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IN THIS ISSUE

VOL. 70 | NO. 25 | DECEMBER 4, 2023

December 4, 2023

On the cover

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Viewpoints “We export poultry and eggs to about 120 markets, and there are only a handful with which the U.S. does not have a regionalization agreement …”

27 News 7 | ERS: Broiler, turkey, egg production totals adjusted down based on recent estimates 8 | Some consumers prefer ‘heritage’ turkey breed for holiday meals

Business 12 | Jennie-O breaks Guiness record for most turkeys donated in 24 hours

Calendar DECEMBER DEC 5-7 — IOWA TURKEY FEDERATION WINTER CONVENTION, West Des Moines Marriott, W. Des Moines, Iowa. Contact: Iowa Turkey Federation, 535 East Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010; Ph: 515-232-7492; https://iowaturkey.org.

— Greg Tyler | 10

Features 9 | Poultry industry challenges addressed through continued research investment 21 | AEB tour in Asia seeks to expand egg exports 22 | Survey: musthave ingredients for Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches 23 | Turkey industry meets HPAI challenges

24 | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shares condor HPAI vaccine early results

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p s b e t S t e f d l

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ERS: Broiler, turkey, egg production totals adjusted down based on recent estimates

COVER STORY DAVID B. STRICKLAND

PT Poultry Times Editor dstrickland@ poultrytimes.com

WASHINGTON — Broiler production numbers have been shifted down from previous figures based on the most recent hatchery and production estimates, the USDA’s Economic Research Service notes. Table egg production is unchanged and wholesale egg prices have been raised for the fourth quarter of 2023. Turkey production estimates have also been lowered from October projections.

Broilers Broilers produced in September equaled 3.79 billion pounds, 5 percent less than September last year, ERS says in its November “Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook” report. “Production expectations for the fourth quarter of 2023 and into 2024 were lowered on hatchery indicators,” the report said. “The ‘Chickens and Eggs’ report, published by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, indicated 813.6 million broiler chicks were hatched in September. This is down 3.1 percent from last year but similar to the 5-year average. Chicks hatched in September will likely be slaughtered in November. “The report also showed 692.3 million broiler-type eggs in incubators on the first of October. This is down 3.8 percent year-overyear, but still above the 5-year average but similar to the October 2021 figure. After hatching and growing out, these eggs set in incubators will likely be slaughtered in late November and December.” Broiler production for the

fourth quarter is estimated by the department to be reduced 200 million pounds to a total of 11.450 billion pounds. This is a 3.5 percent decrease from the previous year but remains more than the fourth quarter of 2021. “In total, the 2023 production projection is 46.209 billion pounds, nearly flat from 2022,” ERS reports. “For 2024, production was adjusted down for a new total projection of 46.650 billion pounds. This would be a modest increase of about 1 percent from the 2023 projected total.” Cold storage broiler meat totals were 808 million pounds for the end of September, the report added. This is a decrease of 2.9 percent from the same month last year and is noted as the first year-over-year decrease for 2023. And after recent data is analyzed, the ending stocks for this year have been reduced to 850 million pounds and 860 million pounds is projected for 2024. For broiler exports, they totaled 558.8 million pounds for September, ERS said. This is approximately down 5 percent from the same time last year. “Month over month, the largest decrease was in shipments to Cuba, which peaked at 77.4 million pounds in August before falling to 26.2 million pounds in September,” the report noted.“Shipments also fell to other price-sensitive markets, including Mexico, Taiwan, and Guatemala. “Including September data, the third quarter total for broiler exports is 1.752 billion pounds. Reflecting lowered production expectations for 2023 and 2024, as well as less-competitive prices in the coming year, exports are adjusted down in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2024. Accounting for September data and a reduction of 100 million pounds in the fourth quarter export projection, total exports in 2023 are projected to be down 1.5 percent from last year at 7.180 billion pounds and would account for a slightly smaller share of projected production (15.5 percent).” For next year, ERS is estimated broiler exports to be approxiPOULTRY TIMES

mately 7.270 billion pounds, which is about a 1.3 percent increase and would be 15.6 percent of 2024’s production.

Eggs The USDA reports total table egg production in September at 657 million dozen, which is a 3.4 percent increase from the same time last year but more than the 5-year average for the month. “With lay rates equal to last September, the increase can be solely attributed to an increase in the layer flock, which averaged 320.2 million birds in September,” the report notes. “Table egg layer inventory continued to rise, estimated at 321.8 million birds on the first of October. This is a year-over-year increase of 3.6 percent but still 5.7 million birds shy of the 2019-2021 average for the month.” Table egg production for the third quarter was at 1.997 billion dozen, ERS added. And for the fourth quarter, table egg production was reduced 5 million dozen to 2.035 billion dozen. “For 2024, lower lay rate expectations were carried through the first half,” the report said. “Projected first quarter production was adjusted down by 10 million dozen 7

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to 2.010 billion dozen, and 5 million dozen were shifted from second quarter to third quarter production. In total, projected 2024 production was adjusted down slightly to 8.140 billion dozen table eggs, still an increase of 3.2 percent from 2023.” For egg exports, the September total is reported by ERS at 19.1 million shell-egg equivalent dozen, which is a slight increase from last year. “The top three destinations for egg and egg product exports in September, accounting for 74 percent of all exports, were Canada (7.4 million dozen), Mexico (5.6 million dozen), and Japan (1.2 million dozen),” ERS notes. “Projected total exports for 2023 are adjusted down to 242 million dozen on recent data, but this is still an increase of 6.8 percent from 2022. The total export forecast for 2024 is also adjusted down by 7 million dozen to 238 million dozen, lower than the 2023 projection but still 5.1 percent over the 2022 total.”

Turkeys Looking at the effect of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on the nation’s turkey (Continued on page 20)

Some consumers prefer ‘heritage’ turkey breed for holiday meals BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN

Times staff PT Poultry ebobenhausen@poultrytimes.com

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The holiday season is here, and everyone is starting to get the perfect turkey for their holiday meals. While most people consider getting turkeys from their favorite grocery store for their dinners, some people purchase a heritage turkey. Food Print describes these birds as “Heritage,” similar to “heirloom.” It “refers to breeds that have remained unchanged over many generations.” These “turkeys prized for their flavor and not necessarily their size. They’re completely different from Butterball and other commercially raised turkey breeds, which have been bred to produce the maximum amount of breast meat in as short a time as possible.” Heritage turkeys are also considered to be the most “pilgrim” authentic.

History of heritage turkeys According to Heritagefoods.com, wild and domestic turkeys were already in the United States in 1492. Many holes throughout the Tennessee landscape have the bones of turkeys. There is evidence that suggests that Native Americans highly depended on turkeys as a food source around 1000 A.D. Turkeys were introduced in Spain after being brought from the U.S. in 1498. They were later introduced to Europe and England between the years of 1524 and 1541. The first domesticated turkeys to be raised in the U.S. came from Spain. They did not come from the wild turkeys already present within America. The turkeys had the coloring of bronze and black. In Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, wild turkeys began mating with the turkeys brought from Spain and they became the forerunner of the Narragansett Variety. In the 1830s, another breed in Point Judith, Rhode Island. It was a cross between the Narragansett Variety breed and wild turkeys. The breed eventually became known as the bronze turkey. It would become a superior breed and the foundation of all heritage turkeys. The bronze turkey would also be mixed with current lines of commercial turkeys. Heritagefoods.com stated, “the descendants of those original Bronze turkeys are still being raised on one farm in the United States: The Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch led by farmer Frank Reese.”

Fun facts The Livestock Conservancy states there are

Curt Gibbs

Heritage turkeys are seen at a Maryland farm.

several varieties of heritage turkey breeds. Some breeds that have been recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) in their Standard of Perfection in the latter half of the 19th century are Black, Bronze, Narragansett, White Holland, Slate, Bourbon Red, Beltsville Small White, and Royal Palm. Other varieties that are not recognized by the APA standard, but recognized by the Live Conservancy are the Jersey Buff and Midget White. The Livestock Conservancy demonstrates the criteria a turkey must meet to be considered a heritage turkey. 1. Naturally mating: the Heritage Turkey must be reproduced and genetically maintained through natural mating, with expected fertility rates of 70 percent to 80 percent. This means that turkeys marketed as “heritage” must be the result of naturally mating pairs of both grandparent and parent stock. 2. Long productive outdoor lifespan: the Heritage Turkey must have a long productive lifespan. Breeding hens are commonly productive for 5-7 years and breeding toms for 3-5 years. The Heritage Turkey must also have a genetic ability to withstand the environmental rigors of outdoor production systems. 3. Slow growth rate: the Heritage Turkey must have a slow to moderate rate of growth. POULTRY TIMES

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Today’s heritage turkeys reach a marketable weight in about 28 weeks, giving the birds time to develop a strong skeletal structure and healthy organs prior to building muscle mass. This growth rate is identical to that of the commercial varieties of the first half of the 20th century. Starting in the 1920s and going into the 1950s, turkeys were being chosen for larger size and bigger breast size. As a result, the Broad Breasted Bronze was grown. During the 1950s, turkey producers began to seek out turkeys that had larger breasts and less obvious dark pinfeathers. As the turkeys were dressed, the darker pinfeathers would leave a spot on the turkey as it sat in a grocery store. It was so unattractive that people thought the turkey was spoiled. In the 1960s, the Large or Broad White Turkey had been grown. People started purchasing the Broad Breasted White Turkey more than Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey. Food Print says that a heritage turkey does cost more at the grocery store. However, if someone buys a heritage turkey, they will be contributing to a small to mid-size producer and a farm that is dedicated to preserving older breeds. A consumer can find a heritage bird at farmer’s markets, independent or natural stores and Heritage Foods USA. Heritage turkey can be brined and cooked the same way as other turkeys.

