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10 | Poultry Market Intelligence Forum to provide industry outlook, food systems consumer insights 11 | U.S. sends first turkey shipment to India
14 | The National Chicken Council chooses Harrison Kircher as new president, CEO
Features
35 | Special discount offered to poultry growers to attend IPPE
37 | Meat Institute announces special IPPE 2025 programming on key industry topics
38 | IPPE 2025 announces ‘Young Leaders Under 30’ honorees
40 | Latin American Poultry Summit 2025 session topics announced
42 | AFIA Pet Food Conference to focus on industry trends and innovation
44 | NPFDA getting ready for its Annual Convention, Showcase in January
Exhibitor Directory
90 | Your handy guide to finding where each exhibitor will be stationed through the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo
Viewpoints
“Whether you are interested in genetics and incubation, live production, animal food and health or processing and packaging, you will find a vast display of equipment, supplies and services at the 2025 IPPE.” — Nath Morris | 12
48 | President Biden ‘pardons’ pair of turkeys at Thanksgiving presentation
IPPE 2025
Preparations are going strong for the upcoming IPPE 2025
DAVID B. STRICKLAND Poultry Times Editor dstrickland@ poultrytimes.com
Growers, service technicians, office personnel, students, researchers, and more are all gearing up to convene on Atlanta, Ga., for the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo.
This year will mark the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 77th annual International Poultry Expo; and it will also be the 13th annual event where the American Feed Industry Association’s International Feed Expo, and the Meat Institute’s International Meat Expo, all
join together to form the IPPE.
Held at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta, show days and times 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.
Already boasting more than 1,300 exhibitors and over 574,000 square feet of trade show exhibit space, as well as 80plus hours of educational programming offered throughout the week, the annual event will offer something for everyone in the poultry, meat, and feed industries.
“We’re excited to showcase an extensive range of solutions that attract in -
dustry leaders from around the world,” IPPE show management says. “These innovators are dedicated to business development, implementing best practices and staying competitive in today’s fast-paced market. We look forward to welcoming both our domestic and international attendees to the 2025 IPPE.”
“The 2025 IPPE will provide attendees with an opportunity to build relationships, discover new suppliers and vendors, and connect with colleagues from across the world, all in one location and at one time,” show management added. Registration is open for attendees and to reserve housing in Atlanta.
A view from a portion of the 2023 International Production & Processing Expo’s trade show floor at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. The Expo, to be held Jan. 28-30, 2025, will feature more than 574,000 square feet of exhibits, with over 1,300 exhibitors, 30,000-plus attendees, and more than 80 hours of educational programming, during the week-long event.
David Strickland Poultry Times
Also, for growers who plan to attend, look inside this issue of Poultry Times for the special Growers Coupon. Bring this with you to the IPPE registration area and receive the special onsite fee of $5. This is a discount of $130.
To stay informed and up to date with the most current trends and topics, IPPE 2025 will present more than 80 hours of education sessions.
Among the educational programs, the Meat Institute announces special programming on key industry topics, such as listeria control, artificial intelligence, packaging, automation, sustainability and more.
“At the biggest showplace and global platform for the meat and poultry industry, IPPE, we look forward to providing some of our most popular educational programming and tackling issues on the cutting edge of technology,” Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute president, said. “Make sure to register today so that you can take advantage of this in-person learning with leading experts.”
Some of these sessions presented by the Meat Institute are free with IPPE registration, and some require a separate fee to attend. For the complete listing of programs, visit www.meatinstitute.org.
The American Feed Industry Association will be presenting a special one-day education program regarding the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s regulatory processes. This session will be on Jan. 29, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The program is titled, “APHIS and Industry: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Importing/Exporting Animal Products.”
“This program promises to be an excellent learning opportunity for anyone who is importing into the United States, or preparing to export rendered products, animal-based feed or pet food,” Mallory Gaines, AFIA’s director of market access and multilateral affairs, said. “Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with APHIS staff and build stronger relationships with key regulatory contacts.”
AFIA adds that for those wishing to attend this session to register before Jan. 10 to receive an early rate.
And, on Jan. 28, AFIA will be hosting its annual Pet Food Conference at the IPPE.
“We are thrilled to bring together a dynamic lineup of speakers for this year’s Pet Food Conference,” Louise Calderwood, AFIA’s director of regulatory affairs, said. “The diverse agenda will provide attendees with insights on topics ranging from innovative marketing trends to important regulatory updates, ensuring everyone will gain valuable knowledge to navigate the everevolving pet food landscape.”
For international attendees visiting from
Latin American nations, the expo will again feature its annual Latin American Poultry Summit on Monday, Jan. 27. This day-long session is presented by IPPE, the International Poultry Expo, and the Latin American Poultry Association.
This year’s Latin American Poultry Summit is categorized into five sessions, which include food safety, genetics, grain management, breeding, and health.
IPPE will also again feature the Poultry Market Intelligence Forum on Jan. 29 from 9 a.m.-noon and is free for IPPE registered attendees.
Speakers for this year’s forum include: Mark Jordan, LEAP Market Analytics who will provide an economic update; Christian Richter, The Policy Group, will give a Washington update; and Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak with the International Food Information Council, who will speak on “Going the Distance: Engaging from Farm to Fork.”
For students, there is the annual College Student Career Program, which gives those who are seeking a career in the industry the opportunity to meet with company human resources managers, and to learn more about job offerings in the related fields.
This program has, for more than 50 years, been, “one of the largest career events of its kind for students seeking professions in the industry,” the IPPE notes. “Held annually during the International Production & Processing Expo, this program allows producer member companies of USPOULTRY and our IPPE partners (Meat Institute and AFIA) and allied companies to interview top students from many universities at one time, at one location. And such a large number of students offers an extensive variety of majors and qualifications.”
This three-day college student program is 100 percent funded by the USPOULTRY Foundation.
For scientists and researchers, the International Poultry Scientific Forum will be held during the IPPE on Jan. 27-28. The annual IPSF is sponsored by USPOULTRY, the Southern Poultry Science Society and the Southern Conference on Avian Diseases.
The forum will offer information on such topics as avian diseases, nutrition, physiology, processing, and environmental management. For more information about the IPSF, email Barbara Jenkins, USPOULTRY, at bjenkins@uspoultry.org.
More information about any aspect of the upcoming IPPE can be obtained at www. ippexpo.org.
AND — be sure to visit the Poultry Times booth at B 18029 and see all the new offerings we will be presenting at this year’s Expo! We look forward to seeing you!
IPPE 2025
Attendee registration and housing are open
ATLANTA — Attendee registration and general housing for the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is open. Attendees will experience the world’s largest annual display of technology, equipment, supplies and services used in the production and processing of eggs, meat and poultry, and those involved in animal food manufacturing.
Already, the 2025 IPPE has more than 574,000 square feet of exhibit space and 1,190-plus exhibitors. Be sure to register online to receive a discounted price of $85 through Jan. 10, 2025. Beginning Jan. 11, the registration rate is $135.
“We’re excited to showcase an extensive range of solutions that attract industry leaders from around the world. These innovators are dedicated to business development, implementing best practices and staying competitive in today’s fastpaced market. We look forward to welcoming both our domestic and international attendees to the 2025 IPPE,” IPPE show management notes.
The 2025 IPPE will provide attendees with an opportunity to build relationships, discover new suppliers and ven -
IPPE 2025 show dates/hours
• 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.
dors, and connect with colleagues from across the world, all in one location and at one time.
Sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association, Meat Institute and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the IPPE trade show floor will feature the latest solutions, technologies, research, processes, services and products available from the global animal food and protein industries. More than 80 hours of worldclass education programs will also be of-
fered throughout the week, along with numerous on-floor attendee activities and networking opportunities.
The “Members to Atlanta” (M2A) program allows qualified attendees from member companies of all three associations engaged in the production of poultry, eggs and meat for consumption, production of feed, and for pet food manufacturers, to attend complimentary. The program is supported through the sponsorship of elite IPPE exhibitors, which include Aviagen, CEVA Animal Health, Cobb-Vantress, Inc., Elanco Animal Health, Heat and Control, Kemin Industries, Inc., Soybean Meal Information Center and Zoetis.
“We thank these exhibitors for their generous support of the M2A program. The program allows IPPE to continue to grow attendance by attracting a global audience of meat, poultry, egg and animal food professionals,” IPPE show management, added.
IPPE will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. For more information and to register for the 2025 IPPE, visit ippexpo.org.
Poultry Market Intelligence Forum to provide industry outlook, food systems consumer insights
ATLANTA — The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association will host its annual Poultry Market Intelligence Forum at the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, Ga. This year’s forum will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, and is complimentary for all registered IPPE attendees.
The program will feature economic industry experts offering their insights on the current state of the global poultry industry and their forecasts for 2025. In addition, a food and nutrition expert will provide insight into identifying and ad-
dressing communication gaps related to food.
The speakers will highlight key challenges facing the poultry industry, explore how the U.S. and international poultry sectors are positioned for the future, and address misinformation, while promoting science, to advance the food systems dialogue from farm to fork.
The speakers and topics to be covered are:
• Economic Update, Mark Jordan, executive director, LEAP Markets Analytics
• 2025 Washington Update, Christian
Richter, principal, The Policy Group
• Going the Distance: Engaging from Farm to Fork, Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, president and CEO, International Food Information Council
IPPE will offer a series of complimentary educational programs in addition to the Poultry Market Intelligence Forum. IPPE will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center.
For more information and to register and reserve housing for the 2025 IPPE, visit ippexpo.org.
U.S. sends first turkey shipment to India
DAVID B. STRICKLAND Poultry Times Editor dstrickland@poultrytimes.com
WASHINGTON — Turkey is certainly taking centerstage this month, not only because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but because the first shipment of U.S.-grown turkey has been sent to India.
This export shipment stems from trade agreements and tariff reduction negotiations that began between the U.S. and India in 2023. This inaugural cargo contains turkey that was raised by the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative and left from the state’s Port of Virginia.
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), a co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, notes that this first shipment marks a historic milestone for international trade by placing more U.S. produced turkey into the global market.
“This shipment is a tremendous opportunity for Virginia’s poultry producers and a huge step forward for U.S.-India trade,” Warner said in a statement. “As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I look forward to the ongoing cooperation between our two nations and to seeing a wealth of new opportunities open up for Virginia’s poultry producers.”
“Our turkey producers have long been committed to providing safe, nutritious, and versatile protein options worldwide, and we’re excited to see Indian consumers experience
Virginia Port Authority photo Historic new trade opportunities have begun as the U.S. has sent its first shipment of U.S. grown turkeys from Virginia to India, a result of negotiations and high tariff reductions. This inaugural turkey cargo was recently sent from the Port of Virginia.
the exceptional quality of American turkey,” Leslee Oden, National Turkey Federation president and CEO, said. “This first shipment is a testament to the strength of U.S.-India trade relations and a reflection of our shared commitment to expanding food diversity and quality.”
This new era of trade with India comes from efforts in 2023, which preceded a U.S. visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as the G20 Leader’s Summit in New Delhi, India, where senators and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai worked to increase U.S. market access and to lower high tariff rates on such products as frozen whole turkeys, turkey parts and frozen duck.
“As a result of our work, U.S. agricultural producers and manufacturers will now enjoy renewed access to a critical global market and we will strengthen our trade relationship with one of our closest partners,” Tai said during the 2023 negotiations.
During the time when the India trade tariff reductions were announced, Greg Tyler, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council president and CEO, said,“We very much appreciate our government’s ongoing efforts to increase access for U.S. poultry and egg products in India. The lowering of tariffs on turkey meat and for some duck exports is a great success. We hope that in the future we are able to gain better access for chicken and to expand access for duck, as well, which can help to further address the protein needs of Indian consumers.”
This inaugural turkey shipment to India is also an export market boost to Virginia’s poultry producers. Virginia ranks as the sixth largest turkey producing state with approximately 14.5 million birds. Poultry provides about $13.6 billion in economic activity for the Commonwealth.
“Virgina turkey farmers are pleased to offer high quality, lean protein for export to India,” Hobey Bauhan, Virginia Poultry Federation president, said, “and we are grateful for those who facilitated this opportunity.”
John King, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative president, added that the cooperative, “. . . is excited to be part of this new market opportunity. We thank Senator Warner and the many dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality. Their efforts will directly benefit our nearly 200 independent grower owners.”
The Port of Virginia in Norfolk also announced earlier this year that it now provides shipment to the Indian Subcontinent.
“This is an important development because it gives exporters quicker access to the Indian Subcontinent, which is an up-and-coming market and an area that holds a lot of trade potential,” Stephen A. Edwards, Virginia Port Authority CEO and executive director, said. “There is a lot of interest and growing cargo volumes in this trade alone. This is an excellent opportunity for exporters of agricultural products . . . to quickly get their products to this area of the world.”
VIEWPOINT
POULTRY TIMES
Welcome to IPPE, a chance to connect with people and ideas in poultry industry
COMMENTARY BY
NATH MORRIS
USA Poultry & Egg Association
Nath Morris is president of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association headquartered in Tucker, Ga.
ATLANTA — Welcome to the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). We’re thrilled to be back in Atlanta once again! IPPE is comprised of three integrated trade shows — the International Poultry Expo, International Feed Expo and International Meat Expo — and is sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the American Feed Industry Association and the Meat Institute.
With more than 590,000 square feet of interactive exhibits representing 1,315+ exhibitors stretching across all four halls of the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), the 2025 IPPE will provide thousands of solutions to meet your business needs!
The exhibit floor is open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30. You are not going to want to miss the opportunity to connect with animal food, meat, poultry and egg industry professionals from around the world, attend world-class educational programs and see the newest technology. Whether you are interested in genetics and incubation, live production, animal food and health or processing and packaging, you will find a vast display of equipment, supplies and services at the 2025 IPPE.
Your IPPE registration unlocks hours of educational opportunities focused on animal welfare, operations, food safety, sustainability, increasing efficiency and profitability, and many other topics to enhance your bottom line. Led by industry experts, 80+ hours of education programs and workshops will be held Monday, Jan. 27, through Thursday, Jan. 30, and will focus on the latest insights, industry issues and best practices.
Among the programs scheduled during Expo week are the “International Poultry Scientific Forum,” “Latin American Poultry Summit,” “Pet Food Conference,” and the eagerly awaited “Poultry Market Intelligence Forum.” You will not want to miss these great programs, along with the accompanying 90+ TECHTalks, that will provide solutions for your company!
IPPE would like to provide a special thank you to our Elite Sponsors who make it possible for qualified attendees from member companies of all three associations engaged in the production of poultry, eggs and meat products, the production of animal feed, and for pet food manufacturers to attend complimentary. The Members to Atlanta
program (M2A) is supported through the sponsorship of the following exhibiting companies: Arm & Hammer, Booth A501; Aviagen Inc., Booth B7033; CEVA Animal Health, Booth B16009; Cobb, Booth B7007; Elanco Animal Health, Booth B25033; Heat and Control, Booth C37131; Kemin Industries Inc., Booth A1825 and C27155; US SOY, Booth A1813; US Soybean Export Council, Booth A1817; and Zoetis, Booth B19021. We deeply appreciate these companies’ ongoing support of the M2A program and encourage you to visit their booths to explore their latest products and services.
“Whether you are interested in genetics and incubation, live production, animal food and health or processing and packaging, you will find a vast display of equipment, supplies and services at the 2025 IPPE.”
The USPOULTRY Foundation will host the College Student Career Program, bringing together approximately 600 students from more than 40 universities and human resources personnel from industry and allied companies to interview for employment and internship opportunities. The three-day program is both time and cost-effective, as the companies can see so many students in one location. It is also an important investment in the poultry industry’s future.
Sponsored by the USPOULTRY Foundation and the Poultry Science Association Foundation, the Ph.D. and Vet Student Career Fair will also be held during the International Poultry Scientific Forum at IPPE. The target participants are post-doctoral, early Ph.D. and veterinary students particularly involving, but not limited to, technology-driven companies such as those in animal genetics, health, pharmaceuticals and nutrition. Both programs are part of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s continuing effort to encourage talented young people to become the industry’s leaders of the future.
Also sponsored by our USPOULTRY Foundation, many members of the National FFA make IPPE a must-attend event each year. You will see the signature blue corduroy jackets throughout the Expo floor.
Furthermore, our Foundation sponsors the attendance of the National Officer Candidates as well as the teams for the Poultry and Food Science Career Development Events. Please welcome these future industry leaders when you see them throughout the week.
In addition, IPPE’s “Young Leaders Under 30 Award” recognizes and celebrates young professionals between the ages of 21 and 29 who are starting their careers within the animal agriculture industry by excelling in their current positions.
IPPE is more than just an Expo floor — it’s an experience designed to equip you with valuable knowledge and resources to drive your business success. With a range of amenities, you can make the most of your time and fully immerse yourself in everything the Expo has to offer. Interactive product locators will help you find exhibitors, products and services. In addition, complimentary WiFi will be available throughout the entire GWCC, making it easy to stay connected. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Happy Hour from 4:15-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28. There will be complimentary drinks and live entertainment right on the Expo floor.
On behalf of our board, association partners, the exhibitors, program presenters, volunteers and thousands of attendees from across the globe, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your participation and support for our industries. Your involvement is instrumental in attracting leading companies to the Expo, as they recognize that industry leaders and key decision-makers will be in attendance to explore the latest technologies and innovations.
This dynamic exchange not only drives industry growth but also helps reinvest the proceeds from the Expo into vital areas such as research, education, communications and technical services — ensuring continued progress and development within the sector.
POULTRY TIMES
The National Chicken Council chooses Harrison Kircher as new president, CEO BUSINESS
WASHINGTON — The National Chicken Council’s Board of Directors announces that Harrison Kircher has been named NCC president and CEO, effective on Jan. 1, 2025.
“On behalf of the NCC Board of Directors, I congratulate Harrison on his appointment as the new President and CEO,” said NCC Chairman Bill Griffith, Peco Foods. “Harrison’s dedication, expertise and leadership have been evident throughout his time with the Council. We have complete confidence in his ability to guide us towards a successful future. His passion for our industry and commitment to our members make him the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to see the positive impact Harrison will undoubtedly have on our organization and stand ready to support him as he embarks on this new journey.”
