Poultry Times 3-25-24

A full ventilation solution for the modern layer producer

Discover our latest innovations tailored for modern layer producers. Introducing the Horizon Intermittent Sidewall Inlet (ISI) and the Horizon Continuous Sidewall Inlet (CSI), both engineered to optimize airflow control and maintain bird comfort in large poultry buildings. For precise light management, explore the all new Munters LTX Housing - Light Trap Extension Box, designed to maximize airflow while providing convenient access for maintenance, ensuring optimal productivity in your barns. Visit us at PEAK to discuss your next project and see our latest innovations.

April 18 & 19

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B ooth 1309 / April 17th –19, 2024 at the Minneapolis Convention Center

CocciAid®

(amprolium)

9.6% Oral Solution Coccidiostat

 Highly effective, FDA-approved, water-soluble treatment of coccidiosis in growing chickens, turkeys and laying hens

 Highly cost- effective alternative to expensive antibiotics

 Non-antibiotic and no meat withdrawal time

 Available in convenient no-spill 1-gallon jugs

WARNING: Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children.

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PRECAUTIONS: For Oral Use in Animals Only. May cause eye irritation.

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ORAL-PRO®

Designed to Keep Your Business Growing Coccidiosis and Stress Management Tools …

Sodium Salicylate Concentrate 60% w/v with Caffeine 5.7% w/v

For use in the drinking water of poultry

Caffeine added at 9.6% of sodium salicylate content

Aids in reducing fever caused by viral and bacterial infections 1, 2

Aids in reducing fever caused by heat stress from transporting

Offers water solubility in hard water

Offers stress relief from vaccination and processing

Available in 1-gallon no-spill plastic jug

BALANCE (Nutritional/Metabolic Supplement) Stress and Dehydration Aid

 Increases water consumption and reduces body temperature in high-heat environments

 Quicker rebound from stress-related issues including excess heat and handling

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Available in easy-to-measure 40-lb. pails or 780-gram packets

ORAL-PRO®

Sodium Salicylate Concentrate 48.6% w/v

Aids in reducing fever caused by viral and bacterial infections 1, 2

Aids in reducing fever caused by heat stress from transportation, vaccination and processing

Offers water solubility in hard water

Available in 1-gallon no-spill plastic jugs

News

7 | PEAK conference to be held next month in Minneapolis

8 | EPA makes key decision on year-round E15 fuel

Business Features

12 | Maple Leaf Foods announces refreshed strategic focus

Calendar

APRIL

30 | Joel Brandenberger receives NTF Lifetime Achievement Award

31 | Perdue Farms donates 2.75M servings of chicken to Feeding America

36 | New bill takes aim at accurately labeling ‘cultivated’ meat products

APR 9-11 — UGA HOT WEATHER POULTRY HOUSE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP, Flinchum’s Phoenix, Athens, Ga. Contact: University of Georgia Department of Poultry Science, Ph: 706-5409111; www.poultryventilation.com/events.

APR 11 — AFIA/KSU500, Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing. Online course runs through May 14, 2024. Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 810, Arlington, Va. 22201. Ph: 703-524-0810; www. afia.org.

PEAK 2024 (Cover photo courtesy Minneapolis Convention Center)

Viewpoints

“Networking at trade shows is a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers, explore new partnerships, and advance your professional goals.”

— Lara Durben | 10

32 | Camryn Wilder receives Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year Award

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Index of Advertisers

Be sure to pay a visit to these esteemed sponsors of the Poultry Times, recognizing them as vital contributors to

Aerotech/Munters | 2 800-227-2376; www.munters.com

Ag Lighting | 14 615-378-0108; www.poultrylights.com

Aquaapproach | 16 800-604-1924; aquapproach.com

Aurora Pharmaceutical | 4 888-215-1256; www.aurorapharmaceutical.com

Baldwin Supply | 31 800-279-2450; www.baldwinsupply.com

Big Dutchman | 19 616-582-4000; www.bigdutchmanusa.com

Bird Control Group | 27 844-406-9280; www.birdcontrolgroup.com

Creekview Mfg. | 23 717-445-4922; creekviewmanufacturing.com

DeLong’s Gizzard | 37 800-422-9134; delongs.com

Double L Group | 30 800-553-4102; www.doublel.com

Eagan Mfg. | 36 870-878-6805; www.eaganmfg.com

Extrutech Plastics | 41 888-818-0118; www.epiplastics.com

Facta LLC | 15 269-365-3588; factallc.com

Hog Slat | 47 800-949-4647; www.hogslat.com

Impact Poultry Products | 28 800-448-4723; www.impactpoultryproducts.com

INDIV | 3

417-862-2673; www.indivusa.com

J&D Mfg. | 28 800-998-2398; www.jdmfg.com

Kelley Mfg. | 32 800-444-5449; www.kelleymfg.com

Kunafin (The Insectary) | 40 800-832-1113; www.kunafin.com

Publication Disclaimer

L.B. White | 25 608-783-5691; www.lbwhite.com

Lewis Brothers | 38 912-367-4651; www.lbmfg.com

LVI Mfg. | 42 717-304-1668; www.lvimfg.com

Motomco | 24 800-237-6843; www.motomco.com

National Incinerator | 38 205-589-6720; www.nationalincinerator.com

Newton Crouch | 18 800-241-1350; www.newtoncrouch.com

NuTech Biosciences | 32 315-505-6500; nutechbiosciences.com

Overdrive Lighting | 34 800-657-0509; www.aglights.com

Precision Health Technologies | 26 605-696-5606; precisionhealthtechnologies.com

Precision Lighting | 1 | 22 | 33 | 39 800-737-1837; www.poultrylighting.com

Rota Technologies | 23 586-504-0199; rotatechnologies.com

Smithway | 35 828-628-1756; smithwayinc.com

Southwestern Sales | 20 800-636-1975; www.swsales.com

Tapco Inc. | 17 800-288-2726; www.tapcoinc.com

The Egg Carton Store | 40 866-333-1132; www.eggcartonstore.com

Uzelac Industries | 43 414-529-0240; www.uzelacind.com

VAL-CO | 48 800-998-2526; www.val-co.com

Walinga USA | 46 800-466-1197; www.walinga.com

Weightech | 29 | 40 800-457-3720; www.weightechinc.com

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Take a ‘PEAK’ at this year’s Midwest show in Minneapolis

DAVID B. STRICKLAND

Poultry Times Editor dstrickland@ poultrytimes.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Progress, Experience, Advancement and Knowledge — what do these words represent?

They represent some, but not all, of the aspects of this year’s “Midwest Show.”

PEAK 2024, the annual convention of the Midwest Poultry Federation, is getting geared up for three days packed full for all attending this regional trade show that organizers note as being, “the nation’s largest trade show and convention focused exclusively on the business and food production of poultry.”

This year’s PEAK, April 17-19, is changing up its schedule of days, shifting to a Wednesday to Friday format featuring a trade show floor, numerous educational sessions, as well as several networking opportunities.

“PEAK is the ideal place to connect with professionals, researchers, and industry experts to exchange ideas with others in the poultry industry,” Ross

COVER STORY

Thoreson, MPF president, whose company, Best Veterinary Solutions, is a long-time show exhibitor, said. “PEAK attendees stay informed about industry trends, scouring the trade show floor for the latest innovations, technologies, and trends in the industry that will benefit their farm businesses and help them stay competitive.”

There are many educational sessions to take part in during this year’s convention. Beginning with the annual Pre-Show Nutrition and Poultry Health Symposium on April 17 from 1-3 p.m., held in conjunction with the Multi-State Poultry Feeding and Nutrition Conference. There will be daily sessions

covering several industry segments. Topics will include Turkey, Broiler, Feed Systems & Technology, Pullet/Egg Layer tracks, and new this year a Business & Leadership track. This new business track session will be held all three days and feature Brian Fretwell, Finding Good, and will assist attendees in focusing on how to make better connections with clients, customers, coworkers, as well as friends and family.

There will also be several Poultry Ted Talks on two days, April 18-19, delivered on two stages by company representatives showcasing new products, as well as academia and graduate students presenting new poultry research.

There are a couple of education sessions that will be held concurrently with the PEAK show. The North Central Avian Disease Conference, April 16-17, as well as the Organic Egg Farmers of America Symposium, April 17. Both of these symposiums require separate registration and fees. On April 17, there will also be the Devenish Nutrition Symposium, and this event is by invitation only.

The PEAK 2024 show will have hundreds of exhibitors on its

The Minneapolis Convention Center will be the place to be April 17-19 for PEAK 2024. This premier regional event will continue its tradition of featuring hundreds of exhibits and dozens of exceptional speakers in its educational programs. This newly named convention of the Midwest Poultry Federation is planning three days packed with information, networking, and more.

Minneapolis Convention Center

trade show floor at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The trade show floor hours will be:

• April 18: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• April 19: 9 a.m.-noon.

On the show agenda are plenty of networking and fun sessions in store for attendees, as well.

The PEAK Unhatched event, featuring entertainment and food, will be on April 17, 5-10 p.m., and will this year be at the Minneapolis Convention Center in the ballroom on the first floor. Ticket price is $50 and includes food, open bar and entertainment from the band, NorthStar.

And for networking and fun on the trade show floor, there will be Mimosas on the Show Floor on April 18, 10-11 a.m., and a Happy Hour on the Show Floor, also on April 18, 4-5 p.m. And a PEAK Feud Game Show will be on the floor on April 18-19. Hospitality Night will be during the evening of April 18 at several locations.

To register, for reservations, or for any aspect of this year’s PEAK 2024, contact the Midwest Poultry Federation, by email at info@ midwestpoultry.com, phone: 763-284-6763; or at https://midwestpoultry.com.

EPA makes key decision on year-round E15 fuel

BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Eight midwestern governors recently made a request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to allow the sale of 15 percent ethanol gasoline year-round. The governors included J.B. Pritzker, Illinois; Kim Reynolds, Iowa; Jim Pillen, Nebraska; Tim Walz, Minnesota; Mike Parson, Missouri; Mike DeWine, Ohio; Kristi Noem, South Dakota; and Tony Evers, Wisconsin.

The agency granted the request of the eight governors and the sale of E15 gasoline will begin April 28, 2025. Reuters reported that the corn-based ethanol industry became frustrated at the later starting date.

“We are glad to hear this decision from EPA, as it puts us on the road to providing more certainty to America’s corn growers and consumers who will save money at the pump,” Harold Wolle, National Corn Growers Association president, said. “However, given that this decision will not take effect until the summer of 2025, we question and are concerned about the implications of the timeline for growers and consumers this summer.”

Previously E15 gasoline has not been sold during the summer due to federal government regulations. According to Reuters, the regulations were put into effect because of smog concerns. However, the biofuel industry said the reservations of smog were unsubstantiated.

The NCGA claims that the regulations are dated and needless. The association says that the EPA has made exceptions over the last few years for drivers.

Wolle added that, “while we are pleased with today’s decision, we still need a law that codifies ac-

cess to higher levels of ethanol and that eliminates the patchwork of state regulations on the issue. That is why we are pushing for the passage of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act in the Senate to solve this issue once and for all.”

“We are very appreciative for all Governor Reynolds has done in leading the charge for access to higher blends of ethanol at the pump,” Jolene Riessen, Iowa Corn Growers Association president, said. “With the EPA’s official ruling we can ensure all consumers across the state can save money and utilize products we grow right here in Iowa. ICGA will continue to advocate alongside the National Corn Growers Association and our biofuels partners for a solution to the 2024 driving season to provide drivers access to E15, the more affordable fuel by 15-16 cents a gallon. Uninter-

rupted access to E15 year-round is vital for consumers and farmers alike.”

