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7 | Georgia representatives introduce bill to rename NPRC facility for Abit Massey
9 | Cindy Wellborn retires as Poultry Times general manager after 23 years of work
16 | Don’t get caught sleeping when lightning strikes
19 | Using interval timers to control evaporative cooling pads
23 | AEB announces new key staff
Business 12 | Exhibit space for IPPE 2025 exceeds 557K square feet
AUGUST
AUG 26-29 — NUTRITION CONFERENCE, Rogers Convention Center, Rogers, Ark. Contact: The Poultry Federation, 321 South Victory Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201; Ph: 501-375-8131; info@thepoultryfederation. com; www.thepoultryfederaiton.com.
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 5-6 — MEAT INDUS-
TRY FOOD SAFETY CONFERENCE, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis, Ind. Contact: North American Meat Institute, 1150 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036; Ph: 202-587-4200; www.meatinstitute.org.
SEPT 9-10 — INTERNATIONAL FOOD AUTOMATION NETWORKING CONFERENCE 2024 (IFAN), Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: Georgia Tech Research Institute, Ph: 404-894-2000; Email: kristi. campbell@gtri.gatech.edu; https://ifan.gtri.gatech.edu.
POULTRY TIMES PO Box 1338 Gainesville, GA 30503 PH | 770-718-3443 FAX | 770-532-4894
POULTRY TIMES STAFF
LAUREN HUNTER Publisher, Poultry Times/PoultryTimes.com 770-718-3443 laurenhunter@poultrytimes.com
DAVID B. STRICKLAND Editor, Poultry Times 770-718-3442 dstrickland@poultrytimes.com
ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Content Writer, Poultry Times 770-209-3335 ebobenhausen@poultrytimes.com
RACHEL DANFORD Digital Manager, PoultryTimes.com 770-831-8631 rdanford@poultrytimes.com
STACY LOUIS Sales Manager, Poultry Times/PoultryTimes.com 770-718-3445 slouis@poultrytimes.com
JANICE SISK
Sales & Administrative Assistant, Poultry Times/PoultryTimes.com 770-718-3439 jsisk@poultrytimes.com
KIM EWING Circulation 770-718-3420 kimewing@poultrytimes.com
CAILIN DICKEY Sales Assistant 770-718-3421 cailindickey@poultrytimes.com
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.
Ag Lighting Innovations | 26 615-378-0108; www.poultrylights.com
Alternative Design | 2 800-320-2459; www.altdesign.com
Eagan Mfg. | 14 870-878-6805; www.eaganmfg.com
Farmer Boy Ag | 17 717-866-7565; www.farmerboyag.com
FPM Inc. | 15 402-729-2264; www.fpmne.com
IMPEX | 27 770-534-1590; www.impex.nl
Kelley Mfg. | 13 800-444-5449; www.kelleymfg.com
Kunafin (The Insectary) | 29 800-832-1113; www.kunafin.com
Lewis Brothers | 28 912-367-4651; www.lbmfg.com
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Lyco Mfg. | 25 920-623-4152; www.lycomfg.com
National Incinerator | 13 205-589-6720; www.nationalincinerator.com
Overdrive Lighting | 20 800-657-0509; www.aglights.com
Precision Lighting | 1, 3, 32 800-737-1837; www.poultrylighting.com
The Egg Carton Store | 29 866-333-1132; www.eggcartonstore.com VAL-CO | 23 800-998-2526; www.val-co.com Veit North America | 4 704-475-3301; https://veitna.com Walinga USA | 31 800-466-1197; www.walinga.com Weightech | 19 800-457-3720; www.weightechinc.com
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Poultry Times (USPS 217480) ISSN 0885-3371 is published biweekly, 345 Green Street, N.W., Gainesville, GA 30501. Telephone 770-536-2476; Fax 770532-4894. Postage paid at Gainesville, Georgia 30501. Poultry Times assumes responsibility for error in first run of an in-house designed ad only. Advertisers have ten (10) days from publication date to dispute such an advertisement. After ten (10) days, ad will be deemed correct and advertiser will be
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ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — U.S. Representatives Earl (Buddy) Carter (R-Ga.) and Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D-Ga.) have introduced a bill asking to rename the USDA National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Ga., after the late president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation, Abit Massey.
He spent 48 years as the president of the Georgia Poultry Federation and became well known for his leadership in the agriculture industry. He had a key role in establishing Georgia as a leader in the poultry community, helping to turn the state’s chicken business into a $4.2 billion industry.
The bill states “The U.S. National Poultry Research Center of the Department of Agriculture located in Athens, Georgia, shall be known and designated as the ‘Abit Massey Poultry Research Center.’”
Massey passed away in June.
“Abit Massey was a Georgia icon who is already deeply missed,” Carter said. “His dedication to our agricultural industry cannot be overstated, rightfully earning him the nickname ‘Dean of the poultry industry.’ No one supported Georgia farmers more than Massey, and this renaming will help preserve his memory and influence for generations to come.”
“Earlier this summer, Georgia lost a giant of the poultry and agriculture industry,” Bishop added. “I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Abit Massey over many years and was witness to his visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our state
and country. This bill rightfully honors the man and his legacy, and I proudly join my friend and colleague, Congressman Buddy Carter in this bipartisan effort to rename the USDA poultry facility in Athens after Abit Massey.”
Massey was awarded the 1986 University of Georgia Alumni Merit Award, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2012 Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award and the inaugural Medallion of Honor for Service to the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences because of his commitment to the poultry industry.
Eleven Georgia representatives also co-sponsored the bill that seeks to designate the National Poultry Research Center facility in Athens, Ga., as the Abit Massey Poultry Research Center. The NPRC includes the Richard B. Russell Agricultural Research Center, the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, and the Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory.
by David B.
Hundreds gathered in Gainesville, Ga., on July 8 for a celebration of life for poultry industry legend Abit Massey. Massey, president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation, passed away in June. Georgia representatives have introduced a bill to rename the USDA National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Ga., in his honor.
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@
poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Research conducted by Circana and presented at the 2024 Chicken Marketing Summit notes Gen Z and Millennials prefer fast prep time, easy to prepare and single serving packaging when it comes to poultry.
According to information released by the National Chicken Council, “more than two-thirds (71 percent) of consumers surveyed said they now spend more than 30 minutes preparing a typical evening meal. Gen Z spends the most time preparing dinner, with almost a third spending an hour or more on a typical evening meal.”
The research also added that 67 percent of Gen Z says that fast prep will be a priority in five years.
The biggest motivator for Millennials and Gen Z when selecting, purchasing, or cooking fresh meat is convenience. Younger generations shop online for fresh meats. The release said, “nearly half (45 percent) of all respondents reported purchasing fresh meat products online in the past six months. This behavior was more prevalent among younger generations; more than half of Gen Z and Millennials, compared to 25 percent of younger boomers. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) of those who don’t buy online said that product safety, staying cold and safe during delivery would encourage them to buy. Nearly half cited free or low-cost delivery
as a motivator.”
Artificial Intelligence is also being utilized by the younger generations.
Erkin Peskoz of Circana said, “unsurprisingly, adoption is highest among Gen Z. This generation of digital natives does everything on their phones. Voice-activated assistants such as Siri can tell them what to make and where to buy it.”
Fifty-two percent of Gen Z use AI for buying food, only 35 percent of Gen X and 12 percent of baby boomers use AI assistance when purchasing food. Peskoz noted that the use of smartphones has been a spark for this type of behavior from consumers.
“E-commerce has become mcommerce, making purchases directly from mobile phones, in less
than ten years,” he said.
Older generations are more hesitant when it comes to buying plant-based or lab grown chicken products, it was noted. However, purchases of these types of poultry are up to 34 percent as opposed to 10 percent in 2019. Younger generations are more inclined to buy plant-based or lab grown poultry as long as it contains the same taste, availability and low prices as regular meat. Although, 50 percent of consumers say they will never buy these food items.
The study also showed that younger generations look at climate change and social causes when making food choices.