Kircher has been a member of the NCC team for the past 13 years, first joining as an intern in 2011. He has spent time as a government affairs associate, manager, director and vice president on the legislative affairs team. Promoted to senior vice president of government affairs in 2021, his primary focus has been advancing NCC’s lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and educating members of Congress and their staffs on a range of policy issues including agriculture, appropriations, immigration, labor, energy and international trade.
Prior to joining NCC, Kircher worked in advertising at Ogilvy & Mather in New York and aided in Robert Hurt’s 2010 congressional campaign victory in Virginia. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 2009 and is a native of Pittsford, N.Y. Kircher resides in Arlington, Va.,
“I am especially confident in our future success given the very strong team around me at NCC. I look forward to the challenge and continuing NCC’s tradition of service and effective representation in Washington.”
with his wife, Amelia.
“I am honored to accept this position and the opportunity to continue working for the
chicken industry,” Kircher said.
“I am especially confident in our future success given the very strong team around me at NCC.
I look forward to the challenge and continuing NCC’s tradition of service and effective representation in Washington.”
Tyson Foods reports its 4Q and FY 2024 results
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods Inc. reports the following results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024.
Fiscal 2024 highlights:
• Sales of $53.309 billion, up 0.8 percent from prior year.
• GAAP operating income of $1.409 billion, up $1.804 million from prior year.
• Adjusted operating income of $1.820 billion, up 95 percent from prior year.
• GAAP EPS of $2.25, up $4.12 from prior year.
• Adjusted EPS of $3.10, up 131 percent from prior year.
• Total company GAAP operating margin of 2.6 percent.
• Total company adjusted operating margin (non-GAAP) of 3.4 percent.
• Cash provided by operating activities of $2.590 billion, up 48 percent from prior year.
• Free cash flow (non-GAAP) of $1.458 billion, up $1.645 billion from prior year.
Fourth quarter highlights include: Sales of $13.565 billion, up 1.6 percent from prior year; GAAP operating income of $525 million, up $988 million from prior year; adjusted operating income of $512 million, up 117 percent from prior year; GAAP EPS of $1, up $2.31 from prior year; adjusted EPS of 92 cents, up 149 percent from prior year; total Company GAAP operating margin of 3.9 percent; total company adjusted operating margin (non-GAAP) of 3.8 percent; liquidity of approximately $4 billion as of Sept. 28, 2024.
“We delivered significant improvement in profitability for the fourth quarter and full year. We also strengthened our financial position, with solid cash flow generation and a substantial reduction of our net leverage ratio,” Donnie King, Tyson Foods president and CEO, said. “Looking ahead, we are optimistic about our outlook and our ability to deliver long-term value to our shareholders. Our multi-protein, multi-channel portfolio, combined with our best-in-class team, iconic brands and focus on operational excellence positions us well for Fiscal 2025 and beyond.”
For fiscal 2025, the USDA indicates domestic protein production (beef, pork, chicken and turkey) should increase compared to fiscal 2024 levels, Tyson Foods noted, adding that USDA projects chicken production will increase approximately 3 percent in fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2024. The company anticipates adjusted operating income of $1 billion to $1.2 billion for fiscal year 2025.
Perdue Farms’ new liquid barge
‘Miss Madeline’ sets sail
SALISBURY, Md. — The “Miss Madeline,” an innovative new vessel within the Perdue AgriBusiness supply chain, was welcomed to the company’s hometown recently after completing its maiden voyage. In addition to being a milestone in Perdue Farms’ 104-year-old commitment to sustainability, the barge is named in honor of Madeline Perdue and her legacy as the beloved matriarch of the Perdue family.
The Miss Madeline reflects PAB’s ongoing efforts to improve supply chain efficiencies and revolutionize freight transportation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and easing road congestion, the company said, adding that, by replacing traditional truck and rail transportation methods, the barge exemplifies Perdue’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
“The Miss Madeline is more than just a barge — it’s a symbol of our enduring commitment to sustainability and innovation,” Perry Aulie,
Perdue AgriBusiness president, said.“As we honor the legacy of Madeline Perdue, we’re also embracing new logistics solutions that benefit both local agriculture and the environment.”
The Miss Madeline, with its divided cargo tanks, transported 4,500 tons or 9 million pounds of crude soybean oil in a single trip from PAB’s soybean crush plant in Chesapeake Va., via the Intercoastal Waterway, to its Salisbury Md., headquarters. That oil will be refined and then used in food applications in the northeast and southeast markets. Refined soybean oil is used for frying and is an important ingredient in salad dressings, sauces, and mayonnaise production.
Every shipment on this barge will remove the equivalent of 200 trucks from the busy roadways in Virginia and Maryland, while also reducing Perdue’s environmental footprint. The company projects the barge will eliminate more than 1.2 million truck miles driven every year, which equals an estimated 1,475 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
“My mom would be proud to see the ways our 104-year-old company keeps innovating,” Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms, said. “She loved Salisbury and the company, and naming this barge for her is a fitting tribute to her legacy.”
Elanco Animal Health reports third quarter 2024 results
GREENFIELD, Ind. — Elanco Animal Health Inc. reports its financial results for the third quarter of 2024, provided guidance for the fourth quarter of 2024, and tightened guidance for the full year 2024.
“Elanco’s expanding portfolio
supported our fifth consecutive quarter of underlying organic constant currency revenue growth in the third quarter, and we continue to expect 3 percent organic constant currency growth for the full year,” Jeff Simmons, Elanco president and CEO, said.“It’s exciting to see our Innovation, Portfolio and Productivity strategy come to life with new products driving growth, led by Experior®, Adtab and Zenrelia, and we expect this growth to accelerate to mid-single digits in 2025.”
“Our late-stage pipeline has largely moved into commercialization mode with the U.S. FDA approval and launch of Zenrelia, which is off to a great start in the U.S. and Brazil,” Simmons added. “Additionally, we received U.S. FDA approval for Credelio Quattro, positioning Elanco to bring positively differentiated products to the two largest pet health markets that will contribute to an expected return to growth for U.S. pet health in 2025. Finally, we continue to drive improved cash flow and deleveraging, finishing
the third quarter with net leverage at 4.3x, down 1.3x compared to June 30th aided by the proceeds from the aqua divestiture and debt paydown from operations, with continued deleveraging expected in 2025.”
In the third quarter of 2024, revenue was $1.030 billion, a decrease of 4 percent on a reported basis, or an increase of 1 percent when excluding the unfavorable impacts from the aqua divestiture and foreign exchange rates compared to the third quarter of 2023.
Farm Animal revenue was $530 million, a decrease of 6 percent on a reported basis, or an increase of 3 percent when excluding the unfavorable impacts from the aqua divestiture and foreign exchange rates, driven by a 3 percent increase from price, compared to the third quarter of 2023. Third quarter volumes were flat primarily driven by strength in U.S. cattle, led by Experior and Rumensin, and poultry sales in the U.S. and Europe, offset by lower demand for sheep products in Australia and planned volume declines from
the strategic decision to change go-to-market models in certain countries, as well as the European recall of Kexxtone.
Gross profit was $538 million, or 52.2 percent of revenue in the third quarter of 2024 with a 220-basis point decline in gross profit as a percent of revenue compared to the third quarter of 2023. The decline was primarily driven by higher inflation, unfavorable manufacturing performance, and product mix associated with the divested aqua business, partially offset by increased pricing. The year-over-year change in gross margin from reduced throughput at certain manufacturing sites was largely neutral.
Total operating expenses were $410 million for the third quarter of 2024. Marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 3 percent to $323 million, primarily driven by higher employee related expenses and increased expenses supporting the U.S. pet health business, partially offset by savings related to the company’s first quarter 2024 restructuring. Re-
search and development expenses increased 1 percent to $87 million.
Jennie-O teams up with ‘The Tonight Show’ in donating holiday turkeys
WILLMAR, Minn. — The makers of the Jennie-O® turkey brand announces its collaboration with NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” with whom they donated 15,000 whole frozen turkeys to Food Bank For New York City. In all, the Jennie-O brand team is donating more than 30,000 turkeys this holiday season. During an integrated segment on the Nov. 21 episode “The Tonight Show,” Jennie-O and the late-night talk show collaborated to create a memorable experience to celebrate giving and gratitude ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Nine semi-trucks containing Jennie-O turkeys were deployed from Minnesota to New York, where the turkeys were hand-delivered to Food Bank For New York City.
As part of the in-show moment, the Jennie-O team donated 15,000 whole frozen turkeys to Food Bank For New York City, an organization driven by its mission to empower every New Yorker to achieve food security for good. Food Bank For New York City also received 1,000 Hormel® CURE 81® hams from Hormel Foods to help feed thousands of New York families this holiday season.
“The Jennie-O turkey brand team is thrilled to collaborate with NBCUniversal and ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ to ensure that meals get to those in need during the holiday season,” Jeff Baker, group vice president, Retail Marketing at Hormel Foods. “This special time of year is about giving to others and showing gratitude, and we have a long-standing tradition of working with organizations throughout the country to provide turkeys to those in need. We hope to make this Thanksgiving a momentous holiday for tens of thousands of families by helping them share a meal with the
ones they love.”
“We could not be more grateful for this wonderful gift from our friends at the JENNIE-O® brand and ‘The Tonight Show,’” Leslie Gordon, president and CEO of Food Bank For New York City, said. “At a time when 1.3 million New Yorkers are facing food insecurity, including 1 in 4 children, this tremendous donation of 15,000 turkeys will help thousands of our neighbors celebrate the holidays with the dignity they deserve. Together, we’re not only delivering fresh food to New Yorkers in need — we’re delivering hope for a joyful holiday season!”
In addition to the 15,000 turkeys given to Food Bank For New York City, the makers of the Jennie-O are donating an additional 15,000 turkeys over the remainder of the holiday season, many of which feed families in its home state of Minnesota. On Nov. 15, in partnership with the Minnesota Wild, the Jennie-O donated 2,000 turkeys during a donation event in the Twin Cities. The following day, another 3,500 turkeys were handed
out during a drive-thru-style event — officially dubbed the Hometown Turkey Takeover — in Austin, Minn., the hometown of the brand’s parent company, Hormel Foods. Thousands of turkeys are also being gifted to local food banks and other philanthropic causes.
“We have a long history of giving back, and we’re proud of that,” Kim Anderson, senior manager of the Jennie-O brand, said. “The holidays are a time for family and friends to gather together, and many times, those gatherings take place around food. We are always striving to do our part to make sure we’re providing plenty of nutritious Jennie-O turkey products for people in need and helping them enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.”
For more about the Food Bank For New York City, visit www.foodbanknyc.org.
Gamers scramble their way through AEB’s ‘Tower of Eggs’ pop-up in Roblox gaming platform
CHICAGO — The American Egg Board announces the launch of a first-of-its-kind, in-game activation exclusively in Roblox, an immersive gaming and creation platform: a “Tower of Eggs” pop-up filled with a dozen delicious egg recipes.
Featured in popular Roblox obby (obstacle-course) games now through Feb. 5, 2025, it’s an “uneggspected” way for players to explore the unlimited potential of eggs to fuel their day — and gameplay.
With a challenge to make recipes like Sausage, Egg and Cheese RollUps and Ramen Carbonara, players will run, jump and duck their way through a four-level tower obstacle course, each representing a real egg recipe comprised of ingredients and kitchen tools needed to complete
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the dish. As they run the course, players can unleash power-ups by breaking open eggs and cracking into their amazing possibilities. When they reach success, players will be awarded limited-time player gear for their Roblox avatar wardrobe: egg-inspired accessories, of course, including sunny-side shades, “eggsplorer” helmet and yolk hero cape.
The Tower of Eggs pop-up will be appearing in the following games across Roblox:
• Duck Army (Nov. 26 – Dec. 10, 2024)
• Color or Die (Dec. 10 – 20, 2024)
• 1% Win Obby (Dec. 20, 2024 – Jan. 7, 2025)
• Ultimate Easy Obby (Jan. 7 – 21, 2025)
• Chill Obby (Jan. 21 – Feb. 5, 2025)
The Tower of Eggs pop-up from America’s egg farmers and “The Incredible Egg” is the latest extension of AEB’s “Meant to be Broken” campaign, empowering people to break the rules and routines, inside and outside the kitchen. The AEB’s target audience of Millennial and Gen Z consumers are enthusiastic gaming fans.
“We are excited to invite players to the Tower of Eggs pop-up, where they may be surprised their mission to master a basic cheese quiche is fun, easy and inspires their next meal,” Ed Hoffman, AEB vice president of marketing and communications, said.“By tapping into the fast-paced, challenging and entertaining Roblox platform, we are engaging a new generation of egg fans in an immersive and memorable moment.”
Sunny Choi, who made history as the first U.S. woman invited to compete in the global sport of breaking at the summer 2024 games and an “eggficionado,” befittingly appears as an NPC (non-playable character) delivering a message about breaking into the incredible power of eggs.
“Sunny guides players through the Tower of Eggs, sharing egg-related quips and cheering them on for every dish,” Hoffman said.
The Tower of Eggs marks the first-ever Roblox activation brought to players by a national commodity checkoff organization and was created in partnership with Talmont, a gaming planning and strategy consultant, and Super League, a creator and publisher of content experiences and media solutions across the world’s largest immersive platforms.
“Brands entering the gaming space are engaging in culture, creating experiences and building communities that transcend traditional marketing,” Steve Bava, strategy lead for Talmont, said. “The American Egg Board is leaning into gaming, a crucial shift for connecting eggs with the future.”
“The AEB was quick to recognize and embrace the power of tapping into the unbounded creativity that thrives within Roblox games,” Matt Edelman, Super League president and chief commercial officer, said. “It has been a pleasure to partner with the AEB to bring a modular content experience to life that will reach millions of players across so many popular titles on the platform.”
Players interested in fueling their IRL gameplay can explore the featured recipes and meal inspiration at https://meanttobebroken.org.
Wayne-Sanderson complex recognized for safe operations by N.C. Department of Labor
DOBSON, N.C. — Wayne-Sanderson Farms Dobson Complex safety program was recently applauded by North Carolina Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division, presenting the company both Silver and Gold awards during the department’s annual awards banquet.
The company’s Newton Feed Mill Facility received a Silver Award, while the Dobson Fresh Processing Facility and Elkin Hatchery Facility each received Gold Awards (2nd and 3rd consecutive years respectively).
The NCDOL OSHA Gold Awards are based on industry-standard DART rates covering injuries requiring days away from work or restricted activity/job transfers, while Silver Awards are based only on the number of cases with days away from work. Both awards highlight Wayne-Sanderson Farms efforts to improve and sustain workplace safety under the
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company’s Zero Accident Culture framework, driven by robust awareness, training and direct employee involvement.
“The culture we’ve developed is the key to our successful safety performance,” Travis Tilley, Dobson Complex safety manager, said. “We constantly train on safety being everyone’s personal responsibility, and managers and supervisors work hands-on with team members to find safer ways to work and make safety the top priority on every task.”
The state safety awards come on the heels of Dobson Complex and industry-wide recognition after the company’s 23 award showing during the recent Joint Poultry Industry Safety Recognition Awards banquet, with the Dobson Processing and Hatchery facilities receiving Awards of Honor and Awards of Distinction respectively.
• Corporate Responsibility Report
Wayne-Sanderson Farms also announces the release of its 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, offering a comprehensive look at the company’s commitment to the well-being of its team members, environmental stewardship, responsible care of animals, and delivery of safe and delicious food to millions of families worldwide.
“Our 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report reflects our first full fiscal year as a unified force following the merger of Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms, which has been a remarkable journey thanks to the dedication of our 26,000 employees and over 2,000 farm partners,” said Clint Rivers, Wayne-Sanderson Farms president and CEO, said. “As the nation’s third largest poultry producer, we recognize and embrace our role in shaping a better future. This commitment is central to achieving Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ vision of being the amazing poultry company, recognized as the partner of choice by our customers, coworkers, farmers and communities.”
The report delves into the four guiding pillars of Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ approach: People, Planet, Animals, and Food. Each pillar represents a key aspect of the Company’s strategy, collectively offering a de-
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tailed review of how Wayne-Sanderson Farms strives to be a responsible leader in the poultry industry.
For the complete report, visit https://waynesandersonfarms.com/wpcontent/uploads/2024/09/WS-2024-CR-Report-Web.pdf.
ProEgg Cooperative announces Greg Bilobran as new CEO
AURORA, Colo. — ProEgg, a farmer-owned cooperative of egg producers with farms across the United States, recently named Greg Bilobran as the organization’s new chief executive officer. With more than 22 years of experience in strategic planning, operations, finance, supply chain and logistics, Bilobran will lead the cooperative through improving cash conversion for ProEgg’s members, enhancing logistics and business operations, and creating raving fans through a customer-centric approach, the group announced.
“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Greg as ProEgg’s new CEO,” Ross Dean, ProEgg board member and senior vice president of sales at Versova, said. “With a proven track record, Greg brings deep expertise in driving operational efficiency and leading successful teams within the food and agriculture sector. We look forward to his guidance in driving our vision forward to transform ProEgg into a leading force within the egg industry.”
Before joining ProEgg, Bilobran held senior leadership positions at renowned companies, including Ashley Furniture, Rembrandt Foods, Illinois Tool Works and former Dean Foods. In his most recent role as the vice president of logistics solutions at Ashley Furniture, he transformed the transportation division into a growth-focused carrier for hire, significantly expanding its operations and capabilities.
Prior to that, Bilobran served as the corporate controller at Rembrandt Foods, an egg processor company based in Iowa, which offers traditional eggs and a variety of egg products. He also worked as a division controller at Buehler, a leading supplier of scientific equipment and supplies for material analysis and quality control – with a specific emphasis on a customer-focused culture.
Bilobran’s extensive experience in driving operational efficiency, cost reduction and value creation have helped to make him a successful leader within the industry and provided him with a unique vision for the farmer cooperative.
“I am honored to step into the role of CEO and to build upon the success of the cooperative,” Bilobran said. “I am excited about the journey ahead and am committed to leveraging my operational expertise to drive growth, profitability and sustainability for the organization while creating lasting value for our members and customers.”
For more information about the cooperative, visit https://proegg.com.