Reuters also reported that oil refiners have expressed fears of the fuel being sold only in specific states as opposed to being sold nationwide. They claim that problems like fuel price spikes and supply glitches could arise.

An EPA official said, “By extending the implementation date, this final action reduces the risk of gasoline supply issues this summer and the price impacts that could have come with 2024 implementation.” The agency did not say if a waiver for the sale of E15 gasoline would be used this upcoming summer.

“While we are pleased to see EPA has finally approved yearround E15 in these eight states, we are extremely disappointed by the Agency’s needless decision to delay implementation until

2025,” Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO, said. “It’s helpful to finally have some certainty about 2025 and beyond, but what happens this summer? The Biden administration missed its statutory deadline to finalize the governors’ petition by more than 500 days, and now it claims there just isn’t enough time to implement the rule in time for summer 2024.”

“Why should ethanol producers, farmers, fuel retailers, and consumers in these states be penalized for EPA’s foot-dragging and failure to meet a clear deadline?” Cooper added. “With the 2024 summer driving season just a few months away, we are urging the administration to take additional action that will ensure consumers have uninterrupted access to lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 this summer.”

UGA announces more campus security

BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com

ATHENS, Ga. — Hundreds of students from the University of Georgia and Augusta University mourned the loss of their classmate Laken Riley with a vigil on the UGA campus recently.

Riley, who was a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University, went out for a run Feb. 22 on a trail near the intramural fields on the UGA campus in Athens, Ga. Her friend informed the university police that she never came back. She was found dead in a wooded area near the running trail.

Police arrested the suspect Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, and he is being held without bond. Ibarra is not a citizen of the United States. Officials note that Ibarra did not know Riley, and Jeff Clark, chief of the UGA police, said they are calling it a “crime of opportunity.”

On March 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill dubbed the “Laken Riley Act,” which requires federal detention of migrants who commit crimes such as burglary and theft.

In the light of this recent crime, the nation’s colleges and universities are taking a serious look at how to keep students safe.

The University of Georgia announced that it is reconstructing its security procedures to ensure the student population is safe.

“The protection of our students, faculty and staff at the University of Georgia is always top of mind for me and our senior administration, and we are continually evaluating our safety programs,” UGA President Jere W. Morehead said on Feb. 27. “This morning, I met with campus law enforcement officials to learn their recommendations for further enhancements. Every one of their recommendations was approved.”

In a report from the university, the school lays out its new security measures.

These new measures, “totaling more than $7.3 million, include a

permanent 20 percent increase to the UGA Police Department budget to continue to recruit and retain the very best officers through more competitive pay and to add additional campus safety personnel. Other measures will include more security cameras and lighting upgrades as well as adding license plate readers and the installation of combined security camera-blue light call box systems in strategic locations across campus. The RideSmart program, which provides a 50 percent discount on Lyft rides for UGA students, is being extended four hours per day and will now operate from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m,” UGA reports.

Clark added, “every day, the officers and supporting staff of the UGA Police Department devote themselves to protecting the campus community. These additional funds will have a measurable impact on our safety efforts, supporting the excellent work of our dedicated Police Department team and our partners.”

There will also be additional security added to locations on campus like the Miller Learning Center, the UGA Libraries, the Tate Student Center, and the Ramsey Student Center. Security

David B. Strickland Poultry Times

The University of Georgia recently announced accelerated efforts to increase campus security and safety in the light of the recent slaying of nursing student Laken Riley on campus. Flower memorials have been left at the UGA North Campus Arch in Athens, Ga., since the Feb. 22 killing.

will be placed in all UGA libraries on a 24-hour basis. The main library and the McBay library will only be open to UGA students, faculty and staff during evening hours.

Additional crosswalks will be installed along with lighting fixtures added near residency halls. All current lighting fixtures on the campus will be updated to LED equipment. More cameras and license plate readers will be added in specific locations of the UGA campus.

“I am deeply appreciative of President Morehead’s ongoing dedication to the safety and security of our campus,” Dr. P. Daniel Silk, UGA’s associate vice president for public safety, said. “Pursuing safety is an ongoing process it never ends, but the institution’s strong commitment to that process is deep, unwavering, and long-lasting.”

The UGA report also noted that, “Blue light call boxes combined with cameras are being added to select sites throughout campus. Based on existing research, basic call boxes alone do not inherently contribute to a safer environment; therefore, the new call box systems installed on campus will utilize new multi-functional capabili-

ties that also incorporate security cameras and additional lighting. They will be located strategically in areas identified as ideal for camera coverage and enhanced lighting.”

New perimeter fences will be constructed in several locations and new signs will be posted stating the area is under heavy surveillance. These investments will be funded by the state, UGA Parents Leadership Council, the UGA Foundation, the President’s Venture Fund and the Georgia Athletic Association. There are also other internal and external partnerships funding these projects.

UGA is also creating an application called UGA Safe, adding that, “the UGA Safe app has robust features including, among others, a Mobile Blue light, which immediately calls the UGA Police and shares the user’s location in real time; a Friend Walk feature displaying a student’s location to selected friends; and a Chat with Police feature, which allows students to immediately report concerns to the UGA Police Department. Parents of UGA students can also sign up for the UGA Safe app.”

VIEWPOINT

Explore the art of networking at the PEAK 2024 convention

COMMENTARY BY

LARA DURBEN Midwest Poultry Federation

Lara Durben is half of Empowered Events LLC, the company that manages the Midwest Poultry Federation. She and her business partner, Teresa Sorenson, handle all the logistics, planning, sales, and marketing for the PEAK Convention.

BUFFALO, Minn. — PEAK 2024 — the trade show and convention powered by the Midwest Poultry Federation — is coming up this spring in Minneapolis and now is the perfect time to make plans to attend.

It is also a great time to consider how best to make connections in the poultry industry as you are walking the trade show and attending the education sessions.

Like any trade show, PEAK 2024 is a vibrant hub of industry activity. Professionals gather in Minneapolis to showcase their products, share their insights, and forge meaningful connections. However, mastering the art of networking can be challenging – whether you’re a seasoned veteran or attending PEAK for the first time. Here are some effective strategies to help you navigate and succeed:

Prepare with purpose:

Before stepping foot onto the trade show floor, take the time to set clear objectives for your networking efforts. Define what you hope to achieve, whether it’s expanding your professional network or fostering partnerships. Research the exhibitors and attendees who will be present via the PEAK website (www. midwestpoultry.com) and the mobile app (coming soon!) and identify key individuals or companies you want to connect with.

This preparation will provide direction and focus, ensuring that your networking efforts are purposeful and productive.

Craft an elevator pitch:

An elevator pitch is a concise and compelling introduction that succinctly communicates who you are and what you do. Craft a memorable elevator pitch that highlights your unique value proposition and resonates with your target audience.

Keep it brief, engaging, and tailored to the context of the trade show. Practice delivering your pitch with confidence

“Networking at trade shows is a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers, explore new partnerships, and advance your professional goals.”

and clarity, leaving a lasting impression on those you meet.

Be approachable:

Approachability is key to successful networking. Wear a welcoming smile, maintain open body language, and exude confidence in your interactions. Initiate conversations with fellow attendees by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses.

Show genuine interest in their work and accomplishments and look for common ground to establish rapport. Remember to be authentic and personable, as people are more likely to connect with those they perceive as genuine and relatable.

• Pro tip:

Join PEAK’s complimentary Business and Leadership Track to learn more about how to make meaningful connections through conversations. Speaker and trainer Brian Fretwell will walk us through a variety of methods of asking questions and listening exercises that will transform the way you network professionally and connect with people on a personal level. Learn more at https://midwestpoultry.com/ schedule/.

Utilize digital tools:

In today’s digital age, leveraging technology can enhance your networking efforts at trade

shows. Utilize social media platforms such as LinkedIn to research and connect with exhibitors and attendees before, during, and after the event.

Join relevant groups or discussions to engage with industry professionals and exchange insights. Additionally, use PEAK’s mobile app to facilitate connections and schedule meetings with potential collaborators.

Find Midwest Poultry Federation on LinkedIn here: https:// www.linkedin.com/company/ midwest-poultry-federation.

Follow up with purpose:

Networking doesn’t end when the trade show con -

cludes—it’s just the beginning of building and nurturing valuable relationships. After the event, follow up with the contacts you’ve made in a timely and personalized manner. Send a brief email or message expressing gratitude for the conversation and reiterating your interest in staying connected.

Reference specific points discussed during your interaction to demonstrate attentiveness and reinforce the connection. Maintain regular communication and seek opportunities to further engage and collaborate with your newfound contacts.

Networking at trade shows is a valuable opportunity to

connect with industry peers, explore new partnerships, and advance your professional goals. By preparing with purpose, crafting compelling introductions, being approachable and engaging, leveraging digital tools, and following up with purpose, you can master the art of networking and unlock the full potential of trade show participation.

We invite you to attend PEAK 2024 and take in all there is to see and do. For all the details and to register online, visit www.midwestpoultry.com. We hope to see you April 17-19 in Minneapolis!

BUSINESS

Maple Leaf Foods announces its refreshed strategic focus

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has announced an update to the company’s strategic focus and a realignment of its organizational structure, including several executive changes.

“For the past five years, our vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth has been our north star and raising the good in food is what gives us purpose every day,” said Curtis Frank, Maple Leaf Foods CEO. “As our business shifts from an intensive phase of investing in building and commissioning new plants to realizing the benefits of our world-class network, the time is appropriate to refine the strategies that underpin our Purpose and Vision through an evolved strategic Blueprint.”

The company unveiled its new, evolved Blueprint, which acts as a strategic compass for the organization.

The Blueprint outlines the company’s five core strategies in its pursuit of delivering shared value for its stakeholders:

• Lead the Way — By making better food, taking better care and nurturing a better planet.

• Build Loved Brands — By growing consumer relevance, delivering impactful innovation and leveraging our unique capabilities.

• Broaden our Impact — By extending our geographic reach, developing new channels and categories and diversifying our protein portfolio.

• Operate with Excellence — By harnessing advanced technologies, applying data science and analytics and driving cost efficiency.

• Develop Extraordinary Talent — By embedding our values-

based culture, investing in future-ready leaders and inspiring enduring engagement.

In order to execute the strategies outlined in the Blueprint, the company will bring its Meat and Plant Protein businesses together under a single umbrella through a refreshed organizational structure that supports its core strategies, optimizes its growth potential in key markets

and provides clear accountabilities.

“The evolution of our Blueprint serves to bring clarity and focus to the entire company around how we will deliver on the core strategies that will propel Maple Leaf Foods forward,” Frank said. “As an integrated protein company, we have tremendous opportunities ahead of us. Together we are a powerhouse, and we will leverage our combined strength to build our brands in Canadian, U.S. and international markets.”

• Executive changes

Adam Grogan has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer, effective immediately. Grogan has overall responsibility for leading Prepared Foods, including Prepared Meats, Poultry, and Plant Protein; and the supply chain network across Canada and the United States. Grogan

has been with Maple Leaf Foods for more than 25 years in diverse roles and brings a wide spectrum of experience in both operational and commercial leadership roles.

Casey Richards assumes the newly created role of president, Maple Leaf Foods USA. Richards is responsible for leading the company’s growth in this critical, high potential market, including retail and foodservice. Richards has more than 20 years of global marketing and general management experience, including the last six years with Maple Leaf Foods. He brings a tremendous depth and breadth of North American food industry experience having worked for some of North America’s largest food companies, the company noted.

Maple Leaf Foods adds that these appointments are effective immediately.