Poultry industry challenges addressed through continued research investment BY NATH MORRIS U.S. Poultry & Egg Association

TUCKER, Ga. — Persisting challenges such as avian influenza, animal welfare, regulatory complexities, and food safety pose formidable obstacles for the poultry and egg industry. Yet, over the years, our industry has confronted and overcome many related, difficult challenges. Reflecting on the inception of our legacy initiatives, such as the inaugural research project addressing Gumboro disease at Auburn University in 1963, it becomes evident that while the research program has evolved, adapted and modernized, its enduring impact continues to benefit the entire poultry and egg industry. Since the establishment of our Comprehensive Research Program, USPOULTRY has channeled $36+ million dollars into the industry through research grants. Over the years, grants have been disbursed to more than 50 universities, federal institutions and state facilities. Today, the Comprehensive Research Program incorporates the entire spectrum of poultry and egg production and processing. A committee of 15 diligent industry professionals assess every proposal and make their recommendation to the USPOULTRY board for final approval and funding. Research priorities, established through feedback from the industry, the board and the committee, are reviewed every two years and are used as a guide to ultimately direct meaningful and impactful projects. This underscores another crucial facet of our history - the invaluable contribution of dedicated volunteers in fulfilling our mission. Furthermore, the USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative was created several years ago at the direction of the boards of USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation to address current issues facing the poultry industry. Operating alongside the Comprehensive Research Program, the USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative augments the great success of the

for Broilers. • Assessing the Physiological Stressors Due to Injection of Nitrogen During Ventilation Shutdown Plus Heat for Depopulation of Laying Hens. • DNA Immunization as a Safe and Economical Vaccination Strategy Against Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) to Enhance Mucosal Protection in Primary Sites of Infection. • Use of Qualitative and Quantitative Microbial Data to Determine if Turkey Pre-Chill and PostChill Sampling Are Predictive of Salmonella enterica Contamination in Ground Turkey. • Discovery of Novel Anthelmintic Resistance Genes to Reduce Production Loss Caused by Blackhead Disease. • Control of Enterococcus cecorum Through Identifying Its Dynamics of Adaptation to the Chickens and Its Environment. • Identifying a New Pre-Harvest Gold Standard Salmonella Sampling Strategy to Predict Salmonella Burden on Broiler and Tur-

existing program by focusing additional resources toward specific areas of research. This year, our Board of Directors, comprised of 27 committed volunteers from the broiler, turkey and egg industries, approved 10 research grants through the Comprehensive Research Program. The Board’s selection process offers an industry outlook on significant challenges confronting our industry and where USPOULTRY should focus its collective efforts. These efforts encompass the following key areas: • Development of Live Attenuated Vaccine for Reoviruses Causing Arthritis and Hepatitis in Turkeys. • Development of Vaccines for the Control of Chicken Spotty Liver Disease. • Detection and Control of Processing-Tolerant Campylobacter on Broiler Carcasses. • Developing a Multispecies Bacterial Vaccine for Protection Against Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis Lameness POULTRY TIMES

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key Flocks Arriving for Processing. Our Board of Directors also approved funding for two Board Research Initiative research grants. The grants address the following current issues. • Investigation into the Contributions of Rooster, Hens and Social Dynamics on the Reduced Hatchability in Broiler Breeders. • Updated Decision Support Tool for Supplemental Heat Requirements in Barn Depopulation During an HPAI Outbreak. Research and science have played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the sustainable and resourceful poultry and egg industry that we have become. Ongoing emphasis on these research priorities, as well as other noteworthy areas that may emerge, will continue to steer our direction into the future. Nath Morris is president of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association with headquarters in Tucker, Ga.

VIEWPOINT

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Facing HPAI and successfully exporting poultry around world POULTRY TIMES

COMMENTARY BY By Greg Tyler USA Poultry & Egg Export Council Greg Tyler is president and CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council headquartered in Tucker, Ga. For more information, visit www.usapeec.org.

TUCKER, Ga. — Tell the children to leave the room. I’m about to drop a four-letter word right here in this column. HPAI. All right, it’s really a four-word name: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Four letters, four words, it doesn’t really make a difference. For the poultry and egg industry, and particularly for the export sector of our industry, it’s a dirty thing. Oh, sure, we’ve heard it before, as in 2015 when all heck broke loose. But that didn’t really reduce the shock this dreaded animal disease delivered when it returned in full force after making fitful appearances since then. You remember 2015, try as you might to forget it. Thanks to HPAI, the U.S. poultry industry suffered an estimated loss of $4.2 billion, including both direct export losses and a concurrent drop in U.S. domestic sales value. And that didn’t even include the cost of indemnification. If you thought back to what happened eight years ago, then looked at all the states that have been hit with HPAI detections in the latest outbreak (47 since February 2022, with 38 facing some kind of trade restrictions), you’d probably imagine that the bottom had really fallen out on the bucket of U.S. poultry and egg exports. Not to minimize the damage, but that hasn’t been the case. The estimated loss in 2022 due to HPAI outbreaks was $3.3 billion. The attributable loss this year is projected to be around $2.5 billion. The negative impact continues, too, particularly in China, which is the single most important export market for U.S. chicken paws and is also critical to broiler exports. The blow from HPAI has been softened, however, by regionalization agreements. If you’re not familiar with regionalization, that’s where the U.S. and another country negotiate a more benign response to findings of HPAI. Simply stated, any bans imposed by another market when there is a detection are less than they would have been without an agreement. So, for example, where a market in 2015 POULTRY TIMES

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“We export poultry and eggs to about 120 markets, and there are only a handful with which the U.S. does not have a regionalization agreement …” might have banned all product from every state in the U.S. when there was single finding on a single farm in a single county in a single state, it now only will ban product from the localized region of the detection or, at most, the state where it occurred. And the process to remove a ban is clearly delineated with a fixed timetable. We export poultry and eggs to about 120 markets, and there are only a handful with which the U.S. does not have a regionalization agreement, although some don’t always follow the protocols when it comes to lifting restrictions. Still, regionalization agreements have kept our product flowing to markets around the world. While there has been a toll,

Georgia Ports Authority photo / Emily Goldman

it’s been much less than otherwise would have been the case. Total poultry and egg export volume in 2023 is projected to reach 4 million metric tons, down slightly from last year, while total export value is expected to reach $5.7 billion, down 8 percent. We are extremely thankful for the efforts over the years of the numerous agencies and personnel within the USDA who helped reach these regionalization agreements. It was not easy work. Personally, I am grateful to our staff at USAPEEC who worked behind the scenes to help move these matters forward as well. While these regionalization agreements have been a great

help, there is still room for improvement. We continue to hope for agreements that reduce the restricted areas further, from the state level to the county level, or to the radius around the infection site. HPAI has been a thorn, no question. As difficult as it’s been, though, we are gratified that the efforts to mitigate the impact have proven successful. The work towards full regionalization with all of our trading partners continues, giving us hope that while HPAI may be a recurring issue, it can be a manageable one. Here’s to a prosperous year for all in 2024. POULTRY TIMES

