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8 | HPAI detected in Iowa dairy cattle herd 9 | Organizations bring lawsuit against EPA on vehicle emissions standards
News Business Features
12 | USDA awards $300M in grants to assist in export marketing
Calendar
JULY
32 | Reports: Broiler chicks hatched are up 2%, turkeys hatched down 8%
33 | CWT Farms International names Jay Daniels president
BREEDERS & HATCHERIES
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 9-11 — AAAP ANNUAL MEETING, St. Louis Union Station Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. Contact: American Asso-
ciation of Avian Pathologists, 12627 San Jose Blvd., Suite 202, Jacksonville, Fla. 32223; Ph: 904-425-5735; E-mail: aaap@aaap.info; www.aaap. info.
JUL 15-18 — PSA ANNUAL MEETING 2024, The Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Ky. Contact: Poultry Science Association, 4114C Fieldstone Road, Champaign, Ill. 61822; Ph: 217-356-5285; psa@ poultryscience.org; https:// poultryscience.org.
Viewpoints
“Over the past three years, 13 USDA agribusiness trade missions helped 227 companies to tap new opportunities in key markets worldwide.” — Alexis M. Taylor | 10
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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 the industry who greatly appreciate your support.
Boehringer Ingelheim | 2 www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Cackle Hatchery | 15 417-532-4581; www.cacklehatchery.com
Creekview Mfg. | 27 717-445-4922; https://creekviewmanufacturing.com
Eagan Mfg. | 25 870-878-6805; www.eaganmfg.com
Farmer Boy Ag | 28 717-866-7565; www.farmerboyag.com FPM Inc. | 22 402-729-2264; www.fpmne.com
Gas-Fired Products | 16 800-849-7311; www.spaceray.com Hog Slat | 39 800-949-4647; www.hogslat.com Hubbard | 29 423-447-6224; www.hubbardbreeders.com
Impact Poultry Products | 19 800-448-4723; www.impactpoultryproducts.com
IMPEX | 30 770-534-1590; www.impex.nl Kelley Mfg. | 18 800-444-5449; www.kelleymfg.com Kuhl Corp. | 15 908-782-5696; www.kuhlcorp.com Kunafin (The Insectary) | 37 800-832-1113;
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Metzer Farms | 14 831-240-1946; www.metzerfarms.com
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National Incinerator | 19 205-589-6720; www.nationalincinerator.com
Neogen | 40 800-234-5333; www.neogen.com
NuTech Biosciences | 13 315-505-6500; https://nutechbiosciences.com
Overdrive Lighting | 23 800-657-0509; www.aglights.com
Precision Lighting | 1, 17, 34 800-737-1837; www.poultrylighting.com
Southwestern Sales | 21 800-636-1975; www.swsales.com
The Egg Carton Store | 37 866-333-1132; www.eggcartonstore.com Walinga USA | 4 800-466-1197; www.walinga.com
Weightech | 22, 36 800-457-3720; www.weightechinc.com
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A tribute to Abit Massey, a true icon
DAVID B. STRICKLAND Poultry Times Editor dstrickland@poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Can you think of someone who, by name alone, brings a wealth of firsthand experiences and stories, not to mention poultry industry promotion and influence?
You can if you ever met Abit Massey. And if he ever met you, he never forgot you.
Abit Massey, 96, president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation, passed away on June 14 following a brief illness. He truly defined the term “legend” and was well-respected and accomplished not only in his agricultural advocacy, but also in governmental relations and association endeavors. Mr. Massey’s accolades are numerous to both the state of Georgia and the nation’s poultry industry and beyond.
It would take a massive volume to list all of Massey’s accolades and awards, but a common theme from those who knew him is his relationship and caring for people, not just in the business world but in all walks of life.
For a very brief encapsulation of some of his history – Massey graduated from the University of Georgia in 1949 from the College of Business Administration (now the Terry College of Business). In 1960, he married his wife of 64 years, Kayanne Shoffner. They have two children, Lewis and Camille. The year 1960 is also important to Massey’s history, because it is the year he began work with the Georgia Poultry Federation. Through the years, his title changed from executive secretary to executive director to president and to president emeritus following his 2009 “semi-retirement.” It was in 2009 that Mike Giles, who joined the federation in 2000, assumed the role of GPF president.
“It’s not lost on me how blessed I was to work with Abit,” Giles said. “I don’t think that you can sum Abit up in a line or two. He had seen so much change in the industry since 1960, and he was a large part of a lot of those changes. His awards and recognitions are important aspects of him, but the thing I keep going back to is the way he handled himself and the way he treated people. He had a genuine interest in others, regardless of their station in life. He approached life with humor and lightheartedness, and people really appreciated that about him.”
“We spent a lot of time traveling in the car together, and sometimes we would talk about work, and sometimes it was politics, political history, and a lot of times it was about the latest movie or what our families were doing,” Giles
Abit Massey, president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation, passed away at age 96 on June 14. He is seen here with his son, Lewis, at the unveiling last October of the new University of Georgia Department of Poultry Science Building in Athens, Ga. Massey toured the new classroom that was named in his honor.
added. “I will really cherish those times.”
“Everyone also remarks about his memory — and it was incredible,” he noted. “He could remember people’s names and details about their families and things they were interested in, and years might go by, and he could recall all of these details about people.”
Before his work advocating for the poultry industry, Massey worked with what was then
known as the Georgia Commerce Department.
“He is known for his work for the poultry industry, as a respected lobbyist, but he is also known and a legend in other arenas, such as economic development and tourism,” Giles said. During his work with commerce, he began what would become the state’s first tourism
(Continued on page 24)
David B. Strickland Poultry Times
Massey
HPAI detected in Iowa dairy cattle herd
DAVID B. STRICKLAND
Poultry Times Editor dstrickland@poultrytimes.com
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa and the USDA confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a dairy cattle herd in O’Brien County, Iowa, on June 5. This makes Iowa the tenth state to report cases of the virus in cattle since this outbreak began earlier in the spring, and the first new state since April.
This is the state’s first reported case of HPAI within a dairy herd, however on June 2 a case was reported on a commercial turkey flock in Cherokee County, Iowa, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship notes.
States, in addition to Iowa, reporting dairy herd bird flu outbreaks include Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas. USDA adds that it, in April, began requiring lactating cows to test negative before they were shipped to other states in an effort to prevent spread of the virus.
“Given the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza within dairy cattle in many other states, it is not a surprise that we would have a case given the size of our dairy industry in Iowa,” Mike Naig, Iowa’s secretary of agricul-
ture, said. “While lactating dairy cattle appear to recover with supportive care, we know this destructive virus continues to be deadly for poultry. Our team at the department has been preparing for this possibility and will soon be announcing additional response steps to protect our flocks and herds.”
“Poultry producers and dairy farmers should immediately take steps to harden their biosecurity defenses, limit unnecessary visitors, and report symptomatic birds or cattle to the department,” Naig added. “This remains an evolving situation and we will continue to be in close communication with stakeholders, USDA, and other states as we evaluate our response. Our top priority is to protect our livestock and the farmers and people who care for them.”
The Iowa agriculture department offers biosecurity steps for cattle and poultry producers, as well as other HPAI resources at https:// iowaagriculture.gov.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds immediately issued a disaster proclamation for Cherokee County, Iowa, after its reported case in a turkey flock, which will allow state resources from the Iowa agriculture department, Iowa Homeland Security, and additional agencies to begin their work on containment, disposal, disinfection,
tracking and monitoring.
Reynolds has also advocated the approval of vaccines to assist in combatting animal disease and has sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack asking USDA to expedite animal vaccine approvals.
“Animal diseases pose significant threats to the agricultural industry, jeopardizing animal health, food security and economic stability,” Reynolds’ letter reads, in part. “The recent outbreaks of diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle and poultry, as well as the recent outbreak of Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) in Iowa turkey farms, underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent and control future outbreaks. Vaccine development and approvals are critical to ensure the health and safety of our nation’s livestock and poultry operations.”
“I urge the USDA and the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) located in Ames, Iowa, to expedite the review and approval process for animal vaccines, prioritizing those that have demonstrated safety, efficacy, and feasibility,” Reynolds’ letter added. “Additionally, I encourage the USDA to allocate resources and support research efforts aimed at developing innovative vaccines and vaccination strategies.”
Organizations bring lawsuit against EPA on vehicle emissions standards
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN
Poultry Times staff
ebobenhausen
@poultrytimes.com
WASHINGTON — The American Petroleum Institute is taking on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations for gas powered vehicles. The regulation states that “under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is establishing new, more protective emissions standards for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHG) for light-duty vehicles and Class 2b and 3 (‘medium-duty’) vehicles that will phase-in over model years 2027 through 2032.”
The National Corn Growers Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation, along with six auto dealers that represent 16 brands, have joined the API in filing a lawsuit against the government agency in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
“Today, we are taking action to protect American consumers, U.S. manufacturing workers and our nation’s hard-won energy security from this intrusive government mandate,” Ryan Meyers, API senior vice president and general counsel, said. “EPA has exceeded
its congressional authority with this regulation that will eliminate most new gas cars and traditional hybrids from the U.S. market in less than a decade. We look forward to making our case in court.”
According to a statement released by the API, there are groups in the auto industry who have signed on as co-petitioners in the lawsuit. “A group of six auto dealers representing 16 brands and collectively operating dozens of dealerships in major markets across the country join API as co-petitioners in the lawsuit. The auto dealers include Mickey
Anderson, president and CEO of Baxter Auto Group; Thomas Maoli, president and CEO of Celebrity Motor Cars; Roger Elswick, president and CEO of Community Auto Group; Steve Gates, owner of Gates Automotive Group; Phillip Tarver, owner of Lake Charles Toyota; and Bob Loquercio, owner of Bob Loquercio Auto Group.”
“By approving tailpipe standards that focus exclusively on electric vehicles, EPA has ignored the proven benefits corn ethanol plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change,” Harold Wolle, Min-
nesota farmer and National Corn Growers Association president, said. “While it could take decades to get enough electric vehicles on the road to significantly lower GHG emissions, ethanol is a critical and effective climate solution that is available now. We have tried to make this case to EPA to no avail, and now we will make our case in court.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “farmers answered the call to help America be more sustainable by growing the crops necessary for renewable fuels. Now, the rug is being pulled out from underneath them with unrealistic emissions goals that put years of investment at risk. Impractical standards for light-duty and medium-duty trucks will drive up the cost of farm vehicles and force farmers to rely on a charging network that does not yet exist in rural areas.”