Wayne-Sanderson Farms provides meals to Texas wildfire victims and responders

BRYAN, Texas — As the Smokehouse Creek Fire continues to impact Texas, WayneSanderson Farms’ Bryan Processing Complex has donated 20,000 pounds of fresh chicken and 500 cases of ice to help feed local families and first responders.

Company representatives delivered the chicken to the Borger Salvation Army, which is working with local officials to provide relief to victims and emergency responders. The blaze has become the largest fire in state history, engulfing over a million acres and burning across several towns along the Texas Panhandle.

“We are thinking of our neighbors in Texas and are glad to provide some support to those impacted by this devastating fire,” said Allen Laughlin, Wayne-Sanderson Bryan Processing Complex manager.

Wayne-Sanderson Farms partners with hundreds of local family poultry farms and operates four poultry processing complexes in Texas, including feed mills, production facilities and hatcheries.

NOVUS acquires BioResource International Inc.

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Novus International Inc. announces it has completed the acquisition of U.S.-based enzyme company

BioResource International Inc. (BRI). Under the terms of the agreement, NOVUS becomes the owner of all BRI’s products and intellectual property and takes control of the company’s facilities.

“This move will allow us to serve our customers better and expand our innovation pipeline further,” said Dan Meagher, NOVUS president and CEO. “Enzymes are vital tools for producers to ensure animal health and well-being and help deliver onfarm profitability. We’re very excited to offer our customers more options, as well as aspire to develop new feed additives.”

The relationship between the two companies isn’t new. NOVUS has partnered with BRI since 2008 to manufacture its protease product, CIBENZA® Enzyme Feed Additive. Meagher says having full ownership and control of the product line and the option to expand NOVUS’ portfolio beyond protease enzymes is a natural fit in the company’s long-term strategic plans.

“As a leader in intelligent nutrition, NOVUS’ priorities include investing further in functional proteins and the gut health segment, growing our portfolio, and achieving stronger control of our supply chain,” he said. “Along with supporting these goals, acquiring BRI also increases our capabilities to

develop innovative solutions in the fermentation space.”

BRI’s products include Versazyme® protease feed additive, Xylamax® xylanase feed enzyme, Dymanase® mannanase enzyme, Phytamax® granulated, thermostable, microbial 6-phytase enzyme; and EnzaPro® enzyme and direct-fed microbials, among others.

BRI’s co-founder and CEO Dr. Giles Shih, said the acquisition and tapping into the knowledge of employees in both BRI and NOVUS allows for the continued growth of the company he helped create 25 years ago.

“We are super excited about the future where BRI’s products and people combine forces with the global reach and deep industry knowledge NOVUS brings to the feed additive space,” Shih said. “This deal is not one of happenstance. Our two companies have worked closely together since 2008 to launch the first generation of heat-stable protease feed enzymes and shape how they are developed, marketed, and optimized to add value to customers worldwide. This acquisition will enable NOVUS to innovate the next generation of proteases and enzymes that will do even more, from promoting gut health to promoting the bottom line.”

Along with BRI’s current product portfolio, NOVUS also takes over the company’s facilities in North Carolina.

Meagher says continuity is key for current BRI customers and they should experience “business as usual” during the integration process.

CWT Farms announces retirement of President Rickey Smith

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — CWT Farms International Inc. has announced that Rickey Smith will be retiring as its president in July.

Smith joined the company in 2015. He led CWT Farms as it has continued modernizing its feed mill and expanded operations into Kentucky and New York, the company noted.

“We extend our profound appreciation to Rickey for his steadfast dedication and exceptional leadership, which have been instrumental in fostering our growth and success here at CWT,” said Christopher Hill, CWT Farms CEO. “His extensive knowledge of the poultry industry has helped guide our expansion and his experience has been a great asset to our CWT management team. We all wish Rickey the very best in his retirement. He will be sorely missed.”

After graduating from the University of Georgia, Smith spent more than 40 years working in the poultry industry. During that time, he worked with different breeders, production cycles, biosecurity challenges, vaccine requirements and overall bird health. In addition, he is experienced in financial analysis for all aspects of the industry, the company added.

CWT Farms also notes that it has begun its executive search for Smith’s successor.

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Tyson Foods reports first quarter 2024 results

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods Inc. reports its first quarter 2024 highlights.

Among these include: sales of $13.319 billion, up 0.4 percent from prior year; GAAP operating income of $231 million, down 51 percent from prior year; adjusted operating income of $411 million, down 9 percent from prior year; GAAP EPS of 30 cents, down 66 percent from prior year; adjusted EPS of 69 cents, down 19 percent from prior year; total com-

pany GAAP operating margin of 1.7 percent; total company adjusted operating margin (non-GAAP) of 3.1 percent; liquidity of approximately $3.7 billion as of Dec. 30, 2023.

“Our team executed well in the quarter and delivered tangible results, including our third sequential quarter of adjusted operating income growth,” said Donnie King, President & CEO, Tyson Foods. “We saw the benefits of our diverse protein portfolio and realization of operational efficiencies from the strategic decisions we made in the past year.”

“Although we still have work to do, I am pleased with our first quarter results and am confident we are on the right path to deliver longterm shareholder value,” King added. “Going forward, we will continue to prioritize our liquidity and financial health, our focus on operational excellence, and our relentless pursuit to win with customers and consumers.”

• Outlook

For fiscal 2024, the USDA in -

dicates domestic protein production (beef, pork, chicken and turkey) should increase slightly compared to fiscal 2023 levels.

• Chicken USDA projects chicken production will be flat in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023. Tyson anticipates adjusted operating income of $500 million to $700 million for fiscal 2024.

• Beef USDA projects domestic production will decrease approximately 2 percent in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023. Tyson anticipates adjusted operating income (loss) between ($400) million and breakeven in fiscal 2024.

• Pork USDA projects domestic production will increase approximately 2 percent in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023. Tyson anticipates adjusted operating income of breakeven to $100 million in fiscal 2024.

• Prepared Foods

Tyson anticipates adjusted operating income of $800 million to $1 billion in fiscal 2024.

• Total company

Tyson Foods anticipates total company adjusted operating income of $1 billion to $1.5 billion for fiscal 2024.

The company also reports that it expects capital expenditures between $1 billion and $1.5 billion for fiscal 2024. Capital expenditures include investments in profit improvement projects as well as projects for maintenance and repair. This includes completion of capacity expansion projects as well as new equipment, automation technology and processes for product innovation. Tyson also expects net interest expense to be approximately $400 million for fiscal year 2024.

For more information, visit www.tysonfoods.com.

Easy Bio acquiring Devenish Nutrition

SEOUL, South Korea — Easy Bio, a South Korean animal nutrition company, announces the acquisition of a 100 percent stake in Devenish Nutrition

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Navigating New Standards: Poultry Transparency Act

In February 2024, the USDA implemented the Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments, marking the beginning of a new chapter for fully integrated poultry companies requiring increased transparency and fairness with growers. It requires all new and renewed contracts between processors and growers to align with the USDA’s standards immediately.

FACTA, LLC, an industry leader in animal welfare auditing, is offering support to processors impacted by the new standards through compliance audits, documentation preparation, risk assessments, and strategic consulting. Our deep understanding of agricultural practices and regulations uniquely positions us to assist with complying to these changes effectively and efficiently.

The key features of the new USDA standards are:

• Comprehensive Disclosures: Information on litigation history, payment policies, and grower turnover rates among others, ensuring growers have a clear understanding of contract terms.

• Financial Transparency: Dealers are required to provide historical payment data, enabling growers to better assess potential earnings and manage financial risks.

• Fair Ranking Systems: Detailed disclosures on factors affecting grower payments, promoting fair competition.

• Governance and Compliance: A framework ensuring the accuracy of disclosures, with a senior executive responsible for certification.

PARTNERING FOR COMPLIANCE AND SUCCESS

FACTA’s tailored solutions to ensure proper implementation and long-term success by offering:

• Efficient Audits: Detailed and thorough compliance checks.

• Certification Support: Get certified and showcase your adherence.

• Customized Audits: Our auditing services are designed to align your operations with USDA mandates and ensure you meet all regulatory requirements.

• Streamlined Documentation: Gain access to comprehensive documentation and reporting solutions that simplify the compliance process.

By choosing to work with FACTA, beyond complying with these new standards, you receive:

• Risk Mitigation: Proactively manage compliance to avoid potential penalties and legal challenges.

• Trust & Transparency: Strengthen relationships with your growers.

• Grower Confidence: Our emphasis on transparency strengthens relationships with growers, fostering trust and cooperation.

• Strategic Focus: With compliance in expert hands, you can focus on strategic initiatives that drive productivity and profitability.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Take the first step towards ensuring seamless compliance and enhancing your operational efficiency. Contact Jacquelyn Babcock, FACTA’s Director of Animal Welfare Auditing and Training, at jbabcock@factallc.com or 269.365.3588 to explore how we can support your business’s transition to the new regulatory standards.

www.factallc.com

LLC, a U.S. corporation specializing in feed additives, in a move to strengthen its feed additive and premix business in North America, the company said.

Specifically, the former’s U.S. subsidiary, Easy Bio USA, took over Devenish Nutrition from its parent company, Devenish Holdings Limited located in Northern Island.

Since its launch in 1998, Fairmont, Minn.-headquartered Devenish Nutrition has been competitively operating businesses such as feed additives and premixes, which meet various needs of customers through five production plants and six research facilities in the United States and Mexico, the company added. In particular, more than 30 of its 200-plus employees are Ph.D.level personnel, which helped

the company establish a firm position in the North American livestock market through value-adding products and services based on high-quality technology and research capabilities.

After its foundation in 1988, Easy Bio has headed the technology in alternative antibiotic solutions, cost-saving solutions, and animal gut health solutions under the banner of “Guidance for Sustainable Animal Industry” and has focused all of its capabilities on setting out directions for the future eco-friendly animal industry and enhancing customer competitiveness, the company noted.

Easy Bio has chalked up rapid growth mainly through its subsidiary Pathway Intermediates Limited in the United Kingdom in such global markets as the United States, Canada, Spain, China, Vietnam, and Thailand. It also has supplied a host of animal nutrition solutions to around 50 countries in the world.

This acquisition is based on the belief that Devenish Nutri -

tion’s management philosophy, which has developed and supplied a variety of technology-based solutions for customer success and sustainable growth, is very well in line with Easy Bio’s mission, “The ValueAdded Solution of Feeding Tomorrow,” to provide a valuable solution to customers for sustainable livestock, the company said.

In addition, the solutions, technologies, and sales power of the various portfolios of the two companies are expected to enable mutual strategic supplementation and synergy creation in the future, which will not only beef up competitiveness in North America but also enable customer satisfaction through more diverse and differentiated solutions in the global markets, the companies added.

“Devenish Nutrition is already a leading company in the North American market with its solid technology and various solutions,” Stevenson Hwang, Easy Bio CEO, said. “We are confident that this is an outstanding achievement

and competitiveness of many talented people in the company, including management. Easy Bio believes it has a significant responsibility to fully support Devenish Nutrition so that the company with these strengths can continue to develop and grow into a market leader in the future through this acquisition.”

“In this respect, Devenish Nutrition will continue to operate with its current management team and employees at the center and continue to grow with its customers and business partners based on the great history, tradition, and corporate culture that its executives and employees have made,” Hwang added.

“I am delighted we have now completed this transaction. Devenish Nutrition is a wellestablished and well-recognized brand across the United States and Mexico livestock industry,” Cory Penn, Devenish Nutrition CEO, said. “With the help and support of the Easy Bio Group, we will continue to expand our footprint across North America with investments in people, research, and manufacturing facilities. The relationship with Easy Bio will provide Devenish Nutrition with significant benefits, including additional financial resources, access to a unique and innovative product portfolio, as well as access to additional research capabilities.”