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BUSINESS

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Jennie-O breaks Guiness record for most turkeys donated in 24 hours WILLMAR, Minn. — The makers of the Jennie-O® turkey brand announced that they have shattered the previous Guinness World Records title for the “Largest Donation of Turkeys in 24 Hours” with its donation of 15,000 whole turkeys, made on Nov. 13’s World Kindness Day. Separately, Jennie-O is donating more than 5,000 turkeys to additional charities in the U.S., totaling more than 20,000 turkeys donated this Thanksgiving season. The Jennie-O brand collaborated with NBC’s “Today” show where weather and feature anchor Al Roker helped set the record. Broadcasting from New York City, Roker and the JennieO team donated 15,000 turkeys to

need in New York and Chicago. We also have a long-standing tradition of working with organizations around the U.S. to donate turkeys — and this year, we’re donating more than 5,000 to local organizations. This special holiday is about giving thanks and sharing a meal with those you love. With these donations, we hope to make this Thanksgiving particularly memorable for thousands of families.” “NBCUniversal’s platform has the power to entertain, inform and shape the world around us,” said Karen Schuchardt, senior vice president, content and talent partnerships, advertising and partnerships, NBCUniversal. “It also holds the power to

local partners of Feeding America, the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States. The first 7,500 turkeys were provided to the New York area through their partners, Food Bank for New York City and City Harvest. The other 7,500 turkeys were donated to one of Feeding America’s Chicago partners, Greater Chicago Food Depository. “Thanksgiving is an especially important time for the JennieO® brand,” said Steve Venenga, assistant vice president, retail marketing–Value-Added Meats for Hormel. “We are honored to collaborate with TODAY and Feeding America to provide 15,000 whole turkeys to those in POULTRY TIMES

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be a force for good by collaborating with partners like Jennie-O Turkey and Feeding America to donate turkeys ahead of this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. We are incredibly proud of this collaboration to support families across the country when it matters most.” Eight Jennie-O semi-trucks were deployed from Minnesota to New York and Chicago, where the turkeys were hand-delivered to each Feeding America location. Each bag contained a whole turkey, as well as cooking tips, recipes, and information about the Jennie-O brand team’s 1-800-TURKEYS hotline, where home cooks can speak with turkey experts about any and all

Thanksgiving-related meal-prep questions and emergencies. The previous Guiness World Records title holder for the “Most Turkeys Donated in 24 Hours” was 7,620 turkeys, weighing 142,117.54 pounds in 2022. This year, the Jennie-O brand donated 15,000 turkeys, weighing more than 320,450 pounds. Jennie-O turkey has a tradition of giving back and spreading gratitude, especially during the holiday season, the company added. In 2022, they partnered with chef, cookbook author and TV personality Carla Hall and honored cafeteria staff across the country by hosting school cafeteria takeovers in select cities. A special Thanksgiving season visit took place in Los Angeles, complete with a beloved holiday meal. In 2021, they worked with YouTube phenom and philanthropist MrBeast and Beast Philanthropy to give away 10,000 turkeys to MrBeast’s hometown of Greenville, N.C. The brand also consistently gives back to its home state of Minnesota. Throughout the last five years, they teamed up with professional football player Adam Thielen and his foundation to donate thousands of turkeys during the holiday season. In addition to this recordbreaking donation, two Jennie-O turkeys made the trip to Washington, D.C., this Thanksgiving to be pardoned by President Joe Biden. The Jennie-O brand also took part in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the fourth year in a row with its beloved turkey float and Paul Russell.

Farm Service will retain its trucking, hardware, and crop insurance businesses. “Our intention is to operate these facilities with the same level of exceptional service that local farmers have come to expect from Nagel Farms,” said Rex Holstein, vice president of agribusiness for Mountaire Farms. “At Mountaire, we are a familyowned company just like the Nagels, and we share similar values. We appreciate how they’ve managed their business through the years, and we can’t wait to continue that legacy.” During the coming weeks, subject to satisfactory due diligence, Mountaire will finalize the purchase and work with employees on transitioning their employment, benefits, and seniority to Mountaire. Mountaire currently owns nine grain elevators on Delmarva and three feed mills. “The Nagel family and our team of trusted employees will continue to work together serving the farm community with the same level of care we have for nearly 80 years,” the Nagel family said in a statement. “We are proud of the strong bond we have with our loyal customers and look forward to improving these relationships through unparalleled service. Mountaire as an organization is an excellent fit with Nagel Farm Service as we both operate from two critical principles: 1) prioritizing faith and 2) providing exceptional service to the farmer.”

Mountaire to acquire 3 Delmarva grain elevators

Tyson Foods reports 4Q and fiscal 2023 results

MILLSBORO, Del. — Mountaire Farms has signed a Letter of Intent with Nagel Farm Service to purchase three grain elevators on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, company officials announced, adding that the grain facilities, located in Preston, Cordova, and Wye Mills, are key locations for farmers on the Mid-Shore. Nagel

prior year; adjusted operating income of $236 million, down 71 percent from prior year; GAAP EPS of ($1.31), down 187 percent from prior year; adjusted EPS of 37 cents, down 77 percent from prior year; total company GAAP operating margin of (3.5 percent); total Company adjusted operating margin (non-GAAP) of 1.8 percent; liquidity of approximately $3 billion as of Sept. 30, 2023; recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $333 million in Beef segment. Fiscal 2023 highlights include: sales of $52.881 billion, down 0.8 percent from prior year; GAAP operating loss of ($395) million, down 109 percent from prior year; adjusted operating income of $933 million, down 79 percent from prior year; GAAP EPS of ($1.87), down 121 percent from prior year; adjusted EPS of $1.34, down 85 percent from prior year; total company GAAP operating margin of (0.7 percent); total company adjusted operating margin (non-GAAP) of 1.8 percent; announced the closure of six chicken facilities expected to reduce costs and improve capacity utilization.

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Brand new flock. Same old litter? Not with IMPACT-P(NA) litter-biotic.

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods Inc. has released its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023. Fourth quarter highlights include: sales of $13.348 billion, down 2.8 percent from prior year; GAAP operating loss of ($463) million, down 160 percent from POULTRY TIMES

“While economic headwinds persist, we are moving in the right direction and managing what we can control,” said Donnie King, president and CEO, Tyson Foods. “The decisions we have taken have made us more operationally efficient and aided a second quarter of sequential improvement in adjusted operating income. The strategy and leadership team we have in place will allow us to take advantage of the long-term opportunities in front of us and drive shareholder value.” • Outlook For fiscal 2024, the USDA indicates domestic protein production (beef, pork, chicken and turkey) should decrease slightly compared to fiscal 2023 levels, Tyson Foods noted. For chicken, USDA projects chicken production will increase slightly in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023, Tyson Foods noted, adding that it anticipates adjusted operating income of $400 million to $700 million for fiscal 2024. In regard to the total company, Tyson Foods says that it antici-

Reduce disease exposure. Lower ammonia. Improve litter quality. 800-448-4723 | info@ImpactPoultryProducts.com ImpactPoultryProducts.com 13

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pates total company adjusted operating income of $1 billion to $1.5 billion for fiscal 2024. For more information, visit www.tysonfoods.com.

USAPEEC’s Tyler elected as new USAEDC chair TUCKER, Ga. — The U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council has announced that Greg Tyler, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council president and CEO, was elected as chair during its board of directors meeting at Tyler USAEDC’s annual workshop in Baltimore, Md. Tyler previously served as secretary/treasurer of USAEDC. He will be the organization’s chair for the next two years. “I am truly honored to serve as the USAEDC chair as it provides such a great opportunity to work

with the more than 90 members that advance U.S. agricultural exports,” said Tyler, who was appointed president and CEO of USAPEEC in 2022 after 25 years with the council. “Through our members’ programs, U.S. agricultural exports reached $196 billion in 2022,” Tyler added “My hope is that with the invaluable partnership we have with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service we can continue to elevate the importance of U.S. food and agricultural products to the global community.” “We are fortunate to have strong leadership and sustained engagement from our members during this exciting time for our membership,” said USAEDC Executive Director Lorena Alfaro. “With the newly announced Regional Agricultural Promotion Program from USDA and Congress working toward a new Farm Bill, our members are focused on growing markets and trade opportunities for American farmers and the agricultural sector. Tyler’s vision, experience, and support will be crucial as we work together to achieve results for U.S. agriculture stakeholders.”

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USAPEEC: exports to benefit from new market development program TUCKER, Ga. — USDA has announced that it will invest $1.3 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) in a new export promotion and foreign market development program called the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). The funds will help U.S. food and agricultural producers develop new markets and create trade opportunities around the globe. The funds come at the request of Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.). They urged USDA to provide additional program funds in the ab-

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sence of a new Farm Bill. Members of the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) have been urging Congress to double funding for export programs in the next Farm Bill. USAPEEC President & CEO Greg Tyler applauded the news, saying, “USAPEEC and the industries we represent will greatly benefit from this tremendous program.” Tyler noted that on an annual basis USAPEEC utilizes funding from the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development program to conduct programs in 75 countries around the globe, but that the level of that funding has been fairly flat for a number of years. “This new infusion from USDA will allow USAPEEC to expand programs in a number of growth markets and to continue to pursue new markets for U.S. poultry and egg producers and traders,” Tyler said. “USAPEEC’s recent return on investment studies have shown that these programs return over $25 in net export revenue for every dollar invested, making these some of the most effective government programs out there,” Tyler

added.“They are critical to growth in U.S. poultry and egg exports and in the long-term viability of producers.”