“From the farm to the supermarket, chicken companies have a great sustainability story to tell,” Tom Super, NCC senior vice president of communications, said. “In addition to health, taste and value, this can firmly establish the relationship with the younger generation of consumers, maintaining chicken’s position as the preferred protein.”
BY DAVID B. STRICKLAND Poultry Times Editor dstrickland@ poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Cindy Wellborn, general manager for Poultry Times, officially retired from the publication on July 31. Poultry Times, a division of Metro Market Media, shares offices with The Times in Gainesville, Ga.
Wellborn has been with Poultry Times for 23 years, beginning in 2001 as a sales representative. She became advertising director in 2002 and has been general manager for the business trade magazine since 2005.
Prior to joining Poultry Times, she was a sales representative for Woodmen of the World (now WoodmenLife) insurance company. And a director with Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers that provide support to older, disabled, and shut-in adults to assist them in remaining safe and independent in their homes. She noted that this work meant a lot to her and was very important.
Working closely with the poultry industry during the past two decades she adds that there have been tremendous business changes, as well as to the many technologies that are utilized today.
“The industry has grown by leaps and bounds,” Wellborn said. “When I started our focus was mainly on production, and the processing side of the industry has seen tremendous growth, as well as the recent focus on the increased importance of biosecurity and safety. Which it has had to do with the increase of such things as avian influenza.”
She also looks back fondly on all the many friendships with business colleagues, contacts and clients.
“All of my industry contacts during my time with Poultry Times have all been tremendous,” Wellborn said. “I couldn’t have asked for any better group to work with, at all. I have known so many good individuals, some have now passed on, and some have moved
“It has been a great industry to work in. I wouldn’t have taken anything for it.”
on to different companies, but the base of us; we have all been very close, very open with each other with everything that was occurring with the businesses.”
“It has been a great industry to work in,” she added. “I wouldn’t have taken anything for it.”
It has been said by those in the poultry industry that once you dedicate yourself and work in the industry for a while, you are accepted into the “big poultry family.”
“It’s a different world,” she said.
“But once you are in it, you’re in it.”
She also always wondered if she would, indeed, fit in with the poultry industry. “Because I’m afraid of chickens,” Wellborn said.
“I wondered how in the world am I going to do this.”
Looking forward, she added that she is welcoming some time of “peace and tranquility, travel, and spending time with family.”
ATLANTA — The 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is less than six months away and has surpassed 557,000 square feet of exhibit space and secured more than 1,070 exhibitors.
As the only annual exposition highlighting the best of the poultry and egg, meat, and animal food industries, the 2025 IPPE will offer timely and critical information, providing producers and processors an efficient way to find solutions to enhance their operations.
“We are excited to interact with everyone again at the 2025 IPPE,” show organizers said. “The robust exhibitor participation demonstrates our exhibitors’ enthusiasm to introducing new technologies, fostering interactions and showcasing the latest innovations in our industry.”
Scheduled for Jan. 28–30 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga., IPPE will provide new experiences and the latest innovations and solutions in the animal food, meat, poultry and egg industries, organizers said, adding that IPPE will feature dynamic education programs focused on the most current industry issues.
Show hours and dates will be:
• Tuesday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Attendee registration will open on Oct. 7. For more information about IPPE, visit www.ippexpo.org.
Cal-Maine Foods reports 4Q results and fiscal 2024
RIDGELAND, Miss. — CalMaine Foods Inc. reports results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 (13 weeks) and fiscal year 2024 (52 weeks) ended June 1, 2024.
Highlights include: quarterly net sales of $640.8 million; quarterly net income of $113.2 million, or $2.32 per diluted share; fiscal year net sales of $2.3 billion and net income of $277.9 million, or $5.69 per diluted share; and cash dividend of $37.8 million, or 77 cents per share, pursuant to the company’s established dividend policy
“We are pleased to report a solid performance for the fourth quarter amidst a challenging period for Cal-Maine Foods and our industry,” Sherman Miller, president and CEO of Cal-Maine Foods, said. “We are extremely proud of our managers and employees who continued to manage our operations in a dynamic environment affected by recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Despite the interruptions, we continued to meet the demands of our valued customers.”
“Throughout the year, we continued to execute our growth strategy and deliver a favorable product mix in line with customer demand,” Miller added. “Our operations ran well as we remained focused on our objective of operational excellence. We also completed two asset acquisitions in fiscal 2024 and completed one subsequent to the end of the fiscal year, each of which complements our organic growth initiatives. We are excited about the additions of the assets of Fassio Egg Farms Inc., located in Erda, Utah, and the former broiler processing plant, hatchery and feed mill in Dexter, Missouri, previously operated by Tyson Foods.
“We have commenced work on the acquired Dexter facilities to repurpose the assets for use
in shell egg production and processing. We are partnering with local farmers, working with local contractors and businesses and making significant investments in the Dexter area to renovate and improve the facilities, with future plans for expanded shell egg and value-added egg product opportunities. Following the end of the fiscal year, we acquired substantially all the assets of ISE America, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (ISE). We expect that the acquisition of these assets from ISE will enable us to significantly enhance our market reach in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.”
• Sales performance & operating highlights
“For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, our net sales were $640.8 million compared with $688.7 million for the same period last year,” Max Bowman, vice president and chief financial officer of Cal-Maine Foods, said. “The decline in sales revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 was primarily due to lower sales volumes due directly to having 13 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to 14 weeks in the prior-year period.”
“Net sales for fiscal 2024 were $2.3 billion compared with $3.1 billion for fiscal 2023,” Bowman added. “Fiscal 2024 was a 52-week-period and fiscal 2023 was a 53-week-period. The decrease in sales revenue was primarily due to a decrease in the net average selling prices for conventional eggs, and to a lesser extent, the decrease in the net average selling prices for specialty eggs, compared to fiscal 2023, which saw record-high prices primarily due to egg supply constraints resulting from HPAI.”
“For the fourth fiscal quarter, we sold 285.6 million dozens shell eggs compared with 296.6 million dozens for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023,” Bowman noted. “Sales of conventional eggs totaled 180.5 million dozens, compared with 194 million dozens for the prior-year period, a decline of 7 percent, reflecting 13 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to 14 weeks in the prior-year period. However, specialty egg volumes were 2.5 percent higher with 105 million dozens sold for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared with 102.5 million dozens sold for the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.
“Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 was $113.2 million, or $2.32 per diluted share, compared with $110.9 million, or $2.27 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. For fiscal 2024, net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods was $277.9 million, or $5.69 per diluted share, compared with $758 million, or $15.52 per diluted share, for fiscal 2023.”
“Overall, our fourth quarter farm production costs per dozen were 14.3 percent lower compared to the prior-year period, primarily due to more favorable commodity pricing for key feed ingredients,” Bowman said. “For fiscal 2024, farm production costs per dozen were down 8.3 percent, primarily tied to lower feed costs. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, feed costs per dozen were down 24.9 percent compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, and feed costs per dozen for fiscal 2024 were 18.6 percent lower compared with fiscal 2023.
“Current indications for corn supply project an overall better stocks-to-use ratio, implying more favorable prices in the near term. However, as we continue to face uncertain external forces including weather patterns and global supply chain disruptions, price volatility could remain.”
• HPAI & table egg supply outlook
Outbreaks of HPAI have continued to occur in U.S. poultry flocks. From the resurgence beginning in November 2023 until the last reported case in commercial layer hens in July 2024, approximately 32.8 million commercial laying hens and pullets have been depopulated.
During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2024, CalMaine Foods experienced HPAI outbreaks within company facilities located in Kansas and Texas, resulting in total depopulation of approximately 3.1 million laying hens and 577,000 pullets. Both locations have been cleared by the USDA to resume operations, and repopulation is expected to be completed before calendar-year end.
The company noted that it remains dedicated to robust biosecurity programs across its locations; however, no farm is immune from HPAI. HPAI is cur-
rently widespread in the wild bird population worldwide. The extent of possible future outbreaks, with heightened risk during the migration seasons, and more recent HPAI events, which have been directly linked to dairy cattle operations, cannot be predicted.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the human health risk to the U.S. public from the HPAI virus is considered to be low. Also, according to the USDA, HPAI cannot be transmitted through safely handled and properly cooked eggs. There is no known risk related to HPAI associated with eggs that are currently in the market and no eggs have been recalled.
