DuraHoof Organic Footbath, a pre-mixed copper sulfate footbath concentrate designed to control most forms of infectious hoof diseases, is listed by Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use on organic livestock operations. It is manufactured by AgroChem, Inc., a leading supplier of chemical solutions for the dairy industry.
OMRI listings are used by organic certifying agents to ensure livestock operations or food processors are in compliance with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Dairies certified as organic must meet a broad range of criteria, including sanitation practices, to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases.
The OMRI listing allows organic operations to utilize the product in accordance with the NOP’s requirements to help reduce the incidence of digital dermatitis and other hoof problems. According to AgroChem President Rob DeMarco, “The OMRI listing ensures organic dairies can use DuraHoof Organic Footbath with confidence to reduce footbath costs and keep their cows’ hooves healthy.”
DuraHoof Organic Footbath is an all-in-one, easy-to-use footbath concentrate that eliminates the need to measure and mix dry copper. The product promotes hoof hardness and kills bacteria associated with infectious hoof diseases, including digital dermatitis. DuraHoof OrganicFootbath combines the ideal amount of copper and HoofMax to remain effective for up to 400 cow passes and help reduce copper loading on land. HoofMax ensures optimal footbath chemistry so that copper ions remain active longer compared to traditional footbaths.
AgroChem, Inc. is a leading supplier of various chemical products for the dairy industry including hoof care products, teat dips, parlor cleaning chemicals and hay and feed preservatives. For more information, visit www.agrocheminc.com.
By Paul Post, The Saratogian
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – October 18, 2016) John DeMarco could have retired 11 years ago when his pharmaceutical chemical firm lost its biggest customer, which moved out of state.
Instead, at 55, he began looking around for a need to fill and found it on upstate New York dairy farms.
Starting out from a small rented trailer, just big enough for three people and a tiny lab, he developed two products that greatly improve cows’ foot care, which contributes to increased milk production and greater farm profits.
“Now I think we make more products than any other dairy chemical manufacturer out there,” DeMarco said. “We make hay preservatives, so hay doesn’t become moldy or catch on fire; foot baths, which a lot of other companies don’t make; and a complete line of dairy cleaners and sanitizers.”
His company, AgroChem, recently moved into a new 38,000-square-foot facility, a more than $6 million investment, at 26 Freedom Way in Grande Industrial Park. It’s roughly 25 percent larger than space the firm previously rented within the park.
Chemicals manufactured there are shipped across the country and worldwide to destinations from Western Europe and Russia to Japan, China and Korea.
“We have 39 people and we’re growing,” said DeMarco, a Mechanicville resident. “We’re hiring for a second shift right now. I would imagine we’ll probably move into a third shift once we’re in full operation.”
In addition to production workers, plans call for hiring people to fill jobs that are now contracted out such as advertising, graphic arts and human resources. One catchy ad shows the face of a cow looking out of a front-loaded washing machine window. The message says, “Wash your entire milking system in one step.”
The company has introduced products that reduce the steps required for cleaning milk equipment, which is done two or three times daily. So more cows per day can be milked. For large dairies, with thousands of animals, this may translate into millions of dollars per year in increased revenues.
DeMarco is responsible for product development and quality control.
His son, Robert, a Shenendehowa High School and Clarkson University graduate, is company president. Robert DeMarco also earned an MBA at New York University followed by studies at the London School of Economics.
In addition to AgroChem, which does about $19 million per year in sales, they also own a smaller related firm, Biosan LLC, which specializes in peracetic acid, a more environmentally-friendly alternative to chlorine beach.
“It’s much safer than bleach,” Robert DeMarco said. “It’s certified for use in organic agricultural production. It’s replacing chlorine in many industries and numerous applications within those industries.”
Although a much smaller part of their overall business portfolio, Biosan has considerable growth potential, John DeMarco said.
“It’s new,” he said. “We just got the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) registrations needed to market it to the poultry and other industries. It’s the future.”
AgroChem/Biosan is one of three firms that have recently moved into new facilities at Grande Industrial Park.
The others are PeroxyChem and Greenfield Manufacturing Inc.
PeroxyChem spent nearly $30 million for a new peroxide purification plant to supply GlobalFoundries and IBM. Previously, such materials were made at the company’s facility in Pasadena, Texas.
Greenfield Manufacturing had been leasing space at the industrial park, but has moved into a new 33,000-square foot building.