Jim Mabe retires from House of Raeford Farms ROSE HILL, N.C. — House of Raeford Farms announces the retirement of Jim Mabe, complex manager for the company’s West Columbia, S.C., operation. Mabe has worked for the company since 1998 when House of Raeford purchased Columbia Farms Inc. and Columbia Farms of Georgia, which included West Mabe Columbia as well as the Greenville, S.C., complex. As complex manager, Mabe oversaw the processing plant operation as well as live production out of Batesburg-Leesville and Monetta, S.C., including a hatchery, feed mill and relationships with contract farmers who raise chickens for House of Rae-

ford. Mabe is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a BS degree in poultry science. He began with Columbia Farms as plant manager in 1983, and became president and chief operating officer in 1991. Mabe comes from a family of poultry executives. His father Donald Mabe Sr. was a former president and CEO of Perdue Farms and a 1995 inductee into the North Carolina Poultry Hall of Fame. Jim’s brother, Don Mabe Jr., retired as CEO of American Proteins. “Jim has been a stable fixture in our West Columbia operation, providing effective leadership and consistent growth for several years,” said Bob Johnson, CEO and owner of House of Raeford. “We wish him the very best in his retirement.”

corn and soybeans has improved significantly for the 2023-2024 marketing year with buy basis falling and carries returning to futures markets. The world market is currently awash in grains, and global supplies of corn and soybeans are abundant. The improved market conditions follow two consecutive years of inverted futures markets, which limited the ability of many elevators to earn a profit from storing grain, CoBank analysts report. The current challenge for grain elevators is simply gaining ownership of bushels. Farmers have been reluctant to sell, as corn and soybean prices have fallen sharply from their peaks earlier this year, CoBank adds. That has left elevators with lower levels of grain ownership to take advantage of wider carries and basis levels. Basis has fallen to multi-year lows in some regions of the country. However, the delay of grain moving to elevators is expected to be short-lived. According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the challenge of acquiring bushels should begin to ease for elevators early in 2024. The rising cost environment will

CoBank: grain storage outlook improves for U.S. elevators DENVER — The profit outlook for U.S. grain elevators storing

likely compel farmers to sell in January, February and March to generate cash for spring planting and operational expenses. Farmers are also expected to be more willing to sell on price rallies over $5 per bushel for corn and $14 per bushel for soybeans, which will cap any run-up in basis. “Many grain farmers have the benefit of being in a very strong cash position following last year’s record farm income levels,” said Tanner Ehmke, grains and oilseeds economist for CoBank. “They have been quite content to hold on to their grain since prices have fallen. But higher land rents and borrowing costs, combined with rising prices for inputs like fertilizer, will probably motivate farmers to sell as the calendar turns to 2024.” Some elevators have been able to make up for the lack of ownership through higher storage fees and by offering delayed pricing programs. Delayed pricing allows farmers to deliver grain when it is convenient and price it later, with many elevators charging much higher service fees to cover the elevator’s higher risk (Continued on page 17)

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of owning unpriced bushels in a carry market. Storage programs have become popular as farmers wait for a rally in futures prices or local basis. For elevators that have been able to gain ownership of bushels, the transition to a carry market will be awkward for some merchandisers who have been actively trading freight and selling commodities in an inverted market for the past two years. In a carry market, elevators are instead incentivized to store grain rather than sell it. Supported by strong domestic demand for corn and soybeans, basis is expected to appreciate over time. Cheaper transportation rates plus strong end-user demand among livestock feeders, ethanol plants and soybean crushers are expected to help prevent basis from dropping significantly. However, the rise in basis will be limited given the ample global supply of corn and soybeans. The smaller U.S. soybean harvest this year combined with record processor demand has put a strong floor under soybean

basis relative to corn. Processor margins have been supported by growing demand for soybean oil for renewable diesel and a record export pace for soybean meal in the absence of Argentine exports. Ehmke said the biggest wildcard that could affect carry and basis is the U.S. corn and soybean export program. “The risks largely come from abroad,” Ehmke said. “Chinese demand could suddenly appear for corn or soybeans or disappear for grain sorghum. And a short South American crop would result in futures spreads narrowing considerably, which would incentivize elevators to sell soybeans.”

insecurity in its communities, Perdue Farms has announced the donation of 400,000 pounds of no-antibiotics-ever chicken, the equivalent of 333,000 meals, to be shared with 10 Feeding America-affiliated food banks during September’s Hunger Action Month. The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the company’s charitable giving arm, also announced $60,000 in grants to support five local hunger relief programs in its communities. The donations are part of the company’s Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® outreach focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities where Perdue associates live and work, and beyond, the company added. “With so many people in our country struggling with food insecurity, hunger knows no boundaries. As a food company, we’re committed to fighting hunger in the communities we call home and beyond,” said Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms. “We’re stepping up this Hunger Action Month to elevate awareness of hunger, continue our decadeslong support through donations

Perdue delivers 400K pounds of chicken and $60K in grants to combat food insecurity SALISBURY, Md. — As part of a commitment to alleviate food

of nutritious protein, associate volunteerism and financial support, and working with stakeholders to make meaningful change.” As Joe Weeden, senior director of commodity foods for Feeding America added, “People who struggle with hunger do not have regular access to enough food for a healthy, active life. Feeding America is grateful to Perdue for its generous support of member food banks and for helping people in need in communities across the country.” Perdue delivered 10 truckloads of chicken to the following food banks: • Maryland Food Bank • Food Bank of Delaware • Middle Georgia Community Food Bank • Harvest Hope Food Bank in South Carolina • Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, and Feed More in Virginia • Food Bank of the Albemarle, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in (Continued on next page)

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North Carolina “High food prices have put a strain on everyone’s budget, which is why this donation of protein-rich chicken could not have come at a better time,” said Carmen Del Guercio, president and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank. “We’re grateful for partners like Perdue Farms that recognize the challenges Maryland families currently face and are stepping in to make this donation available for our network of community partners to distribute across Maryland.” The Perdue Foundation also awarded the following grants to local hunger relief programs through food banks and nonprofit partners: • $30,000 to support the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in Nashville and its mobile pantry and schools backpack programs. • $10,000 to continue support for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte, North Carolina, and its mobile pantry program at a local elementary school near Perdue’s operation in Concord.

• $10,000 investment in the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore’s backpack program. • $10,000 to continue support for the Epoch Dream Center afterschool feeding program in Hebron, Maryland. Since 2000, Perdue Farms has donated 92 million pounds of protein to Feeding America-affiliated food banks, the equivalent of 77 million meals. The company adds that it was one of the first meat companies to implement a formal program of ongoing donations of perishable protein products, creating a model for other companies to follow.

added a dash of tasty BBQ spices just for humans, the company said. In recent years, consumers have become increasingly interPerdue enters ested in the health and quality of the snack category the foods they eat, as 63 percent of consumers like to know where with Chix Mix SALISBURY, Md. — For the their food comes from, accordfirst time, Perdue® announces ing to the Power of Meat report the launch of its Chix Mix, a lim- from the North American Meat ited-edition snack food inspired Institute and FMI. Perdue feels by the high-quality, all-vegetar- the same way about the feed it ian diet that the company feeds provides its chickens. That’s why its chickens. Featuring a mix of the company has committed to corn, wheat and edamame, Chix using only the highest quality Mix is made from most of the vegetarian diet with no animal same ingredients that go into the by-products or antibiotics ever. company’s chicken feed. Plus, we When combined with the company’s best-in-class animal care practices, the result is healthier birds — and better tasting chicken, Perdue said. “Over the last 20 years, Perdue has worked diligently to achieve No Antibiotics Ever raised chickens,” said Dr. Bruce StewartBrown, senior vice president of Before technical services and innova• Repairs large holes tion at Perdue Farms. “To be • Stronger than original successful, we improved our ap• Increases useful life proach to animal care and the • Little or no forming way we feed our chickens. We removed animal by-products and needed antibiotics and put in products BEFORE AFTER that promote good gut health For FREE Estimates Before After such as oregano and thyme.” Call 610-273-3993 A fourth-generation family• Repairs large holes For Referrals owned company, Perdue Farms • Stronger thanMonath original Call Mark notes that it cares deeply about Look for this ad every other issue in Poultry Times 410-924-4516 • Increases useful life its consumers’ wants and needs and based on just that, an• Little or no forming nounced its plans to remove all needed antibiotics from its products in For Referrals For FREE Estimates 2002. In 2014, Perdue became For 610-273-3993 FREE Estimates the first major chicken company Call Mark Monath Call After to completely eliminate the rouCall 610-273-3993 410-924-4516 tine use of all human antibiot30 years experience ics from every production step, For Referrals proving that producers did not Call Mark Monath need to rely on antibiotics to Look for this ad every other issue in Poultry Times 410-924-4516 raise healthy chickens. In addition to an all-vegetarian diet, Perdue chickens are active, live in

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clean environments, have places to perch and plenty of room to move, all of which contribute to them staying healthy. “Perdue is proud to highlight our gold-standard animal care practices and all-natural bird feed in this one-of-a-kind, chicken-feed-inspired snack,” said David Zucker, executive vice president of marketing at Perdue Farms. “We believe you are what you eat, and at a critical point in time when competitors are going back to using preventative antibiotics, we want to reinforce our commitment to feeding our chickens, and your family, clean food.” Starting at noon (EST) on Friday, Nov. 17, consumers can order a free bag of Chix Mix at www. PerdueChixMix.com. Chix Mix will be available on a first come, first served, giveaway basis while supplies last. For more information about Chix Mix, visit www.PerdueChixMix.com.