“We believe these additional resources will ultimately benefit all our stakeholders, including customers, employees, and supplier partners,” Penn added. “Our business is built around a strong employee culture, with a focus on delivering nutritional solutions to support the challenges and opportunities of our customers. Easy Bio has similar strong values and an appreciation of employees being its strongest asset, which points toward a very successful business that I believe will go from strength to strength. It is an exciting time for Devenish Nutrition’s North American business.”

Easy Bio noted that it plans to emphasize this purpose and direction once again for executives, customers, and business partners of Devenish Nutrition

and to support the business in earnest.

Commodity Classic announces record-breaking show

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — More than 11,500 attendees including more than 4,600 farmers along with exhibitors, industry stakeholders, and ag media recently gathered in Houston, Texas, for the 2024 Commodity Classic.

This event broke the previous Commodity Classic record of 10,400 attendees, which was held in Orlando, Fla., in 2023.

“The energy in Houston was unlike anything we’ve experienced at Commodity Classic,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, a Nebraska farmer and co-chair of the 2024 Commodity Classic. “Our advance registration was about 30% ahead of our record-breaking Orlando show in 2023, so we knew we were going to have a big event for the show’s first time in Houston.”

Fellow 2024 co-chair Brandon Wipf, a South Dakota farmer, said, “It’s exciting to see Commodity Classic’s attendance grow in recent years. We were expecting a big crowd in Houston, and we’re looking forward to bringing the show to Denver for the first time in 2025.”

This year’s event featured more than 30 educational sessions, two sold-out trade show floors with more than 435 ex-

hibitors, a keynote address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, and policy meetings of the sponsoring commodity associations. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of presentations from top farmers and wellknown industry leaders along with tours of popular Houston attractions. Guests also enjoyed closing out the event at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Saturday, March 2, with a concert featuring country artist Hardy.

The 2025 Commodity Classic will be held March 2-4 in Denver, Colo. Companies who wish to exhibit at the 2025 show should look for the exhibitor application in the coming weeks on the Commodity Classic website at www.CommodityClassic.com. Registration for the Denver show will open in November 2024.

AFIA’s Tumbarello to advise federal committee on supply chain concerns

ARLINGTON, Va. — The

(Continued on page 18)

American Feed Industry announces that Gina Tumbarello, AFIA’s senior director of global strategies, policy and trade, has been appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to serve on the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness.

Tumbarello will be instrumental in advising the committee on the development and administration of programs and policies to strengthen the competitiveness and resiliency of U.S. supply chains used throughout the animal food chain.

“Over the past several years, our members across the animal food industry have experienced challenges fulfilling customers’ orders in a timely and cost-effective way due to labor disputes, weak transportation infrastructure and political conflicts. While many issues have been resolved, we know challenges lurk around the corner,” said AFIA President and Chief Executive Constance Cullman. “We are

grateful that Gina Tumbarello will be able to serve as the industry’s voice as it looks to proactively improve America’s competitiveness in the future.”

Established in November 2011, the committee advises the commerce secretary on crafting a comprehensive and integrated national freight infrastructure and policy framework geared toward supporting U.S. export growth and national economic competitiveness. This framework is intended to propel U.S. export expansion, fortify national economic competitiveness and elevate the efficiency of domestic and global supply chains, including those used by the feed and pet food sector.

In 2023, the U.S. animal food industry exported over $13.1 billion worth of feed and pet food products. Overall, the industry is estimated to generate more than $267.1 billion in sales, including $98.4 million in value-added revenue to other industries across America.

Hormel Foods reports its first quarter

FY 2024 results

AUSTIN, Minn. — Hormel Foods Corp. has reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 ending Jan. 28, 2024. All comparisons are to the first quarter of fiscal 2023 unless otherwise noted.

First quarter summary: volume of 1.1 billion lbs., up 4 percent; net sales of $3 billion, up 1 percent; operating income of $284 million, down 2 percent; adjusted operating income of $295 million, up 2 percent; operating margin of 9.5 percent, compared to 9.7 percent last year; adjusted operating margin of 9.8 percent; earnings before income taxes of $286 million, up 2 percent; adjusted earnings before income taxes of $296 million, up 5 percent; effective tax rate of 23.4 percent, compared to 22.6 percent; diluted net earnings

POULTRY HOUSE SOLUTIONS

per share of 40 cents, comparable to last year; adjusted diluted net earnings per share was 41 cents; cash flow from operations of $404 million, up 98 percent.

“We delivered strong results in the first quarter, led by better-than-expected performance in each of our business segments and progress against our transformation and modernization initiative,” said Jim Snee, Hormel Foods chairman of the board, president and CEO. “We are especially encouraged by broad-based volume growth across our businesses, reflecting the strength of our leading brands, robust demand for our foodservice products and momentum in our Planters® snack nuts business. These results demonstrate our team’s meaningful execution against our strategic priorities, the value of our balanced business model and marked improvements in our supply chain.”

“We are reaffirming our full-year net sales and earnings expectations,” Snee said. “We expect continued growth in Foodservice, improvement in our International business, impacts from pricing and innovation in Retail, and further progress on our transformation and modernization initiative. Our teams remain focused on our strategic priorities and delivering on our commitment to improve our business and drive long-term shareholder returns.”

For fiscal year 2024, the company is:

• Reaffirming its net sales growth outlook of 1 percent to 3 percent, which assumes volume growth in key categories, higher brand support and innovation, impacts from incremental pricing actions and its current assumptions for raw material input costs.

• Reaffirming its diluted net earnings per share and adjusted diluted net earnings per share expectations of $1.43 to $1.57, and $1.51 to $1.65, respectively. Diluted net earnings per share and adjusted diluted net earnings per share are expected to decline year over year in the second quarter and grow in the back half of the year. The full-year out-

look reflects a significant yearover-year decline in whole bird turkey markets.

• Assuming a modest benefit to net earnings from its transformation and modernization initiative.

Hormel adds that it made progress against transformation and modernization initiative, including in the areas of supply chain efficiency and portfolio optimization, including:

• Plan : The company is implementing a new end-to-end planning process and are integrating new planning technology.

• Buy : Hormel is realizing the benefits from our new procurement and productivity programs, with further savings expected across many categories, such as logistics and warehousing, direct supplies and indirect supplies.

• Make : The company launched the Hormel Production System to standardize ways of working across manufacturing network.

• Move : Hormel is taking actions to optimize our refrigerated and ambient distribution networks.

• Portfolio Optimization : Hormel adds that it has identified approximately 10 percent of the items in its portfolio to be optimized. Throughout the year, the company expects to use enhanced data and analytics capabilities to identify more opportunities to improve the portfolio.

• The company adds that it has formed a data and analytics office, focused on creating easy access to reliable and consistent technology, data and analytics to support our transformation and modernization initiative.

Retail volume is up 2 percent; net sales down 2 percent; and segment profit is down 3 percent.

Volume growth for the quarter was driven by the valueadded meats, global flavors, emerging brands and bacon verticals. Net sales declined primarily due to lower contract manufacturing volume and lower commodity turkey pricing. Demand was strong for many products, including Skippy® peanut butter, Plant-

ers® snack nuts, Wholly® dips, Herdez® salsas and sauces, La Victoria® salsas, JennieO® ground turkey, Hormel® Square Table™ entrees and Hormel® pepperoni, which each delivered volume and net sales improvement during the quarter. Segment profit declined, as the benefit from higher sales in our snacking and entertaining vertical and lower logistics expenses was more than offset by the impact from lower commodity turkey pricing and lower equity in earnings from MegaMex Foods.

Foodservice volume is up 8 percent; net sales up 9 percent; and segment profit up 10 percent.

Volume and net sales growth were broad based across numerous categories, led by Jennie-O turkey and doubledigit gains for products such as Hormel Bacon 1 cooked bacon, pepperoni, Austin Blues smoked meats and Café H globally inspired proteins. Additionally, the company’s Heritage Premium Meats group drove strong volume and double-digit net sales improvement for the quarter. Segment profit increased primarily due to higher sales and favorable logistics expenses.

Hormel announces

Clark as SVP and chief communications officer

AUSTIN, Minn. — Hormel Foods announces that Katie Clark has been appointed to the role of senior vice president and chief communications officer.

Clark

In this role, Clark will oversee the company’s global communications, including external media relations, internal communications, global impact communications and corporate reputation. Clark will report directly to Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and CEO at Hormel Foods.

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The latest technology and patent pending solutions from Big Dutchman

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“I am delighted Katie is joining us at Hormel Foods. She is an impressive leader with wellrounded communications experience across several industries, and her perspective will be an asset to our company,” Snee said. “I look forward to working closely with her to continue our company’s journey to make a difference for our customers, team members, consumers, shareholders and the communities where we live and work.”

Clark brings more than two decades of communications experience from various industries, including CPG, retail and healthcare. Recently, she was named a 2024 “Top Woman in Communications” by Ragan Communications and PR Daily.

Prior to joining Hormel Foods, Clark served as vice president of communications for Mattress Firm, the nation’s largest mattress retailer with more than 2,300 stores across the United States. She joined the company in 2020, leading internal communications,

public relations, media relations, crisis and issues management, executive communications, and social impact.

Before joining Mattress Firm, Clark spent seven years at PepsiCo in various leadership roles spanning both internal and external communications. Her last role at PepsiCo was director of communications for PepsiCo Beverages North America, a $21 billion beverage business. In that role, she led external communications, including corporate reputation, issues management, proactive and reactive earned media and thought leadership. She also served as director of global internal communications, director of public relations for the Tropicana brand and senior manager of internal and executive communications for the Quaker Oats brand. Before joining PepsiCo, Clark spent a decade at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in communications and marketing roles.

Clark earned her master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor of arts in communi -

cations from Virginia Tech.

Elanco Animal Health reports 4Q and full year results

GREENFIELD, Ind. — Elanco Animal Health has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2023 and provided initial guidance both for the first quarter and full year 2024.

“Elanco ended 2023 with momentum, returning to constant currency revenue growth for the full year and delivering 5 percent growth in the fourth quarter, primarily driven by our farm animal business, innovation revenue and price growth,” said Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health. “While we exceeded our sales expectations and demonstrated strong op -

erating expense management in the fourth quarter, adjusted EBITDA was adversely impacted by approximately $18 million of unexpected items, primarily the significant devaluation of the Argentinian peso that occurred in December of 2023. Over the past year, we have enhanced our commercial infrastructure to support future growth, doubled year over year innovation sales, returned to revenue growth and taken actions to accelerate debt paydown.”

“As we look at 2024, we expect our existing portfolio to deliver constant currency revenue growth of 1 percent to 3 percent, with both pet health and farm animal expected to contribute to growth,” Simmons added. “We remain encouraged by our three latestage pipeline products under regulatory review that have a path toward approval in the first half of 2024 and would be additive to our topline expectations in the second half of the year. Continuing our efforts to improve efficiency, today we announced a strategic restructuring to continue the shift of our investments into more significant value creation areas. We are investing to enhance our launch efforts, prioritizing cash flow improvements and meaningfully reducing leverage, from both our improving free cash flow and the expected sale of our aqua business. We believe that the investments we are making in 2024 will provide the foundation to enable sustained revenue growth over the medium and long term.”

In the fourth quarter of 2023, revenue was $1.035 billion, an increase of 5 percent on both a reported and constant currency basis, compared with the fourth quarter of 2022.