In March, the Biden Administration finalized the new regulation and required that 68 percent of passenger vehicles must be electric by 2032. Forty-three percent of medium-duty trucks and vans are to be electric by 2032.
Increased performance and quality focus of 2024 USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder Clinic
TUCKER, Ga. — Effective hatchery and breeder management is one of many crucial factors in a successful poultry operation. The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2024 HatcheryBreeder Clinic will keep hatchery and breeder managers up to date on the latest technology, equipment and management techniques.
This year’s program, developed by a panel of hatchery-breeder specialists, will give attendees necessary tools to help increase performance and quality throughout hatchery and breeder operations. The clinic will be held July
9-10 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown in Nashville, Tenn.
“Breeder and hatchery operations are always under pressure to increase performance. This year’s Hatchery-Breeder Clinic will address topics such as Hatchery Automation / Ergonomics . . . Robots in the Hatchery; Bridging the Communication Gap Between Breeders and Hatcheries; Pullet Uniformity; Hatchery QA
Programs and Data Utilization; and much more,” said Ashley McGovern, hatchery manager at Pilgrim’s and program committee chair.
Other topics include Maximizing Hatch of Fertile; Managing Chick Quality in Multi- and Single-Stage Incubation in the Same Hatchery; Managing Through Disease Challenges: Current Disease Update, Sanitation for Dis-
ease Control in the Hatchery, and Managing Biosecurity for Today’s Challenges; Male Management / Hatchability; Bed Bugs in Hen Houses; and Posting in the Field: Diagnosing Necropsy.
The 2024 USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder Clinic planning committee includes Justin Burrow, Peco Foods Inc.; Alicia Hill, Tyson Foods Inc.; Jason Maynard, Wayne-Sanderson Farms; Ashley McGovern, Pilgrim’s, and planning committee chair; and Stephanie Smith, Peco Foods Inc.
For more information about the 2024 Hatchery-Breeder Clinic, visit www.uspoultry.org.
POULTRY TIMES
Celebrating world trade and U.S. agriculture trade successes
COMMENTARY BY
ALEXIS M. TAYLOR
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
Alexis M. Tayler is USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.
WASHINGTON — May was World Trade Month — a perfect opportunity to celebrate U.S. agriculture’s trade successes and highlight the importance of trade to the farm sector and to our nation as whole. After all, about 20 percent of all U.S. agricultural production is exported, providing a critical source of farm income, sup -
porting more than a million jobs, and generating nearly $200 billion in additional economic activity each year in our rural communities and beyond.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, U.S. agricultural exports have grown significantly, posting the three highest years in history in 2021-2023. And USDA remains
committed to tapping more, new and better global market opportunities for our producers and agribusinesses through our trade policy and market development work.
Some of that work is behind the scenes, like our efforts to knock down trade barriers — including India’s tariffs on U.S. poultry and berries, which were
reduced in March — and to ensure that our trading partners live up to their agriculturerelated commitments under trade pacts such as the U.S.Mexico-Canada Agreement.
And some of the work is more forward-facing, like our trade missions and trade shows, which put U.S. producers and exporters in direct con -
USDA photo
USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor, second from right, stands with panelists after a discussion on 100 Years of U.S. Ag Trade at the 2024 Agricultural Outlook Forum.
tact potential customers. Over the past three years, 13 USDA agribusiness trade missions helped 227 companies to tap new opportunities in key markets worldwide. There are still four more missions to come yet this year — to Canada, Colombia, Vietnam, and Morrocco. We also give U.S. producers and companies a chance to showcase their products to potential foreign buyers numerous USDA-endorsed international trade shows each year.
In addition, USDA is building on the success of our longstanding market development programs by taking creative new approaches and allocating significant new resources to expanding foreign markets.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has announced the first $300 million in awards,
under the new $1.2 billion Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), to help 66 partner organizations expand export opportunities in diverse and dynamic new markets. And the USDA announced the first funding opportunities under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative, an innovative partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector to address the unique challenges that hinder U.S. exports of produce, tree nuts, horticultural crops, and related products.
The bottom line is that agricultural trade matters — to USDA, to the farm sector, to our nation, and to the world. So, take a moment to celebrate world trade. Cheers! Prost! Kanpai! Cin cin! Santé! Salud!
“Over the past three years, 13 USDA agribusiness trade missions helped 227 companies to tap new opportunities in key markets worldwide.”
POULTRY TIMES
BUSINESS USDA awards $300M in grants to assist in export marketing
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN
Poultry Times staff
ebobenhausen
@poultrytimes.com
WASHINGTON — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the USDA is awarding 66 agriculture associations $300 million as part of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). The purpose of RAPP is to grow the demand for American food and food exports around the world.
The program was established in October 2023. Vilsack authorized $1.2 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation which aided United States’ exporters highlighting regions such as Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Buyer demand and purchasing power are increasing in these areas.
“USDA and the entire BidenHarris Administration are focused on creating more new and better markets for U.S. producers and agribusinesses, and exports are a critical part of that effort,” Vilsack said. “By enabling U.S. exporters to expand their footprint in diverse and dynamic new markets, RAPP will help make them more competitive and resilient in an increasingly volatile global trading environment. We know the potential is out there, but it takes time and money to grow new markets.
“USDA is pleased to be able to provide the start-up capital to help tap into these opportunities, because if we are serious about reversing the decline of small and mid-sized farms, and building wealth that stays in rural communities, it’s crucial that we create and sustain diverse market opportunities abroad as well as at home.”
the award of $3.3 million in RAPP funds to NARA shows that USDA has a lot of confidence in our approach to diversifying markets and boosting exports.”
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) was granted $5 million from the RAPP program.
“We are excited for NASDA members to have additional resources to bolster international marketing opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers,” Ted McKinney, NASDA CEO, said. “With this new investment in diversifying markets and increasing trade, we can support rural and agricultural communities through developing long-term economic impacts.”
The U.S.A Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) received more than $9 million in the RAPP program.
Mixture of essential oil plant extracts and spices
sociation (AFIA) gained $800,000 from the USDA’s RAPP program.
INGREDIENTS:
Oregano oil, Cinnamon oil
“The positive impact of sustained investment in export promotion is profound, benefiting consumers, businesses, and economies globally, as well as our own U.S. agricultural economy,”
DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
Mix at the following rate with 5 gallons of water to make stock solution:
Broilers: 4 oz.
Layers: 4 oz.
Greg Tyler, USAPEEC president and CEO, said. “This funding empowers American producers to not only compete in established markets but also to venture into new ones.”
Turkeys: 1 oz.
Shake well before use:
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has announced that it plans to use its $21 million in allocated RAPP funds to expand into new markets with exports opportunities in the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) region, as well as Africa, and increase its convenience store offerings in Central America, Colombia and South Korea.
Meter 1 oz. of stock solution per gallon of drinking water (1:128)
Protect from freezing. Store dry and at room temperature, avoid direct sunlight. No liability in case of improper handling and storage.
Tyler added that, “this new investment builds on the foundational work of previous market development programs and paves the way for advancements in nutrition, sustainability, and economic growth through American agriculture. In an era of rising global competition and persistent conflicts, the work ahead is critical, and we are eager to collaborate to achieve impactful results.”
“We thank the USDA for recognizing AFIA as the leading authority in the animal feed, feed ingredient and pet food trade,” Constance Cullman, AFIA president and CEO, said. “This support will enable us to expand our efforts in developing and expanding export markets for U.S. animal food products. We look forward to leveraging this support to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. animal food in emerging markets and contribute to the broader goal of agricultural export diversification.”
The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is to receive $3.3 million from of the RAPP fund.
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The American Feed Industry As-
“NARA has been participating in USDA export promotion programs since the 1950s and has a long track record of increasing exports and market share of U.S. rendered and repurposed products overseas,” Kent Swisher, NARA president and CEO, said. “I think
“USMEF is honored to participate in RAPP, and we thank Secretary Vilsack and the staff at USDA for their vision and leadership in implementing this program,” Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO, said. “The additional investment in foreign market development is very timely and will be especially helpful in expanding demand for U.S. red meat in emerging export markets. USMEF also appreciates the role Congressional leaders played in the development of RAPP. We thank them for their support of this program and for prioritizing Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funding in the new Farm Bill.”
Manufactured
NCPA & IEC announce
Mindy Larsen as new CEO
URBANDALE, Iowa — The North Central Poultry Association (NCPA) and the Iowa Egg Council (IEC) have announced
Mindy Larsen as their new chief executive officer for both organizations. The open position is due to the upcoming retirement of the current CEO, Kevin Stiles. Larsen will begin her tenure July 2.
Upon her selection, Larsen said, “Growing up on a family farm with row crops and livestock, my appreciation and passion for agriculture is deep rooted, and it is an honor to have been chosen to lead the North Central Poultry Association and Iowa Egg Council. I am excited to build on the success of these two great organizations and look forward to working with our members and partners in agriculture to further advocate for our poultry industry.”
Larsen has worked as the vice president of government relations for the Iowa Corn Growers Association for nearly two decades and has an exceptional background which includes serving on the Iowa Corn Growers management team, and the coordination and implementation of policy (state and federal). Prior to her work with the Iowa Corn Growers Association, she worked for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation advocating for farmers and for the Beving
Law Firm, specializing in agricultural law.
Larsen holds a juris doctor (JD) degree from Drake University, where she also earned her undergraduate degree in political science, graduating with honors.
“While we are sorry to see Kevin retire, we know that we have placed the responsibility of the NCPA and IEC in very capable hands and it’s a pleasure to welcome Mindy Larsen,” Dr. Craig Rowles, NCPA board president, said.
Neogen’s MDS named primary FSIS detection method
LANSING, Mich. — Neogen® Corp. announced on June 10 that the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has named the Neogen Molecular Detection System as its primary method to be used for the detection of salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes testing for meat, poultry and egg products.
FSIS has been using the Neogen
Molecular Detection System for salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes for more than five years, attesting to the reliability and efficiency of the system, the company said, adding that as part of the new contract, the agency also selected Listeria spp. and the newly available Neogen Molecular Detection Assay 2 — Salmonella Enteritidis/Salmonella Typhimurium.