• Looking ahead
“We are proud of our performance in fiscal 2024, as we continued to execute our growth strategy in a challenging environment as well as respond to new market opportunities,” Miller said. “Across Cal-Maine Foods, our dedicated managers and employees have remained steadfast in their commitment to manage our operations efficiently and meet the needs of our customers. We have a proven operating model that has served us well throughout the business cycles and external forces that affect our industry, including HPAI. We remain diligent in our efforts to mitigate future risks and minimize potential disruption to our overall production and distribution.”
“Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, we believe demand for shell eggs will remain strong as consumers continue to look for more affordable protein options,” Miller added. “As the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs, we play an important role in meeting this demand and supporting the nation’s food supply with a differentiated product mix. We will continue to focus on expanding our production capacity for additional specialty and cage-free eggs that meet current consumer demand trends. Importantly, we have the financial strength to fund our internal expansion projects and to consider acquisitions that complement our operations and support our growth initiatives. Above all, we are committed to our mission to be the most reliable and sustain-
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able producer of fresh shell eggs and egg products. We look forward to the opportunities ahead for Cal-Maine Foods in fiscal 2025.”
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, Cal-Maine Foods will pay a cash dividend of approximately 77 cents per share to holders of its common and Class A common stock. Pursuant to Cal-Maine Foods’ variable dividend policy, for each quarter in which the company reports net income, the company pays a cash dividend to shareholders in an amount equal to one-third of such quarterly income. Following a quarter for which the company does not report net income, the company will not pay a dividend with respect to that quarter or for a subsequent profitable quarter until the company is profitable on a cumulative basis computed from the date of the most recent quarter for which a dividend was paid. The amount paid per share will vary based on the number of outstanding shares on the record date. The dividend is payable on Aug. 20, 2024, to holders of record on Aug. 5, 2024.
Cal-Maine also announced that Judd Stevens has been named vice president, operations, effective July 23, 2024. Stevens will have responsibility for all of CalMaine Foods’ recently acquired assets from ISE, including production operations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and South Carolina.
Stevens has been employed with Cal-Maine Foods since 2003. He most recently served as general manager for the company’s subsidiary Wharton County Foods LLC’s facilities in Boling, Texas. He previously served in management positions at other Cal-Maine Foods locations in Texas, Florida, and Mississippi. Stevens has also served as the president of the Texas Poultry Federation and president of the Texas Egg Council. Stevens is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in poultry science.
“Judd Stevens is extremely well qualified to assume this important leadership role for Cal-Maine Foods,” Miller said. “He has over 20 years of management experi-
ence across various company locations with a keen understanding of the different aspects of our operations. With the completion of the ISE acquisition, we have the opportunity to significantly enhance our market reach in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. The added production and distribution capabilities will allow us to serve new customers and expand capacity, particularly in the Northeast, which is largely a new territory for Cal-Maine Foods. Judd’s extensive knowledge of our proven operating model will be invaluable as we take on this additional production capacity.
Cal-Maine Foods has a strong record of driving value from our acquired operations, and we are confident Judd is the right leader to work with the ISE team and ensure a successful integration.”
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Alveo Technologies Inc. announces that it has demonstrated in silico that its rapid, hand-held, point of need molecular diagnostic for avian influenza can detect the H5N1 variant-based on sequences published from recent human infections in Colorado, as well as those found in infected cattle.
In July, the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database released the genetic sequence of the H5N1 viruses that recently infected one of the dairy farm workers in Colorado. Notably, GISAID said that a “mammalian adaptation marker (E627K) was noted in one of the farm workers.” The method of transmission among cattle remains unknown, but the implications are concerning, Alveo said, adding that, it is possible that cattle are shedding a mammalian-adapted virus that could be reintroduced to commercial poultry, or that selection pressures are driving the virus towards mammalian adaptation. In either case, the ongoing outbreak among cattle increases the risk that H5N1 will gain the ability to spread efficiently among humans, the company noted.
The UK Health Security Agency released a report in May that stated, “The baseline risk of influenza A(H5N1) evolving to cause human transmission before the current cattle outbreak was previously considered to be a remote chance (0-5 percent). There is consensus that this risk has now increased. However, with current limited information we cannot resolve the risk further and it may fall at highly unlikely (10-20 percent) or unlikely (25-35 percent).”
Testing is a critical component in the fight against emerging infectious diseases, and recent outbreaks highlight the urgent need to increase testing capacity for avian influenza for both animals and humans, the company said. Alveo adds that it conducted in silico analysis using its previously developed avian influenza A subtype H5 LAMP designs on recently reported human and bovine sequences obtained from GISAID. Results show that Alveo H5 designs are concordant with all 12 reported sequences of emerging influenza A subtype H5 sequences. This suggests that the LAMP Avian influenza assay is capable of detecting all 12 reported sequences belonging to clade 4.3.4.4b, H5N1, including the variants found in humans, Alveo said.
Alveo expects the Flockscreen LAMP Avian Influenza Molecular Test for poultry, that can test both cloacal and oropharyngeal samples, and which the company developed with numerous partners, to begin shipping to Europe and the Middle East in the third quarter of 2024 once validation and verification activities have concluded with the relevant regulatory bodies. The company is now actively working to validate avian influenza diagnostics for both human and bovine use cases.
“Avian influenza has already caused enormous damage to the poultry industry and has devastated populations of wild birds,” Shaun Holt, Alveo Technologies CEO, said. “We still have time to prevent H5N1 from evolving further into a dangerous virus that spreads efficiently among people, but to do so, we need fast, precision diagnostics for both humans and animals. Alveo’s portable and rugged, rapid molecular testing platform can fill this gap, providing accurate results to supplement limited lab resources and capacity. Given the urgent need, we
have been relentless with respect to the time and resources we’ve devoted to developing our H5N1 test; we’ve also partnered with industry leaders which allowed for access to countless actual field samples of the virus to confirm sensitivity and specificity for the real world. These initial results, indicating we can detect the virus in cattle and humans in addition to poultry, is confirmation of our rigor in the product development process and is very much aligned with our strategic positioning at the intersection of human, animal and food health.”
For more information, visit Alveo Technologies at https://www. alveotechnologies.com.
Cullman to
ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Feed Industry Association announces that AFIA’s President and CEO Constance Cullman has been reappointed to serve on the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade.
The APAC advises the secretary of agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on U.S. trade policies, including new and existing trade agreements.
“It has been an honor to serve on the APAC for the last four years on behalf of the total U.S. feed and pet food industry, and I welcome this opportunity for continued engagement,” Cullman said. “Last year, our industry exported $13.4 billion in animal food products, and we expect that number to grow with scienceand evidence-based trade rules and standards that foster innovation in the marketplace and the removal of restrictive trade barriers. Our international customers have told us that the U.S. animal food industry’s products and manufacturing systems are recognized as best-in-class, and we aim to continue delivering
on that promise across food and agriculture systems worldwide.”
The APAC is one of seven advisory committees established by Congress in 1974 to ensure that U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives reflect U.S. public- and private-sector commercial and economic interests.
The USDA and USTR manage the committees. Gina Tumbarello, AFIA’s senior director of global strategies, policy and trade, also serves on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds.
Cullman will serve on the committee until 2028.
Ted McKinney to be keynote speaker at NPFDA Annual Convention
ST. MARYS, Ga. — The National Poultry & Food Distributors Association (NPFDA) announces that Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, will be the keynote speaker at the industry breakfast during the 2025 NPFDA Annual Con -
vention and Showcase.
The convention, NPFDA’s largest event of the year, will be held Jan. 2730 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, coinciding with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). McKinney brings a wealth of experience to the podium, having served as the first Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the USDA from 2017 to 2021. His extensive background includes roles at Dow AgroSciences and Elanco, as well as serving as Indiana’s Director of Agriculture.