Farm Animal revenue was $610 million, an increase of 10 percent on both a reported and constant currency basis, with a 4 percent increase from price. The year over year constant currency growth in the fourth quarter was primarily driven by strength in poultry globally, revenue from new products, led by Experior®, strong global

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May 6th Biosecurity & Pest control

Due date 04/19

May Resource guide

Due date 04/19

May 20th Layer & Egg/ Food Safety

Due 05/03

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demand for Rumensin®, resupply of cattle vaccines in the quarter and increased price, partially offset by continued declines in international swine and sheep.

Gross profit was $519 million, or 50.1 percent of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023. Gross profit as a percent of revenue declined 440 bps, primarily driven by planned reduced throughput at certain manufacturing sites in an effort to reduce balance sheet inventory and improve cash conversion, unfavorable manufacturing performance including inflation, and higher affiliate expenses including a recently implemented higher import duty rate in Argentina, partially offset by increased price.

Total operating expense was $371 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Marketing, selling, and administrative expenses decreased 3 percent to $292 million, and research and development expenses decreased 1 percent to $79 mil -

lion. The decrease in total operating expenses was primarily driven by lower promotional spend and savings associated with the completion of the ERP system implementation in the second quarter of 2023, partially offset by higher employee related expenses.

Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges were $36 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $32 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Charges recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 primarily related to a $26 million non-cash writedown of an asset associated with a long-term manufacturing and supply agreement, and, to a lesser degree, costs associated with the implementation of new systems, programs, and processes due to the integration of Bayer. Charges recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022 primarily related to costs associated with the implementation of new systems, programs, and processes due to the integration of Bayer.

Net interest expense was $67

million on both a reported and adjusted basis in the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of 8 percent on a reported basis and 10 percent on an adjusted basis as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase was driven by the impact of higher interest rates.

Other expenses were $34 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 on a reported basis, compared to $21 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Other expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 included a $12.5 million accrual for a possible resolution or settlement relating to a previously disclosed matter with the SEC, as well as the impact from foreign currency transaction losses, which were most prominent for our Argentina subsidiary. Other expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022 primarily consisted of the impact from foreign currency transaction losses.

The company anticipates revenue between $4.450 billion and $4.540 billion, with a headwind of approximately $5

million from the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates compared to prior year, resulting in expected constant currency revenue growth of 1 percent to 3 percent, with growth expected in both pet health and farm animal.

“Elanco is taking actions to improve our earnings potential and leverage profile. In 2024, the cadence of gross margin and operating expense dynamics within the year are expected to result in a decline in the first half the year and increase in the second half of the year for both adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS,” said Todd Young, executive vice president and CFO of Elanco Animal Health. “Improvement in net working capital and reduced project cash costs are expected to meaningfully improve our cash for debt paydown to $280 to $320 million in 2024. This, paired with the anticipated proceeds from the sale of the aqua business, is expected to allow us to reduce leverage to the mid-4x range by the end of the year.”

Registration is open for attendees to PEAK 2024

BUFFALO, Minn. — Registration and hotel reservations for attendees to PEAK 2024 — formerly called the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention — is now open at www.midwestpoultry.com.

Show dates are April 17-19, 2024, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. PEAK is the nation’s largest trade show and convention in North America focused exclusively on the business and food production of poultry.

In 2024, the show days shift to Wednesday-Friday and include a variety of education, networking and trade show activities:

• The Pre-Show Nutrition and Poultry Health Symposium will be held Wednesday afternoon, April 17.

• Education tracks for turkeys, egg layers, broilers, and feed technology and manufacturing will take place across two days of the show (April 17-18).

• The Business and Leadership Track focuses on leadership development and the success of your employees and your business and will run all three days of the show (April 17-19).

• PEAK Unhatched: An Evening of Eats and Entertainment will run opening night at PEAK – Wednesday, April 17 starting at 5 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center (new location in 2024).

• PEAK’s Exhibit Hall will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, and 9 a.m.–noon on Friday, April 19.

“PEAK is the ideal place to connect with professionals, researchers, and industry experts to exchange ideas with others in

the poultry industry,” said Ross Thoreson, MPF president. Thoreson’s company, Best Veterinary Solutions, is a long-time exhibitor at the show. “PEAK attendees stay informed about industry trends, scouring the trade show floor for the latest innovations, technologies, and trends in the industry that will benefit their farm businesses and help them stay competitive.”

Partnering events include the North Central Avian Disease Conference (April 16-17), the Organic Egg Farmers of American Symposium (April 17), and the Devenish Nutrition Symposium (April 17 by invitation only) — all events will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Details on all PEAK events, education program, and the list of exhibitors are available at www.midwestpoultry.com. MPF can also be contacted with any show questions at info@midwestpoultry.com; or 763-284-6763.

Education program schedule for the PEAK 2024 convention

MINNEAPOLIS — PEAK 2024, the annual convention of the Midwest Poultry Federation has announced a comprehensive education program featuring dozens of speakers from across the country covering the latest information and research at a variety of workshops for the turkey, egg, pullet, broiler and feed industries.

All workshops will take place April 17-19 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Educational sessions, workshops, and Poultry Ted Talks will include:

Wednesday, April 17 1-3 p.m.

Pre-Show Nutrition & Poultry Health Symposium. In partnership with Multi-State Poultry Feeding & Nutrition Conference.

An Historical Overview of Zinc Nutrition, Dr. Michael Lilburn, Global Animal Products.

A Novel Application of Microbiome Data for Understanding Poultry Metabolic Diseases, Nick Evans, Adisseo.

Feed Form and On-Farm Nutrient Segregation, Courtney Poholsky, Penn State University.

Implementing Net Energy – Swine Perspective, Dr. Jose Soto, Alltech.

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Business & Leadership Track

Brian Fretwell, Finding Good. An immersive, three-day experience that will the tools to connect more authentically with coworkers, customers, colleagues, friends and family.

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Pullet & Egg Layer Track

VSD, Dr. Ken Anderson, North

Carolina State University.

To Cage or Not to Cage; What Does the Gut Say? Dr. Dawn Koltes, Iowa State University.

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Turkey Track

Tackling Turkey Health Challenges: an NTF Update, Dr. Lindy Chiaia, National Turkey Federation.

Prebiotics and Postbiotics in Turkey Production: Current Status of the Science, Dr. Tim Johnson, University of Minnesota.

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Broiler Track

Feed Systems & Manufacturing Track

Importance of Pellet and Crumble Quality on Poultry Performance, Dr. Wilmer Pacheco, Auburn University.

PDI and throughput, Dr. Jose Ramirez. Anitox.

Thursday, April 18

8:30-10 a.m.

Business & Leadership Track

Salmonella Control on Broiler Farms, Luis R. Munoz, Auburn University.

The Economics of Biosecurity — How It Pays to Do It, Dr. Jordan Shockley, University of Kentucky.

3:30-4:30 p.m.

POULTRY CONCENTRATE

Maintain

Brian Fretwell, Finding Good. An immersive, three-day experience that will the tools to connect more authentically with coworkers, customers, colleagues, friends and family.

8:30-10 a.m.

Pullet & Egg Layer Track

Feeding and Managing Pullets, Dr. Xabier Arbe, H&N International.

An Egg is an Egg - No Matter Where You Are! Dr. Deana Jones, USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Stressful Times Call for Stress(ful) Measures: Implications of Age, Feeder Space, and Stocking Density for Pullets, Dr. Meagan Abraham, Jennie-O Turkey Store.

8:30-10 a.m.

Turkey Track

Either Scotoperiod in Hens or Oecking in Toms, Dr. Allison Pullin, North Carolina State University.

Strategies for Managing and Preventing Histomonosis: Current and Future Approaches, Dr. Sean Chen, University of Georgia.

8:30-10 a.m.

Broiler Track

Current Broiler Diseases, Prepping Sampling for Diagnostic Labs, Dr. Ken Powell, Aviagen Turkeys.

What’s New in Brooding, Dr. Brian Fairchild, University of Georgia.

8:30-10 a.m.

Feed Systems & Manufacturing Track

Basics of Purchasing Raw Materials, Dr. Adam Fahrenholz, North Carolina State University.

Quality Control Ingredients, Dr. Enrique Montiel, Anitox. Roundtable discussion

Friday, April 19

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Poultry Education Theater

Wildlife Biosecurity Assessments and Mitigation Strategies, Jason Gilsdorf and David Marks, USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Service.

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Business & Leadership Track

Brian Fretwell, Finding Good. An immersive, three-day experience that will the tools to connect more authentically with coworkers, customers, colleagues, friends and family.

Poultry Ted Talks

Thursday, April 18

Exhibitor Stage

10:30 a.m.: Robert Tims Precision, Health Technologies LLC

11 a.m: Brandon Mulnix, Prism Controls

11:30 a.m.: Paige Rohlf, Aviagen Turkeys.

12:30 p.m.: Roberto Soares, Ceva.

1 p.m.: Michelle Behl, Select Genetics.

1:30 p.m.: Aaron Stepan, ONCE by Signify.

2 p.m.: Enrique Montiel, Anitox.

2:30 p.m.: Bill Potter, Elanco Animal Health.

3 p.m.: Vivek Kuttappan, Cargill Inc.

3:30 p.m.: Michael Lilburn, Best Veterinary Solutions.

4 p.m.: Dr. Mueez Ahman, Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production.

4:30 p.m.: Dave Albin, InstaPro International.

Friday, April 19

Exhibitor Stage

9:30 a.m.: James Wen, Evonik Corp.

10 a.m.: Ashley L. Wagner, ProBiotech International Inc.

More information about any event at the PEAK 2024 convention can be obtained from Midwest Poultry Federation, P.O. Box 265, Buffalo, Minn. 55313; 763-284-6763; info@ midwestpoultry.com, https:// midwestpoultry.com.

PEAK 2024 at-a-glance schedule

April 16

• 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: North Central Avian Disease Conference (separate registration)

April 17

• 8 a.m.-7 p.m.: Registration/Name badge pick-up at Minneapolis Convention Center.

• 7:30 a.m.-noon: Devenish Nutrition Symposium (by invitation only).

• 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: North Central Avian Disease Conference.

• 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Organic Egg Farmers of America Symposium (separate registration).

• 1-3 p.m.: Pre-Show Nutrition & Poultry Health Symposium, in partnership with the Multi-State Poultry Feeding & Nutrition Conference.

• 3:30-4:30 p.m.: 5 concurrent education tracks — Turkey, Broiler, Pullet/Egg Layer, Feed Manufacturing & Technology, and Business/Leadership track.

• 5-10 p.m.: PEAK Unhatched: An Evening of Eats and Entertainment. New in 2024, Unhatched will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

April 18

• 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.: Registration/Name badge pick-up at Minneapolis Convention Center.

Light Trap Combination

• 8:30-10 a.m.: 5 concurrent education tracks — Turkey, Broiler, Pullet/Egg Layer, Feed Manufacturing & Technology, and Business/Leadership track.

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Exhibit hall open.

• 10-11 a.m.: Mimosas on the Show Floor (while supplies last).

• 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: PEAK Feud Game Show (on the show floor — schedule TBA).

• 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.: Poultry Ted Talks — 2 stages in 2024 (on the show floor — schedule TBA).

• 4-5 p.m.: Happy Hour on the Show Floor.

• Evening: Hospitality Night (various locations).

April 19

• 7:30 a.m.-noon: Registration/Name badge pick-up at Minneapolis Convention Center.

• 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Poultry Education Theater (new in 2024, schedule/topics TBA). 1 education track — Business/ Leadership.

• 9 a.m.-noon: Exhibit hall open.

• 9:30-11 a.m.: Poultry Ted Talks — 2 stages (on the show floor — schedule TBA).

• 10-11:30 a.m.: PEAK Feud Game Show (on the show floor — schedule TBA).