“Food producers and contract labs around the world have long trusted the Neogen Molecular Detection System as a fast, accurate, reliable, and easy-to-use method for pathogen detection,” John Adent, Neogen’s president and CEO, said. “We are proud to receive this recognition and demonstrate our continued commitment to fueling a brighter future for global food security.”
Neogen notes that the MDS makes the detection of foodborne pathogens simple and fast by utilizing loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP) technology. The MDS system utilizing LAMP technology provides food manufacturers with speed and (Continued on next page)
Product inquiries: info@nutecbio.com 315-251-4324 • 315-751-0729
hensive variety of sample types.
ease in identifying these pathogens, the company added.
The system simultaneously accommodates individual, pathogen-specific assays, enabling users in meat, poultry, and other food and beverage categories to run up to 96 different tests concurrently for a range of organisms and across various food and environmental samples, Neogen said, adding that the next-generation assays have been consistently validated by leading scientific validation organizations throughout
For more information, visit www.neogen.com/moleculardetection-system.
Yingxin Zhao awarded Aviagen/CPRC Poultry Science Scholarship
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Aviagen® announces that University of Alberta graduate student Yingxin
Need More Hatching Capacity?
of Aviagen’s yearly contribution to the work of the Canadian Poultry Research Council, the award underscores Aviagen’s commitment to advancing research and nurturing the next generation of industry leaders, the company noted, adding that as a longstanding supporter of the CPRC, Aviagen continues to invest in initiatives that promote a sustainable future for the poultry sector.
Yingxin Zhao brings a wealth of expertise to her doctoral studies in animal science at the University of Alberta, backed by a master of science degree in agricultural product processing and storage engineering and a bachelor of science in food quality and safety. Her academic journey is marked by a steadfast dedication to enhancing the quality and safety of food production processes, Aviagen added.
The panel of Aviagen specialists who selected her were impressed by the quality of Zhao’s proposed doctoral research and its potential to improve animal welfare.
Zhao is currently collaborating with a prominent poultry processing company in Alberta to improve poultry health and meat quality, while maintaining an outstanding academic record and consistently demonstrating excellence in graduate-level research.
“This scholarship not only supports my academic pursuits, but also affirms the value of my research in the broiler meat industry,” Zhao said. “I am now more motivated than ever to make meaningful contributions to both my field of study and the poultry industry. Thank you to Aviagen and the CPRC for the scholarship award!”
her promising career in poultry.”
“The CPRC is privileged to have Aviagen as its long-lasting sponsor. CPRC and Aviagen have been collaborating and investing in the next generation of poultry scientists in Canada for the last 12 years,’’ Caroline Wilson, CPRC executive director, added. “The CPRC looks forward to many more years of successful collaboration with Aviagen.”
NPFDA announces 2024 scholarship recipients
ST. MARYS, Ga. — The National Protein & Food Distributors Association’s Scholarship Foundation has awarded scholarships to eight outstanding students from a vast number of qualified applicants, the association noted, adding that the NPFDA Scholarship Foundation was established in 1979.
Eligible applicants were from NPFDA member companies or were children of an employee of a NPFDA member company who is enrolled full-time at a U.S.-based college or university, technical school, or a graduating high school senior pursuing a college degree in the fall. To apply, each student had to complete an application, author an essay, and then submit these items along with their transcripts and a faculty recommendation.
“Yingxin embodies the future of the Canadian poultry industry, and Aviagen is proud to support her journey,” Matt Klassen, Canadian account manager for Aviagen, said. “Her dedication, passion, and outstanding research abilities underscore her potential to drive transformative change in our industry. On behalf of Aviagen, I extend my congratulations to Yingxin and wish her success in
The NPFDA Scholarship Foundation’s Selection Committee reviewed each applicant’s submission. Each submission was evaluated by committee members based on the goals and aspirations essay, extracurricular activities, recommendation letter, and GPA — ballots were tallied, and the top eight students were awarded $5,000.
One of the scholarships was generously provided in full by Shuler Meats and was awarded to Weston Ruddock of Texas A&M University.
This year’s scholarship winners included:
• Alexis Baum of Georgia Col-
Zhao
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lege and State University — McLain Foods Inc
• Andrew Mead of Georgia Southern University — McClancy Food and Flavors
• Anna Mead of Georgia Southern University — McClancy Food and Flavors
• Caden Carter of Jones College — Amick Farms
• Ethan Patey of Delaware Technical Community College — Mountaire Farms
• Linley Fripp of University of the Pacific — Foster Farms
• Madison Loggins of Clemson University — Fieldale Farms Corp./Springer Mountain Farms
• Shuler Meats Scholarship: Weston Ruddock of Texas A & M University — Holmes Foods Inc.
For more information, visit www.npfda.org/npfda-scholarships or contact NPFDA at 770535-9901 or by email at info@ npfda.org.
Smithfield Foods to purchase
Cargill dry sausage facility
SMITHFIELD, Va. — Smithfield Foods has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase a premier dry sausage production facility in Nashville, Tenn., from Cargill. The transaction will fuel Smithfield’s strategy of continued growth in the value-added packaged meats segment, enhancing its ability to serve growing demand for highquality pepperoni, deli, charcuterie and other dry sausage products, the company noted.
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close by the end of July 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
“This transaction is a testament to our continued focus on growing our packaged meats business by staying ahead of and delivering on our customers’ preferences,” Steve France, president of packaged meats for Smithfield Foods, said. “Dry sausage is one of our fastest-growing categories, and acquiring this facility from Cargill will better position us to improve sales, drive volume and increase our capacity to bring high-quality dry sausage products to the foodservice, industrial and retail sectors.
“We look forward to serving this facility’s existing customers and welcoming a new group of team members to Smithfield Foods,” France added.
Production from the Nashville facility will support Smithfield’s existing portfolio of dry sausage brands, including Margherita, Carando and Armour, adding dry sausage production capacity of 50 million pounds per year. The U.S. retail/deli dry sausage segment is projected to grow from $4.7 billion in 2023 to $6.9 by 2030. In the foodservice segment, 65 percent of pizzeria operators expect gross annual sales to be up during the next 12 months, with 44 percent expecting sales to be up 5 percent or more, the company added.
Smithfield also noted that it will make formal offers of employment to the approximately 160 active Cargill Nashville employees for the same positions they currently hold, with no changes to their current base pay, and provide a benefits package that includes comprehensive medical coverage, a free-tuition program and other benefits.
Former Cisco Systems exec appointed to Tyson board
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods Inc. announces the appointment of Maria N. Martinez as a new independent director, effective as of June 10.
Martinez most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Cisco Systems from 2021 until 2024 and previously held the role of chief customer experience officer. Prior to Cisco Systems, Martinez held executive positions at leading technology companies including Salesforce, Microsoft, Motorola and AT&T’s Bell Labs.
With extensive experience in operations and digital transformation, Martinez currently serves on the board of directors of McKesson,
Computer History Museum and the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, the company said, adding that she also serves as an advisor on the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. Martinez graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in computer engineering from Ohio State University.
“Maria is a proven business leader in the technology industry who will help Tyson Foods expedite our data and digital initiatives,” said John H. Tyson, Tyson Foods chairman. “We are pleased to welcome her to the board and look forward to the significant insights and experiences she will bring to the company.”
“I was drawn to Tyson Foods as a purpose-driven, world-class food company,” Martinez said. “I look forward to bringing my perspective to the board’s work as the company continues to execute its digital strategy to grow its business sustainably and create value for shareholders, customers, team members and communities.”
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The appointment of Martinez increases the number of directors on the Tyson Foods board to 15, with 11 independent directors. She will serve on the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Strategy and Acquisitions Committee.
In addition to John H. Tyson and Martinez, others currently serving on the Tyson Foods board of directors are Les R. Baledge, Mike Beebe, Maria Claudia Borras, David J. Bronczek, Mikel A. Durham, Donnie King, Jonathan D. Mariner, Kevin M. McNamara, Cheryl S. Miller, Kate B. Quinn, Jeffrey K. Schomburger, Barbara A. Tyson and Noel White.
Tyson brand introduces its new Honey Chicken Bites
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson® brand announces its newest retail offerings: Honey Chicken Bites and Restaurant Style Crispy Wings. These flavorful, protein-
packed products promise to satisfy refined tastes and simplify mealtime, making them perfect for summer entertaining, the company says.
Tyson Honey Chicken Bites contain 14g of protein per serving. Crafted from tender, all-white meat chicken and covered in a honey-infused breading, these bites are designed to delight taste buds and satisfy cravings, Tyson said. Whether baked in the oven or crisped to perfection in an air fryer, Honey Chicken Bites are ready in less than 25 minutes, making them an ideal anytime snack or meal solution for summer barbecues or picnics.
As honey’s popularity continues to rise in frozen retail and restaurants, Tyson Honey Chicken Bites are a must-have addition to every freezer. Each 24 oz bag contains 8 servings, the company added.
Tyson Restaurant Style Crispy Wings contain 15g of protein per serving. Fully cooked and expertly dry rubbed, these wings boast a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy perfection, Tyson said, adding that they are seasoned to appeal to the entire
family, they can be savored on their own or paired with a favorite sauce for a personalized touch. They are available in a variety of flavors, including Rotisserie (Original), Garlic Parmesan and
Caribbean Style, each offering a unique flavor sensation, perfect for sharing with friends or family. With easy preparation in an air fryer or oven, Tyson Crispy Wings deliver restaurant-quality flavor and texture in the comfort of your own home. Each 16 oz bag contains about 3.5 servings, the company said.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Tyson Honey Chicken Bites and Restaurant Style Crispy Wings to consumers who want convenience without sacrificing flavor,” Jessica Johnson, Tyson Foods managing director, said. “These new offerings embody our commitment to innovation and quality, providing delicious options that cater to the diverse tastes and busy lifestyles of today’s consumer.”
TUCKER, Ga. — The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is offering a new training course entitled, “The Safe Response to Highly Patho-
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genic Avian Influenza.”
The course provides educational instruction to industry workers on what avian influenza is; safe response methods; safe usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); depopulation, decontamination and disposal methods; and general safety precautions.
This training is intended to be a resource for workers and supervisors on safely responding to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) events, the association notes, adding that the hazards and issues covered in this training are dynamic and require vigilance and flexibility. Users must understand applicable rules and regulations.
The new course is available free of charge to USPOULTRY members through USPOULTRY’s Learning Management System, which can be accessed at www. uspoultry.org/training/resources. For more information and to gain access to the Learning Management System, contact Matt Spencer by email at mspencer@ uspoultry.org.