“We are thrilled to have Ted McKinney share his insights with our attendees,” said Laurie Pate, president/CEO at Foodlinx Inc., and NPFDA chair. “His expertise in agricultural policy, trade, and industry leadership will provide valuable perspectives for our members.”
The 2025 NPFDA Annual Con-
vention and Showcase promises a comprehensive experience for attendees, with an anticipated turnout of more than 1,100 NPFDA members. This annual event for the protein and distribution industry offers a wealth of opportunities, including access to the IPPE Expo (with one pass included per valid, unique email address), evening receptions, and networking events. Attendees can take advantage of exclusive hospitality suites hosted by member companies and participate in the NPFDA Annual Protein Supplier Showcase, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, the group notes.
Throughout the event, participants will have ample chances to connect with clients, vendors, and partners during cocktail receptions and fellowship events.
The Showcase will feature an array of products and services designed to benefit and enhance attendees’ businesses, making this convention an unmissable event for industry professionals, NPFDA added.
For more information about the convention, visit www.npfda. org.
Pilgrim’s Pride reports 2Q results with $4.6B in net sales
GREELEY, Colo. — Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. reports its second quarter 2024 financial results.
Second quarter highlights include:
• Net sales of $4.6 billion.
• Consolidated GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) operating income margin of 9.7 percent.
• GAAP net income of $326.5 million and GAAP earnings per share of $1.37. Adjusted net income of $398 million or Adjusted
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EPS of $1.67.
• Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) of $655.9 million, or a 14.4 percent margin, with Adjusted EBITDA margins of 16.7 percent in the U.S., 7.4 percent in Europe, and 19.4 percent in Mexico.
• U.S. fresh portfolio continued to strengthen given enhanced market conditions and disciplined execution of strategies. Case Ready and Small Bird continue to improve through expanding partnerships with key customers with differentiated offerings, and Big Bird improved from better commodity fundamentals and progress in operational excellence.
• Europe grew Adjusted EBITDA over 40 percent compared to prior year as mix with key customers improved and operational excellence remained on track. Our performance in safety, quality and service was recognized at the National Egg & Poultry Awards as Processor of the Year for United Kingdom. Diversification through brands and innovation accelerated as Richmond® and Fridge Raiders® grew nearly double digits, and over 85 new products have been launched.
• Mexico improved given sustained balance in commodity supply and demand fundamentals, growth with key customers, and continued momentum of brands across Fresh and Prepared offerings.
“Our global portfolio delivered significant year-over-year profitability growth,” Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s Pride president and CEO, said. “We remained disciplined in the execution of our strategies, focusing on what we can control and continuing to expand our relationships with key customers, elevating our performance as market fundamentals became increasingly attractive.”
further creating value for our customers and consumers alike. We also continued to strengthen our quality and service through operational excellence.”
• Diversification through Prepared Foods continues to gain momentum as fully cooked branded offerings grew across retail and foodservice through innovation, increased distribution, and promotional activity. Net sales of Just Bare® grew double digits and ahead of the category; and new and innovative offerings under the Pilgrim’s® brand has secured incremental distribution.
• Strong liquidity position with a net leverage ratio of 1.1x Adjusted EBITDA providing the foundation to execute our growth strategy.
In the U.S., Big Bird realized benefits from enhanced commodity cutout values, further production efficiencies and lower input costs; Case Ready and Small Bird delivered above market growth with key customers through differentiated and customized offerings; and Prepared Foods increased its marketplace presence through innovation of branded, value-added items across retail and foodservice, the company added.
In Europe, consumer sentiment improved as wage growth surpassed inflation. Given this environment, the team optimized mix with key customers and drove branded offerings, Pilgrim’s Pride said, adding that it identified and implemented its plan to optimize its manufacturing network and increase efficiencies.
• Advancing our strategy of growing and adding value to the portfolio, the company ramped up its new protein conversion plant in South Georgia during the quarter and continued to partner with key customers to support future growth.
“Our diversified U.S. portfolio enabled our business to capture market upside as conditions evolved in the commodity market,” Sandri said. “At the same time, we also worked in partnership with our Key Customers to cultivate demand through promotional activity and innovation,
“Europe’s performance demonstrates the robust nature of our strategies and agility of our team,” Sandri added. “Our diversified portfolio allowed us to rapidly adjust to consumer preferences and meet key customer needs. These efforts were further amplified by continued operational excellence to improve production efficiencies.”
Mexico improved given continued balance in supply and demand fundamentals in the commodity market, growth with key customers across retail and foodservice, and increased momentum of branded offerings in both Fresh and Prepared. Investments in op(Continued
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erational excellence to enhance biosecurity in live operations and build capacity also remained on schedule, the company said.
“Mexico continues to drive growth above market for our key customers and branded offerings,” Sandri noted. “Given our investments to expand production, we have an opportunity to further develop our marketplace presence and diversify our portfolio.”
The ramp up of a recently completed protein conversion plant in South Georgia remains on schedule and continues to cultivate additional business from key customers, Pilgrim’s added.
“Our investment in protein conversion reinforces our strategies to drive profitable growth and mitigates our operational risk,” Sandri said. “We will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen our business and further diversify our portfolio.”
Wayne-Sanderson gave support to 2024 ‘Taste of the South’ event
OAKWOOD, Ga. — WayneSanderson Farms joined forces with Taste of the South as one of the Capitol-level sponsors of its 41st annual charity gala in Washington D.C., in July. The event featured Southern food, music, and hospitality, with proceeds from this year’s event supporting 14 charities based in 13 southern states and Washington, D.C. Each of these beneficiary organizations provide critical resources and services to support individuals and families affected by mental health challenges, organizers said.
“We are excited to partner with Taste of the South to support these worthy charities committed to improving access to care and ending the stigma surrounding mental health in the South, which largely encompasses our footprint in the states and communities where we operate,” Jeremy Kilburn, WayneSanderson Farms chief legal & compliance officer, said. “Our culinary team has prepared three delicious chicken dishes to serve up alongside several southern foods on the menu at this year’s event, and we expect it to be an incredible evening for all involved.”
The gala’s menu featured cuisine from several southern states contributed by local sponsors. The Mississippi menu included items provided by Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Guests enjoyed the company’s signature Buffaloos® Buffalo chicken wings and Fly’n Saucers® oven roasted chicken wings, along with a specialty item: Brazilian BBQ chicken thighs marinated in a proprietary seasoning blend with hints of cumin, citrus and peppers that will be served and sliced fresh throughout the event, WayneSanderson said.
“This year, Taste of the South has partnered with 14 charities across the South whose missions are to improve the lives of those experiencing mental health challenges, and to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health,” Molly Vinesett, 2024 chair of Taste of the South, said. “We are fortunate to have such a strong network of donors, including Wayne-Sanderson Farms, whose generosity helps us reach new fundraising heights each year. For the second year in a row, we are thrilled to have raised more than $1 million to support our charity partners, and we are humbled by the opportunity to improve mental health care throughout the South and in Washington, D.C.”
Taste of the South is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that raises over half a million dollars annually for charities throughout the southern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. To learn more about Taste of the South and the mental health organizations supported by this year’s event, visit https:// tasteofthesouth.org/charity/.
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — As college football fever begins to kick into high gear, two Arkansas brands are teaming up to let fans express their love for tailgating and game day parties with the launch of Tyson® Razorback Nuggets.
Fans can support their team this fall with Tyson brand’s white meat nuggets designed in the shape of the University of Arkansas’s iconic hog mascot. Headquartered in
Northwest Arkansas, home to the University of Arkansas, the Tyson team is steeped in the Razorback® fandom that inspired the creation of the special nuggets, the company said.
“Tyson Foods is in Razorback Country, most of our team members are huge Razorback fans and our consumers have been calling for a way to celebrate their team. We’ve listened and are excited to deliver Tyson Razorback Nuggets to Arkansas fans in time for the football season,” said Kristina Lambert, senior vice president and general manager of Retail Value Added Poultry, Tyson Foods. “These nuggets are perfect for upcoming game day events and just in time for tailgating, so stock up!”