MPF photo

The PEAK 2024 convention in Minneapolis, Minn., April 17-19, will feature hundreds of exhibitors running the gamut of poultry industry production on its trade show floor at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Brandenberger gets Lifetime Achievement Award

WASHINGTON — The National Turkey Federation and its members congratulate Joel Brandenberger, NTF president and CEO, as the recipient of the 2024 NTF Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brandenberger received the award on Feb. 24 during a ceremony at NTF’s 2024 Annual Convention in Austin, Texas. Steve Lykken, Jennie-O Turkey Store, 2023 NTF chairman, presented Brandenberger with the award along with several esteemed industry leaders and CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent Major Garrett, a longtime friend of Brandenberger. Several family members, including his wife, Susan, were present along with close friends and former colleagues.

During the presentation, Garrett said, “Joel was my first friend in Texas, and what we all know about Joel is that he is a good and decent person; he is reliable as the day is long. And if someone was to ask me, ‘Major, name the person in your life who if you had

something that had to be done on a specific date and time, who would that person be?’ and for me, that person would be Joel Brandenberger.”

“I have known Joel for all of my professional life, and he is as committed and a hard-working person as you’ll ever want to know,” said Alice Johnson, Butterball LLC, and a former NTF president. “During my time at NTF as both a staff person and a member, I learned to appreciate how hard he works and all he does. I have also had the chance to have Joel as a friend and there’s a lot of jokes and stories I could tell about Joel, but I am thankful for him and his wife, Susan, for helping me both professionally and personally through a lot of difficult times and a lot of fun times.”

“When we were looking for the next person to lead NTF, I worked with the Board of Directors to promote Joel and it’s been a very good thing ever since,” said Mike Briggs, NTF’s 2006 chairman. “Joel now has worked on

his seventh Farm Bill, which is incredible. He has also been involved with every major program that the industry has created and taken part in. He has been a good friend, I’m very proud of what he has accomplished, and I am also proud I have been able to be a part of it and I wish him luck.”

Brandenberger joined NTF in May 1991 as director of public affairs and announced his retirement in 2024 after 33 years at NTF, including 17 years as president and CEO of the organization. He was promoted to vice president of legislative affairs in 1995 and senior vice president for legislative affairs in 2001 before becoming NTF’s fifth CEO in December 2006.

A native of Houston, Brandenberger is a distinguished alumnus of Texas Tech University, where he graduated in 1982 with a journalism degree. Prior to joining NTF, he was a newspaper reporter and editor before working for legislative offices in the Texas Senate and U.S. House of Repre-

NTF photo

Joel Brandenberger, left, National Turkey Federation president and CEO, was recently presented the NTF Lifetime Achievement Award by Steve Lykken, 2023 NTF chairman and president of Jennie-O Turkey Store, during NTF’s 2024 annual convention.

Perdue Farms makes ‘Leap Day’ donation of 2.75M servings of chicken to Feeding America

SALISBURY, Md. — Perdue Farms has teamed up with Feeding America to tackle the heightened food insecurity challenge that further impacts families with an extra day this Leap Year. To do this, the company delivered more than 90 tractor trailer loads of its No Antibiotics Ever chicken across the U.S., providing 3.3 million pounds of chicken, or roughly 2.75 million servings on Feb. 29.

Nearly 44 million people, including 13 million children, experience food insecurity in the U.S. Because Leap Year includes an extra day, it also poses an extra day for people facing hunger to secure food for themselves and their families, the company added. Studies show that in 2022, more than 10 million households included adults who reported cutting the size of their meals or skipping meals because there wasn’t enough money for food.

The donation, part of Perdue’s Delivering Hope To Our Neigh-

bors® outreach, aims to alleviate the strain on families facing hunger, in addition to filling an urgent need at food banks, with Feeding America reporting a 500-millionpound protein gap within its network.

“Perdue Farms remains unwavering in our mission to help

nourish communities experiencing food insecurity,” said Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms. “We understand there are great challenges these families face, especially with the addition of Leap Day. We are committed to alleviating hunger across the country and, as a 104-year-old food company, providing essential protein to those in need.”

Perdue Farms’ Leap Day donation will be available to the 198 food banks in Feeding America’s network, including those areas where Perdue associates live and work, such as Atlanta Community Food Bank (Atlanta, Ga.), Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (Charlotte, N.C.), Maryland Food Bank (Baltimore, Md.), Food Bank of Siouxland (Sioux City, Iowa), Mid-South Food Bank (Memphis, Tenn.) and more. Feeding America will also ensure Perdue’s donation is distributed to counties with the highest food insecurity rates, including Kusilvak Census Area

(Alaska), Wolf County, Harlan County and Magoffin County (Ky.), East Carroll County (La.), Holmes County and Humphreys County (Miss.), Todd County and Oglala Lakota County (S.D.) and Presido County (Texas).

“The movement to end hunger takes dedicated partnerships that help us meet the needs and desires of our neighbors so they can thrive,” said Linda Nageotte, Feeding America’s president and chief operating officer. “We are grateful for Perdue Farms’ generous commitment, which will have an immediate impact by providing access to nutritious protein for people facing hunger.”

To learn more about Perdue Farms’ commitment to nourishing communities in need and the history of its partnership with Feeding America, through the company initiative Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors, visit https://corporate. perduefarms.com/responsibility/ people/community/.

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Camryn Wilder receives Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year Award

ATLANTA — Camryn Wilder, Texas A&M University, was awarded the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year during the USPOULTRY Foundation’s College Student Career Program, held in conjunction with the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).

The scholarship is named in Frank Perdue’s honor, for his dedication to aspiring young people studying for careers in the poultry industry. Perdue was a long-time supporter of the College Student Career Program and attended the program and interviewed students for many years. Abigail Flores, Texas A&M University, and Zachery Keeter, North Carolina State University, were recognized in second and third place.

“We received many high-caliber applicants this year for the Student of the Year, making it difficult to choose a winner. It is rewarding to see this program continue to grow and expose talented future leaders to the poultry and egg industry,” said Kevin McDaniel, senior vice president and general manager, Fresh

Division at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, USPOULTRY board member and College Student Career Program Advisory Committee chair.

Students also participated in Club of the Year and Scrapbook of the Year competitions. North Carolina State University was named Club of the Year, which is based on year-long activities and community engagement by the club. Texas A&M University earned second place and Mississippi State University placed third. Auburn University won the Scrapbook of the Year contest.

The USPOULTRY College Student Career Program is “one-of-a-kind” in the poultry industry, organizers noted, adding that the program brings together companies and top students to interview for industry-related jobs and internships in one location, during a three-day period. The program involves students from national colleges and universities and has been a vital part of many companies’ hiring process for more than 50 years.

USPOULTRY

Camryn Wilder, center, Texas A&M University, is the winner of the 2024 USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year award. Wilder is joined by Casey English, left, FSQA supervisor for Cobb-Vantress and this year’s program keynote speaker; and Harris Moran, processing superintendent for Wayne-Sanderson Farms.

photo

College Student Career Program keynote offered students some advice for careers

ATLANTA — Nearly 500 students from 41 colleges and universities nationwide convened in Atlanta, Ga., recently for the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program, held in conjunction with the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). The students had an opportunity to meet and interview with 83 human resource managers and recruiters representing 27 companies.

The keynote address, provided by Casey English, FSQA supervisor for Cobb Genetics and a former College Student Career Program participant, gave a fresh perspective on poultry industry careers. Urging students to “find your why,” English emphasized the importance of the poultry industry in feeding the expanding world population.

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English reassured attendees that there are many valid reasons to join the industry and work in different roles. He also emphasized that it is okay for motivations and roles to change over time. Following his address, English opened the floor for questions and provided several answers to students.

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The College Student Career Program continues to be an efficient and effective way for the poultry industry to find the leaders of the future and has played a vital role in numerous companies’ hiring process for many years. It is the premier career event of its kind for students seeking professions in the poultry industry.

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New bill takes aim at accurately labeling ‘cultivated’ meat products

BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — A few months ago, cultivated or labgrown chicken made its debut in two restaurants. The restaurants were Bar Crenn in San Francisco, Calif., and Chino Chilcano in Washington, D.C. Climate activists, vegetarians and vegans were thrilled at the idea of chicken being created in a lab as opposed to being slaughtered.

According to Healthline, “lab-grown, otherwise known as cell-cultivated, meat is made by growing animal cells in stainless steel tanks in labs. The idea is to create an alternative to agriculturally raised meat, but one that is, in fact,

animal- and not plant-based.”

Despite all the excitement around lab grown chicken, the restaurants selling the protein decided to remove it from their menus. The meat was pulled from the menus due to adverse reviews of the product. Customers complained that it tasted like a “meaty oil” and had dreadful texture.

Several states have also enacted legislation to ban lab grown meat from being sold.

During February, U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) drafted the FAIR Labels of 2024. This piece of legislation gives the American public the opportunity to receive accurate information about cultivated meat products before making a purchase at a grocery store.

“The American consumer deserves to know what they are eating and feeding their fami-

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lies,” Alford said. “Whether they choose protein substitutes like plant-based or labgrown protein or traditionally raised meat, the product should be labeled clearly. Farmers and ranchers across the country work from sun-up to sun-down to produce highquality and nutritious meat for consumers. It is only fair that all products are labeled fairly. This begins with transparent and appropriate labeling laws which our legislation requires. I’m proud to introduce the FAIR Labels Act of 2024 on the federal level, especially given that Missouri was the first state to pass marketing with integrity legislation.”

National Chicken Council President Mike Brown said, “while NCC recognizes consumers have a variety of dietary preferences and support

individual choice, we advocate that imitation alternatives be accurately labeled in a way that clearly explains what they are and how they were made. According to consumer research, one in five Americans have reported accidentally purchasing a plant-based product, believing it to be real chicken. As such, we’re pleased to support legislation like the FAIR Labels Act that would clarify labeling requirements for these imitation products.”

Alford also released a statement providing features of the legislation that include:

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• Authority & Inspection: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will oversee the labeling of these products, working alongside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to maintain product inspection standards.

• Labeling Requirements: Product labels will be required to use terms like “imitation” or similar descriptors, along with a clear disclaimer if the product does not contain meat or poultry.

• Definition of Cell-Cultured (Lab Grown) Products: The Act provides a clear definition of cell-cultured meat and poultry products, ensuring that labels accurately reflect lab-grown food sources.

• Regulatory Framework Confirmation: This legislation confirms the shared jurisdiction of the FDA and USDA in overseeing lab-grown meat and poultry, solidifying the cooperative agreement for labeling.

The FAIR Labels Act of 2024

(Continued on page 38)

Upside Foods Photo

A sample of a chicken sandwich offering from Upside Foods produced using what is termed “cultivated chicken.”

(Continued from previous page)

is a bipartisan and bicameral bill. Many people in both houses of congress have made statements in regard to the drafted bill.

“Consumers deserve to be able to easily understand what products they are putting in their grocery cart,” U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said. “It’s pretty simple: if food is represented as meat or poultry but is either lab-grown or made from a plant protein, it should be prominently displayed on the label. Distinguishing between a ‘black bean burger’ and an actual beef burger shouldn’t be hard. But as other meat alternatives with misleading names continue to appear on shelves, we need to do more to ensure the transparency of imitation meats versus the real farm-raised meats.”

U.S. Rep Don Davis (D-N.C.) said, “when going to the grocery store, Americans expect food labels to state what they are buying clearly. It is important we continue to have that consistency in packaging for

meat products. The bipartisan FAIR Labels Act ensures Americans have choices at the grocery store while promoting consumer education on the products they consume.”

