of an animal over their lifetime. Technology has changed a LOT since then but the passion remains.
The work and research we do at DSM to offer products that improve animal performance over their lifetime is critical to those whose livelihood depends on profitable animal production. Improved production efficiency is also a very important business driver to help us achieve the SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) number 2, zero hunger, also supporting our customers to become more sustainable, improving their business as they secure animal welfare and reduce their environmental footprint. A win-win to them, us, the animals and to the planet.
The WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE positioning supports our ambition to be the world leader in animal nutrition & health, providing tangible and measurable solutions to our customers so together we can tackle the biggest challenges facing society & the animal protein industry.
If not us, who?
If not now, when?
So, let’s make it possible!
All the best,
Christie Chavis
VP, ANH Specialty Solutions