Maple Leaf Foods reports its third quarter 2024 results
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has reported its financial results for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2024, and provided an update on its new tax-free structure for the spin-off of its pork business, to be known as Canada Packers.
“In the third quarter of 2024, we made significant strides in executing our strategic playbook, achieving strong results in a challenging consumer landscape,” Curtis Frank, Maple
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Leaf Foods president and CEO, said. “Our sales increased by 1.8 percent, driven by over 3 percent growth in our prepared meats business, while adjusted EBITDA rose to $141 million.”
“These results reflect our continued investment in our market-leading brands, our leadership in sustainable meats, and alignment with our customers’ strategies, as we expanded retail market share and demonstrated growth in our Food Service portfolio,” Frank added. “These factors, together with improving pork market conditions and the benefits from our capital projects, fueled a 9.1 percent year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA.
“With our business performance strengthening, our large-scale capital programs complete, and our disciplined approach to capital management, we generated an increase of $65 million in free cash flow during the quarter. This has accelerated the rapid deleveraging of our balance sheet, achieving a 3.1x Adjusted EBITDA to net debt ratio at the end of Q3. Looking forward, we anticipate continued progress in the fourth quarter and remain confident in our 2024 outlook.”
“We continue to be very excited about the benefits of the spin-off of our pork business, and the future of Maple Leaf Foods and Canada Packers as independent, public companies,” Frank said. “The prospect of executing the transaction as a tax-free spin-off is a positive development as we continue to advance our strategy to unlock value and unleash the potential of these two unique and distinct businesses.”
• Third quarter highlights
EBITDA grew to $141 million, a 9.1 percent increase from the third quarter of last year, with adjusted EBITDA margin increasing from 10.4 percent to 11.2 percent for the same period.
Sales were $1.26 billion for the third quarter, compared to $1.238 billion for the same period last year, an increase of 1.8 percent. Sales in Prepared Foods increased 2 percent. Within Prepared Foods, prepared meats and plant protein increased by 3.1 percent and 1.1 percent respec-
tively, which were partially offset by a decline in poultry of 0.9 percent, compared to the same period in the prior year. Sales in the Pork operating unit increased by 1.1 percent compared to last year.
Earnings for the third quarter of 2024 were $18 million (14 cents per basic share) compared to a loss of $4 million (4 cents loss per basic share) last year.
Capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2024 were $26 million compared to $50 million in the third quarter last year, consistent with the company’s focus of disciplined capital management, and reflecting the completion of its large capital projects.
• Two independent public companies
On July 9, 2024, Maple Leaf Foods announced plans to separate into two independent public companies through the spin-off of its pork business.
Since the announcement of the spin-off, the company has made significant strides in executing the work necessary for a successful separation of the two businesses, including continuing to assess its ability to achieve a more tax efficient outcome, the company said, adding that it has identified a structure that would allow it to implement the spin-off through a tax-free “butterfly reorganization.”
Maple Leaf Foods adds that it continues to expect that the transaction will be completed during 2025, however, the completion of the spin-off under the new structure is subject to the receipt of an advance tax ruling from the Canada Revenue Agency. As a result, Maple Leaf expects that the closing of the transaction will be delayed beyond the company’s original expectations.
On Oct. 10, 2024, Maple Leaf Foods unveiled that Canada Packers Inc. will be the name of the separated pork business, honoring the history and legacy of this iconic brand, as well as reflecting the vision for the future of Canada Packers once it is established as a new independent, public company.
Cargill transforms Singapore Innovation Center to meet consumer trends
SINGAPORE — To advance innovation and further contribute to Asia’s vibrant food ecosystem, Cargill is bolstering the capabilities of its Singapore Innovation Center, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore.
Expected to be completed by early 2025, the enhancements will enable Cargill to better collaborate with its food manufacturing, foodservice and retail customers in Singapore and across the region to develop innovative foods that meet Asian consumer trends. By establishing and augmenting new and existing innovation capabilities, as well as strengthening external innovation with customers, suppliers and other partners, the transition of the center will also provide opportunities for customers to grow and expand, be it locally, regionally or globally, by leveraging Cargill’s extensive network and regional strength.
Have shortened
According to Cargill’s 2024 proprietary APAC TrendTracker study, health and wellness are top of mind for Asian consumers when making diet and lifestyle choices. At the same time, consumers also enjoy indulging in food and beverages while seeking guilt-free pleasures, novelty and elevated sensory experiences. Last but not least, the rise of the middle-class across Asia with consumers enjoying greater spending power while also wanting more convenience in their busier lives is driving strong growth in the foodservice and HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant,
Café/Catering) sectors as dining out, takeaways and food deliveries become increasingly popular.
To meet the booming demand in foodservice and for indulgent products in the categories of bakery, chocolate confectionery, ice-cream and café-style beverages, especially in Asia which is home to 60 percent of the global population and fastest-growing middle class, Cargill’s upgraded innovation center in Singapore will include new capabilities such as:
• A reimagined foodservice and bar space that allows for lively interaction, creativity and co-creation with customers. Cargill’s team of chefs and baristas will also be on hand to create and promote innovative product concepts.
• An expanded kitchen with a modular layout and the latest equipment to demonstrate culinary techniques and facilitate engagement with foodservice customers, enhancing the end-to-end process from ideation to application.
• A Chocolate Academy where chefs and culinary experts support customers with product co-creation, showcase application of chocolate gourmet solutions, conduct training, and craft new recipes for the hotel, restaurant and catering sector.
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• A Product and Process Development Lab focusing on the development and application of functional or integrated solutions like pectin and modified starches for use in foodservice and indulgent creations, improving taste and texture of bakery fillings, cookies, sauces and dressings.
• A team of chefs, sensory scientists and food technologists working together, marrying art with science to drive solutions for foodservice, bakery and confectionery customers.
“Within the region and globally, Singapore has an undisputed reputation as a leading food innovation hub, thanks to the abundance of talent, advanced technologies and supportive regulatory policies,” Florian Schattenmann, Cargill’s chief technology officer and vice president of
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R&D and innovation, said. “We are confident that these updates to our Singapore Innovation Center will expand and strengthen our suite of innovation capabilities and enable Singapore, Cargill and our customers to remain at the forefront of food innovation. Together, we will connect the regional food ecosystem, creating the high quality and novel foods and beverages which Asian consumers want to enjoy.”
“Cargill’s revitalized Innovation Center reinforces Singapore’s position as the hub for agrifood innovation in Asia, driving the development of next-generation food products for the region and the world,” Lim WeyLen, executive vice President of the Economic Development Board, said. “Cargill’s investment deepens Singapore’s capabilities in cutting-edge food innovation and nutrition research, creating exciting career opportunities for Singaporeans.”
“Cargill’s latest investment in the Singapore Innovation Center to meet evolving food preferences of Asian consumers adds to Singapore’s strength as a trade and innovation hub for regional and global solutions,” Lee Pak Sing, Enterprise Singapore’s assistant managing director for trade and connectivity, said. “As part of Trade2030 strategy, EnterpriseSG will continue to partner global companies like Cargill to expand their activities in Singapore across the value chain.”
In addition to Singapore, Cargill operates three other Innovation Centers in Asia, namely in Shanghai, Beijing and Gurgaon. Serving as critical innovation hubs for local and regional markets, these centers enable end-to-end food innovation, from development to application, the company added.
FSIS announces leadership changes
WASHINGTON — The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announces changes to the agency’s leadership team. These changes reflect the agency’s continual effort to protect public health through science-
based regulation, strong enforcement, and advancement of its prevention-first approach to eliminating foodborne illness.
Dr. Denise Eblen, currently FSIS’ assistant administrator for the Office of Public Health Science, has been named agency administrator. As assistant administrator for the Office of Public Health Science since 2018, Eblen has led the agency’s scientific analysis, including oversight of FSIS laboratories and testing of regulatory samples, risk assessment, and outbreak investigation and response. Drawing from her 25 years of experience at USDA, she will continue to steer FSIS in its efforts to use science-based decision making to modernize the agency’s inspection strategies, policies, and approaches to improve public health, the department noted.
In addition to her work with FSIS, Eblen has held roles with USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service.
Eblen holds a bachelor of science degree in human nutrition from the University of Ulster at Coleraine in Northern Ireland, a master of science degree in food science from Queen’s University, Belfast, in Northern Ireland, and a Ph.D. in food safety microbiology from the University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Northern Ireland.
Paul Kiecker will take on the role of assistant administrator in the Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit, where he will apply his experience with the agency and his leadership capabilities to head FSIS’s investigation, enforcement, and audit functions.
Kiecker has served FSIS for more than 30 years, beginning as a food
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inspector in 1988 and most recently serving as administrator. His previous roles include experience across the Office of Field Operations and as a compliance investigator and supervisory compliance investigator with the Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit. Kiecker has advanced the agency’s workforce recruitment effort and engagement with FSIS’ large team of field employees, among other key priorities, USDA noted.
“Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience with FSIS, expertise in different aspects of the agency’s mission, and a personal commitment to protecting public health by ensuring a safe food supply,” said Dr. Emilio Esteban, USDA undersecretary for food safety. “I am honored to work alongside them, and I look forward to seeing the path they will chart forward to advance food safety in the days and years to come.”
These leadership changes are effective as of Dec. 9, 2024.
Jarrett Foods announces personnel additions
CANON, Ga. — Jarrett Foods, a custom poultry processing solutions provider, has named Chantel Carrillo as its new quality assurance manager.
With nearly two decades of experience in quality control within the food processing industry, Carrillo brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chantel Carrillo to the Jarrett Foods team,” Terry Willis, Jarrett Foods president, said. “Her extensive experience and expertise in quality control will be invaluable as we continue to provide our customers with the industry’s highest quality custom poultry products.”
Carrillo’s background includes working with several large food pro-
cessing companies, where she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to maintaining the highest quality and safety standards. Her dedication to excellence earned her certifications in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACP) and Safe Quality Food (SQF), the company noted.
As quality assurance manager, Carrillo will oversee and implement quality control measures throughout the poultry processing operation. Her primary focus will be ensuring that all products meet or exceed industry standards while adhering to strict regulatory guidelines.
Jarrett Foods also announces that it has named Jesus (Chuy) Rivas its maintenance manager. Rivas brings a decade of experience to his new role at Jarrett Foods.
“Chuy will play a key role in keeping our equipment running, training employees on operating our equipment, and optimizing our production efficiencies throughout our operations,” Heath Jarrett, Jarrett Foods CEO, said. “We are excited to have him join the Jarrett Foods team.”
As maintenance manager, Rivas will oversee onsite installations, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing of all processing equipment at Jarrett Foods. One of Rivas’ key responsibilities will be training employees to operate and maintain equipment properly and ensuring that all staff members are well-versed in equipment handling, the company said.
For more information, visit https://jarrettfoods.com.
Chicken Salad Chick opens first location in Kansas City market
ATLANTA — Chicken Salad Chick announces the opening of its first store in Lee’s Summit, Mo., on Dec. 10.
Chicken Salad Chick of Lee’s Summit is owned and operated by Kendra and Alan Greenwood. The Greenwoods were introduced to Chicken Salad Chick through their son, who first discovered the brand’s Southern style, made from scratch offerings while away at college. From their first bite, the Greenwoods knew Chicken Salad Chick would become a staple on their dinner table and they found themselves requesting delivery orders from their son whenever they would have friends and family over, the company said.
“We’ve been fans of Chicken Salad Chick for years, and we are so excited to finally bring the delicious brand to our neighborhood,” Kendra Greenwood said.“From the second we tried it; we fell in love! Knowing how obsessed with The Chick we were, our son submitted our information for franchising opportunities. As we began to learn more about the mission and value of Chicken Salad Chick, we knew that this was our calling and next life adventure.”
With a combined background in management and administration, the Greenwoods bring more than 20 years of leadership and expertise to their new opening in Lee’s Summit. Alan Greenwood served in the U.S. Army for 10 years, and then dedicated his career to working in the healthcare industry. Kendra has since left her previous role to focus solely on Chicken Salad Chick. As franchise owners, Kendra and Alan look forward to growing their business and plan to open additional locations in Liberty/North
Carrillo
Rivas
Kansas City and Blue Springs, Mo., in the future.
“We’re thrilled to see Chicken Salad Chick continue to grow in Missouri with the opening of our first location in Lee’s Summit, introducing our brand to the Kansas City market,” Scott Deviney, Chicken Salad Chick president and CEO, said. “Kendra and Alan have been exceptional partners in this undertaking, marking our first location in such an important and vibrant city. Their passion and enthusiasm for Chicken Salad Chick is contagious and we’re excited to see all that they’ll accomplish in the future.”
The new Lee’s Summit restaurant offers in-restaurant and outdoor patio dining, take-out, third-party delivery, and catering options.
Chicken Salad Chick also notes the importance of giving back to worthwhile causes throughout the year, with the CSC Foundation raising money for local food banks and CURE Childhood Cancer. With the Lee’s Summit opening, the local team will be supporting Hillcrest Transitional Housing as part of its pre-opening Friends & Family events. Hillcrest Transitional Housing is a Kansas City based non-profit that offers support to individuals and families affected by homelessness as they transition into self-sufficiency.
Tyson offering Dallas Cowboys nuggets
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Dallas Cowboys fans can catch America’s football team on their TV screen and make them part of holiday celebrations with the introduction of new Tyson® Dallas Cowboys Nuggets, the company announced. Tyson Foods notes that it is also inspiring even more team pride through a $1 donation to The Salvation Army for every purchase of the Tyson Dallas Cowboys Nuggets throughout the holiday season, up to $100,000.
Fans can purchase Tyson Dallas Cowboys Nuggets at local retailers and club stores, where available, and at AT&T Stadium during home games.
Tyson Foods continues to ramp up its innovation engine to deliver products for football’s most loyal fans, the company added. Coming
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off the heels of its Tyson Razorback Nuggets, the company is heading to the NFL with the introduction of these new nuggets, which are shaped like the iconic star that represents the Dallas Cowboys.
“We’re getting into the game this holiday season and we’re eager to give fans an opportunity to show their Cowboys spirit with new Tyson Dallas Cowboys Nuggets,” Donnie King, Tyson Foods president and CEO, said. “Tyson Foods is thrilled to partner with the iconic Dallas Cowboys and give back to the fans and community with support for The Salvation Army during this season of giving.”
Tyson Foods and Dallas Cowboys have enjoyed a long-standing relationship as two family-owned iconic American brands, the company said, adding that, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones and the late Don Tyson formed a close friendship of mutual respect and admiration, and the launch of this partnership is meaningful to both families.
“It is an honor to be partners with industry leaders like Tyson Foods and we have so much respect and appreciation for the way the Tyson family has delivered decades of excellence,” Jones said.“Everyone knows that good food and football go hand in hand, so we hope the Tyson Dallas Cowboys Nuggets find a place on gameday menus across the region. Being able to now offer our fans another way to fuel their fandom,
while also benefiting The Salvation Army, is a winning play for all of us.”
Build-A-Bear, KFC
unveil a limited-edition plush collection
ST. LOUIS — Build-A-Bear Workshop has teamed up with KFC® on a new “collaBEARation,” available now. This mashup of comfort
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plush and comfort food is playfully inspired by KFC’s classic red-and-white striped bucket, the companies announced.
Launching just in time to celebrate togetherness during the holiday season, this unique collection combines Build-A-Bear’s signature creative, interactive fun with KFC’s rich tradition of comfort food and family meals, the companies added.
The collection, available exclusively at BuildA-Bear workshops and online at www.buildabear.com, will feature limited-edition outfits and accessories inspired by KFC, including:
• KFC Bucket Costume: Take your love of KFC to new heights with this charming KFC bucket costume for your furry friend, who will look adorable nestled inside. It’s a finger lickin’ fun way to share your love of fried chicken, making it the ultimate gift for KFC fans.
• KFC Plush Chicken Wristie: Your bear won’t go hungry with this adorable KFC chicken wristie, a plush chicken leg that attaches to their paw — perfect for satisfying those imaginary cravings.
• KFC Pajama Outfit: The two-piece pajama set features a KFC onesie and chicken leg slippers, bringing crispy comfort to bedtime.
Whether you’re surprising the fried chicken lover in your life or treating yourself to a memorable collectible, this collaboration brings the best of both brands to the table and is rooted in a shared commitment to serve everyone joy through heartwarming experiences, the companies said.
“This collection is a blend of creativity, nostalgia, and fun that unites fans of both iconic brands in an unexpected way,” Sharon Price John, Build-A-Bear Workshop president and CEO, said. “It’s all about delivering playful, memorable experiences — served up with a side of KFC’s signature comfort. Together, we’re bringing two beloved passions — customization and comfort food — to the table in a whole new way.”
Special discount offered to poultry growers to attend IPPE
ATLANTA — Poultry growers are invited to attend the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) for a special onsite registration fee of only $5, offering an excellent savings of $130! This program is open to U.S. residents only.
“We highly encourage poultry growers to take advantage of this opportunity to attend IPPE at such a great price. They will have access to 1,190+ exhibitors showcasing a wide range of business solutions and services across more than 574,000 square feet of exhibit space,” IPPE
show organizers said. “Attending IPPE provides an opportunity to discover new suppliers and vendors, network and connect with your friends and colleagues, all in one location. Do not miss out - join us in Atlanta to experience the 2025 IPPE!”
IPPE will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga., from Jan. 28-30, 2025. Poultry growers can attend IPPE on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Registration will begin each morning at 7 a.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young
International Blvd., in downtown Atlanta. A completed registration form and a 2025 Grower Days coupon are required. Registration forms will be located at the Expo and should be completed onsite.
Coupons are available through state poultry organizations, as well as this issue of Poultry Times.
IPPE 2025 show dates/hours:
• 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.
Meat Institute announces special IPPE 2025 programming on key industry topics
ATLANTA — The Meat Institute is offering special programming featuring key industry topics including sustainability, listeria control, packaging, automation, artificial intelligence and more at the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo, Jan. 27-29 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.
“At the biggest showplace and global platform for the meat and poultry industry, IPPE, we look forward to providing some of our most popular educational programming and tackling issues on the cutting edge of technology,” Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute president, said. “Make sure to register today so that you can take advantage of this in-person learning with leading experts.”