David Gadd promoted to WayneSanderson Farms senior VP
OAKWOOD, Ga. — WayneSanderson Farms announces the promotion of David Gadd to senior vice president and general manager of the Retail Business Unit, effective as of June 3. Gadd will lead all aspects of the company’s retail operations and sales.
“Over the course of his 27-year tenure with the company, David has established himself as a highly respected and strategic leader,” Kevin McDaniel, WayneSanderson Farms chief operating officer, said. “His promotion is a testament to Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ commitment to develop-
ing talent, and I look forward to his expanded leadership as we continue to deliver amazing results for our retail customers and organization.”
Gadd most recently held the position of Wayne-Sanderson’s vice president of retail sales, overseeing the management and administration of all retail sales activities over the last year. He first joined Sanderson Farms in 1997, as a beginning trainee, and has since served in various sales roles with increasing levels of responsibility, including customer service representative, corporate poultry buyer, national sales representative, manager of retail and corporate sales, and senior director of retail sales.
Gadd earned his bachelor of arts degree in biology from the University of Mississippi.
AFIA opens registration for 2024 Liquid Feed Symposium
ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Feed Industry Association has opened registration for its annual Liquid Feed Symposium, which will be held Sept. 10-12 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to highly regarded speakers and learn about topics like methane mitigation, market outlooks, legislative and regulatory updates and other current issues impacting the liquid feed industry, the association noted.
dustry, including manufacturers, nutritionists, equipment manufacturers, sales and marketing, and additional industry support companies, AFIA added.
In addition, the AFIA inducts an industry leader into the Liquid Feed Hall of Fame each year at the symposium. The Liquid Feed Hall of Fame recognizes and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the science and growth of the liquid feed industry.
The AFIA encourages attendees to register before June 23, for discounted early-bird registration rates. For more information on the LFS including registration, the agenda and location, visit www. afia.org/LFS2024.
Maple Leaf Foods to close Brantford plant and consolidate production
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario —
Maple Leaf Foods has announced its decision to close its Brantford, Ontario plant and consolidate most of its Further Processed Poultry production into its existing plant network through early 2025.
“If you are involved in the liquid feed industry, then LFS is the place to be this fall for quality education and networking,” said Dr. Paul Davis, AFIA’s director of quality, animal food safety and education.
The symposium, hosted by AFIA’s Liquid Feed Committee, will focus on current issues, growth, education and development specifically geared toward the liquid feed industry. The largest and longest-running event of its kind, it is designed to appeal to all segments of the liquid feed in-
Earlier this year, the company noted that it determined that this 100-year-old facility would likely require significant ongoing investment to continue long-term operations.
“The decision to close any plant is one that we take very seriously,” Curtis Frank, Maple Leaf Foods president and CEO, said. “We are very proud of our team at Brantford and appreciate the great work they do each and every day.”
The closure of the plant will be
Gadd
completed in a phased manner to maintain business continuity and meet customer demand, the company said, adding that it will work with the affected employees to provide support and assistance through this transition, including supporting other opportunities at other Maple Leaf Foods facilities.
“Consolidating production into our current network allows us to reallocate our resources and increase our efficiencies by further optimizing the existing, more modern facilities in our network,” Frank said. “This supports our vision to be the most sustainable protein company on Earth and our commitment to produce world-class products safely and efficiently as we support the growth of our protein business.”
Consolidating production enables the company to harvest the benefits of its network and focus on improving operational efficiency, cutting down on waste, and growing asset utilization, Maple Leaf said, also noting that it will work with the community of Brantford to seek alternate uses for the property.
Jarrett Foods names Terry Willis company president
CANON, Ga. — Jarrett Foods announces the appointment of Terry Willis as president. With an extensive background in the poultry industry and a proven record of success, Willis brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, the company added.
“Terry is well established in the poultry industry and has the leadership experience that makes him a great fit for our new company,” Heath Jarrett, Jarrett Foods CEO, said. “We are thrilled to have him leading Jarrett Foods as we launch the company.”
Throughout his 45-year career in the poultry industry, Willis has held key leadership positions, in-
cluding president and CEO of two poultry companies, including one with an international presence. Additionally, he has served as a director of a Fortune 500 company and as vice president and director of operations for another major poultry company.
Willis also has held various roles in the poultry processing industry before reaching his senior leadership positions, including human resources manager, production manager, plant manager, director of accounting and purchasing, continuous improvement director, and operations director, the company said.
Based in northeast Georgia, Jarrett Foods notes that it provides custom processing solutions for the poultry industry. Current product offerings include whole bird cut-up, custom breast and thigh deboning, breast and tender hand portioning, marination, and re-packing services.
Carl’s Jr. expanding into U.K. and Ireland
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — CKE
Restaurants Holdings Inc., which operates Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. restaurants, has announced a new agreement with Boparan Restaurant Group to develop Carl’s Jr.® restaurants in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
This collaboration marks an addition to CKE’s growing list of international locations and will bring guests the flavors the brand is known for worldwide, the company said. Under this agreement, BRG will open, operate, and franchise restaurants throughout the territory as the exclusive Carl’s Jr. developer. This partnership further solidifies Carl’s Jr.’s European presence which includes nearly 100 restaurants across Spain, France, Denmark, Turkey, and Switzerland.
“As part of our strategic growth plan, we’ve had our sights set on the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland for quite a while and are extremely excited to answer the international demand for our signature flavors,” Mike Woida, CKE International president, said.
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Willis
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“Carl’s Jr.’s international success speaks for itself. The brand offers fantastic food quality and brilliant innovation, and we look forward to replicating the born in California, ‘Eat Like You Mean It’ experience in the U.K.,” Satnam Leihal, CEO of BRG, said. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences, and we look forward to introducing Carl’s Jr. to the U.K. and Irish markets.”
With a rich heritage and more than 80 years in business, the California-born restaurant chain is accelerating plans for global expansion. CKE currently operates more than 1,100 international restaurants in more than 35 countries around the world.
“BRG has a proven record of success and shares our vision for Carl’s Jr. in the U.K. We look forward to serving our guests in the region as we continue our path toward global growth,” Woida said.
More international franchise information can be obtained at
carlsjrfranchising.com/international.
Vital
Farms’
manager recognized for food safety leadership
AUSTIN, Texas — Vital Farms’ quality assurance manager Robert Clark has received the 2024 Excellence in SQF Practitioner Leadership Award from the Safe Quality Food Institute, a global program that “works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a
safer, healthier, and more efficient consumer food supply.”
This prestigious award recognizes a single leader for their role promoting food safety and inspiring the next generation of food safety leaders, the company noted.
“Vital Farms attracts a passionate group of crewmembers, like Robert, who are continuously challenged to uphold high standards while progressing our purpose to improve the lives of people, animals, and planet through food. Robert’s expertise goes beyond simply understanding quality — he’s helped us build an entire food safety culture and ensured safety standards for each Vital Farms egg that reaches peoples’ tables,” Russell Diez-Canseco, president and CEO, Vital Farms, said. “We’re proud of this incredible recognition that celebrates Robert and our entire team’s commitment to raising the standards of food manufacturing.”
In his role, Clark leads a team of 21 food safety and quality assurance professionals that oversee the safe processing of eggs from the company’s network of more than 300 family farms through
its facility, Egg Central Station, in Springfield, Mo. Up to 6 million eggs a day take a journey from the farms to grading, washing, and packing at ECS before they are delivered to grocery shelves and restaurant menus across the country. ECS is one of the many ways Vital Farms continues to build a resilient food system with its industry-leading conservation features including advanced water filtration and bio-retention systems, solar energy panels and LED lighting, zero-wasteto-landfill production, and high safety and quality standards, the company said.
ECS is an SQF-certified facility, and the only egg facility globally to have received an SQFI Select Site Certification, indicating that ECS has voluntarily elected to undergo annual unannounced recertification audits by SQFI, Vital Farms said, adding that, ECS recently went through an SQF food safety and quality audit which earned the facility an Excellent rating with a 98 percent score.
For more information about the 2024 SQF Excellence Awards, visit www.sqfi.com/sqf-professionals/ sqf-excellence-awards.
Chick-fil-A announces new summer sandwich
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen @poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Chickfil-A has announced that on June 10, it will be introducing its new chicken sandwich, the Maple Pepper Bacon sandwich. Along with the new sandwich, they will be bringing back their annual, seasonal Peach Milkshake.
The sandwich was first tested in 2023 in Indianapolis, Ind., and Lexington, Ky. A press statement notes that, “the sandwich is made with a lemon herb marinated boneless breast of chicken, grilled for a tender, smoky taste. It is served on a buttery and toasted maple flavored brioche bun, topped with Pepper Jack cheese, green leaf lettuce, bacon hand-tossed in a brown sugar and pepper blend, topped with sweet and spicy pickles.”
The Peach Milkshakes are hand-spun like their other milkshakes. It is given Chick-fil-A’s signature Ice Dream. whipped cream and a cherry are added to complete the treat, the company adds.
“We are always looking for ways to make unique twists to our entrée selection and the Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich is a delicious spin on the Chick-fil-A flavors our guests know and love,” Allison Duncan, Chick-Fil-A director of menu and packaging, said. “It is a delicious blend of sweet, savory and spicy, offering an entirely different flavor profile than any other sandwich we’ve launched. We have several new and exciting offerings in the pipeline and look forward to continuing to surprise our guests with bold, new tastes in the future!”
Christy Cook, a Chick-fil-A chef, said, “For me — and many of our guests — Chick-fil-A’s Peach Milkshake signals the arrival of summer. This June, we’re thrilled to bring back the seasonal favorite alongside the new Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich. The summer is all about time spent outside, eating good food with family and friends, and we think this is the perfect pairing to enjoy during those long, hot days.”
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TAMU team wins 75th USPOULTRY Foundation poultry judging contest
TUCKER, Ga. — Nine universities recently participated in the 75th USPOULTRY Foundation
Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, held at Louisiana State University. Texas A&M University won the high team overall category, and The Ohio State University took second place. Additionally, Cade Davis with Mississippi State University won the high individual overall category, with Marissa Askew from Auburn University finishing second.
“Congratulations to the high team overall and high individual overall category winners,” Barbara Jenkins, USPOULTRY Foundation executive director, said. “The USPOULTRY Foundation National Poultry Judging Contest held its last contest at LSU, and we are grateful for LSU for all the years they’ve supported the program. Mississippi State University’s Poultry Science Depart-
ment will be the new home for the contest, and we thank MSU for stepping up.”