Pure Prairie Poultry launching new retail brand CHARLES CITY, Iowa — It’s been just shy of two years since the Midwest’s premium chicken newcomer, Pure Prairie Poultry, purchased a state-of-the-art chicken processing facility in Charles City, Iowa, that showcased its air-chilled technology. Now, it’s launched its charter retail brand, named after the company — Pure Prairie Poultry, emphasis on “pure.” Initially offered at more than 50 locations across Coborn’s, Cashwise, and Marketplace stores in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, the company has big plans to grow throughout the Midwest and beyond. With a focus on quality, consistency, and offering

in fixed-weight packages. With labor continuing to challenge nearly every industry, the company has removed extra hours tied to weighing and labeling individual packages. “Fixed weight packages not only save time, money, and labor, they allow retailers the flexibility to merchandise packages any way they’d like, similar to what they’re accustomed to doing for other grocery items,” Vokac said. “Not having price labels also allows consumers to see the product inside the package, which is an important element of our overall ‘pure’ value proposition.” Among the product offerings will include boneless/skinless chicken breast fillets, tenders, boneless/skinless thighs, drumstick, bone-in thighs and family packs. The company adds that it will support consumer sales through an on-package QR code which takes consumers to its website. It will also focus on consumers through its social media channels and communities. “In addition to our products, we want consumers and customers to get to know us from the

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personalized service to its customers, the company’s vision is to take customers and consumers back to a time when chicken tasted pure, and relationships were the underpinning of its offerings, the company notes. “Our premium quality offerings start with a smaller chicken, which means more tender products,” said Brad Vokac, vice president of sales and marketing for

Pure Prairie Poultry. “The airchilling process provides a better touch, cooking, and taste experience for customers and consumers. And well-trimmed products, with no added salt or solutions, gives buyers what they pay for — all natural, pure chicken.” According to Vokac, the company’s initial offerings also save time for retailers, because consistent piece sizes are featured

inside out. Along with our pure, quality offerings, consumers will appreciate that our farmer partners have ownership in Pure Prairie Poultry,” Vokac added. “This is something unique to the industry, and it reinforces our commitment to our relationships.”

National Turkey Federation unveils its new offices WASHINGTON — The National Turkey Federation held a welcome reception on Nov. 14 to celebrate its return to the office suite it has occupied for the last 27 years and to unveil the modernized space that was fully renovated from floor to ceiling. “NTF first moved into this office in March 1996 and though the old design served us well, it was easy to see that only cosmetic changes had been made since then,” said Joel Brandenberger, NTF president & CEO. “With this refresh and much-needed renovation, our staff looks forward to welcoming and hosting its members and friends of the U.S. turkey industry for many years to come.” (Continued on next page)

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Features of the new office space include a state-of-the-art conference room with upgraded video conferencing features, updated Internet and Wi-Fi, kitchenette, welcome reception, energy-saving light features, modern furniture and bright accents throughout. Each staff member also has a convertible desk which can be used in a standing or sitting position. During the reception, several industry friends were greeted by the entire NTF staff and enjoyed light snacks and beverages to celebrate the new space, which is prominently located just a few blocks from the White House in the heart of Washington, D.C. NTF offices are located on the 4th floor of the multi-use building at 1225 New York Ave. N.W., a building that also includes a rooftop area that houses additional meeting rooms and a great view of the most popular monuments in the nation’s capital.

flock, ERS noted that from October to Nov. 9, there were 963,100 commercial meat turkeys depopulated as a result of HPAI outbreaks in five different states: California, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Utah. “Preliminary October slaughter data does not indicate that an immediate reduction in turkey production, though the turkeys lost may have been intended to for slaughter later in the quarter or as far out as early next year,” the report said. “These cases are not expected to significantly impact the availability of turkeys for the holidays.” The ERS notes that turkey production in September came to approximately 429.8 million pounds, which is a 2.2 percent increase from the same time last year, and predated October impacts from HPAI. “The average live weight in September was 31.56 pounds, up 3.6 percent year over year,”

ERS said. “This increase in weights offset a slight drop in slaughter numbers due to 1 less slaughter day this September. The third quarter total is 1.352 billion pounds, an increase of 7 percent from the third quarter last year.” Turkey production for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2024 is expected to be down based on lower placements, the report noted. “Projected fourth quarter production is adjusted down 25 million pounds to 1.390 billion pounds,” ERS added. “Including actual third quarter production, projected 2023 production is down 48 million pounds to 5.500 billion pounds. This would still be an increase of 5.3 percent from last year. “For 2024, total projected production was adjusted down 45 million pounds to 5.595 billion pounds, 1.7 percent over the projected 2023 total.” For turkey exports, the USDA notes that they are continuing to perform more than last year’s numbers, at a total of 50 million pounds.

“Shipments to Mexico increased from last year and totaled 31 million pounds, accounting for 62 percent of September shipments,” the report said. “Despite lowered production expectations and continued HPAI restrictions, based on information as of Nov. 9, projected exports in the fourth quarter are adjusted up to 130 million pounds, reflecting favorable prices for foreign buyers. Including a third quarter total of 145 million pounds, this would make the total 2023 export projection 475 million pounds, 20 million pounds over last month’s projection and 17 percent over last year.” These turkey export totals would be about 8.6 percent of expected production, ERS noted. “For 2024, reflecting lowered production expectations, projected exports are reduced by 15 million pounds in the first half, making the annual total 465 million pounds,” the report added. “This would be 8.3 percent of projected production.”

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AEB tour in Asia seeks to expand egg exports BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN

Times staff PT Poultry ebobenhausen@poultrytimes.com

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The American Egg Board and other egg industry leaders recently took an international tour to South Korea and Japan to expand Asian and American egg trade. According to AEB, the trip was to “target significant growth opportunities in two top egg-buying export markets to diversify their sales portfolios and increase access to safe, high quality U.S. eggs and egg products.” The tour is noted to begin a new pathway for increasing international trade and doubling the United States’ egg exports within the next five years. “America’s egg farmers have almost literally kept their eggs all in one basket — the U.S. domestic market,” Emily Metz, AEB president and CEO, said. “Through this determined focus on growing exports, the American Egg Board seeks to roughly double the average annual U.S. egg exports to 7 percent of total table egg production within the next five years. Our focus on trade missions is an essential step in a larger global egg strategy that I believe is fundamental to the prosperity and stability of our U.S. egg producers and crucial to the industry’s future.”

During the trip to South Korea and Japan, officials from AEB and other producers were

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shown “wholesale markets and manufacturing companies to gain a better understanding of the top U.S. egg product export markets including trade statistics, product potential and food trends.” Statistics show the market for exporting eggs and egg products has not been explored. There is much potential for the exportation of eggs and associated products. Pork and dairy products are highly exported items from the U.S. The U.S. trades 20 percent of its pork and 18 percent of its dairy. However, the egg industry has been mostly left untouched, trading only an estimated 3.8 percent of eggs and egg products. The tour included Metz, and nine other egg industry leaders from large and small farms from around the country, including: Ross Dean, Versova, Sioux City, Iowa; Mike Bowman, Versova, Sioux City, Iowa; Shelly McKee, Deb El Food Products, Elizabethport, N.J.; Sandra Lausecker, Nature Pure LLC, Raymond, Ohio; Mindy Creighton Truex, Creighton Brothers LLC, Warsaw, Ind.; Jason Van Zeten, Oskaloosa Food Products, Oskaloosa, Iowa; Sean Delano, S&R Egg Farm Inc., Whitewater, Wis.; Jamey Payne, Kreher’s Farm Fresh Eggs, Clarence, N.Y.; and Amanda Jackson, Rose Acre Farms, Seymour, Ind.