The following programs may be added to IPPE registration:
Every day, ready-to-eat manufacturers face the challenge of controlling Listeria monocytogenes to ensure the safety and quality of their products. This workshop, led by industry experts, offers a practical approach to addressing this challenge. By sharing real-world examples, the workshop will cover essential topics like process control, sanitation, environmental monitoring, and corrective actions. Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to implement in their own facilities, helping them stay compliant with regulations and maintain the highest standards of food safety.
• Jan. 27, 2025, 1-5 p.m., Meat Institute Foreign Material Workshop (Registration Fee: $299)
Sponsored by FlexXRay, this workshop will provide an in-depth update on foreign material prevalence, detection and mitigation in the meat and poultry industries. Attendees will gain close access to experts and technology related to foreign material detection and prevention and have the opportunity to review the Meat Institute Foreign Material Maturity Model, taking home tools to evaluate their organization’s continuous improvement efforts.
The Meat Institute’s Automation & Artificial Intelligence Workshop offers the opportunity to learn from leading industry and academic experts about how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation drive transformational change in efficiency, safety, animal welfare, and environmental goals in the meat and poultry industry. This workshop
will set the stage for your experience on the IPPE show floor and provide new perspectives on how you can incorporate AI and automation in your business.
• Jan. 29, 2025, 9-10 a.m., Strength Through Support: Women’s Employee Resource Groups: Shaping the Meat & Poultry Industry (Registration Fee: free)
Participate in a timely discussion on how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a critical role in supporting, empowering, and advanc-
ing women. A panel of experts will explore the transformative impact of women-led ERGs, offering insights into how these groups create inclusive work environments, foster mentorship and leadership development, and support career growth. Industry leaders and ERG champions will discuss best practices for building successful groups, overcoming challenges unique to women in the field, and how ERGs can drive long-term change in organizational culture. Whether you are looking to start or strengthen an ERG, this session will provide practical strategies for supporting women and ensuring they thrive in the meat and poultry sector.
• Jan. 29, 2025, 11 a.m.-noon, Emerging Innovations in Sustainable Plastic Packaging for Meat & Poultry: Driving Industry Change (Registration Fee: free)
As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, the meat and poultry supply chain faces increasing pressure to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Sponsored by North American manufacturer Lucid Corp, this session will provide cutting edge information on advancements in sustainable plastic packaging solutions designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality and safety. Join us as our expert panelists explore the latest innovations in 100% recyclable sustainable packaging.
Registration for these programs is through IPPE registration, visit https://ippexpo.org.
IPPE 2025 announces ‘Young Leaders Under 30’ honorees
ATLANTA — The International Production & Processing Expo announces the 2025 “Young Leaders Under 30” honorees. The Young Leaders Under 30 Award recognizes emerging leaders in the industry. The award offers recipients a chance to gain visibility at the world’s largest annual trade show focused on the production, packing and processing of meat, poultry and egg products, as well as animal feed and pet food.
The IPPE Young Leaders Under 30 Award honorees for 2025 include:
• Sarah Ballard, Wayne-Sanderson Farms
• Ryan Baltrus, OSI Group
• Lesleigh Beer, Simmons Pet Food
• Alea Belflowers, Ralco Nutrition
• Bradi Bohlke, Ag State
• J’len Buffington, Perdue Agribusiness
• Nelson Coates, Case Farms
• Gilberto Contreras, Claxton Poultry Farms
• Charlie Coufal, Cal-Maine Foods
• Jerri Dumke, Buckhead Meat of Florida
• Audrey Flett, American Foods Group
• Katlyn Garcia, Mountaire Farms
• Phoebe Gray, Rose Acre Farms
• Doster Harper, Rose Acre Farms
• Josh Holler, Instinct Pet Food
• Corey Hurst, Swaggerty Sausage Co.
• Tyler James, Wayne-Sanderson Farms
• Jessica Johnson, Tyson Foods
• Rebecca Jones, Aviagen Inc.
• Neena Kao, Wayne-Sanderson Farms
• Victoria Kucera, Perdue Farms
• Madison Mann, Clemens Food Group
• Marissa Montez, Western Milling LLC
• Laura Motsinger, Hill’s Pet Nutrition
• Ashling Murphy, Mountaire Farms
• Brandon Myers, FPL Food
• Mary Parent, Perdue Farms
• Taylor Price, Simmons Foods
• Zymec Ramsey, Perdue Farms
• Bobby Sanders, Peco Foods
• Robert Schrecongost, Perdue Foods
• Joseph Sonderman, Greater Omaha Packing Co.
• Joy Sparks, Pilgrim’s
• Davis Swenson, Fieldale Farms
• Tyler Trussell, Wayne-Sanderson Farms
• Abby Turner, Fieldale Farms
• Kallie Unowsky, OSI Group
• Diamond Watson, Harrison Poultry
IPPE organizers also noted their thanks to all applicants for participating in the Young Leaders Under 30 Award application process.
“It is important that we recognize and acknowledge the visionaries of tomorrow’s global animal food and protein industries,” IPPE management said.
The selected recipients will enjoy complimentary access to the Expo, IPPE-assigned complimentary hotel accommodations for Tuesday and Wednesday nights, access to all non-fee-based educational programs and registration for one paid educational program offered at IPPE. They will also receive a VIP tour of the trade show floor breakfast with a keynote speaker, a plaque recognizing their status as a “Young Leader” presented in the Discovery Zone Booth B43023 on the Expo floor at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and complimentary registration to the 2026 IPPE.
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Latin American Poultry Summit 2025 session topics announced
ATLANTA — Poultry industry experts at the 2025 Latin American Poultry Summit will present information on factors that affect the efficient marketing of poultry farming. The program is organized into five sessions – grain management, food safety, genetics, breeding and health – and will take place on Monday, Jan. 27. The Summit is presented by the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), and the Latin American Poultry Association.
The summit will kick off with an opening session featuring two distinguished speakers, followed by an engaging panel discussion. Dr. Carlos Campadabal, professor of grain science and industry, Kansas State University, will launch the event with his presentation titled, “Grain Characteristics Required for Intensification and Efficiency of Feed Mills,” setting the stage for an insightful day. He will be followed by Dr. Wilmer Pacheco, associate professor and extension specialist, Auburn University, who will discuss “Particle Size Management in Concentrated Feeds.”
Attendees will then dive into the food safety section, led by Dr. Juanfra DeVillena, senior vice president, Wayne-Sanderson Farms. He will present on the topic, “Salmonella Regulations in the U.S. and Their Impact on the National
Chicken Supply.” Following this, Dr. Jorge Amado, regional technical manager, Aviagen; Dr. Alberto Torres, veterinary export manager, Cobb-Vantress; and Mr. Thomas Dixon, global product manager, Hy-Line International, will guide listeners through the genetics session with their discussion titled, “How is Declining Fertility in Breeders Being Managed? What’s New in Layer and Broiler Genetics and How Will it Impact Production in the Next 3-5 Years?” This segment will conclude with a panel dis-
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cussion further exploring the topics.
The summit will wrap up with two final sessions focused on breeding and health. Mike Czarick, agricultural Extension specialist at the University of Georgia, will open the breeding session with his talk on “Improvements in Ventilation Management,” followed by Dr. Yari Lucerna, consulting veterinarian, presenting on the “Key to the Rearing of Laying Poultry within the Framework of Cage and Cage-Free Production.” The session will also conclude with a panel discussion.
In the health session, Dr. Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, professor, faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Montreal in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, will start with a discussion titled, “Practical Biosecurity for All Poultry Sectors.” He will be followed by Dr. James Karkashian Cordoba, professor at the School of Biology and researcher in Molecular Biology and Animal Nutrition, University of Costa Rica, who will present on, “Identification and Molecular Analysis of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Implementation of Aerobiological Methodologies for the Detection and Characterization of Respiratory Viruses in Poultry Farming.” Like the previous sessions, the health segment will end with a panel discussion.
The 2025 IPPE show dates are Jan. 28 – 30, and the event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. More information on the 2025 IPPE can be found at ippexpo. org, and information about the LAPS can be found at lacumbreavicolalatinoamericana.org.
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Anuncian los Temas de las Sesiones de la Cumbre Avícola Latinoamericana 2025
ATLANTA — En la Cumbre Avícola Latinoamericana 2025 los expertos de la industria avícola presentarán información sobre factores que afectan la eficiente comercialización relacionada con la avicultura. El programa está organizado en cinco sesiones (manejo de granos, seguridad alimentaria, genética, crianza y sanidad), y se llevará a cabo el lunes 27 de enero. La Cumbre es presentada por la International Poultry Expo, parte de la International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) y la Asociación Latinoamericana de Avicultura. La Cumbre iniciará con una sesión de apertura que presentará a dos distinguidos oradores, seguida de una interesante mesa redonda. El Dr. Carlos Campadabal, profesor en ciencias e industria de granos de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas, inaugurará el evento con su presentación titulada “Características Requeridas de los Granos para la Intensificación y Eficiencia de las Fábricas de Piensos,” preparando el escenario para una extraordinaria jornada. Le seguirá el Dr. Wilmer Pacheco, profesor asociado y especialista en extensión de la Universidad de Auburn, quien hablará sobre el tema “Gestión del Tamaño de las Partículas en Alimentos Concentrados.”
Luego, los asistentes pasarán a la sección de seguridad alimentaria, dirigida por el Dr.
Juanfra DeVillena, vicepresidente senior de Wayne-Sanderson Farms, quien presentará el tema “Regulaciones de la Salmonella en los EE. UU. y su Impacto en el Suministro Nacional de Pollo.” Luego el Dr. Jorge Amado, gerente técnico regional de Aviagen; el Dr. Alberto Torres, gerente de exportaciones veterinarias de Cobb-Vantress; y el Sr. Thomas Dixon, gerente global de productos de Hy-Line International, guiarán a los oyentes a través de la sesión de genética con el encuentro titulado “¿Cómo Se Está Manejando la Menor de Fertilidad de los Reproductores? ¿Qué Hay Nuevo en la Genética de Ponedoras y Pollos de Engorde, y Cómo Afectará la Producción en los Próximos 3 a 5 Años?” Este segmento concluirá con una mesa redonda que explorará más a fondo los temas.
La Cumbre concluirá con dos sesiones fi-
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nales centradas en crianza y salud aviar. Mike Czarick, especialista en extensión agrícola de la Universidad de Georgia, abrirá la sesión de crianza con una charla sobre “Mejoras en el Manejo de la Ventilación,” seguido por el Dr. Yari Lucerna, veterinario consultor, que platicará acerca de la “Clave para Cría de Aves Ponedoras Dentro del Marco de Producción en Jaulas y Sin Jaulas.”
La sesión también concluirá con una mesa redonda.En la sesión sobre salud, el Dr. JeanPierre Vaillancourt, profesor de la facultad de medicina veterinaria de la Universidad de Montreal en Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canadá, iniciará con un debate titulado “Bioseguridad Práctica para Todos los Sectores Avícolas.” Le seguirá el Dr. James Karkashian Córdoba, profesor de la Facultad de Biología e investigador en Biología Molecular y Nutrición Animal de la Universidad de Costa Rica, quien expondrá sobre “Identificación y Análisis Molecular del Virus de la Bronquitis Infecciosa Aviar e Implementación de Metodologías Aerobiológicas para la Detección y Caracterización de Virus Respiratorios en Avicultura.” Al igual que las sesiones anteriores, el segmento de salud finalizará con una mesa redonda.
Las fechas de la exhibición IPPE 2025 son del 28 al 30 de enero y el evento se llevará a cabo en el Georgia World Congress Center en Atlanta, Georgia. Puede encontrar más información sobre IPPE 2025 en ippexpo.org, y sobre la Cumbre Avícola (LAPS) en lacumbreavicolalatinoamericana.org.
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ATLANTA — Registration is now open for the American Feed Industry Association’s annual Pet Food Conference, happening Jan. 28, 2025, in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Ga. This event brings together hundreds of professionals working in the pet nutrition industry, offering insights into emerging trends, regulatory updates and the latest research.
“We are thrilled to bring together a dynamic lineup of speakers for this year’s Pet Food Conference,” Louise Calderwood, AFIA’s director of regulatory affairs, said. “The diverse agenda will provide attendees with insights on topics ranging from innovative marketing trends to important regulatory updates, ensuring everyone will gain valuable knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving pet food landscape.”
This daylong conference will feature presentations and discussions on key topics impacting the industry. Highlights from the agenda include:
• Michael Johnson, principal of consumer strategy at BSM Partners, will discuss current marketing trends in pet food.
• Rich Kelleman, CEO of Bond Pet Foods Inc., will comment on the use of brewed proteins in pet food.
• Dr. Erin Perry, professor at Southern Illinois University, will address gaps in working dog nutrition and the related industry opportunities and challenges.
• Lara Moody, executive director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), will provide the latest data on U.S. pet food consumption.
In addition to these sessions, the PFC will also feature regulatory updates from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Association of
American Feed Control Officials, as well as the presentation of the Friend of Pet Food award.
For more information, visit petfoodconference.com.
New workshop to discuss topics that ‘keep the feed industry up at night’
ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Feed Industry Association will be hosting an educational program tackling hot topics facing the animal food industry at the upcoming International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), happening Jan. 28-30, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga.
The program, “What’s Keeping the Feed Industry Up at Night?” will be held on Jan. 29, 2025, from 10 a.m.-noon.
“The animal feed industry is constantly evolving to meet nutritional requirements and address animal health challenges,” Dr. Paul Davis, AFIA’s director of quality, animal food safety and education, said. “This symposium will bring together voices from the industry to provide attendees with a better understanding of some of the current challenges in which manufacturers are adapting.”
This two-hour program will feature speakers on highly pathogenic avian influenza and its recent presence in dairy cows, the ongoing battle against African swine fever and its implication in feed production, and the challenge of bridging the nutrient gap when animal genetics outpace published requirements. This program has been approved for two continuing education credits through the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.
“What’s Keeping the Feed Industry Up at Night?” registration is now open. Those interested in attending the session are encouraged to register by Jan. 10, to receive the early-bird rate of $79. Full agenda and registration information is available from AFIA at https://www.afia.org/ events/calendar/whats-keeping-the-feed-industry-up-at-night/.
IPPE registration is also open, with a discounted price of $85 available through Jan. 10, for more information, visit https://ippexpo.org.
AFIA edu. program to focus on APHIS inspections and trade coordination
ATLANTA — The American Feed Industry Association, in collaboration with the Pet Food Institute and North American Renderers Association, is hosting an educational program focused on the role the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service plays in overseeing animal food product facility inspections, processing import permits and export health certificates and negotiating market access with global trading partners.
“APHIS and Industry: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Importing/ Exporting Animal Products” will be hosted Jan. 29, 2025, in conjunction with the International Processing & Production Expo, happening Jan. 28-30, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga.
“This program promises to be an excellent learning opportunity for anyone who is importing into the United States, or preparing to export rendered products, animal-based feed or pet food,” Mallory Gaines, AFIA’s director of market access and multilateral affairs, said. “Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with APHIS staff and build stronger relationships with key regulatory contacts.”
The one-day program will offer industry professionals insights into APHIS’s operations and provide direct networking opportunities with APHIS headquarters negotiators and field office staff.“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” of APHIS inspections will be a key focus, with discussions aimed at helping the industry better prepare for inspections, streamline paperwork processes and improve collaboration with APHIS to avoid trade disruptions.
Registration for IPPE and “APHIS and Industry: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Importing/Exporting Animal Products” is now open. The educational program will run 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Jan 29. Those interested are encouraged to register by Jan. 10, to receive the early-bird rate of $280. Members of AFIA, PFI and/or NARA should contact their association representatives to attend this program at the member rate.
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ATLANTA — The National Protein and Food Distributors Association is gearing up for its largest annual event, the Annual Convention and Showcase, which will be Jan. 27-30 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Ga. The annual meeting is held in conjunction with the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE).
The association notes that it’s an opportunity to get connected with 1,100 NPFDA
members.
NPFDA also adds that among the features of the event, include:
• Evening receptions and networking events . . . meet your clients, vendors and partners for cocktails and fellowship.
• Opportunity to attend our industry breakfast with Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).
• Exclusive access to reserve hospitality suites and meeting rooms at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, on availability, through NPFDA.
• Access to our “Connections Lounge”,
a quiet setting for business and conversation.
• Opportunity to reserve accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and nearby hotels, accessible to NPFDA members only.
• NPFDA Annual Protein Buyers Showcase, featuring products and services to benefit or showcase your business.
• Marketing opportunities to put your company in the spotlight.
For more information about the NPFDA Annual Convention and Showcase, visit https://www.npfda.org.
Ted McKinney to be keynote speaker at NPFDA 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 Convention and Showcase.
The convention, NPFDA’s largest event of the year, will be held Jan. 27-30 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,
“[McKinney’s] expertise in agricultural policy, trade, and industry leadership will provide valuable perspectives for our members.”
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 Convention 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 hos-
pitality 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.
McKinney
Cargill lays off 5 percent of workforce, impacting many employees globally
The Associated Press
NEW YORK— Agribusiness giant Cargill is laying off thousands of its employees.
Cargill confirmed that it would be reducing its global workforce by about 5 percent. In a statement sent to The Associated Press on Dec. 3, the food production company said that the cuts were part of a long-term strategy “to strengthen Cargill’s impact,” which includes realigning resources.
Minnesota-based Cargill did not immediately provide further specifics around the layoffs. But a 2024 annual report from the company noted that it had more than 160,000 employees worldwide, meaning the latest job cuts would be set to impact around 8,000 workers.
As a privately-held company, Cargill doesn’t regularly publish its finances publicly. A 2024 report from the company, however, notes
that it operates in 70 countries and sells to 125 markets — raking in some $160 billion in annual revenue. That’s down from $177 billion in revenues seen the year prior.
This layoff announcement arrives while much of the agricultural industry continues to face dropping prices for the commodities they trade, with the costs of anything from wheat to vegeta-
Cars sit parked at a Cargill Inc. turkey processing plant in Springdale, Ark., on Aug. 4, 2011.
Danny
Johnston Associated Press
ble oil coming down from record surges seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts such as Russia’s war in Ukraine. While sticker prices for consumers are still higher than they were just several years ago, that shift has added pressures on food giants like Cargill.
