Cargill launches Feeding Intelligence, a platform to support Vietnamese farmers and help them tackle complex animal nutrition and health challenges
Xem Tiếng Việt 
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – (AUGUST 03, 2021) — Cargill today introduced Feeding Intelligence, a new online platform aimed at helping Vietnamese animal farmers navigate the changing food production landscape while raising awareness of their role as everyday heroes.
“Farmers in Vietnam face numerous challenges to keep up with industry changes, and to positively contribute to broader societal issues such as food safety and environmental impact,” said Mr. John Fering, regional managing director, Cargill Animal Nutrition South East Asia. “Cargill is committed to supporting the hard-working farmers on the front lines of nourishing Vietnam, whose efforts support the growth of its economy and people. Cargill seeks to equip these nation-feeders with the resources, tools and solutions necessary to raise animals more sustainability, more responsibly—more intelligently.”
Feeding Intelligence provides Vietnamese-language resources for local farmers on the latest intelligent animal production practices aimed at helping them improve their operations—across all species. Resources, support and stories of commitment and care are featured at Feeding Intelligence Vietnamese site. Farmers can find information on a variety of topics including technological advancement, animal health and well-being, performance, sustainability and much more.
Cargill customer and second generation poultry farmer Kieu Phuc Loi of the southern province of Long An has come to embody the way in which the embracing of technology can grow the business and change the lives of livestock farmers in Vietnam.
“I started with just a few chickens, and learned quickly that I did not know much in terms of breeding and disease prevention,” said Mr. Loi. “By partnering with Cargill and embracing technology including nutrition, security and temperature control, my flock has grown to over 6,000 far-healthier birds.”
“Cargill employees personally developed a trust-based partnership with Mr. Loi to achieve mutual success. Feeding Intelligence aims to make such stories more commonplace by expanding the reach of Cargill-endorsed animal husbandry practices, information, and innovation on this open access platform” Fering added.
“Consumers and farmers all want safe, nutritious, and sustainably produced food. This goal is achievable. And it is a priority for Cargill Vietnam. We have long championed the nation’s farmers and with Feeding Intelligence now available in Vietnamese, we are investing in modern methods to continue that effort. The platform features intelligent production practices that optimize animal health and well-being and provides nutritional science expertise to improve the lives of farmers, and the lives of the animals in their care. Done well, this will have a positive impact on the nutrition and welfare of people in Vietnam.”
Through Feeding Intelligence, Cargill is opening a new front in the effort to help animal farmers succeed. For over a quarter-century, Cargill has been a partner for farmers in Vietnam. The introduction of Feeding Intelligence is both recognition of the tough road farmers face as they look to recovery post-pandemic, and a renewed commitment to helping the company’s customers succeed. The site also serves as an additional source of expertise that farmers can tap into in addition to Cargill’s extensive on-going training activities. Since 1995, Cargill provided training to over 1.7 million farmers in Vietnam on topics including animal nutrition & health, farm management and biosecurity.
A recent Cargill study found that 49% of consumers think that Vietnamese farmers should primarily care most about providing safe, healthy, affordable and abundant food. Other noted responsibilities for farmers included animal well-being. Interestingly almost 9 in 10 respondents in Vietnam indicated a preference for organic and specialty farms in sourcing their proteins. These demands from consumers—who have never been more interested in their food yet are so far removed from the farm—are in direct alignment with farmer goals. Yet there remains a tension between both parties.
As a major entity in the food value chain, Cargill has a unique perspective on the complex challenges from both the farmer and consumer point of view. This vantage point also uniquely positions Cargill to support productive conversations and incite positive change.
“Cargill is committed to helping Vietnam farmers be more successful. Applying intelligent farming practices will help farmers be more profitable, while benefiting society with more sustainable food systems and meeting the more sophisticated demands of Vietnamese consumers,” noted Fering. “This isn’t possible without the millions of everyday heroes working in the pastures, pens and ponds of Vietnam.”
“Is there a future in farming?” asked Mr. Loi. “I certainly hope so. By partnering with Cargill, my farm has expanded, and most importantly, embracing better technology in my farm ultimately enhanced the quality of life for myself and my children.”