The contest is part of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s com -
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prehensive student outreach program, established to enhance young people’s interest in the poultry industry and encourage student enrollment in poultry science and related studies, the Foundation noted.
In addition to the Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, the USPOULTRY Foundation sponsors the annual College Student Career Program, International Student Program and National FFA Career Development Event at the Interna-
Barbara Jenkins, right, USPOULTRY Foundation executive director, congratulates the Texas A&M University team on winning the 75th USPOULTRY Foundation Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest.
USPOULTRY photo
tional Poultry Expo (IPE), as well as co-sponsors the Ph.D. and Vet Student Career Fair during IPE, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.
Other youth outreach sponsorship includes the National FFA Convention, National 4-H poultry and egg activities, and high school, technical school and elementary school outreach programs. The Foundation also funds student recruiting efforts at colleges and universities from coast-to-coast.
Meet Wayne-Sanderson’s new AI secret weapon
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen
OAKWOOD, Ga. — WayneSanderson Farms is introducing Sandy, the Chatbot. Sandy is a new feature that has been added to their website.
According to the company, when consumers want information on how to prepare the chicken in their refrigerators, this is where the “revolutionary new artificial intelligence (AI) chicken chatbot comes in. Affectionally known as ‘Sandy’ and powered by OpenAI’s API for ChatGPT, consumers can start a chat on the Sanderson Farms website for quick cooking tips, fast recipe finds, helpful serving suggestions, and more.”
“We are proud to introduce Sandy, the first-ever chicken chatbot tool, to answer just about any
question as it relates to recipes and cooking tips. We hope consumers find Sandy to be polite, witty and helpful, just like a good friend, to discuss all things chicken,” Hilary Burroughs, vice president of marketing for Wayne-Sanderson Farms, said.
Customers can use the chatbot to find chicken recipes that are tailored to specific dietary needs such as gluten free, Keto or low fat. The new AI feature will help consumers who may not know where to begin. It will give ideas like meals for picky children, how to use leftovers and give recipes for other cultural dishes to try.
“For over 70 years, Sanderson Farms has been delivering good, honest chicken. From healthy and affordable recipes to straightforward labels on our packaging, we are continually working to add value for our consumers,” Burroughs added. “Leveraging innovative artificial intelligence technology presents yet another way for us to connect with home cooks and empower them in the kitchen.”
For those wishing to start a chat with Sandy the Chatbot, visit https://sandersonfarms.com.
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department and his efforts led to the opening of Georgia’s first state tourism welcome center at the Georgia-Florida line.
“When you look at Georgia’s economy, the largest segment of the state’s economy is agriculture, and the largest part of this segment is poultry,” Giles added. “And tourism is number two. So, during his long career, Abit had a major role to play in Georgia’s two largest segments of business.”
Another area that felt Massey’s impact was in the work of trade associations.
“Abit has been a lead role model on how to be an effective trade association executive,” Giles said. “The scope of his impact during his career is amazing.”
In 1979, the Georgia Society of Association Executives wished to honor Massey in his work with trade associations up until that time and he received the high honor of having a lecture series named after him.
“I can imagine at the time that they were honoring Abit that the naming of this series would be the capstone of his long and distinguished career with trade associations,” Giles added, “but little did they know he would be at this lecture series and introducing the speaker for the next 45 years.”
“There are so many other things to remark on — his towering intelligence, unquestioned ethics, many accomplishments, his altruism and community service — but the love and laughs are what I will remember the most,” Giles said. “I will be forever grateful for the impact that Abit had on my life.”
In an article in the June 19 issue of The Times in Gainesville, Ga., Kayanne Massey, remarked about her husband, “We were so fortunate to have him in our lives for so many years. We felt that being a father, grandfather and husband always came first for him.”
There are so many people that Massey impacted, influenced, and assisted through the years, and some of them are sharing some remembrances in this memorial article. We will break it down into different segments and let those involved with working with Mr. Massey share their thoughts and memories. We believe it is very important for all of these individuals throughout several different fields to share their remembrances for
B. Strickland Poultry Times
Abit Massey, joined by his wife, Kayanne, beside a bust statue of himself that was created to help memorialize an Abit Massey Appreciation Day event in Gainesville, Ga., on Oct. 6, 2016. The statue is now on permanent display at the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network facility in Gainesville.
a man that has been called, “the dean of poultry.”
Universities
An almost life-long advocate of the University of Georgia, Massey was specially honored with a lecture room named in his honor at the unveiling of the UGA Department of Poultry Science’s new building on campus in Athens, Ga., last October. His involvement with universities and education was far reaching.
Jere W. Morehead, president of the University of Georgia, in a statement sent to Poultry Times, remarked that, “Abit Massey will be remembered fondly by all of us at the University of Georgia as one
of this institution’s most accomplished alumni and one of its most effective champions.”
“He played a central role in UGA’s strong relationship with the poultry industry for over 60 years, but his extraordinary legacy of service and leadership extends well beyond agriculture to every aspect of our university,” Morehead added. “The impact of his contributions will be felt for generations, and like so many in the UGA community, I will miss him dearly.”
Dr. Todd Applegate, UGA Department of Poultry Science department head, assistant dean for International Programs, and R. Harold and Patsy Harrison Chair in Poultry Science, said, “We are
ever grateful for Abit’s advocacy for the broader UGA community, and especially for his dedication to our Poultry Science Department’s students, faculty, and research and Extension programs. He had a seamless knack for building community with individuals from varied organizations; ultimately strengthening us all. He will truly be missed.”
Among his many honors with UGA, Massey was inducted into the university’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1996.
It is noted that with something as simple as a phone call, Massey helped launch what would become the Agricultural Technology Re-
David
search program with the Georgia Tech Research Institute.
In a statement from the ATRP team, it notes that they, “will dearly miss our program champion and president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation, Mr. Abit Massey. He was instrumental in ATRP’s founding in 1973 and has remained its most enthusiastic and committed supporter for over 50 years by representing the program at the State Capitol and attending countless ATRP Advisory Committee meetings where he helped to guide the program’s research agenda focused on industry priorities.
“ATRP will continue to honor his contributions to ATRP through the Abit Massey Student Internship Program, and the F. Abit Massey Champion Award, which was established last year at our 50th Anniversary Celebration. We will miss his ever-present smile and kind words of encouragement. Our heartfelt condolences are offered to the Massey family.”
Dr. Doug Britton, ATRP program manager and senior research engineer, said, “Mr. Massey was always the first to serve others with a genuine care and love. On count-
less occasions he graciously leveraged his connections and influence for the true benefit of others. I am particularly thankful for the mentorship and support that he extended to me personally early on in my tenure both as a young researcher and then as the ATRP program manager.”
“I appreciate his true and genuine friendship; the effort he made to get to know all the people in the program, and lasting impact of these relationships,” Britton added. “I will miss his spontaneous calls, texts, interactions, introductions, funny anecdotes, great historical quotes, insights, suggestions, encouragement, thoughtfulness, kindness, caring, and love. He was one-of-a-kind; a truly very special person; a real a modern-day gentleman!”
Dr. Linda Purvis, associate professor of biology and poultry science at the University of North Georgia, said, “I have known Abit virtually my entire life. He was a kind, supportive and true southern gentleman. From my younger days in 4H poultry judging and DPA competition to starting my career at the Georgia Poultry Lab, he was always so encouraging to me.”
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“When I started my career in education and worked to revitalize the poultry program at UNG, he was incredibly supportive and always willing to help in any way he could,” Purvis added. “One of my favorite memories was eating lunch with him one day in Gainesville and someone stopped to say hello and asked if I was his granddaughter. The one thing I will always remember about Abit was his ability to never forget a name and his smile that was absolutely contagious.”
Governmental relations
His association work brought Mr. Massey together in close working relationships with many elected officials.
“Abit Massey was a true force and a well-known personality throughout the entire state whose name is synonymous with Georgia’s thriving poultry industry,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement. “His impact on the Peach State and our number one sector of agriculture is unparalleled and will be felt for genera-
tions to come. Marty, the girls, and I are truly saddened to hear of his passing and ask all Georgians to join us in praying for the family of this great man, this Damn Good Dawg, and this legendary Georgian, especially his wife Kayanne who he was happily wedded to for over half a century.”
“We will miss his welcome presence in the halls of the Capitol and most of all his friendship,” Kemp added. “May his memory continue to inspire the state that he loved so much for years to come.”
Tyler Harper, Georgia’s commissioner of agriculture, also said in a statement, “Abit Massey was an icon of our state, a titan of agriculture, and a pioneer of our poultry industry. For over 50 years, he played an integral part in Georgia’s growth, success, innovation, and public service. But perhaps more importantly — he was a devoted family man, never met a stranger, and was a true friend to so many across our state.”
“During my time as State Senator and now Agriculture Commissioner, Mr. Abit was always encouraging, always willing to stand
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David B. Strickland Poultry Times
Abit Massey, during his tenure with the Georgia Poultry Federation, provided a regular column feature in Poultry Times, such as this one from January 1994.
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with you in the fight for what’s best for agriculture, and it will always be an honor to have known him and called him a friend,” Harper added. “We will dearly miss Mr. Abit’s wisdom, friendship, and leadership for our state’s agriculture industry, but his legend and memory will live on with us for many, many years to come.”
Associations, companies and more
There are many who worked directly with Mr. Massey through the GPF, and other state and national associations and company affiliations that fondly recall his work ethic and friendship.
“You could write a book about all of the honors, all the awards, all the leadership efforts that took place in Abit’s life that he brought and received, but it was really Abit the person that made the difference,” Elton Maddox, retired president and CEO of Wayne Farms, and a former GPF chairman, said. “It wasn’t the accolades, Abit could have been a lot of different things in life, but he chose to really serve people.”
“And not only just the poultry industry but in caring for all the people that he met,” said Maddox, who had a close working relationship with Massey for more than 45 years. “Abit was such a strong believer in Jesus Christ. A lot of people talk about imitating Jesus, but I believe that Abit exhibited Jesus in the life that he led and the life that he went about — you always
saw the smile, you always saw the helping hand, you always saw the serving attitude in everything that he did. And it didn’t matter who, their status in life, their ability in life, it was toward everybody. He was a remarkable individual.”