“As the world around us changes, we are committed to transform-
ing even faster to deliver for our customers and fulfil our purpose of nourishing the world,” Cargill stated on Dec. 3. The company added that its workforce reductions are a result of a “difficult decision (that) was not made lightly.”
According to an internal memo seen by Bloomberg, which first reported on Cargill’s layoffs on Dec. 2, Chief Executive Officer Brian Sikes told employees that the majority of these reductions will take place this year. Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the outlet also reported that the job cuts won’t impact Cargill’s executive team, but a number of other senior leaders will be included.
Despite recent revenue declines, Forbes again named Cargill the largest private company in the U.S. this year — marking the fourth consecutive year the company has held this title, and 37th time overall since Forbes began its rankings in 1985.
President Biden ‘pardons’ pair of turkeys at Thanksgiving presentation
National Turkey Federation
WASHINGTON — National Turkey Federation Chairman John Zimmerman, owner of P&J Products, presented the National Thanksgiving Turkeys named Peach and Blossom to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on Monday, Nov. 25, during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation at the White House.
Peach and Blossom received a formal “pardon” from the holiday table and will now reside at Farmamerica, Minnesota’s Center for Agricultural Interpretation, in Waseca, Minn. This year’s presentation marked the 77th year of this time-honored American tradition dating back to 1947.
“We appreciate President Biden for warmly welcoming the National Turkey Federation and my family, friends and colleagues from the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association to the White House earlier today,” Zimmerman
said. “While this is a busy season for our industry, it’s an honor to share the story of the hardworking turkey farmers, like ours, and
processors who provide food not only for the holidays but every day of the year. Their dedication feeds families across the globe, and we
couldn’t be more thankful for their commitment to nourishing America and around the world.”
The 2024 National Thanksgiving Turkeys were raised in Northfield, Minn., by Zimmerman. He has been raising turkeys for more than 20 years on his farm, where he and his family have raised approximately 4 to 5 million turkeys. In addition to turkey farming, the Zimmerman family also grows corn and soybeans to support their flocks.
Zimmerman was joined in presenting the National Thanksgiving Turkeys by his son, Grant, who played an instrumental role in preparing Peach and Blossom for their debut at the White House. While in Washington, D.C., Peach and Blossom stayed at the historic Willard InterContinental. Following their visit to the White House, the turkeys will retire to Farmamerica, Minnesota’s Center for Agricultural Interpretation, in Waseca, Minn., where they will serve as agricultural ambassadors for the state.
President Biden said that “the two turkeys are named after Delaware state flower, the peach blossom.” He added the turkeys just traveled for two days, and 1,100 miles, from Minnesota to Washington, D.C., and that 41-pound Peach lives by, “the motto, Keep calm and gobble on.”
The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association also notes that the state is a leader in turkey production, adding that:
• Minnesota ranks number one in the U.S. for turkeys raised, producing 39 million birds in 2023.
• The turkey industry contributes over $1 billion in economic activity and supports 26,000 jobs in the state.
• Minnesota accounts for 18 percent of U.S. turkey production, with exports reaching markets such as Mexico, Canada, and Panama.
NTF’s participation in the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation began in 1947 with President Harry Truman. It has continued for 77 years across 14 successive administrations.
NTF photo
National Turkey Federation Chairman John Zimmerman and his son Grant, 9, stand alongside President Joe Biden as the president pardons “Peach,” the National Thanksgiving Turkey on Nov. 25.
Survey: Thanksgiving dinner cost down in 2024
American Farm Bureau Federation
WASHINGTON — The cost of cooking a Thanksgiving feast for your friends and family was less than last year but still more expensive than before the pandemic. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provided a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person.
This is a 5 percent decrease from 2023, which was 4.5 percent lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022. Despite the encouraging momentum, a Thanksgiving meal is still 19 percent higher than it was in 2019, which highlights the impact inflation has had on food prices — and farmers’ costs — since the pandemic.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables — the turkey — helped bring down the overall cost of dinner. The average price for a 16-pound turkey is $25.67. That is $1.60 per pound, down 6 percent from last year.
Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices Nov. 1-7, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys declined further during the second week of November.
“The turkey is traditionally the main attraction on the Thanksgiving table and is typically the most expensive part of the meal,” Bernt Nelson, AFBF economist, said. “The American turkey flock is the smallest it’s been since 1985 because of avian influenza, but overall demand has also fallen, resulting in lower prices at the grocery store for families planning a holiday meal.”
The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey included turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream, all in quantities sufficient to serve a gathering of 10.
Most ingredients in the survey saw a decline in prices, including fresh vegetables. The drop in prices reflects price volatility in crops this year. The cost of whole milk dropped more than 14 percent. Favorable weather contributed to the decline in milk pricing. It is important to note, however, that milk prices vary significantly between regions in the U.S.
Items like dinner rolls and cubed stuffing both saw an 8 percent increase because higher labor costs, among other drivers, are increasing the cost of processed food. Cranberry prices increased almost 12 percent year-over-year. In 2023, cranberries had the second largest decrease in price of any products in our basket at 18 percent. The increase this year puts cranberry prices closer to historic norms and, excluding last year, is the least expensive year since 2015.
“We should all be thankful that we live in a country with such an abundant food supply,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “We are seeing modest improvements in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for a second year, but America’s families, including farm families, are still being hurt by high inflation.”
“America has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. In order to maintain that, we need a strong farm bill which enables Americans to pursue their dreams without worrying about feeding their families,” Duvall said. “A new farm bill with a modernized safety net to support those who raise crops and livestock ensures farmers can survive tough economic times and continue to supply food for America’s families, not just for the holidays, but year-round.”
In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also included boneless ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $19.26 to $77.34.
This year’s national average cost was calculated using surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or combined purchase deals.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Individual prices
• 16-pound turkey: $25.67 or $1.60 per pound (down 6.1 percent)
• 14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $4.08 (up 8.2 percent)
• 2 frozen pie crusts: $3.40 (down 2.9 percent)
• Half pint of whipping cream: $1.81 (up 4.7 percent)
• 1 pound of frozen peas: $1.73 (down 8.1 percent)
• 1 dozen dinner rolls: $4.16 (up 8.4 percent)
• Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.75 (down 5.1 percent)
• 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.15 (down 6.5 percent)
• 1 gallon of whole milk: $3.21 (down 14.3 percent)
• 3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $2.93 (down 26.2 percent)
• 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.35 (up 11.8 percent)
Regional averages
AFBF analysis revealed regional differences in the cost of the meal. The cost for the classic meal was the most affordable in the South at $56.81, followed by the Northeast at $57.36, the Midwest at $58.90, and then a significant jump in the West at $67.81.
The expanded meal (classic meal plus boneless ham, Russet potatoes and green beans) was the most affordable in the South at $81.07, the Northeast at $81.37, the Midwest at $83.04, and least affordable in the West at $94.09.
FFAR research grant plans to address bird flu outbreaks linked to waterfowl
DAVIS, Calif. — The recent outbreaks of H5N1 influenza, commonly called bird flu or avian influenza, originated in the wild bird population and jumped to farms, resulting in the loss of more than 100 million poultry and billions of dollars in the United States. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research is providing a $148,111 Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to AgriNerds Inc. to identify outbreak prevention strategies. AgriNerds is providing matching funds for a total investment of $300,222.
Current federal and state efforts primarily focus on postoutbreak responses, FFAR said, adding that while on-farm operational and physical biosecurity is vital to protecting the U.S. poultry supply, a better understanding of the disease in wild bird populations is needed. Sequencing data shows
that 85 percent of the commercial outbreaks in the U.S. were
Litter Management Equipment
direct introductions from wild birds, as opposed to farm-tofarm spread. Wild waterfowl are considered reservoirs, or hosts, for H5N1, yet little surveillance is done to monitor these populations for the disease.
mercial poultry facilities offers a new predictive tool designed to help farmers and other stakeholders identify which farms are at the greatest risk of H5N1 exposure, FFAR added.
“The widespread losses caused by avian influenza in 2022 and 2023 are driving egg prices up for consumers and impacting farmers’ bottom lines,” Dr. Angela Records, FFAR chief scientific officer, said. “Through this research, ROAR’s unique rapid response capabilities will put preventative tools into the hands of farmers, helping them protect their operations from this disease.”
Researchers led by Dr. Maurice Pitesky, associate specialist in cooperative extension at the University of CaliforniaDavis and chief executive officer at AgriNerds, developed the WaterFowl Alert Network (WFAN), a remote sensing tool designed to make daily predictions of where waterfowl roost. Because waterfowl (i.e. ducks and geese) are the primary reservoir of H5N1, understanding where waterfowl are relative to the countries 44,000-plus com -
“The technology for the WFAN, which includes the nation’s 160 weather radar and Landsat satellites, demonstrate how we can leverage our infrastructure to build software tools to help ensure our food security,” Pitesky said. “This FFAR grant leverages over a decade of USDA funded academic research by UC Davis, USGS and the University of Delaware.”
WFAN data will be available to farmers and relevant state departments of agriculture, as well as to USDA and other researchers. For more information about this research, visit the Protecting Poultry & Dairy Farms from Bird Flu Outbreaks Linked to Wild Waterfowl grant page at https://foundationfar.org/grants-funding/ grants/protecting-poultrydairy-farms-from-bird-fluoutbreaks-linked-to-wild-waterfowl/.
Boar’s Head listeria outbreak is over, federal officials report
The Associated Press
JARRATT, Va. — A deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning tied to a massive recall of popular Boar’s Head deli meats is over, federal health officials said on Nov. 21.
Ten people died and 61 were sickened in 19 states after eating listeria-contaminated Boar’s Head products, including liverwurst. Illnesses were reported between late May and mid-September, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Listeria outbreaks are considered over 60 days after the last reported illness, according to the CDC. In addition, deli products linked to the outbreak are now past their shelf life.
After recalling more than 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head deli meats distributed nationwide, company officials shut down a production plant in Jarratt, Va., and permanently stopped making liverwurst.
Boar’s Head faces continued scrutiny over dozens of reports of problems at the factory, including mold, insects, dripping water and contaminated walls, floors and equipment.
The USDA is conducting an internal investigation into whether federal investigators and Virginia state inspectors responded to the reports of serious problems. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who requested the investigation, has received no update on the findings, his staff said.
The company also faces dozens of lawsuits filed by people who were sickened or their families.
Officials with USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service have refused to share documents regarding the agency’s inspections and enforcement at the plant, plus inspection reports from eight other company factories across the country. The AP is appealing the public records request denial.
AP Photo / Steve Helber / File
This sign marks the entrance of a now closed Boar’s Head processing plant in Jarratt, Va., that was tied to a deadly food poisoning outbreak, in an Associated Press photo taken on Aug. 29.
University of Arkansas seeks solution to a costly intestinal poultry disease
BY JENIFER FOUCH
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The poultry industry loses up to $6 billion annually due to necrotic enteritis, a preventable intestinal disease in poultry, including broiler chickens.
An Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station poultry science researcher is evaluating a new possible solution using a novel vaccine combined with a bile acid regimen.
Xiaolun (Jack) Sun, a researcher and associate professor for the experiment station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, was awarded a four-year, $650,000 grant by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to advance the research.
Sun is developing a vaccine and exploring the use of bile acids to fight this serious and costly disease that’s impacting producers’ productivity and profits.
“We want to develop a new measure to prevent this disease,” Sun said. “We want to develop something effective and affordable to bring the desired results to the industry.”
Necrotic enteritis has been controlled by coccidiostats and antibiotics. Coccidiostats are a type of medication used in poultry and livestock production to prevent and control coccidiosis, a parasitic disease.
Sun said concerns of antimicrobial resistance by consumers, the poultry industry and regulatory agents have prompted restrictions on the use of antimicrobials in the U.S. poultry industry. These restrictions likely contributed to an increase in necrotic enteritis.
The disease that generally affects young broiler chickens is caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria Clostridium perfringens and a parasite called Eimeria maxima in the small intestine. The bacteria and the parasite damage the animal’s intestinal wall, impeding nutrient absorption. In chickens, symptoms include poor growth, diarrhea, depression, deformed feathers, and, in some cases, death.
Sun aims to develop a “multiepitope fusion antigen” vaccine, or MEFA vaccine, to target C. perfringens growth and infection in the gut.
A multiepitope fusion antigen is a type of recombinant protein, which is a protein produced by genetically engineered cells. What makes MEFA vaccines unique is the combination of multiple “antibody-generating sites,” called epitopes, into one protein. Epitopes are the parts of the protein that trigger an immune response.
By having multiple epitopes in one molecule, MEFA vaccines can simultaneously target several features of the disease-causing pathogen, known as virulence points. Sun said this theoretically makes the vaccine more effective by triggering a stronger and broader immune response.
In simple terms, a MEFA vaccine is like a multi-tool that can target different weaknesses in a pathogen, providing better protection against infections.
Sun will also explore how bile acids can inhibit the pathogen’s growth and chicken necrotic enteritis. Bile acids, which are synthesized in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, aid in fat emulsification and nutrient absorption in the intestine. Sun says there’s increasing evidence that bile acids are effective against bacterial pathogens.
C. perfringens vaccines in the field already exist with limited protection, but Sun says his vaccine will be the first MEFA vaccine developed specifically against C. perfringens multiple virulence sites and necrotic enteritis.
Sun’s team includes Ph.D. student Bilal Alrubaye and master’s student Janashrit Shrestha. They are focusing on different aspects of the MEFA vaccine development and bile acid research.
of A
Xiaolun (Jack) Sun, a researcher with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, has received a $650,000 USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant to advance his research into developing a vaccine that could protect poultry from necrotic enteritis.
“I have seen firsthand the impacts of antimicrobial resistance of necrotic enteritis and its possible impact on human health,” Shrestha said. “So, it’s a privilege to work on this research with Dr. Sun. I’m learning a lot.”
Minimizing the effects of necrotic enteritis
The central hypothesis of this research is built upon the researchers’ preliminary findings that a C. perfringens sporulation vaccine and dietary deoxycholic acid significantly reduced necrotic enteritis in chickens.
The team will construct and evaluate MEFA vaccines in the lab and with live chickens, including through oral delivery. The research will also investigate the efficacy of administering bile acids.
Sun is hopeful his research will result in the development of an effective and low-cost MEFA vaccine and bile acid treatment that can significantly reduce necrotic enteritis.
“We are honored and very happy to receive this grant to continue this work, but we also know it comes with a lot of responsibility,” Sun said. “We aim to get effective results that are worth the funding, providing poultry producers with new tools to prevent necrotic enteritis, ultimately improving poultry health, enhancing producer profitability, and ensuring a safer and more sustainable food supply.”
Sun acknowledged support from various faculty and staff who contributed to the preliminary data for this research, including Rohana Liyanage, senior scientist in the chemistry and biochemistry department at the University of Arkansas; Billy Hargis, Distinguished Professor of poultry science; Hong Wang, recently retired program associate, and Ying Fu and Tahrir Alenezi, Ph.D. students at the time of their contribution.
U
System Division of Ag photo
Turkey prices were low ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, experts note
BY ADAM RUSSELL Texas A&M University
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Consumers found good whole turkey prices, but that could change as the holiday season progresses due to lower production and supplies than last year, said Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service experts.
Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension economist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station, said prices on whole birds typical for table centerpieces during the holidays have been below the five-year average. The wholesale price for 8-16-pound hens was 99 cents per pound the week of Oct. 19 compared to $1.12 per pound last year and the five-year average of $1.22 per pound.
“Prices are good for consumers, but they’re bad for producers,” he said. “Last year started off strong for producers, but prices bottomed out after Thanksgiving and they haven’t recovered.”
Production’s impact on turkey prices
Anderson said dismal prices for producers who continue to deal with higher input and labor costs contributed to a drop in production. A USDA report showed turkey production dipped more than 6 percent compared to this time last year.
Beyond the price-related production declines, Dr. Greg Archer, AgriLife Extension
poultry specialist and associate professor in the Texas A&M Department of Poultry Science, Bryan-College Station, said avian influenza and an emerging issue with avian metapneumovirus continues to impact turkey and other poultry.
“We’re down in the total number of birds and hatchlings, so that will impact the supply side,” he said. “Producers have been dealing with avian influenza for three-plus years and now this metapneumonia is becoming an issue. They’re losing fewer birds from these diseases, but losses are still impacting production.”
As of August, avian influenza outbreaks have resulted in the loss of almost 15 million turkeys in the U.S., according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Most of those turkeys were lost in 2022. Avian influenza hits turkey production especially hard because flocks have more potential to be exposed to the pathogens that are carried by wild birds like migratory ducks.
The time it takes to grow a turkey — smaller birds take 15-18 weeks from hatching to harvest, whereas bigger birds can take 20-plus weeks to reach maturity — and the more open-style housing facilities contribute to their risk of exposure, Archer said. Commercial broiler chickens on the other hand are raised in up to six weeks and in houses that are easier to apply biosecurity regimens to prevent pathogen exposure.
Another factor for turkeys is that many commercial producers are in areas like Minnesota with higher migratory duck popula-
tions.
“The disease is more prevalent, and it just creates these potential hotspots for outbreaks,” Archer said. “Incidents are low, and the hope is that it doesn’t become a broader issue like it was a couple years ago.”
Consumer demand trends impact on prices
Along with reduced production, the number of whole turkeys in cold storage is 1.6 percent lower than last year, which ties into the trend of fewer birds available this holiday season, Anderson said.
Anderson said he doesn’t see any trends suggesting the lower supplies or the threat of disease outbreaks will spur prices upward dramatically. But he said consumers could see slightly higher prices in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
There’s also a chance consumers could see discounts and specials on whole birds as grocers try to draw customers who are likely to buy more items associated with holiday cooking, he said.
One trend Anderson has seen emerge on the demand side over recent holiday seasons that could influence overall turkey prices is the move toward non-traditional meats for holiday meals after Thanksgiving.
“Consumers want that traditional centerpiece turkey for Thanksgiving, but they’re also going with other meats like hams and briskets or prime rib for Christmas,” he said. “People are forgoing that second turkey for their holiday gettogethers, and that is impacting the overall historical demand.”