“When Arkansas fans cheer on our teams this season they will be inspired by their passion for the Hogs and fueled by the new Ty-
son Razorback Nuggets,” Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas vice chancellor and director of athletics, said. “With these two iconic Arkansas brands teaming up, the Razorback Nation will be primed and ready to ‘Call the Hogs’ from pre-game to postgame while showing their loyal support of our more than 460 Razorback student-athletes.”
The Razorback Nuggets join the collection of Tyson Foods fun nuggets that also includes Spooky Nuggets shaped like ghosts, bats and pumpkins, and the perennial kid-favorite Dino Nugget. They are an excellent source of protein with 13 grams per serving, fully cooked and skillfully breaded, and are ready in under seven minutes in an air fryer, Tyson Foods, said. They can be found in the freezer aisle of select Walmart stores in early August and select Sam’s Club locations in September.
BY JEREMIAH DAVIS, JESS CAMPBELL, JOHN LINHOSS, MATT ROWLAND, DANIEL CHESSER & JODY PURSWELL
National Poultry Technology Center
Auburn University
AUBURN, Ala. — Lightning damage is an ever-increasing concern for poultry producers, integrators, and equipment manufacturers as poultry houses have continued to grow in size with increased use of electrical technologies. Technologies have helped improve the environmental control systems to more uniformly manage bird comfort and welfare.
However, these electronic systems and motor controllers are susceptible to lightning-induced damage that can lead to costly equipment repairs and catastrophic loss of birds.
“current” event
According to Mark Leggett, president of the Mississippi Poultry Association, a prominent broiler house insurer in Mississippi reported paying an estimated $12 million in claims from lightning-induced damage from 2015-2019. He noted that 40 percent of all poultry house claims in Mississippi originated from either lightning strikes or lightning-induced fires. These large claim payouts have led to increased premiums paid by producers in recent years.
To better understand when lightning occurs, a collaborative research project was led by John Linhoss, assistant professor in Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University, with collaborators from the Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department at Mississippi State
Figure 1: Lightning strike density map for MS and AL for 2011–2020. Counties with the highest broiler farm density for MS (Jones, Neshoba, Jasper, Leake, Smith) and AL (Cullman, Dekalb, Lawrence, Marshall, Blount) are outlined in blue.
University, the USDA Agricultural Research Service Poultry Research Unit, and the National Poultry Technology Center at Auburn University.
The goal of the project was to conduct a long-term evaluation of lightning strike data around
heavy broiler-producing areas in Mississippi (MS) and Alabama (AL). Lightning data for both states was obtained from a lightning detection service provider for a ten-year period from 2011 to 2020. Matt Rowland, USDA ARS engineering technician,
analyzed the data for the top five broiler-producing counties in MS (Jones, Neshoba, Jasper, Leake, Smith) and in AL (Cullman, Dekalb, Lawrence, Marshall, Blount).
As we all know, lightning strikes in every county of both MS and AL. Figure 1 shows the number of lightning strikes per square mile for each county. The top five broiler counties in MS and AL are highlighted with a blue outline. Over the 10year period, MS experienced 7 percent more lightning strikes across the state than AL. The
Figure 2: Average strikes per season per year from 2011 to 2020. Winter (January, February, December), Spring (March, April, May), Summer (June, July, August), Autumn (September, October, November).
Auburn NPTC
Figure 3: Average lightning strikes per hour every four hours across a 24-hour period for both MS and AL.
Auburn NPTC
Table 1: Number of lightning strikes within a 1-mile radius of broiler farm locations surveyed in MS and AL for July across 10 years. Number of houses on a farm that pass the electrical ground resistance test.
highest number of strikes occurred in southern counties for both states, with the heaviest strikes near the Gulf Coast.
For both states, lightning strikes occurred across all seasons (Figure 2). However, the summer months of June, July, and August accounted for 55 percent (MS) and 63 percent (AL) of the total annual strikes. Lightning is most active during the summer when the electrical systems and tunnel ventilation in broiler houses are operating at maximum capacity. There is no room for an electrical or fan failure because everything is running to keep birds comfortable.
For both states, lightning strikes occurred across all hours of the day (Figure 3). However, strikes were highest in the 12hour period from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., when poultry producers and company service-techs would be least prepared to handle the lightning-induced damage.
The second part of the project counted the number of lightning strikes that occurred within a
one-mile radius of broiler farms in both states. The team surveyed seven broiler farms in MS (Farms 1 to 7) and seven farms in South AL (Farms 8-14).
Table 1 below summarizes the lighting strike counts that occurred within a one-mile radius of each farm during the month of July from 2011 to 2020. For most of the ten years, lightning struck at least once during the month within the one-mile radius for all farms. Farms 3, 4, 5, and 6 in MS and 9, 11, and 14 in AL experienced more than 100 lightning strikes in July within the radius over the ten years.
In 2012, Farm 11 in AL had 65 strikes within the radius. Lighting was especially active in 2016 across all farms. Every farm evaluated experienced lightning nearby that could risk damage.
That’s a good thing!
Additionally, our teams checked the earth-ground resistance on the electrical system of each house on each farm with an earth-ground meter. Electrical codes suggest that electrical grounding systems like a grounding rod or an Ufer-ground have less than 25-Ohm electrical resistance so that any surges are sent into the ground and not into your electrical system.
Table 1 below shows the number of houses on each farm that
passed the grounding resistance test (25-Ohms or less). Nine of the 14 farms surveyed had multiple houses that failed the test with high grounding resistance. This means that these houses have less capacity to pass the current surge from the lightning event into the ground without damaging equipment.
Two houses on one of the farms had no grounding rod connected … this producer is gambling against a stacked deck! It is important that you have had your system properly inspected and that you correct any issues!
Take home points:
1. Our research showed that lightning strike frequency was highest near broiler farms in MS and AL at night during the summer! All broiler farms evaluated in both states had many lightning strikes within a one-mile radius of their farm each year.
2. Proper electrical grounding is the first step to make sure that equipment on your farm operates properly and safely and that the farm is best equipped to minimize lightning damage. We recommend that a qualified electrician or generator service professional evaluate your grounding system when servicing the generator and electrical system each year.
3. Producers must be stormaware and closely monitor populated farms during storm events
to make sure farm power has not been interrupted or lost and no electrical damage has occurred that would result in flock fatalities. Safety comes first; we are not asking anyone to leave protection during a lightning event to check on broiler houses.
4. Farm alarm systems, backup systems, and grounding systems must be closely monitored, inspected, and repaired on a routine basis and must be checked during (if safe) and directly after any storm events that may have produced lightning near your farm.
5. Each farm must maintain emergency contacts and practice emergency procedures for situations where the main power supply and backup power supplies are damaged or malfunctioning to make sure help is on the way and that the farm power can be restored safely and quickly.
6. Once a farm has been damaged by lightning, we recommend that a qualified electrician thoroughly inspect and repair all major electrical components to make sure no damaged equipment has been overlooked that would cause a problem for future flocks. We recommend improving grounding systems that have sustained lightning damage.
More information from Auburn University’s National Poultry Technology Center can be obtained at www.poultryhouse.com.
BY MICHAEL CZARICK University of Georgia
ATHENS, Ga. — Though it may not seem like it, each onefoot section of a five-foot-tall, six-inch pad has a tremendous surface area … well over 300 square feet. As a result, a house with two 70’ X 5’ evaporative pad systems has over 42,000 square feet of pad surface area from which water can evaporate and cool the incoming air.
When we look at a 70’ X 5’ pad system, we can only see the 350 square feet of surface area, not the over 21,000 square feet of (60 times) interior pad surface area. It is important to realize that it’s not the water circulating over the pad’s exterior surface that cools the incoming air, it is the water evaporating off the vast interior surfaces of the pad that does the majority of the cooling.
The problem is that pads are often managed by looking at the exterior surface of the pad rather than the interior surfaces. The exterior surface of a pad can be dry, but the interior of the pad can remain wet and continue to cool the incoming air for a surprisingly long time.