Nath Morris, president of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, said, “We received the sad news about Abit’s passing last Friday night (June 14) as we were having dinner at our USPOULTRY board meeting in Costa Rica. At our closing business meeting on Saturday (June 15), we informed our Board of Directors. Tears were shed, stories were told, and accolades were raised about Abit’s lasting contributions to our industry and community. His support and guidance of our association and other state poultry executives helped build a solid support model enabling all
to achieve success. The advancement of today’s poultry industry can be directly attributed to Abit’s leadership and dedication, which have left a legacy that will last forever.”
Among Massey’s honors with USPOULTRY include him being awarded the 2012 Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award.
“EVERYBODY knew and had the ultimate respect for Abit, and ABIT knew everybody; their name, family members, title and work history,” Morris added. “It is appropriate to say Abit not only had the memory of an elephant, it was certainly a ‘Red’ elephant as exemplified by his allegiance and support to Gainesville High School. He was an ambassador for the poultry industry and could come up with archived photos of historical events and pioneers of
the poultry industry and share these with industry friends with an attached note of sharing a memory.”
Dr. Louise Dufour-Zavala, executive director of the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network and the Georgia Poultry Improvement Association, said, “His wide warm smile, genuine caring for the GPLN (and also for the entire Zavala clan), relaxed demeanor, deep knowledge of policy and our industry, amazing memory, and get-it-done attitude will stay with me forever. What a giant you were and will always be, Abit!”
And for those who may not know, the road that leads you to the GPLN headquarters facility in Gainesville, Ga., is Abit Massey Way.
“Abit Massey was a greatly admired role model in our industry, embodying the quintessential southern gentleman — always warm and personable to everyone fortunate enough to know him,” Greg Tyler, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council president and CEO, said. “I held him in the highest esteem and deeply value his contributions to USAPEEC and the poultry industry as a whole.”
“To say Abit was a man of integrity, character and kindness is an understatement. He knew everyone’s name, and everyone knew his. He was the kind of person that when speaking to him in a room of 200 people, he made you feel like the only one there,” said Gary Kushner, interim president of the National Chicken Council. “His work helped to put Georgia’s poultry industry on the map, building the foundation for its national prominence today. He was a titan of the industry and will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kayanne and the family.”
“I met Abit when I was a young plant manager with Fieldale Farms. Occasionally, he would bring college students to our plant for tours. Since that time, several years had passed since before I had started seeing or working with him again, and he remembered everything about me. He did not forget my name and my history. Abit was a gentleman, a friend, a trailblazer and a pioneer in our industry,” said Blake Wikle, S4 Sanitation, and current GPF chairman.
“His memory was better than any man that I had ever met, and he had a very sincere love and
appreciation for other people,” Wikle added. “He was above reproach in every manner of his life. There’s not enough kind words I can say about his mentorship, leadership, and grace. He’s going to be missed by thousands of people. When I found out he was really sick, I reached out to him immediately to let him know that I loved him and that I was praying for him. He knew that I had recently experienced tremendous loss myself and he was more concerned about my well-being in his immediate response.”
Cece Corbin, president and CEO of the National Protein and Food Distributors Association, said, “Abit was an amazing man. Many of us were blessed to know him and all of us were enriched by his work and life. Abit was the recipient of NPFDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001, joining an exemplary list of industry leaders.”
“Personally, Abit touched my life in many ways, especially when his endorsement of me to the then NPFDA officers assisted in securing my current position with the association,” Corbin added. “NPFDA’s gratitude for Abit’s life and legacy cannot be overstated. On behalf of the membership, prayers are extended to Abit’s family — especially Miss Kayanne, Camille, and Lewis.”
Wendy W. Kavanagh, president of the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE), of which Massey has been involved with for decades, and who has a lecture series named in his honor, noted his seeming ease of ability to create authentic conversation and with active listening.
“It takes practice and attention to focus on someone else’s words and create a rapport,” Kavanagh noted. “Mr. Abit’s secrets to his success are his own, but we have all benefitted from the sunshine of his attention and thoughtfulness during a brief or lengthy conversation.”
She adds that Massey was a model for effective advocacy. “It’s well-known that Mr. Abit and Mike promote and advocate for the poultry industry, but for associations, Mr. Abit stands head and shoulders in our history for self-determination regarding our tradeshow income,” Kavanagh added. “Because of his efforts, our
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David B. Strickland Poultry Times
A lasting legacy: The Abit Massey Classroom is the largest in the new University of Georgia Poultry Science Building, in Athens, Ga. The state-of-the-art teaching room has seats for 100 students.
Whether it be windrowing to produce a pathogen & insect reduced bedding to grow a top performing flock of BIRDS, or pulverizing litter to make a soft fluffy bedding without the need to decake or add shavings, we have the equipment to fit your operation. We have various models, sizes and options to fit your needs. Keep in mind, our goal is customer service, quality equipment and of course the BIRDS.
(Continued from previous page)
revenues can go right back into our workforce development efforts. He is one of the reasons the association community can educate and upskill over 9.7 million Americans every single year.”
Giles also noted that especially among young people beginning careers in association work, Massey was considered a rock star. Mary Wheatley, CEO at the National Scleroderma Foundation, as a young executive a few years back started an X (formerly Twitter) account dedicated to one of Mr. Massey’s most recognizable features — his hair. The account @ AbitsHair is still active (and, as an aside, if you haven’t seen it, it is quite good).
In one of her “lessons from a life well lived,” regarding Mr. Massey, Wheatley, noted that he always “showed up.”
“Whether to the state capitol, a Rotary luncheon, Sunday school or the GSAE Annual Meeting, Mr. Abit was there and he was present. He worked the room and made real connections with the people there. He left everyone feeling special. He showed up early and stayed late,” Wheatley noted. “Mr. Abit also had a wicked sense of humor, and he always kept it real. He was always well-dressed with his hair on point, but he wasn’t fancy. He loved Waffle House, and he always had a chicken joke at the ready. He remembered your inside jokes, and never missed the opportunity to make a well-natured jab.”
“He was always well-dressed with his hair on point, but he wasn’t fancy. He loved Waffle House, and he always had a chicken joke at the ready. He remembered your inside jokes, and never missed the opportunity to make a well-natured jab.”
Poultry Times
Mr. Massey was a regular contributor to the Poultry Times. The magazine originally got its start by the Georgia Poultry Federation in 1954, six years before Massey’s tenure with the federation.
We are honored to have these last words about Mr. Massey; however, they will be far from the last words ever written about him.
“Abit Massey was a true southern gentleman,” Cindy Wellborn, Poultry Times general manager, said. “He thought about everybody else first. He left a tremendous legacy, and when you think about poultry in Georgia, you think about Abit.”
“My first experience with Abit Massey was
before I ever started work with Poultry Times,” said David Strickland, Poultry Times editor. “I was a recent graduate of the University of Georgia and working on my first assignments as a young reporter for The Times in Gainesville, Ga. Mr. Massey quickly latched onto my being a UGA grad. Several times during our interviews, he would note to others that I was a ‘good Georgia boy, doing a good job.’ Well, Mr. Massey, I always thanked you for that vote of confidence, and I will continue to strive to be a good Georgia boy, doing a good job.”
Everyone I spoke with noted that they could have continued with many, many more stories of their time with Abit Massey. His memory and impact will truly continue forward for a long time to come.
The effects of bird flu in pets and other mammals
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen @poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Avian Influenza has been a concern for everyone since early spring. Bird flu is predominantly found in wild fowl and other poultry. Although, with this spring’s outbreaks, bird flu was found among dairy cattle in several states.
This put health organizations in the United States on high alert. However, this is not the first-time bird flu has jumped from species to species. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus was found in cats Thailand in 2004, North Germany in 2006, Poland and South Korea in 2023. Other cases in cats, dogs, goat kids and dairy cows were found in the U.S. The CDC explained, “in December 2023, H5N1 virus infections were reported for the first time in mam-
mals in both polar regions: an infected polar bear, which died in Alaska, and in … fur seals in the Antarctic.”
The CDC says while it is rare for a person to contract bird flu, it is possible if a person is not wearing personal protective equipment around animals or spending lengthy amounts of time with a sick animal. The CDC said, “there have been two instances in the United States where bird flu virus spread from mammals to people, involving a cat in 2016 and a cow in 2024.”
In regard to pets, a dog or cat can catch the virus if it eats or is exposed to a sick bird. Just like with a wild animal, it is rare, but still possible to get sick from a pet. The CDC adds, “in 2016, the spread of bird flu from a cat to a person was reported in New York City. The person who was infected was a veterinarian who had mild flu symptoms after prolonged exposure to sick cats without using personal protective equipment.”
Since mid-March with this latest outbreak of bird flu among some dairy cattle in the western states, CDC also reports that at least a dozen domestic cats on farms died as a result of contracting the virus through what the agency believes was the consuming of raw, unpasteurized milk.
If a person has had contact with a potentially sick animal, it is important that the person keep an eye on their health and watch for symptoms.
The CDC says symptoms include:
• Fever (Temperature of 100 degrees F or greater) or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Difficulty breathing/Shortness of breath
• Conjunctivitis (eye tearing, redness, irritation, or discharge from eye)
• Headaches
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Diarrhea
A fever, however, may not always be present.
NOVUS unveils newly designed global headquarters in Missouri
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff
CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — With a focus of looking toward future innovation and a working space to reflect this, Novus International announces its new global headquarters in Missouri, in newly redesigned facilities in a suburb of St. Louis.
“America’s heartland has been home to our global headquarters since our founding in 1991,” Dan Meagher, NOVUS president and CEO, said. “It was important for us to stay in Missouri and remain centrally located to our customers throughout the U.S. While the new building is perfect for today’s NOVUS, the improvements we’ve made in the new lab at HQ are helping us plan for
the animal agriculture industry of tomorrow.”
Paula Fisher, manager of
analytical services and R&D at NOVUS added, “The new space is more focused on R&D and efficiency to help further our commitment to innovation. It’s a space that truly provides us the opportunity to develop and formulate intelligent, next-generation solutions to support the ever-changing landscape of our customers in the animal agriculture industry.”
In its new lab space, the company will perform feed formulation research, analyze raw feed ingredients, and conduct biochemistry and organic chemistry studies.
The new headquarters will also provide workspaces for the company’s executive employees such as legal and regulatory, finance, human resources, operations, supply chain and logistics.