Adam Russell is a communication specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife.
Consumers could find lower Thanksgiving turkey prices this year if they purchase early, Texas A&M University experts note. Pixabay image
USDA launches agribusiness trade mission to Morocco
CASABLANCA, Morocco — The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley arrived in Casablanca on Dec. 2 to begin a USDA-sponsored agribusiness trade mission. Whitley is leading a delegation of nearly 50 U.S. agribusinesses and trade groups and 14 state departments of agriculture to expand U.S. farm and food exports to Morocco and other West African markets.
“I am honored to lead this delegation to Casablanca as we work to strengthen vital connections, grow U.S. agricultural exports, and showcase the broad array of products American agriculture has to offer,” Whitley said.
Morocco is the second-largest export market for U.S. agriculture in Africa. U.S. sales of farm and food products to the country topped $619 million last year, representing 16 percent of U.S. exports to the continent. American agricultural exports to Morocco have doubled since the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 2006.
Morocco offers a stable market and growing economy and serves as a key distribu-
tion hub for the African continent, USDA said, adding that, the country is already a major importer of bulk and intermediate commodities from the United States and its expanding food processing sector and
rising consumer demand are creating new potential for sales of consumer-oriented products.
U.S. exporters have opportunities in numerous sectors, including beef, dairy, feed
Bird flu’s growing impact calls for urgent action at Arkansas summit
BY JENIFER FOUCH University of Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to infect more than just birds, scientists and industry professionals want to prevent it from infecting more species and continuing to impact animal and human health, the environment, and the economy.
The four-day International Avian Influenza and One Health Emerging Issues Summit hosted by the University of Arkansas’ Center of Excellence for Poultry Science had a total of 1,270 registered participants from 51 countries, in-person and virtually, to share and learn more about HPAI, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, and other diseases impacting animals and humans.
Guillermo Tellez-Isaias, the chairman of the summit and retired research professor for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, says there are other threats to animal and human health in addition to the bird flu.
“The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has naturally been able to adapt to species that it never infected before. If it fully adapts to humans, COVID-19 will look like a small cold compared to what this virus could cause,” Tellez-Isaias said, comparing its threat to the Spanish flu in 1918. “So, that’s why we wanted to have this summit, to create awareness for people worldwide.”
Tellez-Isaias said participants at the summit will produce a docu-
The recent four-day International Avian Influenza and One Health Emerging Issues Summit hosted by the University of Arkansas’ Center of Excellence for Poultry Science had 1,270 participants from 51 nations to share current information about highly pathogenic avian influenza. University of Arkansas photo
ment with guidelines and recommendations for national and international health authorities, based on group discussions and expert presentations, to help guide future efforts in combating highly pathogenic avian influenza and other emerging health threats.
The Center of Excellence for Poultry Science is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. The center performs the three land grant missions of teaching — carried out through Bumpers College — and research and extension through the Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.
After a successful inaugural event in 2023, Tellez-Isaias said, organizers expanded the scope in the second year to include other emerging
issues affecting cattle, swine, bees, humans and more as part of the One Health concept, which emphasizes that animal, human and environmental health are all interconnected.
“The first two days, we focused on highly pathogenic avian influenza, but not only in poultry. We extended it to wild and commercial animals, including dairy,” Tellez-Isaias added. “And we discussed avian influenza and other diseases, including exotic diseases like the African swine fever, which is already in our backyard in the Dominican Republic. It’s something we are keeping an eye on.”
Collaboration urgency
Tellez-Isaias says it’s urgent to focus on these diseases globally, as bird flu has spread to different species in all continents including Antarctica.
“These diseases know no borders,” he said.
Members of industry, governmental and regulatory agencies, and scientists from around the world presented their work at the summit. Tellez-Isaias said their findings could improve animal health overall and potentially contribute to minimizing the impacts of bird flu and other viruses.
From the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Sami Dridi, professor of poultry science, talked about poultry production sustainability, specifically heat stress challenges and potential mechanismbased strategies. Dridi’s research includes working with chickens bred to conserve water while maintaining growth under heat stress. He found that water efficiency is improving with each new generation and has the potential to expand with application to other poultry operations, such as turkeys and ducks.
Tomi Obe, assistant professor with the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and the poultry science department, presented research on pre- and post-harvest strategies for salmonella control in poultry production. She discussed different methods to consider at feed mills, farms and the processors. Obe is also part of the Arkansas Center for Food Safety within the food science department.
Jada Thompson, U of A assistant professor in the agricultural economics and agribusiness department, talked about the economic impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza, including how the disease impacts producers and consumers.
Bill Potter, U of A associate professor and extension poultry specialist with the Division of Agriculture, discussed One Health strategies to optimize poultry intestinal integrity and pre-harvest food safety. He discussed proposed regulations around salmonella and shared research showing the efficacy of implementing vaccines in poultry.
Adnan Alrubaye, U of A assistant professor of poultry science, talked about management practices to mitigate lameness in broiler chickens caused by specific bacteria.
Those attending the summit included both international and local researchers, veterinarians and private sector professionals.
Amanda Bray, a poultry science alumna and co-owner of Northwest Arkansas Veterinary Services in Springdale, said staying informed on industry trends domestically and internationally helps her learn what services to offer.
“Our primary focus is the poultry and dairy industries,” Bray said. “And (bird flu) is a very big problem. So, the more knowledge I have, the better I know how to support others in the industry and what tests we need to develop and offer.”
United front for global health
Liliana Monroy is founder and CEO of Natural Animal Health, a company providing gut health products to producers. Monroy said she has garnered a long-trusting relationship with researchers with the Division of Agriculture, and that “collaboration is vital” to fight highly pathogenic avian influenza.
“If you want to be successful, you have to go to the people who know more,” Monroy said. “And you need to work very closely with professors and researchers. We cannot work in silos. Since we come from different backgrounds, we need to unite efforts with doctors, environmental en-
Guillermo TellezIsaias, retired research professor with the University of Arkansas Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, and chairman of the recent HPAI summit, discussed threats to other animal species and humans from bird flu during the recent meeting.
University of Arkansas photo
tities, leaders in the private sector, and so on, to stop what’s going on.”
Monroy, who also presented during the conference, says biosecurity protocols, although crucial to preventing the spread of bird flu, have also created many roadblocks for businesses and producers.
The International Avian Influenza Summit was hosted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, and the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. The American College of Poultry Veterinarians and the American Veterinary Medical Association approved the conference for continuing education credits with 23 and 26 CE credits respectively and the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization with 12 CE credits. The event was held at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences in Fayetteville, Sept. 30-Oct. 3.
Liquid feed industry gathers to celebrate growth, industry leaders
ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Feed Industry Association hosted its annual Liquid Feed Symposium, Sept. 10-12, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing more than 150 attendees and speakers, the symposium engaged industry professionals and provided a platform to discuss the latest advancements and current challenges in the liquid feed sector.
“This year’s Liquid Feed Symposium was a tremendous opportunity for industry professionals to connect, learn and celebrate the strong camaraderie of the liquid feed industry,” Dr. Paul Davis, AFIA’s director of quality, animal food safety and education, said. “With an outstanding lineup of speakers, it’s clear that we are moving forward with a commitment to education and innovation that will help our sector thrive.”
The symposium, planned by
AFIA’s Liquid Feed Committee featured a diverse agenda of speakers and panels aimed at addressing the most pressing issues facing the liquid feed industry, including carbon and methane mitigation efforts, artificial intelligence in agriculture, cattle grazing techniques and key legislative and geopolitical factors af-
R&D Marketing, LLC
fecting the industry. Dan Meihak, dairy XL proposition specialist at Lely North America, presented on “The A.I. Factor: How Will Technology Impact Animal Agriculture,” emphasizing the importance of the agriculture industry’s active involvement in technological advancements.
“Our productive capacity is ex-
panding, and we are moving from quantity to quality and sustainability, and we all have a vested interest in that,” Meihak said.
During the symposium, the Liquid Feed Committee presented the Liquid Feed Hall of Fame award to Leanna Nail, former AFIA administrative director, for her contributions to the industry, which includes more than 15 years of managing the committee and organizing the symposium, among other accomplishments. Additionally, the committee held a fundraiser auction for the Kenny Berg Liquid Feed Research and Education Fund, raising $22,000 to advance research and education efforts within the industry.
The 2025 LFS will be held Sept. 9-11 in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information about all of AFIA’s events, visit www.afia.org/ events.
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PEAK registration, reservations now open
MINNEAPOLIS — Registration and hotel reservations for attendees to PEAK 2025 — powered by the Midwest Poultry Federation — is now open at www. midwestpoultry.com.
Show dates are April 8-10, 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. PEAK is the nation’s largest trade show and convention in North America focused exclusively on the business and food production of poultry. PEAK 2025 offers a variety of education, networking and trade show activities that bring the poultry industry together.
Included in all PEAK registration fees:
• Multi-State Poultry Feeding & Health Conference on Tuesday, April 8
• Education tracks for turkeys, egg layers, broilers, and (NEW track) poultry diseases on Tuesday, April 8
• New in 2025 — PEAK-Cargill Education Theater, with a variety of topics and speakers running all day Wednesday, April 9 and half-day on April 10
• Business and Leadership Track for leadership and professional development — exact schedule to be announced in early 2025
• PEAK’s Exhibit Hall — open 10am-5pm on Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday (half day), April 10
Don’t forget — PEAK Unhatched is back and will be better
than ever.
• PEAK Unhatched: An Evening of Eats and Entertainment takes place opening night at PEAK, Tuesday, April 8 starting at 5 p.m., at the Minneapolis Convention Center; tickets are $50/person (in advance or $100/ person the day of the event) and include a full bar all evening, an abundance of food, and the Bluewater Kings Band, a high energy ensemble that will be epic.
“PEAK 2025 is the ultimate destination for anyone in the poultry industry looking to stay ahead of the curve. With our expanded Education Theater offering up to 30 presentations and a trade show floor showcasing the latest innovations, PEAK is where connections are made, knowledge is shared, and solutions are found,” said Lisa Henning, MPF president. Henning works for Henning Companies, a long-time exhibitor at the show.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business and your expertise in one powerful event.”
PEAK’s long-time partnering events include:
• Organic Egg Farmers of American Symposium (April 8). New in 2025, you will be able to add a registration ($40/person in advance) for this event via the PEAK registration process.
• Devenish Nutrition Symposium (April 8 by invitation only).
• North Central Avian Dis-
ease Conference (April 7-8). Separate registration process for this event.
Registration fees for PEAK 2025:
• Attendee (includes all live production — farmers, processing companies, hatcheries, breeders; government personnel; academic personnel; poultry nonprofit organizations; and spouses of paid registrants) - $50 in advance / $100 at the door.
• Supplier (non-exhibiting
vendors of the poultry industry) - $400 in advance / $800 at the door.
• Students (2-year, 4-year, and technical schools as well as youth accompanying parent/ paid adult) — complimentary.
Details on all PEAK events, education program, and the list of exhibitors are available at www. midwestpoultry.com. You may also contact MPF with any questions at info@midwestpoultry. com or 763-284-6763.
University of Arkansas’ Erf named Fellow of Poultry Science Association
BY JESSICA WESSON University of Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In honor of her 35 years of dedication to research and education, Gisela Erf, endowed professor of avian immunology, was recognized as a Fellow of the Poultry Science Association at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky.
The status of fellow is the highest distinction a Poultry Science Association member can achieve. The election recognizes members for professional distinction and contributions to poultry science and service.
“I have worked to advance our knowledge and understanding of the immune system in poultry,” Erf said. “We have developed procedures to assess immune system development and function, including a minimally invasive growing feather system to test cellular immune responses.”
Erf’s contributions to poultry science research include increasing the understanding of immunopathology, immune dysfunction and immune system mechanisms in multifactorial, non-communicable diseases. She has also touched the lives of countless students throughout the years.
“I have taught immunology courses and mentored undergraduate and graduate students by overseeing their research programs,” Erf said.
Erf added that she was honored and humbled to receive the highest recognition from the Poultry Science Association.
David Caldwell, University of Arkansas department head of poultry science and director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, said this recognition was well-deserved.
“To say she deserves to be inducted as a fellow of PSA is an understatement,” Caldwell said. “In my opinion, this was an honor she was long overdue to receive.”
“Dr. Gisela Erf has long been respected and admired for her commitment to research in this field,” Caldwell added. “Perhaps more importantly, she has always been admired and respected for her commitment to teaching and student advising or mentoring.”
Erf conducts research through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station as a faculty member of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. She holds the Tyson Endowed Professorship in Avian Immunology and teaches classes through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the
University of Arkansas. The experiment station is the research arm of the university’s System Division of Agriculture.
A winding road to Arkansas poultry
Erf grew up in Wiesensteig, a small town in southern Germany. She received a two-year degree in agriculture from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1979 and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from the University of Guelph in 1981 and 1983, respectively. While working on her master’s degree, she studied the hen’s ovulation cycle under her adviser Robert Etches.
Next, Erf pursued a doctorate in immunology under the direction of James Marsh at Cornell University, evaluating the effects of thyroid hormones on cell-mediated immunity in chickens. Upon graduation in 1988, she began work at Smith College as an assistant professor in biological sciences. There, she continued research in avian immunology by collaborating with J. Robert Smyth Jr. at the University
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of Massachusetts on the autoimmune pigmentation loss in Smyth chickens. Erf recently published a study building on this work.
In 1994, she made her way to Arkansas, joining the faculty in the Department of Poultry Science with Bumpers College and the Division of Agriculture. In this environment, her research program broadened to include collaborative projects on the influence of genetics, nutrition, physiology and the environment on immune system development and function in poultry. She taught graduate lectures and laboratory courses in immunology, as well as an undergraduate poultry science course focused on experiential learning.
In recognition of her commitment to teaching, she was awarded the Purina Mills Poultry Science Association Teaching Award in 1999. In 2005, her efforts in graduate mentorship and providing research opportunities to students were recognized by the Poultry Science Association’s Helene Cecil Leadership Award. Erf was named the Tyson Endowed Professorship in Avian Immunology in 2006. Erf has served the Poultry Science Association in several capacities, including as a student presentation judge, session chair, section chair at annual meetings and as Poultry Science Section editor.
Wesson University of Arkansas
In honor of her 35 years of dedication to research and education, Gisela Erf, endowed professor of avian immunology with the University of Arkansas, was recognized as a Fellow of the Poultry Science Association at its 2024 Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky.
BOOTH # C43136
Jessica
Keystone Foods and John Soules Foods receive USPOULTRY Clean Water Awards
Above, The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2024 Clean Water Awards were presented at this year’s Environmental Management Seminar in Destin, Fla. The winner in the pretreatment category is John Soules Foods in Valley, Ala. Pictured, left to right, are Shane Reid, vice president, Reid Engineering; Paul Bredwell, executive vice president of regulatory programs, USPOULTRY; Eric McClanahan, environmental/wastewater supervisor, John Soules Foods; Cohan Sharp, plant manager, John Soules Foods; Robert Fleming, safety manager, John Soules Foods; and Dr. Brian Kiepper, associate professor, University of Georgia. Below, The winner of USPOULTRY’s 2024 Clean Water Awards in the full treatment category is Keystone Foods in Albany, Ky. Pictured, left to right, are Reid; Bredwell; Jason York, complex environmental manager, Keystone Foods; and Kiepper.
TUCKER, Ga. — The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association announces the recipients of the 2024 Clean Water Awards: Keystone Foods in Albany, Ky., and John Soules Foods in Valley, Ala.
This annual award honors poultry facilities that demonstrate exceptional performance in wastewater treatment, water reuse and overall sustainability. Winners were selected by a committee of industry engineers and university experts and recognized at USPOULTRY’s recent annual Environmental Management Seminar. Awards are presented in two categories: full treatment and pretreatment. The full treatment category includes facilities that treat wastewater according to a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, allowing treated effluent to be discharged into a receiving stream. The pretreatment category covers facilities that partially treat their wastewater before discharging the effluent to a publicly owned treatment facility for further processing. To qualify for the award, facilities must have at least two years of no significant noncompliance, Notices of Violation, or any
other type of enforcement action.
John Soules Foods was named the winner in the pretreatment category for its Valley, Ala. facility. This state-of-the-art, fully cooked poultry production plant currently treats approximately 420,000 gallons of wastewater daily, with a future capacity of around 1 million gallons per day. The facility utilizes a rotary screen, a screw press and a patented advanced pretreatment system that automatically controls the operation of the equipment and dosing of chemicals to meet effluent requirements.
The efficiency of the patented technology used at the wastewater treatment plant allowed John Soules Foods to delay the installation of biological treatment
equipment that was first thought to be necessary to meet effluent discharge limits. In addition, the plant fully contained and covered the area used to recycle packaging and poultry byproducts.
Keystone Foods was chosen as the winner in the full treatment category for its broiler processing facility in Albany, Ky. The facility, which processes 250,000 birds per day, treats an average of 1.4 million gallons of wastewater daily. Rather than discharging the treated wastewater to a receiving stream, it is applied to agricultural land to produce forage that is made available to local farmers who raise cattle. The facility reuses approximately 100,000 gallons of treated wastewater each week,
significantly reducing its potable water demand In 2021, the facility received a UL Certification for achieving the status of a Zero Waste to Landfill Gold Operation. In addition to its significant community engagement that includes providing food to local families, offering senior citizens plant tours and sponsoring a first responders breakfast, the facility developed 40 acres of buffer zone areas around streams to act as a filter for nutrient runoff, while providing a habitat for deer, wild turkeys and other wildlife.
An honorable mention with distinction award in the full treatment category was also presented to Pilgrim’s in Russellville, Ala.
“The nominees for this year’s Clean Water Awards reflect the industry’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management,” Mikell Fries, Claxton Poultry, and USPOULTRY chair. “These awards recognize the progress made towards operational efficiency while maintaining strong community involvement. Congratulations to this year’s winners for their outstanding achievements.”
USPOULTRY photos
Flock supervisors honored at conference
OCEAN CITY, Md. — Eleven flock supervisors from Delmarva’s chicken companies received Outstanding Flock Supervisor awards at Delmarva Chicken Association’s recent 59th National Meeting on Poultry Health, Processing, and Live Production.