A dry five-foot tall section of a six-inch evaporative cooling pad weighs approximately 2.5 lbs. Once saturated with water, this weight can increase to 7.5 pounds or more. This means that if a house had two 75’ long pad systems, they would be capable of holding over 90 gallons of water, which would be theoretically capable of decreasing the incoming air temperature on a 90-degree F day (50 percent RH) to 79 degrees F for nearly 15 minutes without any water being added to the pads. In reality, of course, the incoming air temperature would increase over time as the pads dried, but the fact remains that thanks to the high water-holding capacity of paper pads, a wetted pad continues to cool and humidify the
incoming air long after the water circulation pump is turned off and the surface dries.
In fact, while the leading edge of a pad may start to dry within a few minutes of the pump being turned off, the interior of the pads often remains fully wetted for ten minutes or more, resulting in the temperature and RH of the incoming air remaining essentially the same for 10 minutes or more (Figures 1 and 2). The high water-holding capacity of paper pads is further demonstrated by the fact that, during the day, it can take 30 minutes or more for the pads on a house to fully dry (Figure 3).
In the evening, when the air is cooler and more humid, it can take hours for a pad to fully dry after the pumps are turned off for the day. Another interesting consequence of the high waterholding capacity of paper pads is that operating a circulation pump off an interval timer often has a minimal effect on the temperature and relative humidity of the incoming air.
The typical pad system circulation pump can circulate
Figure 1:
Evaporative cooling system performance on a very hot, dry afternoon (RH=35 percent).
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between ½ and one gallon per minute over each linear foot of pad, which is approximately 10 times the typical water evaporation rate from a pad. As a result, the typical circulation pump is capable of saturating the pads with water within a couple of minutes of it turning on.
Since a saturated pad is typically capable of producing essentially the same level of cooling for 10 minutes or more, turning off a pump for six, seven, or eight minutes will typically result in very little change in the temperature and/or relative humidity of the incoming air.
Yes, the leading edge may start to dry after the pump is off for a few minutes (Figure 4) but since the pad’s interior remains damp, the cooling as well as the humidity produced by the pad will tend to be minimally affected during the pumps off time (Figure 1). This is not to say that cooling produced by a pad cannot be limited by operating a pad system’s pump off an interval timer.
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If a pump is set to operate less than a minute and it is hot and dry enough outside, the cooling and humidity produced by a pad will be reduced.
How much is very difficult to estimate because the amount of water that will evaporate will change constantly as outside temperature and humidity vary over the course of a day. Figure 1 illustrates the incoming air temperature as well as the pad surface temperature on an afternoon when the outside temperature was approaching 100 degrees F and the RH was approximately 35 percent. Figure 2 illustrates the same variables for the same house a few days later when the outside temperature was in the high eighties and the RH was much higher, 55 percent.
On the “cooler” more humid day there was minimum pad surface drying during the eight minutes the circulation pump was off and no difference in the incoming air temperature whether the pump was operating continuously or on an interval timer. Even on a very hot and dry day, though the surface of the pad was dry approximately five minutes after the pump turned off, the cooling produced by the pad was minimally affected, a degree or less, during the eight minutes the pump was off. In both instances, whether the pump was operating continuously or on an interval timer, the cooling produced by the pad system (and therefore the humidity produced by the pad system) was very similar.
It is sometimes thought that the use of an interval timer increases the cooling with less humidifying of the incoming air and/or makes it easier for the fans to pull air into a house because there is less water flowing over the surface of the pad. The fact is if a pad is relatively clean, water flowing over the surface of the pad has a minimal effect on pressure (0.005”) and therefore a minimal effect on house air flow. Furthermore, whether there is a lot of water flowing over the surface of a pad or if the pump is off and there is no water flowing over the pad, the amount of cooling produced by a pad system is essentially the same because again the vast majority of the cooling is produced within the pad and not the exte-
Figure 3: Evaporative cooling system performance on hot, dry afternoon (RH=35 percent).
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Figure 4: Pad surface temperatures six minutes after pump was turned off on a very, hot and dry afternoon (98 degrees F / 35 percent RH).
rior surface of the pads (Figure 2). Since evaporative cooling of the incoming air and humidification of the incoming air go hand in hand, if the cooling is unchanged, then the humidification of the incoming air is the same.
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Can interval timers be used to
control the operation of evaporative cooling system pumps? Sure. But the fact remains that due to a pad’s ability to hold a substantial amount of water and having a massive interior surface area, doing so often has much less of an effect on the cooling and humidification of the incoming air.
Michael Czarick is an Extension engineer with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension. More information can be obtained at www. poultryventilation.com.
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff
ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The marketing company, 84.51°, has compiled research to discover the mental load of a consumer at a grocery store. In the research, it states “consumers today are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of choices and information on top of responsibilities, concerns and distractions, leading to decision fatigue and stress. Taking a consumer’s mental load and understanding that levels of mental strain can vary into consideration demonstrates empathy and could impact purchasing decisions and the overall brand experience.”
The research was broken down by different generations such as Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Genera-
tion Z. For two years, the business worked in conjunction with Kroger and its partners to deter-
mine “whether consumers lack the mental energy to address food.”
84.51° is a retail data science, insights and media company that establishes better shopping experiences for consumers. Its webpage states they “create results-driving shopper insights and activation strategies that build measurable value for our clients utilizing 84.51° Insights, 84.51° Loyalty Marketing and retail media advertising solution, Kroger Precision Marketing.”
Some key points from the research include:
• Consumers are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of choices, information, responsibilities and distractions. Considering a consumer’s mental load demonstrates empathy and could impact purchasing decisions.
• The overall trend shows an increasing sense of “not enough mental energy” particularly for Generation Z. Younger generations were more likely to report insufficient mental energy compared to older cohorts.
• Baby Boomers reported low
cent over the observed periods. This demographic likely has stable routines and preferences.
• Generation X reported some fluctuations, with percentages ranging from 9 percent to 14 percent. This group may be balancing multiple responsibilities, leading to variable mental energy.
• Millennials showed high fluctuations, with older millennials with a low of 8 percent in Q4 2022 before peaking at 21 percent in Q1 2023. This could be due to life transitions. Younger millennials exhibited even more dramatic changes, with a high of 26 percent in Q1 2022 and a low of 7 percent in Q4 2022.
• Generation Z struggled the most in finding the mental energy to plan and prepare meals, peaking at 30 percent in Q3 2023. The results pointed to a general trending increase in mental energy strain.
• Convenience and mental wellness are key. Gen Z is more likely to purchase food items that require minimal preparation, such as snacks like crackers and popcorn, and less likely to purchase seafood, eggs and
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com
CHICAGO — The American Egg Board announces that it has named new staff hirings for key roles within the organization. Bill Winkelman will be the AEB’s vice president of industry affairs and engagement; Nick Jones is the new AEB director of international marketing; and Erica Mirth has been named AEB’s manager of content and design.
“The success of our industry rests with people, and the American Egg Board is continuing to deepen its bench strength with the experienced and proven talent required to deliver on major initiatives,” Emily Metz, AEB president and CEO, said. “Bill Winkelman and Nick Jones were specifically recruited for important roles that, respectively, will
strengthen and expand the essential support we provide to the industry and our producers in dramatic new ways and further our efforts to substantially increase exports of U.S. eggs and egg products to valuable markets across the globe. Erica Mirth brings much needed in-house creative expertise to ensure everything we execute reflects who we are as an industry and the best-in-class design
standards of our brand.”
AEB announcement adds that, “Winkelman is tasked with increasing the value delivered to U.S. egg producers through key support initiatives and engagement with egg industry stakeholders; building alliances within the industry and the broader agriculture sector; overseeing the AEB’s assessment collection process; and supporting fundraising, spon -
sorships, and promotion.”
“Jones is responsible for developing, activating and maintaining the AEB’s strategic industry-wide initiative focused on deliberate and accelerated international growth that aims to double U.S. shell and egg product exports to high-value target markets around the world,” the group added.