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - September 20, 2016) AgroChem, Inc. moved its entire operation - manufacturing facilities, laboratories, administrative offices and all -- to a brand new, 38,000-square foot production center on five acres in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Our new address is more than just a bigger, better space. It's an historic investment in the future of the dairy industry, both here in North America and around the world. With our state-of-the-art production facility designed exclusively for the development and manufacture of dairy chemical products, AgroChem will be better positioned than ever to meet the needs of today's producers and suppliers. Here's why:
• Improved quality and consistency. The entire plant has been designed with quality and efficiency in mind. Through an optimized floor plan and bulk tank farm, AgroChem has increased opportunities to improve quality and efficiencies at every step. What's more, we're now one of the only companies focused specifically on the innovation and production of dairy health and hygiene chemicals. You and your customers are assured of products manufactured to the highest quality standards in the industry - batch after batch, cow after cow.
• Assured safety. The state-of-the-art AgroChem bulk tank farm has greatly improved raw material handling and throughput for safer, compliant production. We've improved worker safety as well, with a more efficient layout that has reduced forklift hours, and with extensive process piping and control to minimize handling of chemicals.
• Superb customer service. As AgroChem realizes improved efficiencies throughout the operation, we can shrink our lead times and increase our output. We're now better positioned than ever to respond quickly to requests from our growing customer base in North America, Europe and Asia.
• A skilled domestic workforce. Like you, AgroChem recognizes our employees are our greatest asset. That's why we're committed to empowering them through ongoing training and education, promoting from within, creating a safe and pleasant workplace, and hiring even more skilled workers in the months and years to come, right here in Upstate New York.
Dairy producers are increasingly aware of the importance of health and hygiene in the production of quality milk. Communities are demanding greater regulation of farm chemicals, and more producers are demanding a safer environment for workers and families. More than ever, dairy industry dealers want suppliers committed to quality, safety, innovation and a skilled domestic workforce. AgroChem is responding. With this move, we've strengthened our position as a leading supplier of dairy health and hygiene solutions, and strengthened our dealers' ability to serve the needs of progressive producers here in North America and worldwide.
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – JULY 7, 2014) In its latest example of product innovation, AgroChem, Inc. has made two new improvements to its HoofMax® additive for copper sulfate footbaths:
• An advanced surfactant now helps to prepare the surface of the hoof so that copper ions can penetrate and adhere to the horn, improving available copper for killing pathogens and promoting hoof hardness.
• New dark blue dye makes it easy to identify the product in the container and footbath.
The new and improved HoofMax cleans better than original product, according to early field reports.
HoofMax® by AgroChem, Inc. is the original chemical additive designed to boost copper sulfate potency and remain active in the presence of organic matter. Its highly concentrated formula allows dairy producers to achieve the same level of control with substantially less copper than regular copper sulfate footbaths – up to 80% less.
AgroChem, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of advanced chemical solutions for the dairy industry, including hoof health products, teat dips and sanitizers. For more information, call (518) 226-4850 or visit www.agrochemusa.com.
The new Footbath Dosing System from AgroChem delivers a precise, accurate quantity of pre-mixed footbath solution at the touch of a button, with no manual measuring or mixing required.
The system can be programmed for use with two different products, each with its own pump, for use separately or in rotation. For example, producers who want results without formaldehyde may run HealMax, and producers who want to reduce copper sulfate usage may run DuraHoof.
Other benefits include:
* Maximizing the value of hoof care chemicals, with no more wasted products from inaccurate measuring
* Capable of flushing and replenishing on a pre-determined schedule
* Safer for humans and animals
* Consistent and repeatable results for healthier hooves
AgroChem also introduces a line of chemical solutions for use in Automated Milking Systems. Products include both iodine and non-iodine teat dips, a brush cleaner/sanitizer, alkaline CIP detergent and acid rinse.
For more information, call (518) 226-4850 or visit www.agrochemusa.com.
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – May 1, 2015): AgroChem, Inc. has been awarded a patent in New Zealand for its HealMax™ hoof care product, according to AgroChem Director Rob DeMarco.
HealMax is a biodegradable, topical antiseptic available in a spray, foam or footbath concentrate that works without heavy metals, acids or formaldehyde. According to DeMarco, it is best suited for dairy producers who can’t or don’t want to use formaldehyde because of health and safety risks. HealMax may also be appropriate for producers looking to reduce copper loading on land, or who want a safer footbath that is highly effective.
AgroChem is a leading manufacturer of hoof care products and chemicals for the international dairy industry. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.agrocheminc.com.
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – March 31, 2015): AgroChem, Inc. has been awarded a patent in Canada for its HealMax™ hoof care product, according to AgroChem Director Rob DeMarco.
HealMax is a biodegradable, topical antiseptic available in a spray, foam or footbath concentrate that works without heavy metals, acids or formaldehyde. According to DeMarco, it is best suited for dairy producers who can’t or don’t want to use formaldehyde because of health and safety risks. HealMax may also be appropriate for producers looking to reduce copper loading on land, or who want a safer footbath that is highly effective.
AgroChem is a leading manufacturer of hoof care products and chemicals for the dairy industry. For more information, call (518) 226-4850 or visit www.agrocheminc.com.