On Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, we will be at the Dutch Pork & Poultry Expo in the Evenementenhal Hardenberg. Joost van de Wijgert, sales manager at Looop, spoke with the organization about our unique approach and innovations.
Looop, based in Venlo (NL), is an independent (knowledge) partner specializing in the valorization of co-products from the food and fermentation industries. The portfolio includes versatile co-products from grains, corn, and other organic raw materials, which can be used as high-quality ingredients for animal and livestock feed. Through this valorization of organic co-products, Looop strives for a fully circular world where waste no longer exists. Looop's target audience mainly consists of pig farmers who prefer to compose their own feed (liquid feed) in both wet and dry forms, or who like to have the freedom to add specific co-products to their complete feed.
Liquid feed, co-products, and mixing locations
Looop offers a wide range of single feed materials, such as potato steam peels, wheat starch, and wheat distillers concentrate. These feed materials come from the food, beverage, and fermentation industries. Besides these co-products, Looop has a mixing location where mixtures based on co-products are produced. These mixtures, suitable for piglets, sows, and meat pigs, are ideal for pig farmers who want to feed various (consistent) co-products but have limited storage capacity or no access to a pre-mixer. The company distinguishes itself in several areas. They operate independently and manage their own transport service. Moreover, they are active in various countries and operate in different markets. "With our own pig farm, we show commitment to the entire production chain and understand the challenges pig farmers may face. Our flexibility is a key characteristic," says Joost.
A world without waste
Looop embraces smart technologies such as AI, sensor technology, and data analysis. They already make extensive use of them, helping to work more efficiently, effectively, and sustainably, perfectly fitting their dream of a 100% circular world where waste no longer exists.
Almost all systems within Looop are interconnected. These systems are linked via a Business Intelligence (BI) tool. The tool collects and organizes data in a simple and structured way, allowing for easy analysis or visual representation in a dashboard. Through these data analyses, Looop can make strategic decisions based on facts rather than gut feelings.
Smart solutions for agricultural entrepreneurs
Looop ensures that agricultural entrepreneurs are assisted in reducing their daily (control) tasks. All customers are relieved first and foremost with the help of silo sensors. With Looop's free silo sensor, the entrepreneur always and everywhere knows the current inventory levels of the silos. This prevents shortages and provides more control over inventory management and planning (e.g., for silo cleaning and maintenance). Through the silo sensors, the entrepreneur can order feed for their animals without human intervention.
Another advantage is that the silo sensors read the silos once a month, conducting an inventory check. This can then be used to calibrate the feed computer, saving the entrepreneur time that can be spent elsewhere. Additionally, the sensor data can be used to make planning more efficient, resulting in fewer empty miles and thus lower CO2 emissions.
Looop also uses Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR), an ingenious device that, based on calibration lines, can determine within 30 seconds which nutrients are in the feed (thinking of dry matter or the amount of protein). Because thousands of samples are analyzed annually with NIR, an up-to-date matrix can be offered based on this data, providing an accurate overview of the current product.
No field service, but trade show participation
The Dutch Pork & Poultry Expo 2023 was positively received. The quality of the visitors was very high. The goal was to engage with current customers and speak with other farmers. This was successful. "Our focus is on providing optimal service to our customers, mainly through phone and online contact. This means that we deliberately do not deploy a field service. That is why we have been participating in the Dutch Pork & Poultry Expo for years, as it gives us an excellent opportunity to engage with our clients and build new connections within the sector," says Joost. During the upcoming expo, the focus will be on a central theme of great importance: a sustainable future for the sector with co-products.