AEB also notes that, “Mirth will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing visually compelling designs while also contributing to the development of diverse content materials. Her graphic design will be combined with storytelling to support marketing activations, communications programs, meetings and events, and other creative needs across the organization. Erica will play a crucial role in creating engaging content across various mediums, ensuring a consistent and impactful brand presence.”
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that Boar’s Head will expand its recall policy of deli meat products. In a statement released by Boar’s Head Brand, they explained, “out of an abundance of caution, we decided to immediately and voluntarily expand our recall to include all items produced at the Jarratt facility. We have also decided to pause ready-to-eat operations at this facility until further notice. As a company that prioritizes safety and quality, we believe it is the right thing to do.”
While the company has already recalled products, it will recall an additional 7 million pounds of meat and poultry items. It includes 71 products that were manufactured between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024. In a test, the Maryland Department of Health found that liverwurst contained a strain of Listeria monocytogenes. Recalled items under names Boar’s Head and Old Country consisted of, “meat intended for slicing at retail delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products sold at retail locations. These products have ““sell by”” dates ranging from 29-JUL-2024 through 17-OCT-24.”
Some of these meat and poultry products were sent internationally to places such as the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. The food items have numbers that say “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA inspection label. The company said, “consumers are advised to discard any recalled products listed below or return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.”
An investigation has been started by the Maryland Department of Health and the Baltimore City Health Department. The FSIS is working alongside the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other state governments to investigate a multistate epidemic.
Since July 30, 2024, 13 people in 13 states have contracted an illness from the contaminated meat. There have been 33 hospitalizations and two fatalities. Tests were gathered from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024.
“Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems,” FSIS said. “Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.”
“Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches,
headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms,” FSIS adds. “An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In people who are pregnant, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within
two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.”
Boar’s Head also issued a statement to consumers saying, “on behalf of all of us at Boar’s Head Brand, we want to let our customers and consumers know that we deeply regret that our liverwurst products were found to be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for the families that have suffered losses and others who endured illness.”
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN
Poultry Times staff
ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com
SALISBURY, Md. — Perdue Farms has released its Fiscal Year 2024 Company Stewardship Report. The report shows how employees “helped deliver on commitments to consumers, customers and farmers, all while living up to the company’s promise to protect the planet and ultimately leave it better for the next generation.”
The company notes that it has made gains with its plan to protect the environment. They have diverted 98.6 percent of solid waste from landfills and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 3.6 percent.
Kevin McAdams, Perdue Farms CEO, said, “our goals are ambitious and enterprise-wide for a reason — we want to be the most trusted name in food and agricultural products, and we know that kind of trust is hard-earned. That’s why, in our second century as a company, we are not wavering on our promise to create a more sustainable future while also con-
tinuing to satisfy our customers and consumers with high-quality, better tasting foods.”
Along with contributing to the health of the environment, the company has aligned with 17 United Nations Environment Sustainable Development Goals that include:
• Details the ways Perdue is responsibly contributing to the economic stability of the company and its business partners.
• Shows how Perdue acts as a responsible employer, investing in associates’ growth, safety and well-being.
• Doubles down on the company’s year-over-year commitment to communities where it does business.
• Reinforces the Perdue track record of focusing on the farmer.
• Provides an overview of the quality, better-tasting products made across the company’s brands and proteins, highlighting our commitment to no-antibioticsever products consumers want.
• Transparently reinforces Perdue’s leadership position in responsibly raising animals for food through its rigorous animal care practices and innovations.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Vertical Cold Storage has finalized the acquisition of the frozen distribution center from Dothan Warehouse Investors in Dothan, Ala. Terms were not disclosed.
“We are excited to add Dothan to our growing network of temperature-controlled distribution centers and are looking forward to partnering with them as we focus on integrating the business and serving our customers,” West Hutchison, Vertical Cold Storage president and CEO, said. “Dothan is the third operation we’ve added to our network this year and we will finish the year with at least one, maybe two more.”
The Dothan facility opened in April 2019 and is located near several interstate highways. The primary focus of the site is providing export services to local poultry producers but is well-suited to support a broad range of temperaturecontrolled distribution services, the company said, adding that it has one-day delivery service to ports in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana, is USDAcertified, and employs 40 full-time team members.
Vertical Cold Storage is a developer and operator of temperature-controlled distribution centers sponsored by real estate investment firm Platform Ventures.
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BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com
SONORA, Calif. — The Diestel Family Ranch of Sonora, Calif., notes that it is the first to receive a “Regenified” certification. The family-owned business has been in operation since 1949 and they produce sustainably raised turkeys. The ranch has received the certification from a global leader in regenerative agriculture, Regenified.
The World Economic Forum defines regenerative agriculture as the “focus on improving the health of soil, which has been degraded by the use of heavy machinery, fertilizers and pesticides in intensive farming.” This is the first time a third-party seal has been approved by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services for single and multi-ingredient products, the ranch adds.
Diestel also notes that it produced more than 650 tons of Certified Regenified corn earlier this year.
In order to receive the certification, the family ranch had to meet the 6-3-4 standards of the Regenified company. The standards required soil health, adaptive stewardship and ecosystem management. Their web page states, “a lot of organizations will slap “sustainability” on their packaging and stop there. Saying it certainly doesn’t help anybody, and ‘sustainability’ is just the start. But we’re in it for the long haul, so we go beyond sustainability. We’re committed to regenerative agriculture, holistic farming practices that reverse the negative effects of farming by helping to rebuild the soil and restore biodiversity.”
The process of getting the certification will aid the family business by following their development in biodiversity, soil health, water quality and nutrient density, the company said.
Heidi Diestel, fourth generation farmer at Diestel Family Ranch said, “Every aspect of being a farmer impacts the world around
us and feed is a critical part of raising poultry. If we ignore the animals’ feed sources, then we can’t solve for the future. Addressing how the feed is being grown will bring the entire system closer to a regenerative state that supports the future of farming and our planet. We want to support the next generation now because their future depends on it, both ours and yours.”
“Diestel is leading the industry into the future,” Salar Shemirani, Regenified CEO, said. “Their commitment to regenerative agriculture extends beyond the farm and the environment, positively impacting the entire supply chain through off-farm purchases of regenerative feed.”
Among the processes used by the Diestel farm include: Providing feed grown by local farmers; providing a natural habitat for their turkeys; turning waste into nutrient-dense compost; and using probiotics rather than chemicals for their turkey’s health needs.
“For 75 years, my family has committed to more holistic agriculture practices that not only support the best habitat for turkeys raised on our farms, but also consider the impact on the land used,” Diestel added. “Regenified certification is an important rec-
ognition of what has always differentiated Diestel turkeys from mass-produced poultry products. We lead with the strictest ani-
mal welfare and environmental standards to produce the leanest, cleanest, and most delicious birds.”
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Aviagen® North America recently concluded its 61st annual Production Management School in Huntsville, Ala. The month-long event brought together 35 students from 20 countries, as they delved into best poultry management practices and experienced the benefits of “Breeding Success Together.”
“Our goal with the North American School is to give our customers valuable perspectives on effective management techniques that have been proven to enhance both broiler and breeder welfare, sustainability and productivity in poultry operations,” Dr. Marc de Beer, president of Aviagen North America, said.
De Beer emphasized that, in addition to classroom theory, students gain practical experience on the farm, in the diagnostics laboratory, and at the feed mill.
“Our approach is to ‘train the
trainer,’ equipping them with the depth of knowledge needed to share their learnings with their colleagues back home,” de Beer said.
Highlights for students included visits to the Aviagen’s state-of-the-art Production Development Center in Albertville, Ala., Egg Distribution Center and
Vet Lab in Elkmont, Ala., and Feed Mill in Pikeville, Tenn., as well as the National Poultry Technology Center at Auburn University.
Students became well-versed in crucial areas such as bird welfare, biosecurity, and compartmentalization for food safety and security, feed efficiency for greater sustainability, effective vaccination and disease management techniques, ventilation, essentials for leg and gut health, hatchery and incubation management, and the importance of water quality, the company added.
fore, students take weekly tests throughout the month, and at the end of the course, the top scorers are recognized.