U.S. Rep Roger Williams (RTexas) noted that, “we are a country of competition, and the federal government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. Requiring accurate and honest labeling of lab grown and cell cultured products will create a level playing field and support the free market in the agriculture industry. I am proud to lead this effort alongside my colleague Mark Alford to ensure that as the imitation and lab grown product industry grows, they are held to the same standards as traditional meat products. We cannot allow the American people and our ranching and farming communities to be taken advantage of by those who wish to manipulate them through misleading labeling.”

“I’m glad to work with my friend Rep. Alford on this important legislation,” added

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U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.). “Clarifying federal labeling requirements will boost consumer transparency in the market, allowing these industries to thrive. I look forward to working with Rep. Alford and my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee to include these provisions in the Farm Bill reauthorization.”

Several organizations have also made statements regarding the bill.

Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins, a fifthgeneration farmer from St. Clair County, Mo., said, “we applaud Congressman Alford’s efforts to crack down on deceptive marketing tactics that harm the agricultural industry and mislead consumers. For years, farmers and ranchers have watched plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives flood grocery store shelves under misleading labels, using familiar terms like ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’ that rightfully belong to meat derived from animals raised by American farmers. This bill is an important step in ensuring consumers know

what they are getting when they walk down the grocery store aisle.”

Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture also provided comments on the FAIR act.

“Clarity and consumer confidence in ingredients and labeling must always be upheld,” McKinney said. “Disclosing science-based and accurate information on food labels and consistent regulatory enforcement by federal agencies is critical to maintaining the integrity of all agricultural products in the marketplace. NASDA is supportive of the FAIR Labels Act, which seeks to enforce those principles and ensure consumers can make informed purchasing decisions. We thank this bipartisan group of members for putting forth this legislation and stand ready to work collaboratively with Congress and federal agencies on cell-based and imitation meat labeling requirements to ensure shoppers have confidence in what they buy at the grocery store.”

NTF photo

At its recent annual convention, the National Turkey Federation elected new officers. They include, from left, Jay Jandrain, Butterball LLC, vice chairman; John Zimmerman, P&J Products, chairman; Steve Lykken, Jennie-O Turkey Store, immediate past chairman; Thierry Murad, AJC International, secretary-treasurer.

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John Zimmerman is elected as 2024 National Turkey Federation chairman

WASHINGTON — The National Turkey Federation has announced its 2024 officer team and Executive Committee members recently elected by the Board of Directors at the 2024 NTF Annual Convention in Austin, Texas.

John Zimmerman of P&J Products, Co. was elected 2024 NTF chairman. Jay Jandrain of Butterball LLC. will serve as vice chairman and Thierry Murad of AJC International Inc., as secretary-treasurer. Steve Lykken, representing JennieO Turkey Store, will move into the role of immediate past chairman.

“As a second-generation turkey farmer, I know firsthand how important the work of the National Turkey Federation is to our industry, and I am honored to serve as NTF Chairman,” Zimmerman said. “While we have plenty of work ahead, I am confident we will be able to progress. Among some of the key focus areas on the agenda for this year include maintaining the industry’s strong response to animal disease challenges, working with government agencies to ensure that food safety policies are based on science-driven principles, expanding international trade opportunities and serving as the voice of the

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turkey industry in Washington. I am grateful for this opportunity to represent the turkey industry and help find solutions for the critical tasks ahead.”

Zimmerman is a 35-year veteran of the turkey industry and owner of P&J Products. He is a second-generation Minnesota turkey farmer, raises turkey, corn and soybeans on his family farm near Northfield, Minn. He graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor of science degree in animal science. He is also a graduate of the Minnesota Agricultural Rural Leadership Program (MARL) and spent several years serving on the Board of Directors of MARL. In addition, he is currently board chairman of River Country Co-op and previously served as president of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council. He and his wife, Kara, reside in Northfield with their son, Grant.

Joining Zimmerman, Jandrain, Murad and Lykken on the 2024 Executive Committee will be: Russ Dierenfield, Tyson Foods; Leon Fletcher, Cargill Inc.; Doug Johnson, Perdue Farms Inc.; John King, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative; Dr. Michelle Kromm, Food Forward LLC.; Ronnie Parker, Circle S Ranch; Christy Puffenbarger, Aviagen Turkeys; Jeff Segars, Foster Farms; Phil Seger, Farbest Farms Inc.; Dr. Owen Willems, Hybrid Turkeys; and Jordan Woodbury, Dakota Provisions.

USDA solicits input on petition to deregulate corn developed using genetic engineering

WASHINGTON — USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is soliciting public input on a petition submitted by Bayer U.S.Crop Science to deregulate a corn cultivar developed using genetic engineering.

The cultivar is designated as MON95379. It was modified to resist feeding damage caused by target lepidopteran pests, including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), sugarcane borer (diatraea saccharalis), and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea). The input received during the public comment period will help identify issues and potential impacts that should be considered in review and determine the appropriate environmental documents to prepare to document a decision, USDA noted.

USDA said that it is evaluating MON95379 corn under its legacy regulations (formerly, 7 CFR § 340.6) because Bayer submitted the product for review prior to implementation of current biotechnology regulations. The legacy regulations focused on whether a plant pest was used in the product development and if there are potential increased plant pest risks compared to conventional counterparts.

Under the legacy regulations, APHIS first solicits public input on the petition for 60 days. The comments received on the petition aid the agency in preparing appropriate environmental documents. A second opportunity for public involvement will come when its publishes either a notice of availability of a draft environmental assessment and draft plant pest risk assessment or a notice of intent to prepare an

environmental impact statement in the Federal Register.

Members of the public will be able to submit comments through May 3, 2024, at https:// www.regulations.gov/search?filter=APHIS%E 2%80%932020%E2%80%930113.

Exhibitors for PEAK 2024 trade show and convention

Companies & booth numbers

(As of March 11, 2024)