Survey: must-have ingredients for T Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches

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CHICAGO — Pumpkin pie, turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole are some of the time-honored tastes people look forward to every Thanksgiving Day, but they also top the list of day-after sandwich items, according to a new survey. A recent nationwide survey conducted online by The Harris Poll, on behalf of Alpha Baking Co. Inc., the bakers behind S. Rosen’s bread, buns, and rolls, among over 2,000 U.S. adults set out to uncover America’s favorite Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. Ingredients and results ranged from traditional to transformative. According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of Americans, 94 percent, dine on a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. Key findings include: • White bread (20 percent) was the bread winner for sandwich bases, with whole wheat and Hawaiian bread varieties following closely behind (15 percent each) • Among those who make leftover Thanksgiving sandwiches, savory staples gravy (42 percent), ham (41 percent), and stuffing (39 percent) came in hot behind turkey (81 percent) as the most popular items that belong on a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. • Pumpkin pie-filled sandwiches made an impressive showing with 11 percent of those who make leftover Thanksgiving sandwiches calling it out as a “must have” ingredient. • Casserole crazed? Americans love adding hot dish leftovers into their post-turkey day sandwiches, with Mac and Cheese (21 percent) Green Bean Casserole (14 percent) Corn and Corn Casserole (10 percent) Broccoli Casserole (9 percent) reported by survey participants. When it comes to crafting the quintessential Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, more than half who use bread on their Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, 54 percent, say their bread selection is because it’s their favorite for all sandwiches.

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“What the survey makes clear is that, while Americans may prefer myriad different ingredients on their Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches, we can all agree that a great bread is essential to any day-after-Thanksgiving sandwich,” said Tim Lotesto, Alpha Baking Co. vice president of retail sales. “As our founder liked to say, great sandwiches start with great bread; that’s something we believe so strongly here that we put it on all of our bread bags.” “In honor of America’s preferences, we’ve curated five Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich serving suggestions with some of the must-have ingredients called out in the survey, including gravy, cranberry, mac n’ cheese, sweet potatoes, and even pumpkin pie,” Lotesto added. For a full list, visit srosens.com/ recipes/sandwiches. According to the survey, nearly half, (47 percent) of Thanksgiving leftover sandwich makers include non-leftover ingredients in their culinary creations. POULTRY TIMES

Mayonnaise topped the list, with 47 percent saying they add it to theirs. However, mayo is used by this group of Baby Boomers (ages 65+) almost twice as much as Gen Z and Millennials combined (age 18-44) (63 percent vs. 35 percent). Not surprisingly, cheese (34 percent) and tomato (22 percent), perennial sandwich staples, take the second and third spots for non-traditional ingredients. While bacon emerges as a popu-

lar non-leftover ingredient, 20 percent need it on their Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches. Gen Z and Millennials prefer it nearly twice that of Boomers. Chips also made the list as a desirable non-leftover ingredient, with 15 percent incorporating the salty snack into their sandwiches. Notably, the younger generation (18-34) professes a deep love for crispy chips, enjoying them nearly three times as much as those aged 65+.

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Turkey industry meets HPAI challenges BY JOEL BRANDENBERGER

National Turkey Federation

WASHINGTON — As we seek to discern what the future holds for the turkey industry, there are only two safe bets. The first is that some issues that feel as though they have been around for decades (and maybe they have) will continue to present challenges. The other is that there will be at least one major surprise that was very difficult to predict. With those caveats, here are some of the challenges the industry is likely to be facing in 2024. To a certain extent, our first issue — highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) — falls into both categories. When the initial cases appeared in February 2022, there was reason to hope the initial detections might be isolated incidents. Nobody fully anticipated how long the outbreak would last or how widespread it would be. Ultimately, we lost almost 10 million turkeys to the disease in 2022. Similarly, there was reason for optimism when the cases appeared to play out by this past spring, but October provided a stark reminder that the virus remains a major threat. The industry lost almost a million more birds, and there have been additional detections in November. Nonetheless, the industry has made significant strides in its fight against the disease. Taking lessons learned from the 2015 outbreak, growers have implemented top-notch biosecurity measures and worked with USDA and government officials to respond efficiently to confirmed cases of HPAI. As a result, farm-to-farm transmissions have been reduced dramatically compared to 2015. Because the last 45 days have reminded us that we will be fighting this disease for some time to come, additional weapons will be needed. NTF and its members continue to support USDA’s commitment to explore a potential HPAI vaccination strategy that will not disrupt trade. It is critical the U.S. examines new ways to limit the number of birds infected with HPAI. The new strains associated with the current outbreak have had a sig-

USDA Agricultural Research Service

are well-positioned to work with USDA on its initiative to reduce Salmonella illnesses. NTF has provided feedback on proposed changes in the way industry and government addresses Salmonella, including FSIS’ Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Attributable to Poultry and the FSIS proposal to declare as adulterated not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) braded stuffed chicken products that contain Salmonella at levels of 1 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram. Our goal is to ensure policy is based on science-driven principles. NTF will continue to identify scientific and technological innovations that will help us reduce naturally occurring pathogens in turkey products as these various policies take shape. The mission to reach markets in India, Caribbean countries and Latin America remains top of mind heading into 2024. The U.S. turkey industry celebrated a major win in September when India announced it was eliminating the retaliatory tariff on U.S. frozen whole turkeys and frozen turkey parts and reducing the basic tariff on those products from 30 percent to 5 percent. Challenges remain in all these markets, but NTF looks forward to further expanding its efforts to provide a healthy, lean protein

nificant impact on the number of birds affected and have presented unforeseen challenges in curtailing the virus. Developing a viable, non-disruptive vaccine strategy will take time and considerable collaboration and effort from government agencies, our trading partners and the larger poultry industry. NTF looks forward to being a part of that effort. NTF also recognizes that no single weapon will control the HPAI threat, and we also are committed to helping develop new technologies to further improve the safety and biosecurity of commercial flocks in addition to monitoring viral loads in the wild bird population. NTF has worked closely with USDA to ensure the resources are available to continue surveilling all major flyways and looks forward to continuing to do so. This is an early warning system to help prepare the industry for emerging virus threats, and NTF appreciates USDA’s commitment to the program. Salmonella likewise will continue to challenge the industry, and NTF members have put in a great deal of effort in continuing the federation’s extensive work and research related to food safety and better understanding Salmonella. As a result of this industrywide focus, NTF members POULTRY TIMES

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option to consumers abroad by cultivating valuable key trade relationships, updating existing trade agreements and navigating existing sanctions. Turkey growers and processors enjoyed a significant victory to round out 2023 when USDA published its final rule on “Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments.” NTF, for more than two decades, has maintained a policy of supporting proposals that all parties to a production contract fully understand the agreement they are entering. What concerned us about USDA’s 2022 transparency proposal was that it was based almost exclusively on research and study of the chicken industry. NTF in its comments made a forceful argument that a one-size-fits all approach to regulating contracts did not make sense for the poultry industry as there are significant differences in chicken and turkey production and contracting. USDA ultimately agreed, and the final rule announced in November applied only to broiler chicken contracts. USDA ultimately could revisit contract transparency in the turkey industry, but if it does, the department will base a proposed rule on research into turkey production and contracts, and growers and processors will have to opportunity to comments on a proposal geared specifically to their needs and challenges. As noted at the outset, always bet on at least one surprise in the year ahead. If we could read the future well enough to know for sure what it is, well, we might be in a different line of work. But, we know the industry is well positioned for the challenges we know are ahead: to continue the fight against HPAI, to work for proactive, science-based food safety solutions, to open new markets for turkey at home and around the world and to fight for policies that do not needlessly make turkey production more difficult. And, given this industry’s track record, it ultimately will be able to meet whatever surprises may come its way. Joel Brandenberger is president of the National Turkey Federation with headquarters in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shares condor HPAI vaccine early results

Vaccine may be beneficial for free flying Calif. condors SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is sharing early results from the historic vaccine trial for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in California condors. As reported by the service’s Incident Command leading the effort, results from the first test group showed that 60 percent of the condors produced measurable antibodies that are expected to provide partial protection against mortality from HPAI if the birds are exposed. The trial, developed in coordination with the service, USDA and U.S. Geological Service was carried out by the Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and the Oregon Zoo as longtime California Condor Recovery Program partners, and with a new recovery partner, the Carolina Raptor Center.