“Our Open Innovation approach helps us address new customer challenges by looking beyond our own capabilities,”
Dr. Deana Hancock, NOVUS director of global applied research and technology scouting, said. “We find and review developing ideas and products along with technologies already in development to identify collaborative opportunities. We also partner with industry leaders in the field and at research centers around the world to explore upand-coming technologies even outside of the feed additive sector. Through this approach, we can develop products and services for multi-species and different regions.”
NOVUS’s Global Director of Human Resources Evelyn Mendes, said, “the former headquarters served us well, but today’s work environment requires flexibility to enhance the employee experience. Since 2020 NOVUS has fostered greater collaboration among employees with hybrid offices that are more suitable for on-site, partially remote, and fully remote work.”
This redesigned headquarters location, in addition to providing space for the company’s Executive Leadership Team, will have “hot desk” spaces in the facility to offer employees space needed for a variety of tasks ranging from customers meetings to internal collaborations.
“NOVUS embraced the hybrid work model prior to 2020, empowering our employees with greater autonomy to do their best work wherever they are most productive,” Mendes added. “We also recognized the fiscal and environmental benefits of optimizing the usage of our office space.”
Tyson Foods faces allegations of discarding chemical waste
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff
ebobenhausen
@poultrytimes.com
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods is facing allegations of polluting waterways in Nebraska, Illinois, and Missouri by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
An article by UCS states, “Tyson meat processing facilities also produce contaminated wastewater over 18.5 billion gallons in 2022 through activities like animal washing, cleaning meat products, sanitizing equipment, and scrubbing work areas within the facility. Tyson’s water pollution includes nitrogen and phosphorus that can deplete water oxygen, animal parts and byproducts like blood and feces, and pathogens like E. coli and Enterococcus.”
According to UCS, the company allegedly discarded 371.72 million pounds of pollutants into waterways in 2018 to 2022. The
Guardian reported that some of the pollutants consisted of nitrogen, phosphorus, chloride, oil and cyanide. The report by UCS said that the state of Nebraska was found to have the highest levels of pollution in its waterways. In Dakota City, Neb., one plant is said to have released 60 million pollutants. Another plant in Lexington, Neb., allegedly dumped 22.90 million pounds of pollutants.
Poultry Times reached out to Tyson Foods for comment and their spokesperson said, “Tyson Foods uses a robust management system to mitigate environmental risks and impact, and we strive to run our operations as responsible stewards of our natural resources. We consistently monitor effluent from our facilities, and we work closely with our federal and state regulators, as well as our local municipalities, as we plan, design, and operate our wastewater systems. This report does not acknowledge our ongoing compliance with EPA
regulations and certification by the Water Alliance for our strong water management practices. Our longstanding treatment program protects the environment and the interests of water across our nation, along with ensuring resiliency of the food system.”
Omanjana Goswami, co-author of the report and an interdisciplinary scientist with the Food and Environment Program at UCS, said, “as the nation’s largest meat and poultry producer, Tyson Foods plays a huge role in our food and agriculture system and has for decades exploited policies that allow big agribusiness corporations to pollute with impunity. In 2022, the latest year for which we have data, Tyson plants
processed millions of cattle and pigs and billions of chickens, and discharged over 18.5 billion gallons of wastewater, enough to fill more than 37,000 Olympic swimming pools.”
Mediafeed reported “UCS analyzed publicly available data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and found that Tyson Foods processing plants released 371.72 million pounds of pollutants into waterways from 2018 to 2022. Half of the pollutants were dumped in waterways of Nebraska, Illinois and Missouri. The group published the findings in a report titled Waste Deep: How Tyson Foods Pollutes US Waterways and Which States Bear the Brunt.”
Reports: Broiler chicks hatched are up 2%, turkeys hatched down 8%
DAVID B. STRICKLAND
Poultry Times Editor dstrickland@ poultrytimes.com
WASHINGTON — The USDA, in recent reports, gives its updates on broiler chicks and turkey poult hatch numbers.
In its most recent “Chickens and Eggs” report, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service notes that broiler-type chicks hatched for April were up 2 percent from April 2023.
“Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2024 totaled 834 million, up 2 percent from April 2023,” NASS said. “Eggs in incubators totaled 738 million on May 1, 2024, up 2 percent from a year ago. Leading breeders placed 8.18 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during April 2023, up 1 percent from April 2023.”
For broiler egg-type chicks, they are reported up 4 percent for the April production, USDA notes.
“Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2024 totaled 57.7 million, up 4 percent from April 2023,” NASS reports. “Eggs in incubators totaled 54.1 million on May 1, 2024, down 2 percent from a year ago. Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 249,000 during April 2024, up 6 percent from April 2023.”
For turkey poults, NASS notes a decrease of 8 percent for May in its June “Turkey Hatchery” report.
“Turkey poults hatched during May 2024 in the United States totaled 21.8 million, down 8 percent from May 2023,” the report said. “Poults hatched were up 2 percent from the April 2024 total of 21.4 million poults.”
The net turkey poults hatched for the month were also down 8 percent for the month, NASS adds.
“The 20.6 million poults placed during May 2024 in the
United States were down 8 percent from the number placed during the same month a year earlier,” the report added. “Net poult placements were up 2 percent from the April 2024 total of 20.1 million.”
Turkey eggs in incubators at the beginning of June were down 16 percent from last year, the agency noted.
“Turkey eggs incubators on June 1, 2024, in the United States totaled 23 million, down 16 percent from June 1, 2023,” NASS said. “Eggs in incubators were down 8 percent from the May 1, 2024, total of 25 million eggs.”
Regarding egg production, the department adds that chicken eggs in April were down 1 percent.
“United States egg production totaled 8.93 billion during April 2024, down 1 percent from last year,” NASS reports. “Production included 7.68 billion table eggs, and 1.26 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.16 billion were broiler-
type and 97.5 million were eggtype. The average number of layers during April 2024 totaled 375 million, down 2 percent from last year. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,381 eggs, up 1 percent from April 2023.”
NASS also reports that the total number of chicken layers for the month was down 4 percent from 2023.
“Total layers in the United States on May 1, 2024, totaled 371 million, down 4 percent from last year,” the report said. “The 371 million layers consisted of 305 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 61.8 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.86 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on May 1, 2024, averaged 79.3 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from May 1, 2023.”
And in its June 12 “Broiler Hatchery” report, NASS notes that broiler-type eggs set were up slightly, as well as for chicks placed.
“Hatcheries in the United States weekly program set 245 million eggs in incubators during the week ending June 8, 2024, up slightly from a year ago,” the report said. “Average hatchability for chicks hatched during the week in the United States was 79.1 percent.”
The agency adds that for average hatchability it is figured by dividing the chicks hatched during the week by the eggs set three weeks prior.
For chicks placed, NASS said, “broiler growers in the United States weekly program placed 190 million chicks for meat production during the week ending June 8, 2024, up slightly from a year ago. Cumulative placements from the week ending Jan. 6, 2024, through June 8, 2024, for the United States were 4.33 billion. Cumulative placements were up 1 percent from the same period a year earlier.”
Special
In its current statistics reports, the USDA is noting that broiler chicks hatched are up 2 percent, and turkey poults are down 8 percent.
CWT Farms International names Jay Daniels president
Canadian customer base and forging connections with new clients in Canada. In addition, he will be working on enhanced planning and development of operational efficiencies for CWT.
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — CWT Farms International Inc. has announced the appointment of Jay Daniels as president, effective as of Aug. 1. Daniels will succeed Rickey Smith, who announced his retirement earlier this year after dedicating more than 40 years to the poultry industry, 29 of those years of service at CWT Farms International.
“Jay brings a wealth of experience and visionary leadership to his new role as President of CWT Farms,” said Christopher Hill, CWT Farms CEO. “Under his guidance, we will continue to focus on leadership in hatchery operations and our ongoing expansion plans.
We anticipate the exciting future ahead for our organization under Jay’s leadership.”
Daniels has worked in the poultry industry for more than 35 years with roles in hatcheries, production, customer support, marketing and forecasting. He joined CWT in 2023 as director of Canadian sales and hatchery operations. In this role, he was tasked to maintain the customer relationships CWT had established across Canada.
Daniels holds an associate’s degree in business management from the University of New Hampshire and a bachelor of science degree in marketing from Plymouth State University. He served on the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association Board of Directors from 2005-2008, and as a member of the Executive Board for the Tennessee Poultry Association.
“I am excited to lead this forward-thinking company and
tackle the challenge of our everevolving industry,” Daniels said. “The launch of our inaugural hatchery in Watertown, NY, expands our product line to include day-old chicks, fostering stronger collaborations with our valued customers. We remain committed to being a strategic partner to our clients around the world as we focus on helping them grow and succeed.”
CWT Farms International also announced the appointment of Greg Carter as the director of Canadian sales and planning.
Carter will replace Daniels after his move to president. Carter will focus on maintaining well-established relationships with CWT’s current
“We’re excited to bring Greg on board as we continue to focus on the Canadian market,” said Rickey M. Smith, retiring president of CWT Farms.
The company noted that it welcomes Carter with his wideranging expertise in logistics, planning, sales, and customer support as he joins the rest of the experienced sales team.
Carter joined CWT on June 1 in his new role. He comes to this position after four years with Aviagen as a planning and customer support supervisor followed by a role as parent stock planning manager. He brings a decade of experience in the poultry industry, having started as a laboratory technician with Hubbard and quickly advancing to flock supervisor before transitioning into planning and customer support roles.
Carter earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Daniels Carter
New Nebraska lab to bring precision agriculture to life
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff
ebobenhausen
@poultrytimes.com
LINCOLN, Neb. — In May, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), and Nebraska Innovation Campus broke ground on the new National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture.
The center will be located on the Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, Neb. According to the USDA, “it will primarily focus on the challenges and opportunities in agricultural innovation for the 21st century.”
“There is a long history of scientific innovation and collaboration between ARS and UNL, typical of the USDA land-grant university partnerships across the country,” Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA chief scientist and undersecretary for research, education, and economics, said. “Updated facilities ensure our best and brightest scientists work in the environment and with the tools they need to successfully meet the challenges agriculture faces.”
The center is intended to highlight specific research areas and encourage sustainable, resilient and highly efficient agriculture habits.