As flock supervisors, these chicken company employees work faceto-face with Delmarva’s 1,200 independent chicken growers as liaisons between the farmer and the chicken company. Flock supervisors are among the more than 18,800 people employed by Delmarva’s chicken processing companies and make important contributions to the Delmarva chicken community’s $4.4 billion economic impact, the association noted.
The recognized flock supervisors were: Keith Mitchell, Allen Harim, a two-time award recipient; Shane Carter, Amick Farms, a two-time award recipient; Jeff Hudson, Amick Farms, a seven-time award recipient; Taylor Thomas, Mountaire Farms; Kevin Wise, Mountaire Farms, a two-time recipient; Andrew Mitchell, Perdue Farms; Genevieve Pelletier, Perdue Farms; Shiloh Penney, Perdue Farms; Stacie Brown, Coleman; Trevor Cooper, Tyson Foods, a two-time recipient; and Collin Walker, Tyson Foods.
“Your job is not easy, but it can be very rewarding when you see a grower’s settlement improve based on your recommendations,” said DCA President Amy Syester, herself a three-time winner of the Outstanding Flock Supervisor honor. “Each of you are vital to the grower and the company. Thank you to all of Delmarva’s flock supervisors for your hard work.”
“An outstanding flock supervisor understands the needs of the contract growers he or she works with and offers assurance to a chicken company that standards and practices are being followed,” Holly Porter, DCA executive director, said. “These award recipients work hard day in and day out to meet those goals.”
The National Meeting on Poultry Health, Processing, and Live Production, held this year in Ocean City’s Roland E. Powell Convention Center, is a well-renowned scientific conference for the U.S. poultry industry featuring full days of speakers and panel discussions, the association said, adding that, more than 450 attendees took part in this year’s conference. In 2025, the 60th National Meeting will return to the convention center from Sept. 29-Oct. 1.
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Among the “Outstanding Flock Supervisors” recognized at the Delmarva Chicken Association’s recent National Meeting on Poultry Health, Processing, and Live Production, were: left to right, (seated) Andrew Mitchell, Perdue Farms; Taylor Thomas, Mountaire Farms; Jeff Hudson, Amick Farms; Shane Carter, Amick Farms; Keith Mitchell, Allen Harim; (standing) Collin Walker, Tyson Foods; Trevor Cooper, Tyson Foods; Stacie Brown, Coleman; Shiloh Penney, Perdue Farms; Genevieve Pelletier, Perdue Farms. Not pictured: Kevin Wise, Mountaire Farms.
DCA
The chicken community gathers on Delmarva for key scientific conference
OCEAN CITY, Md. — A popular scientific conference for the U.S. poultry industry, the 59th National Meeting on Poultry Health, Processing and Live Production, drew more than 430 attendees to Ocean City, Md. From Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.
The National Meeting is presented by Delmarva Chicken Association, the trade group founded in 1948 to advocate for Delmarva’s chicken community. After a Monday reception, the conference kicked off Tuesday morning in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center with a full day of speakers and panel discussions focusing on poultry health and processing. Attendees enjoyed a bayfront reception and dinner that night. On Wednesday, the conference continued, adding a focus on live production.
DCA also presented awards to outstanding flock advisors for the five Delmarva-based chicken companies on Wednesday afternoon. An offsite educational meeting for chicken growers, featuring some of the speakers from the National Meeting, was also on the agenda.
“We are thrilled to welcome researchers, poultry professionals, government officials, chicken company employees, and students to the 59th National Meeting,” Dr. Claudia Osorio, chairperson of DCA’s National Meeting Planning Committee, said. “This conference offers an excellent opportunity for everyone in the poultry industry to stay informed about the latest research, as well as many other current topics affecting our industry. It’s a great chance to connect with colleagues and be inspired to advance the science of poultry.”
In a keynote address, USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Emilio Esteban described the department’s plans for improving food safety by reducing salmonella presence in poultry products. Other topics addressed at the conference included modern methods of preventing poultry diseases with no or minimal use of antibiotics; animal welfare standards throughout poultry processing; trends in stopping and detecting highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in animals; generational differences across the chicken community’s workforce; and practical advice for chicken growers and flock advisors on topics like water line sanitation and biosecurity.
“The National Meeting is an important forum for veterinarians, processing facility managers, grow-out managers, live production managers, flock supervisors, allied businesses, government regulators and officials, research faculty and others involved in the poultry industry to meet and share what’s new in their fields,” Holly Porter, DCA’s executive director, said. “We’re pleased that so many past attendees were eager to return to this meeting, and that others chose to experience it for the first time.”
The day before the national meeting, DCA hosted its College Scholarship Golf Tournament at GlenRiddle Golf Club in Berlin, Md. The annual tournament devotes 100 percent of its proceeds to DCA’s College Scholarship Program, which earlier this year awarded scholarships totaling $25,000 to 12 students pursuing careers in the chicken community.
More than 430 registered to attend the Delmarva Chicken Association’s 59th National Meeting of Poultry Health, Processing, and Live Production in Ocean City, Md., Sept. 30-Oct. 2.
DCA photo
CDC: Public risk low from Mo. bird flu case
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Health officials in September said they don’t know how a Missouri person caught bird flu but believe it may be a rare instance of a “one-off” standalone illness.
Investigators trying to determine how the person caught the virus have not been able to confirm the exact strain of flu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the risk to the general public remains low. The Missouri case raised questions about the possibility of humanto-human bird flu transmission, but officials said there is no evidence of other people being infected.
“Right now, evidence points to this being a one-off case,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, CDC principal deputy director.
Unusual flu strains that come from animals are occasionally found in people. This year alone, health officials identified seven human cases of swine flu in the U.S., officials said. But this is the first time the surveillance system detected an avian flu like this.
The H5N1 bird flu has been spreading widely among wild birds, poultry, cows and a growing number of other animals. Its growing presence in the environment increases the chances that people will be exposed, and potentially catch it, Shah said.
Citing patient confidentiality, health officials have disclosed few details about the Missouri case, which was first announced early in September.
The person had chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness and was hospitalized on Aug. 22 “for reasons related to their underlying medical conditions,” Shah said.
The patient was tested for flu as part of the treatment and was positive for influenza A, a broad virus category. Subsequent testing found the bug to belong to a category of viruses usually seen in birds and not people. However, the patient had a very low concentration of viral genetic material, leaving officials without the ability to full analyze it and confirm exactly which virus it is, Shah said.
Partial genetic sequences from the virus in the Missouri patient were similar to the same segments in viruses isolated from U.S. dairy cows, CDC officials said.
“Ultimately, a full sequence may not be technically feasible,” Shah said.
The patient had no known contact with dairy cows or other animals associated with the ongoing bird flu outbreak. The person later told Missouri health officials that they didn’t drink unpasteurized milk or dairy products, Shah said in a Thursday call with reporters.
The patient received antiviral medication and has since recovered and gone home, health officials said.
As part of their investigation, officials hope to draw blood from people who were around the patient to see if they show evidence of infection, Shah said.
The Missouri patient was the 14th person in the U.S. sickened with bird flu since March, when the virus was detected in cows. One other person was infected in 2022. All of those cases were relatively mild illnesses, and each patient had been in direct contact with infected animals.
U.S. health officials have been making preparations for vaccines and other measures, in case the bird flu does start spreading widely among people or begins causing severe illness.
The CDC also announced it is partnering with five commercial lab companies so they can develop and conduct tests for H5N1 or other viruses. The agency initially is devoting at least $5 million to the agreements, and making plans to scale up to $118 million over the next five years if necessary, Shah said.
In the past, CDC developed its own tests during the early stages of new epidemics, with widespread testing not becoming available until later. That slowed detection of emerging infections.
Scientists seek balance between crop production, protecting environment
USDA Agricultural Research Service
SIDNEY, Mont. — Scientists at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory (NPARL), in Sidney, Montana, completed a study that shows the use of continuous cropping systems can better sustain crop yields while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in semi-arid regions.
NPARL research scientists Upendra M. Sainju, Brett L. Allen, and Jalal D. Jabro evaluated the effect of three long-term (34-year project) dryland cropping systems on GHG emissions and crop yields in the U.S. northern Great Plains. The objective was to evaluate improved cropping systems like continuous cropping, which involves growing crops annually and eliminating the summer fallow (unplanted field) period, for GHG emissions and sustainable crop yields in dryland conditions.
“The study revealed that long-term no-till continuous cropping systems can reduce GHG emissions while sustaining crop yields compared to the conventional
till crop-fallow system, which is the traditional two-year crop rotation of dryland farming in the Northern Great Plains,” Sainju said.
As the demand for agricultural production increases, it is becoming more important to mitigate GHG emissions from croplands. Certain cropping systems, management practices, and use of nitrogen-based fertilizers add to the total emissions of N2O (nitrous oxide) and CH4 (methane) that contribute to the approximate 10 percent of the total GHG emissions coming from the agricultural sector.
Implementing innovative agricultural strategies that can maintain or increase crop yields while reducing GHG emissions has become critical. This is especially important in arid and semi-arid regions, which make up one-third of the global arable land and account for a significant portion of GHG emissions coming from crop production.
Scientists conducted the study on three different dryland cropping systems that had been producing crop yields and affecting soil health for 34 years. The three systems included no-till continuous
spring wheat, no-till spring wheat-pea, and conventional till spring wheat-fallow. The study tested N2O and CH4 gas emissions twice a week to once a month throughout the year and analyzed carbon sequestration rates from 2012 to 2019 and crop yields, GHG balance, and yield-scaled GHG balance from 2016 to 2018.
Overall, the no-till continuous cropping systems reduced net GHG balance by 66 to 149 percent compared to the conventional till crop-fallow system.
In looking at the two no-till continuous cropping systems studied, Sainju noted, “Although the no-till continuous nonlegume cropping increased carbon sequestration rate and reduced GHG balance and yield-scaled GHG balance, it reduced crop yield due to increased weed and pest pressure and enhanced soil acidity compared to the no-till legume-nonlegume rotation. Therefore, no-till legume-nonlegume rotation is an ideal cropping system to enhance crop yield and reduce GHG emissions compared to no-till continuous nonlegume cropping system in dryland cropping systems of the U.S. northern Great Plains.”
Research.com: Texas A&M AgriLife home to top animal science researchers
BY KAY LEDBETTER Texas A&M University
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science and Texas A&M AgriLife Research faculty have secured the number one and number two spots in the most recent edition of Research.com’s ranking of the best scientists in “Animal Science and Veterinary.”
Dr. Fuller Bazer, is highlighted as the top researcher in the world in the ranking with a D-index of 132. Ranking at spot number two in the world is Dr. Guoyao Wu, with a D-index of 131. The two have independently and collaboratively led the way in determining how nutrients such as amino acids, metabolites like lactate and signaling proteins are essential for optimal growth, development and health in both animals and humans.
“Drs. Bazer and Wu are shining examples that the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science has world-class faculty,” Dr. Jeffrey W. Savell, vice chancellor and dean for Texas A&M University’s Agriculture and Life Sciences, said. “I’ve had the fortune to work with these colleagues for decades. Their research endeavors help Texas A&M remain the preeminent leader in animal science education and research, nationally and internationally.”
AgriLife Research supports College of Agriculture and Life Sciences tenure and tenuretrack faculty. Dr. G. Cliff Lamb, director of AgriLife Research, said the agency is glad to support Bazer and Wu’s research portfolios and is honored by this recognition, which is based on research outputs of high-impact publications and citations.
“Dr. Bazer’s research in pregnancy establishment of livestock species has had significant impacts on production efficiency of all livestock species,” Lamb said. “Dr. Wu’s work in amino acid nutrition has revolutionized dietary changes for livestock species that improve survival and productivity. We are proud of their contributions to science.”
In releasing the list, Research.com states, “Our aim is to inspire researchers, businessmen and politicians worldwide to explore where top experts are heading and to give an opportunity for the whole research community to discover who the leading experts in specific disciplines, in various countries or even within research institutions are.”
Dr. Clay Mathis, head of TAMU’s Department of Animal Science, said the department’s mission is to be the first choice of prospective undergraduate and graduate animal science students seeking the best animal science education, and of employers seeking the brightest and best-prepared animal science graduates.
“Drs. Bazer and Wu are shining examples that the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science has world-class faculty.”
“This is confirmation we are employing the best in our faculty researchers,” Mathis said. “We strive to deliver cutting-edge scientific tools and innovative solutions, not just for Texas producers but as a leader in animal science to the world. We are proud of our faculty for being recognized for their advancement of animal science.”
The listing is created using data consolidated from a wide range of data sources, including OpenAlex and CrossRef. The bibliometric data for estimating the citation-based metrics were collected on Nov. 11. Position in the ranking is based on a scholar’s discipline H-index or D-index, which only includes publications and citation values for an examined discipline.
Bazer, a Regents Fellow, Distinguished Professor and the O.D. Butler Chair of Physiology and Reproduction, is an international leader among reproductive biologists in animal sciences and related disciplines.
He is credited with discovering uteroferrin, a phosphatase produced in response to progesterone that transfers iron to the developing embryo and stimulates blood cell and platelet development. This discovery clarified the biological mystery of signaling between embryo and mother to maintain pregnancy, with profound effects on the efficiency of animal production systems.
He also discovered estradiol as the pregnancy recognition signal from swine conceptuses and interferon tau as the pregnancy recognition signal from ruminant conceptuses. These and related discoveries have changed animal management to increase conceptus survival and pregnancy.
Bazer is a past recipient of the Morrison Award from the American Society of Animal Science, Hartman Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Marshall Medal from the Society for Reproduction and Fertility, and the Wolf Prize in Agriculture for his Interferon tau discovery as well as other pregnancy-associated proteins.
He is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a recipient of the L. E. Casida Award and the Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award,
both from the American Society of Animal Science, and awards for research, graduate education and service from the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
Wu, a University Distinguished Professor, University Faculty Fellow and AgriLife Research Faculty Fellow, also holds appointments with the Department of Nutrition, the Department of Medical Physiology and the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences.
His animal science research focuses on amino acid biochemistry and nutrition, including the arginine-nitric oxide pathway, as well as the syntheses of the arginine family of amino acids and glycine in mammals, birds and fish.
His research in glutamine intersects with topics in cell signaling, gastroenterology, necrotizing enterocolitis, parenteral nutrition and taurine. His amino acid research incorporates elements of threonine, lactation and microbiology.
Wu discovered metabolic pathways for the synthesis of amino acids and polyamines that are essential for animal growth, development, reproduction and survival. He also proposed two seminal concepts in nutrition — functional amino acids and dietary requirements of animals for traditionally classified “nonessential” amino acids — that transformed the feeding of livestock, poultry and aquatic animals worldwide.
Wu is the recipient of the Research.com Animal Science and Veterinary in U.S. Leader Award for the past two years, the Research.com Best Scientist Award, the Morrison Award from the American Society of Animal Science, and the Top Agri-food Pioneers award from the World Food Prize Foundation.
He is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has received the American Feed Industry Association/Federation of Animal Science Societies New Frontiers in Animal Nutrition Award and the AFIA Award in Nonruminant Nutrition Research.
Kay Ledbetter is communications coordinator for Texas A&M AgriLife.
Michael Miller Texas A&M AgriLife Research.com has ranked Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science and Texas A&M AgriLife Research faculty members Dr. Guoyao Wu, left, and Dr. Fuller Bazer, as the world’s top two scientists in “Animal Science and Veterinary” discipline.
Wayne-Sanderson completes $25M renovation of North Carolina feed mill
OAKWOOD, Ga. — Wayne-Sanderson Farms has completed a $25 million renovation and upgrade of its Mocksville Feed Mill facility. This facility, which was acquired in 2022 from J.P. Milling, now features state-of-the-art renovations, and has the capacity to produce 4,500 tons of feed each week to serve more than 140 family farms in the area that serves the company’s processing facility in Dobson, N.C.
“Our farm partners depend on a steady supply of quality nutrition and the renovations were imperative to continue to support their needs and satisfy demand for our products,” Matthew Wooten, Wayne-Sanderson Farms Dobson complex manager, said. “The J.P. Green mill that stood in this location was a part of the Mocksville landscape dating back many years, and we are excited to continue the production of feed from this historic location. We have made a lot of changes, and we are proud to embrace innovation and utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance the quality of our feed production.”
As part of the renovations, Wayne-Sanderson Farms designers worked with local officials to rezone the facility, building more on-site storage to reduce the number of daily grain deliveries used to make the feed and paving the entry and exit roads to reduce dust. Additionally, the company purchased and removed debris from
the adjacent property and has plans to remove the buildings to increase parking capacity and improve the overall appearance of the property.
The feed mill is equipped to mix a variety of feed formulations, using corn, soybean meal and various minerals and vitamins to produce multiple dietary preparations, ranging from baby chick feed to broiler, pullet and hen for-
mulas. The facility will employ 22 manufacturing and administrative staff members from the local area.
“We are still in the process of hiring new employees, and I encourage interested Davie County and Mocksville residents to join our amazing company in these roles,” Wooten added.
Wayne-Sanderson donates rescue truck to Mississippi volunteer fire department
LAUREL, Miss. — Wayne-Sanderson Farms recently stepped up to support local firefighters from Jones County, Miss.’s M&M Volunteer Fire Department, donating a specially-outfitted Ford F350 truck to replace the department’s aging rescue vehicle.
The small department handles more than 300 emergency calls each year and was facing the purchase of a new rescue truck while struggling to afford new emergency equipment.
Wayne-Sanderson Farms employee Ben Hughes, a live haul manager who also serves as an M&M volunteer firefighter, decided to approach local company officials with the quandary and Kevin Butler, WayneSanderson Farms fleet manager, handed the keys to the upgraded rescue rig to M&M Fire Chief Steven Ishee. Ishee is also a department volunteer as well as a local farmer and grower with Wayne-Sanderson Farms.
“The money we were going to have to spend on a new truck can now go for turnout gear for our firefighters, rescue equipment for victims and other department needs,” Ishee said.
The F350 will be painted and outfitted with fire and rescue equipment including a tool-bed body, skid unit, firefighting tools, and other rescue gear.
M&M VFD and Jones County Fire Council officials expressed “immense gratitude” for Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ donation and support of firefighters and community.