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HPAI was detected in condors in Arizona in early April 2023, although it has been observed in many other species throughout the United States. There were 21 condor mortalities during this HPAI outbreak. In May, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service approved the emergency use of a vaccine against HPAI to be piloted among the critically endangered California condors in managed care. These first results from the L.A. Zoo and SDZWA show that the vaccine may have beneficial effects for free flying California condors. The USFWS will make a determination on vaccinating free flying condors after the final results from the trials are available. “We are grateful to be working with such high caliber professionals as we have been evaluating this vaccine for potential use to minimize impacts from HPAI on the condor recovery efforts,” said Ashleigh Blackford, California Condor Recovery Program coordinator for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. “Collaboration with our zoological partners has been vital for the implementation of this trial and their ongoing support is essential for implementing the first vaccines in pre-release condors this fall and winter. None of this important work would be possible without the collaboration from all our partners.” Each zoo has worked closely with the service’s veterinarian, USDA, and state veterinarians to gain approval to participate in this first trial for HPAI vaccines in the United States for wild birds. The trial evaluates two vaccination approaches – a single dose (1 ml) and an initial dose with a booster shot (0.5ml on two occasions). The vaccine used in this trial was developed and manufactured by the animal health company Zoetis. Twenty-five condors spread across the three zoos were identified for participation based on the birds’ age, gender, genetics, and other factors (e.g., some condors

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are still raising young of the year). Of those 25, 10 condors received two doses of the vaccine, 10 condors received a single vaccination and five condors served as the control group. The early results shared and the service’s decision to vaccinate pre-release birds this year are based on the group that received 2 doses of the vaccine. Presence and degree of immune response to the vaccine were evaluated using a hemagglutination inhibition assay, an antibody detection test, performed at USDA’s Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory. “Just over 30 years ago, the L.A. Zoo joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners to help save and protect these critically endangered birds. The species was on the brink of extinction and our work was vital to the recovery - increasing the population from approximately 20 in the 1980s to more than 500 California condors in the world today,” said Denise M. Verret, CEO & Zoo director, Los Angeles Zoo. “This vaccination trial is an urgent next step in the partnership to protect these birds from a new, existential threat - the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. It gives these resilient birds a fighting chance and provides hope for a future where the species is once again thriving in nature.” “When our California condor conservation breeding program began in the late 1980s, we embarked on a dedicated journey to save these incredible birds from existential threats and to offer them a sustainable future,” said Hendrik Nollens, vice president of wildlife health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We see this as another chapter in that journey, and as one of only a few organizations who care for California condors, we are uniquely positioned to help.” The vaccine trial first started with a surrogate species, black vultures, hosted at the Carolina Raptor Center, North Carolina. This step in the trial signaled that the vaccine was safe in vulture species and with expert input, trials could proceed in condors. After, confirming vaccine safety with the surrogate species, on July 18, the USFWS, L.A. Zoo veterinarians, and zoo team vaccinated the first three condors, to evaluate their response. After further confirming there was no adverse reaction in condors, the L.A. Zoo,

“When our California condor conservation breeding program began in the late 1980s, we embarked on a dedicated journey to save these incredible birds from existential threats and to offer them a sustainable future.” SDZWA, and Oregon Zoo vaccinated 17 additional birds. More information about the overall trial, next steps and impacts of HPAI on the Southwest flock can be found on the Service’s web page dedicated to HPAI updates. The USFWS is expected to announce final trial results and additional updates on implementation on this platform. “The importance of finding a vaccine that’s effective in protecting California condors cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Carlos Sanchez, director of animal health, Oregon Zoo. “This is a species that not long ago was on the very brink of extinction. Just over 300 individuals exist in the wild — and this year, in a matter of weeks, HPAI wiped out 21 of them. If left unchecked, the disease could undo decades of conservation work in the blink of an eye.” The California Condor Recovery Program has long been an example of how partnerships can help promote recovery of endangered species. The effort to protect condors against HPAI highlights the value of partnerships once again incorporating new and novel partners and creative ideas to work towards successful recovery. “We’re thrilled to have been able to play a role in this process and are excited to see the California condor trial is proving to be successful,” Erin Katzner, president and CEO, Carolina Raptor Center, said. “We hope the black vultures can continue to provide information to aid in the decision-making process as the team determines next steps.” POULTRY TIMES

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Alltech shares results of its first global sustainability insights survey LEXINGTON, Ky. — Agri-food leaders around the world believe the industry can work together to create a better, more sustainable food system, according to the recently released Alltech Sustainability Insights report. Alltech conducted a global, industry-wide survey to gather insights on the issues that matter most to the agri-food value chain and its stakeholders. In collaboration with Opinions, an independent research agency based in Ireland, Alltech collected insights through 26 interviews with industry leaders and via a comprehensive survey completed by more than 2,500 members of the agri-food industry. This effort presented an exciting opportunity to quantify attitudes and perceptions about sustainability from stakeholders across the agri-food value chain and identify tangible actions to build a more sustainable future. “Our goal was to listen to the

voices of our industry and its stakeholders and develop a robust, future-facing program of insights that are relevant, ambitious and genuinely impactful,” said Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech. “Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption, yet it remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system. The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain.” The survey questions were focused on five areas: challenges and opportunities; drivers and priorities; attitudes toward change; support and guidance; and who they believe is going to pay for sustainability. The key findings of the survey include: • While four out of five respondents agree that “climate change

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“Our goal was to listen to the voices of our industry and its stakeholders and develop a robust, future-facing program of insights that are relevant, ambitious and genuinely impactful.” will make food production much more difficult in the future,” perspectives differ across the regions. A very real series of crises faces the agri-food industry and, for the most part, survey respondents acknowledged the gravity of those challenges and the fragility of our food system. There is a strong level of optimism and positivity however, with 85 percent of respondents agreeing that the food system can rise to the challenge. • Almost three in four respon-

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dents reported feeling that a lot more guidance is needed to support their improvements in environmental sustainability. The need for guidance is expressed most strongly at the latter end of the value chain (e.g., retailers, food-service operators and manufacturers). • Most respondents agree that regulation is putting pressure on all areas of the supply chain. Respondents were similarly realistic about the need for support for the

primary producers of the food that the 8 billion people on this planet eat: 66 percent agree that until the farmer is incentivized financially, things will never change. • Many recognize that we will not be able to resolve the challenges ahead without a huge degree of innovation and harnessing technology to enable us to feed ourselves sustainably, with 92 percent of respondents believing that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems. • There is a near-universal recognition that we need a collaborative conversation and effort across the value chain, with 93 percent of respondents agreeing that we all must work together to create a better food system for the future. “Our industry is navigating extraordinary times, but the opportunities for positive impact are even more unprecedented,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Imagine what is possible when we all work toward the shared goals of providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies and replenishing the planet’s natural resources.” For more information and survey results, visit alltech.com/sustainability-insights.

Alltech

Tara McCarthy, global vice president for ESG at Alltech, presented initial findings of the Alltech Sustainability Insights report at Alltech ONE Dublin.

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Handsome Brook Farms launches Climate Smart Organic Egg Project NEW YORK — Handsome Brook Farms, a producer of organic pasture raised eggs, announces the official launch of the Climate Smart Organic Egg Project, an initiative made possible through a USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities grant. The project aims to reshape the future of sustainable agriculture and address climate challenges inherent to organic egg production, the company noted. Handsome Brook Farms, in collaboration with partners Costco Wholesale, Organic Voices, NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business, Soil Carbon Initiative, Grow Well Consulting, Curva and Associates, Love Just Works, and the University of Kentucky, will receive $3.6 million in federal funding over the 5-year project period. Handsome Brook Farms will provide $2.8 million in matching funds to the project, further solidifying its commitment to sustainability and regenerative practices on partner farms, the company added. This grant provides Handsome Brook Farms with a unique opportunity to advance the way organic eggs are produced, marketed, and consumed. One of the key outcomes of the Climate Smart Organic Egg Project will be developing a consumer-facing “Soil and Climate Health” on-pack label, in collaboration with Soil Carbon Initiative (SCI) and third-party verified by SCS Global Services. The Climate Smart Organic Egg Project not only enhances the quality of Handsome Brook Farms’ products but also extends its commitment to supporting

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their partner farms, the company said. Through the grant, the company plans to leverage its pasture management and direct on-farm investment programs, reinforcing the resiliency of partner farms across the country. This involves working collaboratively with farmers to implement climate-smart and regenerative farm plans that align with the “Soil and Climate Health” on-pack label claims. Projects under the Climate Smart Organic Egg Project will be tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each partner farm, fostering a flexible and adaptable approach to sustainability. These initiatives include: • Solar energy installations to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, lowering both costs and greenhouse gas emissions. • Energy-efficient lighting within barns to create energyefficient alternatives, reducing electricity consumption and environmental impact.