3E – Kohler Power Systems, 836

A

Action Manufacturing, 1622

Addfield Environmental Systems, 643

Advanced Ag Products, 1644

Advanced Composting Technologies, 322

AEI, 225

Ag Lighting Innovations, 223

Ag Plus Farm & Ranch Supply, 1540

Ag Solar Solutions, 1055

Agralarm, 654

Agranco Corp., 1408

Agri Incineration Systems, 1337

Agri-Pro Enterprises, 117 Agricon, 1215B

Agrimesh Technologies, 844

Al Schultz Construction, 1635

Alaso, 1237

All Energy Solar, 1249

Alltech, 508

Amandus Kahl USA, 1621

American Pressure Inc., 1339

AMT Inc., 1208

Anderson Chemical Co., 1531

Anhui Huaheng Biotechnology, 101B

Animal Health International, 208

Anitox Corp., 1222

Anpario Inc., 111

Apex Ag-Tek Solutions, 116

Aquapproach, 1139

ARKO Laboratories, 739

Arm & Hammer, 646

Artemis Ag-Solutions, 1251

Asahi Biosciences, 1015

ASI Industrial, 206

Assist Natural Products, 1630

Aurora Pharmaceutical, 1256

Automated Ag Solutions. 345

Aviagen Turkeys, 1320

B

Balchem Corp., 1616

Barentz, 1200

BarnTools, 715

BASF, 642

Best SRL, 201A

Best Veterinary Solutions, 531

Big Dutchman, 821

Bimeda, 1109

BinTrac by HerdStar, 906

Bird Barrier America, 456

Bird Control Group, 1244

Boehringer Ingelheim, 1001

Buffalo Turbine, 244

C Cargill, 301

CBM Lighting, 1627

CBS Bio Platforms, 1111

Centurion Poultry, 238B

Ceva, 1131

CGB Organic Grains, 209

Chore-Time, 631

ClearH2O, 408

Collapsible Cooler Co., 454 Comco, 1348

Continental Plastic, 115 Cruiser Products, 1101

CSA Animal Nutrition, 221 1315 Cumberland Poultry, 1315

D

Dejno’s Inc., 1441

Devenish, 1321

Diversified Agriculture, 621

DM Carts, 1344

Dorset, 1220

Dosatron / Dilution Solutions, 611

Doublel L Group, 941

DPI Global, 743

DuraPlas Inc., 215

E

Easy Automation, 807

Ecto Inc., 1421

Egg Industry Center, 842 Elanco, 1231

Energy Panel Structures, 706 ESA, 1641

Evonik Corp., 520

F

Facco USA, 701 FACTA, 1406

Falcon Packaging, 609

Falk Panel, 1103

Farmer Automatic / Aggero, 543

Farmer Boy Ag, 406 Feedstuffs, 507

Fienhage International, 1031C FreshLight USA, 1215

G

Gasolec Americas, 1201

Genesis Instruments, 606

Georgia Poultry Eqpt. Co., 849

Gi-Ovo, 1201B

Goodman Classic, 238

Green Gable Contracting, 811 GreenLink Corp., 1520

H

H&N North America, 608

Hamlet Protein, 1054

Hanson Silo, 1346

Harvest Pro Mfg., 957

Hatchery Planning Co., 1609

Hawkins Water Treatment Group, 1614

Hellmann Poultry Equipment, 615

Hendrix Genetics, 321 Henning Companies, 515 Hensley Feed Transportation,

1238

Hotraco Agri, 1003

Huvepharma, 123

Hy-Line North America. 931

Hygieia Biological Laboratories. 809

I

ILC Resources, 309

IMV Technologies, 253

Incubation Systems, 1250

Independent Pest Control, 908 INDIV, 1309

Industrias Vepinsa, 1538 Inifortes, 1607

Innovational Water Solutions, 1023

Innovative Poultry Products, 234

Insta-pro International, 1201A

Iowa Area Development Group 830

ISG, 207

J

J&D Manufacturing, 1147

Jamesway Chick Master, 1107

K

Kanters Animal Health, 509

Kemin Animal Nutrition, 423

Kent Nutrition Group, 1533

Keysource Solutions, 1145

Kindstrom-Schmoll, 815

Koechner Mfg. Co., 522

KT Pacer, 251

Kunafin, 742

Kutlusan, 1415

L

L.B. White, 230

Lanxess Corp., 119

Leavell Sales, 1121

Life Products Inc., 120

Lintech International, 1057

Liphatech, 838

Lock Drives, 350 Lubing Systems, 1045 Lumen Pros, 231

M

Mala Mills, 1310 Maximus, 1537

Merck Animal Health, 401 MGH USA, 1106 MGK, 1137

Midwest Livestock Systems, 211

Minnesota Board of Animal Health, 102 Moba, 915

Motomco, 733 Munters, 721

N

Nanolike, 1102

National Poultry Eqpt. Co., 341 Neogen, 1301

Northland Boom & Custom Spray, 735

Nova-Tech Engineering, 1437

Novonesis, 1021

O

O&T Farms, 310

OnMark Certification Services, 549

Optum Immunity, 100

Orec America, 112

Organic Valley, 955

Overdrive Lighting, 104

Oxbo International, 1254

P

Pactiv, 1438

Palomar Insurance, 421

PALS Inc., 1345

Parker HVAC Filtration, 1350

Pertinent Eco-Solutions, 1120

Phason Electronic Controls, 110

Pinnacle Recruitment Services, 1410

Plunkett’s Pest Control, 122

Potters Poultry, 1007

Precision Health Technologies, 1521

Precision Lighting Systems, 214

Premier Claims, 1155

Prism Controls, 1331

Pro Chaska, 1246

Probiotech International, 744

ProfitPro LLC, 248

Proxy-Clean Products, 1548

PS Higgins Poultry Services, 355

PSD Technologies, 710

PW Aire, 1431

Q

QC Supply, 831

QualiTech LLC, 745

Quality Technology Int’l., 1423

R Ralco, 801

Ridley Feed Ingredients, 407

Rostech Electronics, 1439

Rota Technologies, 1031

Roxell, 315

S

SAM Nutrition, 357

Sanovo Technology, 1115

SCHC, 1056

Scott Equipment Co., 307

Scramblestaffing, 644

Shell Egg Academy, 124

Shenzhen Guanke Technologies, 201B

Shippers Supply, 356

Silva Team, 1122

SIME-TEK, 245

Skiold Landmeco, 108

SKOV A/S, 1306

Smithway Inc., 834

Sonoco, 1157

Southwestern Sales Co., 109

Stagecoach Trail Organics, 455

Star Labs, 1025

Starbar, 306

Stenner Pump, 308

Sterilex, 1154

Sudenga, 1123

Summit, 907

Suncoast Pine Shavings, 1247

Sure Conveyors, 237

T

TCC Materials, 1245

Tecno, 431

ThaMa-Vet, 1351

Thies Electrical Distributing, 1541

U

United Labor Co., 652

University of Minnesota, 708 Uzelac Industries, 1307

V

VAL-CO, 501

Vaxxinova, 901

VDL Jansen, 949

Veit North America, 415

Vencomatic Group, 837

Vision Electric & Plumbing, 1450

Vital Farms, 352

Vostermans Ventilation, 1207

VSI, 1523

W

Walinga USA, 607

WATT Global Media, 731

Y

Yamasa Poultry Equipment, 555

Z

Ziggity Systems, 1323

Zoetis, 331

Zucami Poultry Systems, 451

APRIL

APR 9-11 — UGA HOT

WEATHER POULTRY HOUSE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP, Flinchum’s Phoenix, Athens, Ga. Contact: University of Georgia Department of Poultry Science, Ph: 706-540-9111; www.poultryventilation.com/events.

APR 11 — AFIA/KSU-500, Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing. Online course runs through May 14, 2024. Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 810, Arlington, Va. 22201. Ph: 703-524-0810; www.afia.org.

APR 16-17 — ENVIRON-

MENT, LABOR & SAFETY CONFERENCE, Loews New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, La. Contact: North American Meat Institute, 1150 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036; Ph: 202-587-4200; www.meatinstitute.org.

APR 17-19 — PEAK 2024, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minn. Contact: Midwest Poultry Federation, P.O. Box 265, Buffalo, Minn. 55313; Ph: 763-284-6763; info@ midwestpoultry.com; https:// midwestpoultry.com.

APR 17-19 — WORKFORCE

SUCCESS & ENGAGEMENT

CONFERENCE, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin, Fla. Contact: USPOULTRY, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084; Ph: 770-4939401; seminar@uspoultry.org; www.uspoultry.org.

APR 24 — TPA SERVICE TECH WORKSHOP, Farm Bureau Expo Center, Lebanon, Tenn. Contact: Tennessee Poultry Association, 1404 N. Main St., Shelbyville, Tenn.; Ph: 931225-1123; info@tnpoultry.org; www.tnpoultry.org.

MAY

MAY 8-9 — STAKEHOLDERS

SUMMIT 2024, Kansas City, Mo. Contact: Animal Agriculture Alliance, 2101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 810-B, Arlington, Va. 22201; summit@animalagalliance.org; https://animalagalliance.org.

MAY 15-16 — POULTRY PROCESSOR WORKSHOP, Embassy Suites Downtown, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: USPOULTRY, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084; Ph: 770493-9401; seminar@uspoultry. org; www.uspoultry.org.

MAY 15-16 — ANIMAL CARE & HANDLING CONFERENCE, Kansas City Marriott Downtown, Kansas City, Mo. Contact: North American Meat Institute, 1150

Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036; Ph: 202-5874200; www.meatinstitute.org.

MAY 15-17 — NPFDA 2024

SPRING EXCHANGE & GEORGIA

POULTRY LAB TOUR, Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier Islands, Buford, Ga. Contact: National Protein & Food Distributors Association, 2014 Osborne Road, Saint Marys, Ga. 31558; Ph: 912-439-3603; www.npfda.org.

MAY 21 — TPA GOLF

SCRAMBLE, Hermitage Golf Course, Old Hickory, Tenn. Contact: Tennessee Poultry Association, 1404 N. Main St., Shelbyville, Tenn.; Ph: 931-2251123; info@tnpoultry.org; www. tnpoultry.org.

MAY 22 — TPA SPORTING

CLAYS, Cross Creek Clays, Palmyra, Tenn. Contact: Tennessee Poultry Association, 1404 N. Main St., Shelbyville, Tenn.; Ph: 931-225-1123; info@tnpoultry. org; www.tnpoultry.org.

JUNE

JUN 4 — AFIA/KSU-500, Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing. Online course runs through July 9, 2024. Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 810, Arlington, Va. 22201. Ph: 703-524-0810; www.afia.org.

JUN 4-6 — AFIA FOOD

SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT

PREVENTIVE CONTROL QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING, The Inn at Opryland, Nashville, Tenn., Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 810, Arlington, Va. 22201. Ph: 703-524-0810; www.afia.org.

JUN 17-20 — FEED INDUSTRY INSTITUTE, Embassy Suites Minneapolis Downtown, Minneapolis, Minn. Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 810, Arlington, Va. 22201. Ph: 703-524-0810; www.afia.org.

JUN 18-20 — SOUTHEAST EGG INDUSTRY REGIONAL CONFERENCE, Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C. Contact: Empowered Events, Ph: 763284-6763; lara@empoweredeventsllc.com; Lisa Prince, North Egg Association, lprince@ncegg. org; https://southeastegg.org.

JUN 21-22 — 64TH ANNUAL POULTRY FESTIVAL, Rogers Convention Center, Rogers, Ark. Contact: The Poultry Federation, 321 South Victory Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201; Ph: 501-375-8131; info@thepoultryfederation.com; www. thepoultryfederaiton.com.

JUN 26-28 — FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SEMINAR,

JW Marriott, Marco Island, Fla. Contact: USPOULTRY, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084; Ph: 770-493-9401; seminar@uspoultry.org; www. uspoultry.org.

JULY

JUL 9-10 — HATCHERY BREEDER CLINIC, Embassy Suites Downtown, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: USPOULTRY, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084; Ph: 770-4939401; seminar@uspoultry.org; www.uspoultry.org.

JUL 15-18 — PSA ANNUAL MEETING 2024, The Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Ky. Contact: Poultry Science Association, 4114C Fieldstone Road, Champaign, Ill. 61822; Ph: 217-3565285; psa@poultryscience.org; https://poultryscience.org.

JUL 29-31 — 64TH ANNUAL USGC BOARD OF DELEGATES MEETING, Salt Lake City, Utah. Contact: U.S. Grains Council, 20 F St. NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20001; Ph: 202-789-0789; https://grains. org.

AUGUST

AUG 6 — AFIA/KSU-500, Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing. Online course runs through Sept. 10, 2024. Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 810, Arlington, Va. 22201. Ph: 703-524-0810; www.afia. org.

AUG 9-10 — TPA ANNUAL MEETING & SUMMER GETAWAY, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: Tennessee Poultry Association, 1404 N. Main St., Shelbyville, Tenn.; Ph: 931-225-1123; info@tnpoultry. org; www.tnpoultry.org.

AUG 19-21 — NATIONAL SAFETY CONFERENCE FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin, Fla. Contact: USPOULTRY, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084; Ph: 770-493-9401; seminar@uspoultry.org; www.uspoultry.org.

AUG 22-23 — WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin, Fla. Contact: USPOULTRY, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084; Ph: 770-493-9401; seminar@uspoultry.org; www.uspoultry.org.

AUG 26-29 — NUTRITION CONFERENCE, Rogers Convention Center, Rogers, Ark. Contact: The Poultry Federation, 321 South Victory Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201; Ph: 501-375-

8131; info@thepoultryfederation.com; www.thepoultryfederaiton.com.

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 5-6 — MEAT INDUSTRY FOOD SAFETY CONFERENCE, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis, Ind. Contact: North American Meat Institute, 1150 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036; Ph: 202-5874200; www.meatinstitute.org.

SEPT 10-12 — AFIA LIQUID FEED SYMPOSIUM, Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown, Salt Lake City, Utah. Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 810, Arlington, Va. 22201. Ph: 703-524-0810; www.afia.org.

SEPT 15-18 — NPFDA FALL MEETING, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, Ariz. Contact: National Protein & Food Distributors Association, 2014 Osborne Road, Saint Marys, Ga. 31558; Ph: 912-439-3603; www.npfda.org.

SEPT 16-18 — NTF 2024 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, AC Hotel by Marriott Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill Navy Yard. Contact: National Turkey Federation, 1225 New York Ave. NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005; Ph: 202-898-0100; info@turkeyfed.org; www.eatturkey.com.

SEPT 19-20 — ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SEMINAR, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin, Fla. Contact: USPOULTRY, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084; Ph: 770-493-9401; seminar@uspoultry.org; www. uspoultry.org.

OCTOBER

OCT 7-10 — POULTRY SYMPOSIUM, Rogers Convention Center, Rogers, Ark. Contact: The Poultry Federation, 321 South Victory Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201; Ph: 501-3758131; info@thepoultryfederation.com; www.thepoultryfederaiton.com.

OCT 9-11 — PROTEIN PACT SUMMIT, JW Marriott, Austin, Texas. Contact: North American Meat Institute, 1150 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036; Ph: 202-587-4200; www.meatinstitute.org.

OCT 10 — AFIA/KSU-500, Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing. Online course runs through Nov. 5, 2024. Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 810, Arlington, Va. 22201. Ph: 703-524-0810; www.afia.org.

MARKETS

Broiler/Fryer Report

ational Turkey Market: (Mar. 11): The market on frozen 8-16 lb. hens and 16-24 lb. toms was unsettled with processors holding inventories with various degrees of confidence. Demand light. Offerings mostly moderate for current shipments. Frozen domestic 2024 production Grade A basted equivalent processor offering prices on a national basis for Grade A 8-16 lb. hens were 84¢-$1.03 FOB and 16-24 lb. toms 84¢-$1.05 FOB for current shipments. The market on fresh and frozen tom breast meat was steady to weak with supplies held with varied degrees of confidence. The fresh destrapped tenderloin market was steady to instances firm while frozen was steady. The white trim markets were generally steady. Tom breast meat offerings mixed while destrapped tenderloin and white trims offerings were light to moderate. The market on 4-8 lb. breasts was generally steady from 2024 production with mixed undertones noted. Institutional sized rib breast market was steady to barely steady. The market on frozen tom drums was steady with spot strength noted, tom necks and tails steady to instances firm, wings steady to firm. Wing demand moderate to good, balance of tom bulk parts light to moderate. Offerings of tom wings very light to light, balance tom bulk parts light to moderate. Hen drums steady to instances weak, balance of hen parts at least steady with 2-joints strongest. The thigh meat and bone-in thigh markets were steady to firm. The mechanically separated turkey market was steady. Demand light to instances good, mostly moderate. Offerings of fresh MST light to moderate, frozen light, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service reports.

National Broiler/Fryer Slaughter:

Broiler: Estimated slaughter for week ending Mar. 9 was 157,400,000.

Actual slaughter for the week ending Mar. 2 was 157,314,000.

Heavy-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Mar. 9 was 1,686,000.

Actual slaughter for the week ending Mar. 2 was 1,670,000.

Light-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Mar. 9 was 803,000. Actual slaughter for the week ending Mar. 2 was 719,000.

Total: Mar. 9: 159,889,000; Mar. 2: 159,703,000.

Grain Prices

Egg Markets

Turkey Markets

Broiler Eggs Set/Chicks Placed in 19 States