Published: October 24, 2025
NAIROBI, Kenya —Emerging agricultural journalists attending the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists-IFAJ and Alltech Young Leaders Boot Camp in Nairobi, Kenya, were inspired by insights from Ruth O’Reilly, Technical Marketing Manager at Alltech.
Ruth shared her experiences at the crossroads of science, marketing, and sustainability, revealing the core values behind one of the world’s most forward-thinking agricultural companies. Hailing from the City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Ruth plays a complex role at Alltech. Her responsibilities include writing and editing technical agricultural content, organizing trade events, managing digital platforms, and overseeing branding and merchandising.
“Every day brings something new,” she says. “I collaborate with different teams, connect with colleagues across continents, and build relationships both in marketing and with agricultural journalists.” Her work positions her to communicate Alltech’s mission to a wide range of stakeholders.
Alltech: Pioneering Sustainable Agriculture Through Collaboration and Innovation
Alltech, a privately held biotechnology company based in Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA, was founded in 1980 by Irish biochemist Dr. Pearse Lyons. Today, it is a global leader in animal nutrition, crop science, and sustainable agricultural solutions, with operations in over 140 countries and approximately 5,000 employees. Central to Alltech’s mission is the ACE Principle—Animal, Consumer, Environment ensuring that every product and partnership benefits animal welfare, consumer health, and environmental sustainability.
Innovation Anchored in Science and the ACE Principle
Ruth emphasizes that Alltech’s approach to innovation is guided by the ACE Principle. “The well-being of animals, consumers, and the environment drives everything we do from products to stories to partnerships,” she explains. This philosophy is evident in Alltech’s “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty” initiative, which combines sustainability, scientific research, and storytelling. “The sustainability component reduces environmental impact, the science aspect drives innovation, and storytelling communicates these achievements to a broader audience,” she adds.
A notable innovation is Alltech’s development of yeast-based feed additives. Dr. Pearse Lyons discovered a yeast strain that enhances rumen efficiency in dairy cows, improving milk production while reducing resource waste.
Supporting Farmers While Protecting the Planet
Ruth highlighted Alltech products such as BioPlex and Sel-Plex, which provide minerals in highly absorbable forms, minimizing waste. The Mycosorb range helps remove mycotoxins from feed, allowing farmers to utilize crops that might otherwise be discarded. “Our products improve animal and soil health,” Ruth explains. “We help farmers lower methane emissions, enhance nutrient absorption, and adopt climate-smart agricultural practices.”
She also highlighted Agolin, an essential oil-based solution that reduces methane emissions in ruminants, promoting environmental protection and farm productivity.
Other innovations include Yea-Sacc and Alltech’s broader biological and premix solutions that support plant and soil health.
Global Reach and Strategic Collaborations
With 31 production facilities worldwide, Alltech serves customers in more than 140 countries. Its sustainability efforts have earned EcoVadis sustainability medals at sites in the Netherlands, U.K., and Mexico. In September 2025, Alltech formed a joint venture with Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) for North American animal feed operations, encompassing 17 U.S. and 15 Canadian feed mills, while becoming the majority owner.
Linking Science, Storytelling, and Youth Development For Ruth, effective communication is as critical as innovation. Alltech uses storytelling to translate scientific research into practical insights for farmers. During a boot camp visit to a poultry farm in Kenya, she observed that farmers became more open when they understood the purpose: “Part of our role is to help them share their successes and challenges so the broader world can understand and appreciate their work.”
Through programs like the Pearse Lyons Accelerator, Alltech supports agritech startups and nurtures innovation among young agricultural professionals. “Supporting young journalists and communicators ensures farmers’ innovations and experiences are accurately portrayed,” Ruth notes.
Women Leading in Agriculture
Navigating a traditionally male-dominated sector, Ruth has built her career with confidence. “Some think women don’t belong in agriculture, but my experience has been very positive. Showing that I am here to learn and grow earns respect, and opportunities follow naturally.” Her advice for young women seeking leadership or technical roles: believe in yourself, acquire knowledge, and create impact.
Building a Resilient, Sustainable Food System
Ruth stresses that sustainability goes beyond products; it includes infrastructure, cooperatives, and effective communication. Cooperatives can help smallholder farmers transition from subsistence to market-oriented farming. Alltech also supports World Without Cows, a storytelling initiative documenting global farm practices. “Consumers can’t invest in an idea they don’t understand. Storytelling connects innovation, production, and awareness,” she explains.
Reflecting on the boot camp, Ruth described it as “incredible and inspiring,” noting Africa’s agricultural potential and the progress being made across the continent.
Conclusion
Ruth O’Reilly’s insights highlight the synergy between science, sustainability, and communication in modern agriculture. Through her work at Alltech, she demonstrates how technical knowledge, marketing expertise, and youth engagement can drive meaningful change. From innovations like Yea-Sacc, Agolin, Mycosorb, BioPlex, and Sel-Plex to mentoring emerging agricultural communicators, Ruth exemplifies responsible leadership. Creating a sustainable food system requires science, storytelling, collaboration, and confidence in the next generation. With its global presence, innovative products, and dedication to sustainability, Alltech continues to lead in agricultural innovation, environmental stewardship, and empowering farmers worldwide.
Discussion about this post