• Improved ventilation and manure management to reduce ammonia emissions and greenhouse gases, enhancing air quality and environmental sustainability. • Pasture enhancements that optimize land use and foster regenerative farming practices. • By implementing these climate smart projects on partner farms, Handsome Brook Farms aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally responsible supply chain for organic eggs. “Our Climate Smart Partnership grant will help Handsome Brook Farms continue improving the sustainability of our farms and empowers us to communicate climate-smart practices directly to consumers,” Jordan Czeizler, CEO of Handsome Brook Farms, said. “We are thrilled to work alongside our esteemed partners to champion a more sustainable agriculture system and drive consumer awareness for climate smart organic eggs.” “Green America is honored to collaborate with Handsome Brook Farms on their regenerative journey.” Alisa Gravitz, Green America’s CEO. “Verifying outcomes through our Soil Carbon Initiative, we’ll work together in the spirit of learning and continuous improvement for soil and climate health, resilient farms, nutritional

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benefits for families and beyond.” Partners will contribute to the project in the following ways: • Handsome Brook Farms will leverage its network of family farms and expertise in regenerative farming to develop sustainable, climate-friendly practices in connection with the grant. • Costco Wholesale will advance its Climate Action Plan and support climate-smart organic egg production. • Curva and Associates will monitor and analyze social, behavioral, and economic data of Climate Smart Organic Egg Project participants. • University of Kentucky, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering will work with Climate Smart Organic Egg Project participants to enhance the efficiency of in farm infrastructure and agricultural engineering within Climate Smart Organic Egg Project. • Soil Carbon Initiative will promote and verify on-farm regenerative practices through their Soil and Climate Health Initiative verification. • NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business will apply its Food and Agriculture Sustainability Strategies Framework and Return on Sustainability Investment (ROSI) methodology to quantify the benefits of the project’s sustainable agriculture practices to help drive adoption across supply chains. • Love Just Works will oversee grant management services for the project. • Organic Voices will enhance consumer education and support for climate-friendly organic products. • Grow Well Consulting will provide valuable resources to track key climate goals and foster sustainable practices in food and agriculture. As the project unfolds, Handsome Brook Farms will share updates and progress through various channels, including their website, which can be reached at https://handsomebrookfarms. com.

MARKETS

Broiler/Fryer Report USDA National Composite Weighted Average

Compiled by David B. Strickland, Editor 770-718-3442 dstrickland@poultrytimes.com

N ational Turkey Market: (Nov. 20): The market on frozen 8-16 lb. hens and 16-24 lb. toms was

steady with a steady to weak undertone. The fresh 8-16 lb. hen and 16-24 lb. tom market was mostly steady. Frozen offerings mixed, mostly light to moderate. Frozen domestic Grade A basted equivalent processor offering prices on a national basis for 8-16 lb. hens were 86¢-$1.24 fob and 16-24 lb. toms 86¢-$1.22 fob for current shipments. The fresh tom breast meat market was steady to instances weak due to the short holiday week processing schedules. The frozen tom breast market was steady to firm. The destrapped tenderloin market was mostly steady. The fresh wing meat with skin market was steady to firm, balance of fresh white trims mostly steady. Frozen white trims are steady with steady to weak undertones. White meat demand light to moderate. Fresh white trim demand light to moderate, frozen light at best. Offerings of fresh white meat and fresh white trims light to moderate with wing meat with skin tightest. Frozen tom breast meat offerings very light to light, frozen destrapped tenderloins light to moderate, and frozen white trims at least moderate. The market on 4-8 lb. breasts is steady to weak. Institutional sized breasts market mostly steady. The market on tom bulk parts was steady with a steady to firm undertone. Hen parts market steady. The thigh meat market was steady with steady to firm undertones. The fresh mechanically separated turkey market was steady to instances weak. The frozen MST market is steady to firm. Fresh demand slow for prompt shipment and light to moderate for post-Thanksgiving, frozen moderate, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service reports.

For week of: Nov. 17 For week of: Nov. 10

$1.13.67 $1.13.30

Majority (whole body) Eastern Region: New York: Central Region: Chicago: Western Region: Los Angeles:

Nov. 17 78¢--$1.36 95¢--$1.36 84¢--$1.39 84¢--$1.39 90¢--$1.49 94¢--$1.45

Negotiated prices in trucklot and less-than-trucklot quantities of ready-to-cook whole body broiler/fryers delivere d to first receivers; prices in cents per pound

Egg Markets USDA quotations New York cartoned del. store-door: Extra large, up 53¢ Large, up 53¢ Medium, up 71¢ Southeast Regional del. warehouse: Extra large, up 88¢ Large, up 92¢ Medium, up 79¢

N ational Broiler/Fryer Slaughter: Broiler: Estimated slaughter for week ending Nov. 18 was 157,156,000.

Nov. 7 $1.88--$1.92 $1.86--$1.90 $1.61--$1.65 Nov. 7 $1.35--$1.71 $1.27--$1.60 $1.18--$1.44

Nov. 20 $2.41--$2.45 $2.39--$2.43 $2.32--$2.36 Nov. 20 $2.23--$2.56 $2.19--$2.47 $1.97--$2.37

Turkey Markets

Actual slaughter for the week ending Nov. 11 was 158,124,000. Heavy-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Nov. 18 was 1,807,000. Actual slaughter for the week ending Nov. 11 was 1,638,000. Light-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Nov. 18 was 578,000. Actual slaughter for the week ending Nov. 11 was 599,000. Total: Nov. 18: 159,541,000; Nov. 11: 160,361,000.

Weighted avg. prices for frozen whole young turkeys Weighted average (cents/lb.) F.O.B. shipper dock National

Grain Prices

Week ending Nov. 17 (range) Hens (8-16 lbs.) Toms (16-24 lbs.)

OHIO COUNTRY ELEV. Oct. 24 Nov. 7 Nov. 20 No. 2 Yellow Corn/bu. $4.70 $4.14 $4.04 Soybeans/bu. $12.26 $12.79 $12.87 (Courtesy: Central Ohio Farmers Co-op, Marion, Ohio)

88-120 99-115

(weighted avg.) 105.94 105.79

Week ending Nov. 10 (weighted avg.) Hens (8-16 lbs.) 96.00 Toms (16-24 lbs.) 87.84

(Change) 9.94 17.95

Broiler Eggs Set/Chicks Placed in 19 States

EGGS SET (Thousands)

CHICKS PLACED (Thousands)

Oct. 14

Oct. 21

Oct. 28

Nov. 4

Nov. 11

Oct. 14

Oct. 21

Oct. 28

Nov. 4

Nov. 11

Del Fla Ga Ky La Md Miss Mo. N.C. Okla Pa S.C. Tex Va Other states

32,487 21,386 13,678 5,279 1,225 34,371 6,349 3,563 7,698 15,089 8,773 22,380 5,873 7,221 5,926 16,388 5,594 12,005

32,177 21,106 12,707 5,297 1,225 34,961 6,014 3,517 8,071 16,354 7,993 22,230 6,353 7,157 6,093 16,656 5,735 12,181

32,250 23,070 13,583 5,154 1,225 34,466 6,391 3,563 8,065 15,470 8,328 24,074 6,279 6,769 6,213 18,463 5,765 12,057

31,545 21,746 12,274 5,355 1,225 33,497 5,959 2,928 8,065 16,612 8,398 23,604 5,991 6,998 5,982 16,972 5,360 11,384

31,459 22,326 12,387 5,090 1,225 34,306 6,059 3,593 8,066 16,397 8,740 23,715 7,721 7,238 6,264 18,035 5,579 11,967

23,936 20,372 10,739 4,457 1,281 26,968 5,376 3,028 6,070 13,453 5,395 19,363 3,926 4,402 4,452 14,916 5,686 8,746

23,217 20,443 10,133 4,080 N/A 26,780 5,195 2,814 5,524 13,230 5,331 18,935 4,441 4,408 4,398 14,409 5,795 9,779

23,322 19,015 11,735 5,697 1,085 26,455 5,077 2,709 4,840 12,052 5,273 18,495 4,526 4,736 4,916 13,609 4,931 9,176

23,505 18,934 12,005 4,505 1,207 26,543 5,022 2,410 5,708 12,096 5,315 18,139 3,584 4,621 4,698 13,430 5,392 9,409

23,390 18,483 11,394 5,903 1,337 26,631 4,985 2,385 4,223 13,220 4,847 17,944 4,262 4,786 4,908 13,801 5,699 9,293

U.S. Total

225,285

225,827

231,185

223,895

230,167

182,566

178,912

177,649

176,523

177,491

Ala Ark

Ca,Tn,Wv

1/Current week as percent of same week last year.

Page 30 | Poultry Times

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