Mike Boehm, University of Nebraska vice president and Harlan vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources said, “this project is a testament to the long history of innovation, ingenuity, and adaptability of agricultural producers across the United States and right here in Nebraska. It celebrates an incredibly productive 120-year partnership between USDA-ARS and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and it exemplifies the passion and dedication of agricultural, state, and federal leaders. Nebraska is a special place with incredible people, and the ripples of what
of
Chandler,
Communication and Marketing Federal, state and university leaders launched construction of the USDA’s National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture facility on May 6 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Pictured, from left, Chris Kabourek, interim president of the University of Nebraska; Rodney D. Bennett, chancellor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; U.S. Sen Pete Ricketts; U.S. Rep. Mike Flood; Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen; Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA undersecretary for research, education and economics and chief scientist; U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer; Paul Kenney, University of Nebraska regent; U.S. Rep. Don Bacon; Jack Stark, University of Nebraska regent; Simon Liu, USDA-ARS administrator; and Mike Boehem, vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
we do here often extend around the globe. I believe the work that will take place in this facility will usher in a new era of American agriculture, and I’m thrilled that what happens next in agriculture will happen first in Nebraska.”
Construction will include new greenhouses that will be done by ARS. The facility will research what effects pests and pathogens have on wheat, barley, sorghum, forage and bioenergy grasses. The goal of this research is to develop climate-resilient crops. The complex is a federally funded project costing an estimated $160 million. The facility will double USDA’s presence at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“Updated facilities ensure our best and brightest scientists work in the environment and with the tools they need to successfully meet the challenges agriculture faces.”
“Once fully completed, the 120,000-square-foot agriculture research complex will function as a central hub for multidisciplinary experts, scientists and engineers who will collaborate with industry and producers to improve water and food security, increase the resilience of agricultural landscapes, and enhance agricultural profitability,” USDA noted.
Photo courtesy
Craig
UNL
Texas agriculture: a tale of rainfall haves and have-nots
BY ADAM RUSSELL Texas A&M University
COLLEGE STATION, Texas —
When it comes to rainfall and the subsequent soil moisture that fuels agricultural production, the state is made up of haves and have-nots, according to Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service experts.
Dr. Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, Uvalde, and Dr. Jourdan Bell, Amarillo and Dr. Ronnie Schnell, Bryan-College Station, both AgriLife Extension agronomists in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, gave mixed reports on soil moisture levels around the state.
More than half the state, especially east of U.S. Interstate 35, is free from any level of drought,
according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor map for Texas. But more than 45 percent of the state continues to show a lack of rainfall at levels ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought.
That is a significant change compared to the drought monitor map for Texas on Sept. 26, 2023, when 97 percent of the state was experiencing abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions. Much of the eastern half of the state was experiencing extreme to exceptional drought at that time.
Rainfall haves and have-nots
Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas state climatologist and Regents professor in the Texas
A&M Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Bryan-College Station, said parts of Texas have experienced records on both ends of the rainfall spectrum.
Nielsen-Gammon said the highest recent rain totals occurred in a triangle between Beaumont, Brady and Longview.
May was the wettest month on record for Waco and Goldthwaite, which received 15.28 inches and 17 inches, respectively. Town Bluff Dam/Lake
B.A. Steinhagen, an hour north of Beaumont, reported the wettest two-month period in its 70-year history during April and May with 40.5 inches. NielsenGammon said that weather station set the new two-month record despite reporting 25 inches of rain during Hurricane Harvey alone.
“May is normally the wettest
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month of the year for Texas, but not this wet,” he said. “We do have record warm sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico for this time of year, so there has been extra moisture flowing into Texas, which means increased instability and chances for thunderstorms.”
On the drier end of the spectrum, Nielsen-Gammon said there is a strong gradient in drought levels south and west of that rainfall-heavy triangle. Kerr, Bandera and Kendall counties continue to experience persistent extreme drought.
Kerrville has experienced the driest 36-month period on record, he said. Southwest and Far West Texas are experiencing moderate to extreme drought while parts of the Panhandle range from none to moderate drought.
Serving the Meat, Poultry and Seafood Industries
Agriculture producers in half of Texas are dealing with some level of drought while those in the eastern half are experiencing good growing conditions and soil moisture though rainfall has at times been excessive, leading to flooded or saturated croplands and delayed plantings, crop maintenance and harvests.
Sprinkles and showers don’t end droughts
Stein said the Winter Garden area, just south of the Edwards Plateau region, has received sprinkles and showers that have improved landscape aesthetics but done little for agriculture.
“We’ve had some rain, but it takes more than a little rain to curtail drought,” Stein said. “Lake levels are way down. Wells and livestock tanks are going dry, and there is no running water (in creeks and rivers). It’s not good.”
Stein said major reservoirs like Canyon Lake between San Antonio and Austin, and Lake Amistad and Falcon Lake continue to drop due to a lack of runoff rainfall in their respective watersheds.
Dropping well and reservoir capacity could directly impact Texas crop producers’ ability to irrigate, but Stein said even water applied by irrigation pivots only supplements rainfall for plants.
“There are some corn fields in the Winter Garden area that were able to emerge and grow some, but they never received more than a half an inch of rainfall,” he said. “Producers are rolling them up for hay now.”
Texas Panhandle short on soil moisture
Soil moisture levels are slightly better in the Texas Plains and Panhandle, Bell said, but added the storm fronts that delivered rainfall also brought hail and wind damage.
Rainfall that improved moisture indexes in the Panhandle between fall and early spring left distinct lines between the haves and have-nots, she said. While there is little drought in the eastern and southeastern portions of the Panhandle, western and northwestern areas still need rainfall.
Some of the recent moisture came at a cost. Bell said golf ball-sized hail and sandblasting from high winds caused significant damage in fledgling cotton fields and to established corn.
“Hot, windy conditions have followed rainfall events, and that has dried fields out and driven crop water demand,” she said. “So, we’re still looking at very dry soil moisture in many areas.”
However, Bell reported that much of the central and southern Panhandle benefited from a slow, soaking rain on Monday – 0.5 to 2 inches in areas – with moderate temperatures and no hail. While this will delay wheat harvest, she said it will be very
beneficial for both dryland and irrigated summer crops.
Excess rain in East Texas
On the other end of the spectrum, crop producers in the eastern half of the state have been experiencing good growing conditions for the most part. Schnell said in some areas excess rainwater has led to delays and poor crop conditions.
Crops looked very good in fields that were not subject to constant saturation and flooding. Most wheat fields were harvested, but Schnell said there were some in lower-lying areas that have yet to be cut because of soggy conditions. Wet field conditions have also prevented some growers from getting seeds in the ground before planting deadlines passed.
Schnell said some of those growers may have planting options depending on their location, but outcomes are “iffy” for Central and North Texas.
Despite problems associated with excess moisture for some,
most growers east of Interstate 35 are optimistic about the season. Early planted corn fields that are entering the denting stage and caught good amounts of rainfall over recent months may not need any rain to make it to harvest.
Other later-planted corn and sorghum fields and cotton will need additional rainfall as they progress toward harvest, but conditions are positive for early summer.
“Moisture has been a big story, but one thing that has helped is the lack of extreme heat early in the season,” he said. “We’re getting into the mid- and upper90s, but we haven’t seen any triple digits like last year. That’s been an important part for crop development.”
Adam Russell is a communication specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife.
Clint Rivers, WayneSanderson Farms president, CEO and chairman of the board, speaking at the recent 2024 U.S. Poultry & Egg Association Poultry Processor Workshop in Nashville, Tenn.
Photo courtesy of USPOULTRY
USPOULTRY Poultry Processor Workshop offered master class in plant operations
TUCKER, Ga. — Poultry industry professionals from around the country recently met in Nashville, Tenn., for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2024 Poultry Processor Workshop. Attendees were provided with a wealth of resources for every aspect of plant operations, including leading effectively, meeting customer and regulatory requirements, incorporating new technology and collaborating between departments to maximize results.
Clint Rivers, Wayne-Sanderson Farms president, CEO and chairman of the board, began the Poultry Processor Workshop with a discussion on leadership.
A devotee of Dr. W. Edwards Deming, Rivers spoke about the importance of empowering people through leadership and focusing on the underlying processes rather than the end result.
The “Three Cs” of leadership — credibility, competency and caring — were identified as a starting point for leadership, and coaching for the growth and development of others was identi-
fied as a key leadership strategy. The effectiveness of the WayneSanderson Farms’ Process Focus initiative and its emphasis on continuous improvement was also discussed.
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Under Secretary Dr. Emilio Esteban provided a regulatory update to attendees, detailing several different agency initiatives and priorities. The reduction of poultry-related salmonella illnesses, including the recent Not-Ready-To-Eat (NRTE) Breaded Stuffed Chicken Final Rule, was discussed. Emerging techniques such as genomics, vaccination and enumeration were also explored in the context of salmonella illness reduction.
Kevin Atkins, vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs at Perdue Farms, discussed salmonella process control throughout the life of the bird and throughout the processing plant. A proposed sampling program was shared, including location and frequency, to assess the effectiveness of salmo-
nella reduction throughout the plant. Modeling of intervention effectiveness throughout the process was also demonstrated, with commentary on particular stages in the process and their contribution to the reduction of microbial loads.
Lynda Loudermilk, senior scientist at KFC/Yum! Brands, gave attendees a window into a customer’s view of animal welfare. After an introduction to KFC and Yum! Brands, Loudermilk walked attendees through supplier expectations, beginning with the five freedoms of animal welfare. Other supplier expectations, such as the Yum! Sustainable Animal Protein Principles, and sustainability metrics, were outlined. Loudermilk noted that chicken, due to its sales volume throughout the company, receives the greatest emphasis in animal welfare and said that KFC/Yum! are working to “increase transparency, create consistency across brands, improve data collection, and communicate progress and challenges” to stakeholders.
Eddie Fortner, area operations manager for Wayne-Sanderson Farms, discussed his experience with plant automation. He noted that there are several reasons for automation, including volume, quality, safety, profit margins, labor challenges and customer desires. While discussing each motivation, Fortner provided a real-life example of related equipment along with its advantages and disadvantages.
Dr. Brandon Armwood, director of vet services for Pilgrim’s, closed the workshop with a discussion of how live production can assist with plant operation challenges. Armwood explored six areas where plant operations and live production can work together, including feed withdrawal, salmonella monitoring and control, paw quality, uniformity, DOAs and condemnations. For each of the issues, several suggestions were offered that can help improve bird welfare and food safety, as well as maximize yield.
