Africa-Press – Liberia. NAIROBI, KENYA — During the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech Young Leaders Boot Camp in Nairobi, Kenya, a group of emerging agricultural journalists had the rare opportunity to hear from Ruth O’Reilly, Technical Marketing Manager at Alltech. Ruth shared her experiences navigating the intersection of science, marketing, and sustainability, revealing the driving principles behind one of the world’s most innovative agricultural companies.
From the City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Ruth manages a comprehensive role at Alltech that includes writing and editing technical agricultural articles, organizing trade shows, managing social media and websites, and overseeing branding and merchandising. “Every day is different,” she explains. “I work with different people, connect with colleagues overseas, and build relationships in both the marketing sector and with agricultural journalists.”
Her position allows her to engage with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, making her uniquely positioned to communicate Alltech’s core messages. Beyond daily logistics, Ruth emphasizes the principles that make Alltech a global leader in animal nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
Alltech: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture through Innovation and Collaboration
Alltech is a privately held biotechnology company headquartered in Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA. Founded in 1980 by Irish biochemist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech has grown into a global leader in animal nutrition, crop science, and sustainable agriculture solutions, with a presence in over 140 countries and a workforce of about 5,000 employees.
At the core of Alltech’s mission is the ACE Principle —Animal, Consumer, and Environment, ensuring that every product and partnership positively impacts animal welfare, consumer health, and environmental sustainability.
Innovation Rooted in Science and the ACE Principle
Ruth maintains that Alltech’s innovations are guided by the ACE Principle. “Alltech is always seeking the safety and well-being of the animal, the consumer, and the environment. That drives every product we create, every story we tell, and every partnership we pursue,” she says.
This philosophy extends to Alltech’s “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty” initiative, which focuses on sustainability, science, and storytelling. “The sustainability leaf ensures we minimize environmental impact,” Ruth says, “the science leaf drives innovation, and the storytelling leaf communicates these advances to a wider audience.”
A notable example is Alltech’s pioneering work with yeast-based feed additives. Founder Dr. Pierce Lyons identified a yeast strain that improves rumen efficiency in dairy cows, enhancing milk production while reducing resource waste.
Supporting Farmers and Protecting the Environment
Ruth highlighted products like BioPlex and Sel-Plex, which provide minerals in a form that animals absorb efficiently, reducing waste. The Mycosorb range helps adsorb mycotoxins in feed, allowing farmers to safely use crops that might otherwise be lost.
“Alltech’s products improve the health of animals and soils,” Ruth says. “We help farmers reduce methane emissions, improve nutrient uptake, and support climate-smart agriculture practices.”
She also highlights Agolin, an essential oil-based product that reduces methane in ruminants, offering environmental protection and improved farm productivity. Other innovations include Yea-Sacc, as well as Alltech’s broader biologicals and premix solutions that support soil and plant health.
Global Operations and Strategic Partnerships
Alltech operates 31 production facilities worldwide, serving customers in over 140 countries. Its sustainability efforts have been recognized with EcoVadis sustainability medals at facilities in the Netherlands, U.K., and Mexico.
In September 2025, Alltech entered a joint venture with Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) for a North American animal feed operation, contributing 17 U.S. and 15 Canadian feed mills while becoming the majority owner.
Bridging Science, Storytelling, and Youth Engagement
For Ruth, communication is as important as innovation. Alltech stresses storytelling to bridge the gap between research and farmers’ daily realities. During a boot camp visit to a poultry farm, she observed farmers opening up once they understood the goal: “Part of our work is helping them communicate their successes and challenges so the wider world can understand and appreciate what they do.”
Through initiatives like the Pearse Lyons Accelerator, Alltech supports agritech startups and fosters innovation among young agricultural professionals. “Supporting young journalists and agricultural communicators ensures farmers’ innovations and challenges are accurately represented,” Ruth explains.
Women in Agriculture and Leadership
As a woman in a male-dominated sector, Ruth has navigated her career with confidence. “There’s a perception that women don’t belong in agriculture, but my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. By showing that I am here to learn and grow, people treat you with respect, and opportunities naturally arise.”
Her advice for young women pursuing technical or leadership roles: believe in yourself, seek knowledge, and create your own impact.
Building a Sustainable and Resilient Food System
Ruth explains that sustainability extends beyond products to include infrastructure, cooperatives, and communication. Forming cooperatives can help smallholder farmers’ move from subsistence to market-oriented farming.
Alltech also supports World Without Cows, a storytelling project featuring journalists documenting farm practices worldwide. Ruth notes, “Consumers can’t buy into an idea if they don’t understand it. Storytelling bridges the gap between innovation, production, and public awareness.”
Reflecting on the boot camp, Ruth describes the program as “incredible and inspiring,” noting Africa’s agricultural potential and the hope and growth happening across the continent.
Conclusion
Ruth O’Reilly’s insights underscored the intersection of science, sustainability, and communication in modern agriculture. Through her work at Alltech, she demonstrates how technical expertise, marketing acumen, and youth engagement can create lasting impact.
From innovative feed solutions like Yea-Sacc, Agolin, Mycosorb, BioPlex, and Sel-Plex, to mentoring young agricultural communicators, Ruth embodies responsible leadership. Achieving a sustainable food system requires science, storytelling, collaboration, and belief in the next generation.
With its global presence, cutting-edge products, and commitment to sustainability, Alltech continues to lead in innovation, environmental protection, and empowering farmers worldwide.
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