This year’s top achievers were:
• 1st place: Ahmed Sayed, veterinary care assistant manager at GPs Sector, Cairo Poultry Co. (CPC), Egypt.
• 2nd place: Jongsu Ha, director of quality assurance, Samhwa GPs Breeding Agri., Republic of Korea.
• 3rd place: Patrick Sakayo, breeder operations manager, Tanbreed Poultry Ltd., Tanzania.
The comprehensive curriculum featured more than 35 topics covering the latest innovations in poultry production. Participants engaged in seminars, workshops, and hands-on field experiences, led by Aviagen experts and guest lecturers specializing in veterinary care, nutrition, genetic research and development, production and farm management, and hatchery and incubation.
“Another important aspect of the Production Management School is the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded poultry professionals from around the world,” Taylor Davis, Aviagen digital and event marketing specialist said.
Davis, along with Marketing Specialist Tanner Gallik, organized the school and incorporated team-building activities to foster lifelong connections among participants.
Research shows that frequent testing enhances retention by reinforcing key concepts. There-
“I valued the chance to learn the industry’s latest management techniques and veterinary care from experienced experts,” Ahmed Sayed said. “I had ample opportunities to receive one-onone advice on our specific local challenges and best practices. I also appreciated the hospitality of our hosts.”
Alan Mair, broiler operations manager, Turosi Food Solutions, Australia, added, “Thank you to the Aviagen staff for an excellent four weeks. They ensured we had a varied schedule, with plenty of time to connect and learn from our fellow students. The school enabled me to enhance my management knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the needs of Ross birds, which will help me improve the performance, health, and welfare of my flocks at home.”
For more information about the Aviagen Production Management School, visit https://aviagen.com/en/about-us/schooloverview/.
ALEXANDRIA, Minn. — The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association announces Glen Jaenicke as the recipient of the 2024 Ranelius Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed by the association. This award, given in the spirit of Sven Ranelius for his lifelong dedication to Minnesota’s turkey industry, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry over an extended period, demonstrating both the impact and quality of their work.
During the recent awards luncheon at the 2024 MTGA Summer Summit, MTGA Executive Director Ashley Kohls honored Glen Jaenicke with a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging his remarkable journey in the turkey industry.
“This year’s recipient’s journey in the turkey industry is a remark-
able story of dedication, innovation, and leadership,” Kohls said.
“Beginning at the age of 13, Glen was immersed in the world of turkey farming alongside his family.
This early love of the turkey industry shaped his future, instilling a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the industry, eventually leading to a career spanning five decades!”
As the first president of Northern Pride Inc., Jaenicke played a pivotal role in negotiating the purchase of the turkey processing plant in Thief River Falls from Land O’Lakes Inc. His leadership in building the first management team laid the foundation for Northern Pride’s success, which has continued for 35 years. Jaenicke’s efforts secured crucial funding and support, establishing Northern Pride as a cornerstone
of the turkey processing industry for 30 growers, MTGA noted.
One of Jaenicke’s notable achievements with the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association was his successful advocacy for legislation that allows turkey growers to trap and release owls, a significant step in protecting the industry from wildlife threats. This bill was passed in 1995, demonstrating his dedication to addressing the challenges faced by turkey growers, the association said, adding that, his unwavering support for the Minnesota Turkey
Glen Jaenicke, left, Northern Pride, is this year’s recipient of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association’s Ranelius Award, the group’s most prestigious honor. Presenting Jaenicke the award during the recent MTGA Summer Summit is Loren (Butch) Brey, Brey Farms.
Growers Association throughout his career further solidifies his impact on the industry. Jaenicke’s legacy extends to his family, with his daughter Sharlene and grandson Wyatt continuing the tradition of turkey farming.
“Today, we celebrate a man whose lifetime of dedication, innovation, and leadership has left a mark on the turkey industry that future generations will see,” Kohls said. “It’s with great pleasure and admiration that we congratulate Glen Jaenicke as the recipient of the 2024 MTGA Ranelius Award.”
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BY SIERRA JEZUIT & JUSTIN WHITMORE Michigan State University
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Leaders in food safety innovation, research and policy from across the globe recently gathered at Michigan State University to discuss issues and topics related to food safety and food security during the Global Food Safety Symposium.
The symposium, hosted by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), brought together more than 70 attendees from 24 countries, to collaborate on critical issues and emerging trends in the food safety landscape through keynote addresses and interactive panel discussions with leading field experts.
The symposium also celebrated and coincided with the 25th anniversary of the International Short Course in Food Safety. The International Short Course in Food Safety is a one-week program offered at MSU that addresses growing global concerns about food safety amidst increasing demand and international trade complexities.
The program covers topics including the impact of food systems on international trade, regulatory and policy issues and the identification and management of hazards in food production. Incorporating field visits to food processing sites in Michigan, the program offers participants practical insight into real-world practices and aims to empower participants to navigate the complex challenges facing food safety by providing them with the necessary knowledge and experience to affect change in their home countries.
Dr. Karim Maredia, director of CANR International Programs and a long-time facilitator of the International Short Course in Food Safety, believes the program is key in educating and connecting leaders in food safety to help affect positive change.
“Food safety is a global issue and education in this area is crucial,” Maredia said. “We’ve trained more than 800 food safety professionals, which has created an excellent global network that is actively collaborating to make a difference.”
Dr. H. G. Koshia, commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration for the Government of Gujarat in India, commended the short course for providing him with knowledge and training that has allowed him to enhance public health in India. Reflecting on his achievements since participating in the short course a decade ago, Koshia highlights the impact of his training in achieving top food safety rankings for Gujarat.
“In my role, my responsibility is to safeguard the public health of the state of Gujarat, which
Michigan State University photo Dr. H.G. Koshia, commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration for the Government of Gujarat in India, recently spoke at the Global Food Safety Symposium at Michigan State University.
has almost 67 million people, by ensuring the food they consume is safe,” Koshia said. “In 2017, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India released the Food Safety Index, which is a federal competition surrounding various parameters of food safety. The state of Gujarat was the top-performing state for three years running. I credit my training during the short course for that achievement, as that experience broadened my understanding of food safety and taught me how to work impactfully with limited resources to protect and promote public health in India.”
Dr. Allan Liavoga, a food safety research associate with CANR, participated in the short course in 2008 and has since contributed to food safety programs in Kenya and across Africa. He credits the program for shifting his approach to food safety best practices and enhancing his understanding of evidencebased science in regulatory decision-making. Liavoga said the exchange of knowledge and collaborative partnerships fostered by the program have been vital in enhancing systems in Africa.
“Over the years I’ve spent time building regulatory systems in Africa, and understanding the American system and processes has been useful for the African countries trying to build their systems,” Liavoga said. “The Americans are also learning from us and how we’re trying to tackle our problems. This is important because food safety in Kenya is also food safety in the U.S. as you have food moving from one country to another. From an African perspective, having worked in capacity building, programs like the short course must be sustained
for sharing knowledge and experience because food safety in one country affects impacts others.”
Rebecca Lopez-Calvo, director of the graduate program in food science at the University of Costa Rica, highlighted the significant role of international collaboration in promoting food safety education.
“I visited MSU 18 years ago to work with Dr. Karim Maredia and Dr. Cathy Weir to develop curriculum for a food safety course at the University of Costa Rica. We’ve now successfully taught the course for over 15 years,” said Lopez-Calvo. “The course is offered to all university students, not just those studying food science, so we’re able to educate general consumers about the food sector and what the industry and producers are doing to ensure food safety. If not for our partnership with MSU, we wouldn’t have been able to create this course and promote the importance of food safety to our communities.”
Looking ahead, Maredia envisions expanding the program’s reach and leveraging global expertise to enhance impact.
“In the future, we are looking at taking this program overseas, to offer it in different regions of the world,” Maredia added. “We’d also like to develop some online components, utilizing expertise not only from MSU and the U.S. but also international expertise, to broaden our global reach.”
Sierra Jezuit and Justin Whitmore are communication managers with Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications and Marketing.