“It will have a profound impact on the department and the county’s ability to provide services to our community,” said council spokesperson Dana Bumgardner. “This gift reflects Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ dedication to and unwavering support for the well-being of our community.”
There were 73 participants at the American Feed Industry Association’s recent biennial Feed Industry Institute in Minneapolis, Minn.
AFIA celebrates 73 graduates at Feed Industry Institute
ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Feed Industry Association acknowledged 73 graduates from its recent biennial Feed Industry Institute (FII) in Minneapolis, Minn. Attendees took part in a four-day, intensive educational forum to learn about the feed, pet food and feed ingredient industry from those who know it best — industry experts. In addition to the educational program, attendees mingled with colleagues from across the industry and stepped out of the classroom to attend a Minneapolis Twins baseball game.
“We are thrilled that FII returned to an in-person format this year, which allowed for more engaging and interactive sessions,” said Dr. Paul Davis, AFIA’s director of quality, animal food safety and education. “The excitement of reconnecting face-to-face and the dynamic exchange of knowledge truly enhanced the over-
all experience, marking a successful and memorable event for all involved.”
During the weeklong educational program, attendees heard from 24 expert speakers, or “professors,” from various segments of the industry, providing a complete overview of the animal food industry. Topics included physiology and nutrition in monogastric, ruminant and companion animals; the role of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals in animal diets; various feed ingredients and additives; processing and formulation; customer service and communications; and feed industry regulations. FII also covered related industry activities, such as sourcing, logistics and grain trading.
Dr. Adam Fahrenholz, post-doctoral research scholar at North Carolina State University’s Prestage Department of Poultry Science, emphasized the impor-
tance of the topics covered at FII during his session, “Effects of Processing on Quality and Efficiency.” He highlighted how decisions made at every stage of the feed industry, from ingredient selection to processing and production methods, can significantly affect other downstream aspects, including nutrition, quality and customer satisfaction.
“Everything that we do in feed manufacturing will have an impact, and those impacts have to be considered,” Fahrenholz said.
The FII concluded with a graduation ceremony, where all attendees received a certificate of completion. The next Feed Industry Institute is slated for 2026. For more meeting information, visit www. afia.org/events.
AFIA photo
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Among the speakers at the recent 2024 USPOULTRY Women’s Leadership Conference in Destin, Fla., were, left to right, Alicia Helle, Cooper Farms; Kerry Fohner, Wayne-Sanderson Farms; Dr. Chris Fritts, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA; and Amanda Chosewood, moderator, Fieldale Farms Corp.
Conference offers women chance to learn from others in industry
TUCKER, Ga. — In a series of impactful presentations, industry experts shared their wisdom on navigating leadership, stress management, team building and financial planning at the 2024 U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s Women’s Leadership Conference in Destin, Fla.
The recent conference offered attendees a diverse lineup of speakers aimed at advancing career growth and development for women leaders in any industry, not just poultry and egg, organizers said, adding that the sessions provided a deep dive into essential leadership skills, equipping attendees with the tools necessary for success.
“A team is not a group of people who work together. It is a group of people who trust each other.”
The panel, “Leading While Living: How Do Leaders Do It All?”
featured Dr. Chris Fritts, Alicia Helle and Kerry Fohner, who shared insights on navigating leadership roles while managing personal challenges. Fritts, head of global vaccination technologies and services at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA, highlighted overcoming early career barriers, including skepticism from colleagues. Helle, senior planning manager at Cooper Farms, who transitioned from graphic design to management, emphasized the importance of confidence and managing imposter syndrome. Fohner, senior director, QA/FS Prepared Foods at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, discussed overcoming initial career hurdles and the need for balance between work and life. The panel also addressed issues such as the value of mentorship, flexibility and communication.
Dr. Tami West, a stress expert and motivational speaker, pointed out the significance of finding joy amidst turmoil and rethinking our perception of stress. West emphasized embracing opportunities, the power of mentoring and staying true to oneself, while challenging the notion that validation comes from suffering. She encouraged individuals to seek balance, recognizing that everyone is at different stages in life and deserves support and self-care regardless of their struggles.
In her presentation on building trust within teams, Lisa Burdick, head of human resources at Pilgrim’s, outlined the essential qualities of high-performing teams, remarking that trust is the most critical element. She stressed the importance of team building for improving retention, performance and showcasing individual skill sets. Underscoring that trust elevates team performance and cohesion, Burdick concluded her presentation with Simon Sinek’s quote, “A team is not a group of people who work together. It is a group of people who trust each other.”
Jennifer Trusty, managing director at BMO Wealth Management, highlighted critical financial considerations for women leaders, emphasizing longevity, income disparity and widowhood, mentioning that on average, women live six years longer than men. She advised building a robust financial foundation by establishing an emergency fund, contributing regularly to retirement accounts and automating savings.
USPOULTRY photo
Purdue survey: Most consumers lack familiarity with US farm bill
BY STEVE KOPPES Purdue University
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The general public has limited knowledge of the U.S. farm bill that politicians are debating on Capitol Hill, according to Purdue University’s June 2024 Consumer Food Insights Report.
The survey-based report out of Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability assesses food spending, consumer satisfaction and values, support of agricultural and food policies, and trust in information sources. Purdue experts conducted and evaluated the survey, which included 1,200 consumers across the U.S.
“Around one-third of American adults have never heard of the bill, while a similar proportion has heard of the bill but do not know what programs it supports,” said the report’s lead author, Joseph Balagtas, professor of agricultural economics at Purdue and director of CFDAS.
“The farm bill encompasses hundreds of millions of dollars and touches every part of the food system.”
New survey questions explored consumer attitudes toward the farm bill, which the CFI team broke down by self-reported political ideology: liberal, moderate or conservative. The survey asked respondents to rank six broad policy areas aligned with the CFI’s sustainable food purchasing (SFP) index subindicators in order from most to least prioritized.
The results reveal some similarities and some differences between what consumers want in the farm bill and what they value in their own food consumption.
“Our data show that consumers consistently rank taste, affordability and nutrition as the most important values when they shop for groceries. When we asked them to rank their priorities for the farm bill, affordability/ economic sustainability and nutrition ranked high, as well,” Balagtas said. “But taste was not a consumer priority for the farm bill. And while consumers do not rank environmental sustainability as an important value for their own food shopping, they do rank it highly as a priority for the farm bill.”
Consumers may hold certain beliefs, like that the climate and the environment are important to address at the policy level, he said. But their individual purchasing behavior might not reflect the same sentiment as their decisions that are guided more by taste and affordability.
Two key components of the farm bill — farm subsidies and government spending on food and nutrition assistance — are heavily debated topics in the political world. Even so, most American adults (about 70 percent) support both farm subsidies (which include reduced crop insurance premiums, price support and
conservation incentives) and food and nutrition assistance spending such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
“When breaking down the results by selfidentified political ideology, we see that support is bipartisan,” Balagtas said. “The majority of liberals, moderates and conservatives are in support of both farm subsidies and federal nutrition assistance.”
In the previous month, there were no major changes in food spending and inflation expectations or estimates. When sorting inflation expectations and estimates by political ideology from June 2022 to June 2024, however, differences arise.
Despite a downward trend in the consumer inflation estimates and expectations over time, those with liberal views have been more likely to estimate and predict a lower level of food inflation than moderate and conservative consumers. In June 2024, conservative consumers estimated that food prices had gone up almost twice as much as what liberal consumers estimate.
“Given that inflation is a common talking point in political discussions and can be a polarizing issue, it will be worth revisiting inflation expectations and monitoring food prices in the months after the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election,” said Elijah Bryant, a survey research analyst at CFDAS and one of the co-authors of the report. “This may provide further insight into whether political leanings influence these estimates.”
Food insecurity rose slightly to 13 percent in June. The reported rate of SNAP has been higher on average among liberals (20 percent) compared to moderates (17 percent) and conservatives (13 percent), according to the last 30 months of data.
“The correlation between SNAP use and political leanings is in line with the degree of support these three groups show for government
spending on food and nutrition assistance,” Bryant said.
The SFP index rose two points, to 72, from March 2024. Americans continue to score higher for taste, economics and security sustainability, and relatively low on social and environmental sustainability.
“We see some differences in food sustainability scores across political affiliations,” Bryant said. “Liberals on average have higher SFP scores than moderates and conservatives, driven largely by higher scores in environmental, social and nutritional sustainability.”
Eating a vegetarian or vegan diet is more common among liberal consumers. The rate of vegetarianism or veganism among this group is around twice as high as it is among moderate and conservative consumers.
Liberal consumers also report choosing unconventional food items more often than moderate and conservative consumers. Such items include cage-free eggs, plant-based proteins and organic foods.
“However, when it comes to recycling and reducing waste, we see similarities among consumers of all political views,” Bryant said.
“Understandably, we see some differences in what consumers believe about the food system based on their political leanings,” Bryant said. This especially applies to the level of agreement with statements about the link between the food system and the environment.
A majority of liberal consumers believe eating less meat is better for the environment (70 percent) compared to only 31 percent of conservative consumers. Similarly, 71 percent of liberals think agriculture is a significant contributor to climate change relative to 29 percent of conservatives.
“However, most consumers agree that local food is better for the environment, regardless of political leanings,” Bryant said.
USDA Agricultural Research Service
A team led by ARS ecologist Marty Williams, pictured, showed that spraying certain sweet corn varieties with tolpyralate herbicide can injure the crop rather than help it contend with weeds.
A chink in the armor
Genetic sleuthing reveals new weakness in corn’s herbicide
BY JAN SUSZKIW USDA Agricultural Research Service
BELTSVILLE, Md. — A team of USDA Agricultural Research Service, university and industry scientists have spotted a new genetic vulnerability to tolpyralate herbicide in 49 varieties of corn, marking the first report of the weed control posing a danger to the staple crop.
The finding, reported in Pest Management Science, will enable farmers to avoid crop losses, such as by choosing a tolpyralate-tolerant variety or by using a different herbicide product.
According to Marty Williams, an ecologist with the ARS Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit in Urbana, Ill., tolpyralate was registered in 2017 and labeled for use in fallow fields and on all types of field-,
pop- and- sweet corn. It belongs to a class of herbicides known as HPPD (4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase) inhibitors.
When applied as a postemergent herbicide, tolpyralate triggers a biochemical chain of events in targeted weeds that initially causes bleached-appearing leaves and then ultimately plant death. Normally, corn plants can quickly metabolize (break down) HPPD inhibitor herbicides before they inflict the same kind of harm. The process depends on the presence or absence of certain types of alleles (alternate gene copies) in a region of their genome known as NSF1.
One way that corn breeders check for the alleles during evaluations of new candidate varieties is to spray them with nicosulfuron. It is an ALS (ace-
of genes residing on a unique region of chromosome 5. This was confirmed by the alleles’ association with visible tolpyralate damage in two populations of offspring plants that were derived from crosses between the sweet corn inbred and two tolerant corn lines.
The researchers expanded the scope of their investigation, ultimately identifying tolpyralate sensitivity in a total of six types of field corn and 43 types of sweet corn. Additional screening is likely to detect the trait in other varieties as well. Consider the case of the inbred line IL677a, which was used to introduce the widely popular sugary enhancer gene to sweet corn. In tests, the line proved severely sensitive to tolpyralate, raising the possibility that this sensitivity was also widely introduced into sweet corn along with the sugar enhancer trait.
tolactate synthase enzyme)-inhibiting herbicide that can also serve as a reliable indicator of a variety’s sensitivity to several types of post-emergence herbicides, including most ALS and HPPD inhibitors. As it turns out, however, spraying nicosulfuron isn’t a reliable indicator of corn tolerance to tolpyralate.
That’s what Williams and his collaborators from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Illinois Foundation Seed Inc. learned after conducting a series of greenhouse, field and laboratory tests using genetic mapping techniques. They began their investigation in late summer 2021, after a corn breeder’s report that spraying tolpyralate onto a sweet corn inbred line called XSEN187 had severely damaged all plants.
But instead of the alleles they expected to see, the team traced the sweet corn inbred line’s tolpyralate sensitivity to a cluster
Importantly, the researchers also showed that tolpyralate sensitivity in the corn lines they evaluated is contingent upon exposure to oil-based adjuvants, additives that are mixed into herbicide tanks before application. However, removing them isn’t an option, Williams noted. The adjuvants are key to ensuring the herbicide is absorbed into the leaves of targeted weeds, killing them more effectively.
How exactly the newly identified gene or genes on chromosome 5 make these varieties vulnerable to harm from tolpyralate hasn’t been figured out yet.
“We need a greater understanding of the physiological mechanism so that the manufacturer and seed companies can reduce the risk of crop injury, such as by improving crop tolerance to the herbicide,” Williams said. “Moreover, the research may have application beyond tolpyralate, because several new HPPDinhibiting herbicides are being developed from the same pyrazole ring scaffold as tolpyralate.”
Jan Suszkiw is a public affairs specialist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Md.
ARS: pitting good versus bad fungi on sweet corn, a delicate dance
BY JAN SUSZKIW USDA Agricultural Research Service
BELTSVILLE, Md. — The same defenses that help some varieties of sweet corn resist fungal diseases can also stymie the potency of a beneficial fungus used to kill hungry caterpillar pests, studies by USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists suggest.
Entomologist Pat Dowd and Molecular Biologist Eric Johnson — both at the ARS National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill. — conducted the study as a follow up to one they did in 2022 with field (dent) corn, which is grown for livestock consumption and other uses.
Results from the earlier study indicated resistance to fungi that cause Fusarium disease in some lines of field corn can diminish the effectiveness of the beneficial fungus Beauveria bassiana, which can be sprayed onto the crop as a biopesticide that kills caterpillar pests such as European corn borers and fall armyworms.
However, not all of the Fusarium-resistant dent corn lines tested had a corresponding decline in the Beauveria fungus’s caterpillar-
killing performance. Some corn lines also withstood the insect pests’ feeding damage, leaving open the possibility these lines carried the right combination of genes for benefiting from both disease resistance and compatibility with Beauveria.
Follow-up studies with sweet corn reflect a similar possibility with respect to the genes they possess, according to Dowd and Johnson. In those studies, biopesticide applications of Beauveria killed 12 to 58 percent of European corn borer and fall armyworm caterpillars.
However, as with dent corn, the level of insecticidal activity depended on which of 14 lines of Fusarium-resistant hybrid or inbred sweet corn had been treated. In some sweet corn lines, for example, signs of high levels of disease resistance in the form of smaller dead spots on Fusarium-infected leaves were associated with increases in the percentage of caterpillars killed by the fungus two days after application. In other types of sweet corn that were less resistant, larger dead spots corresponded to lower levels of caterpillar control.
Caterpillar control also varied depending
on which of two Beauveria strains were used, an observation that underscores the need for continued study on how these subtleties can translate to practical data growers can use in choosing sweet corn lines offering both Fusarium resistance and high levels of insecticidal activity using the beneficial fungus.
Finding that “sweet spot” in sweet corn would be especially important to organic growers, who cannot use synthetic pesticides and have fewer options for disease and insect control than in conventional production systems.
“The results of gene expression studies comparing sweet corn hybrids with more and less desirable combinations of Fusarium resistance and Beauveria efficacy were recently received,” Dowd said. “These results will help identify favorable combinations of genes that will help guide the breeding of sweet corn varieties to produce ones that have good resistance to Fusarium and are more compatible with the use of Beauveria.”
Jan Suszkiw is a public affairs specialist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service
Series shows US food production cost distribution
BY QUINTON BAKER AND JAMES CHANDLER ZACHARY USDA Economic Research Service
WASHINGTON — The USDA Economic Research Service’s Food Dollar Series measures annual spending by U.S. consumers on domestically produced food with three series that help answer the question “where does the money spent on food go?”
Using different models of the same food supply chain, the series breaks down the distribution of a representative $1 of annual consumer food expenditures (a food dollar) on pur-
chases for eating at home and away from home.
First, the marketing bill series shows how much farm establishments receive for the sale of farm commodities as a proportion of total food sales. Second, the industry group series shows how the costs of producing and marketing food are distributed across 12 links in the supply chain. Lastly, the primary factor series shows how the value added in food production is split among people, capital assets, and other factors in food production.
One way to show how the series can be useful is to examine how much money spent on food in the United States goes
back to farm establishments under each model.
The marketing bill series is divided into two components: the farm share and the marketing share. The farm share represents the value of total raw commodity sales by U.S. farm establishments (excluding farm-to-farm transactions) as a proportion of the total amount U.S. consumers spent on domestically produced food.
In 2022, the farm share was 14.9 cents of each dollar spent. The revenues represented in the farm share pay the costs of farm production (such as labor and farm operator expertise), and agribusiness establishments for inputs such as land, seed, and machinery.
While most of the farm share comes from food commodity sales, a portion of it comes from the sale of farm commodities that are used as nonfood inputs throughout agricultural-food supply chain. An
example of this would be the purchase of cotton towels by restaurants. Finally, the farm share also pays establishments for nonagricultural goods and services used in farm operations such as bookkeeping, electricity and fuel to power equipment, and transportation.
The portion of the marketing bill left after subtracting the farm share is the marketing share. This is the share of total food purchases that pays the other industries that bring food to various points of purchase. In 2022, the marketing share was 85.1 cents.
Another way to measure how much food spending goes back to the farm is the farm production share, which is included in the industry group series. This series matches a dollar of food spending with the distribution of food production costs among 12 industries that make up the domestic food supply chain.
A key difference between the farm production share in the industry group series and the farm share in the marketing bill series is that the farm production share does not include costs from agribusinesses and nonagricultural establishments that supply goods and services to farms. The farm production share of the food dollar was 7.9 cents in 2022.
This means that, per food dollar spent, about 8 cents went to farms for producing food.
Included in the “other” industry group category is the agribusiness share, which represents the industry group that supplies inputs such as seed, fertilizer, and farm machinery to farm production. It accounted for 2.1 cents per food dollar in 2022.
Most of the farm share of the food dollar goes to farm production and agribusiness. The rest covers costs from other industry groups that do not primarily support agriculture but still supply goods and services to farms for commodity production, such as energy and transportation. The 2022 value for these other costs was 4.9 cents. Since 1993, the earliest year measured in the current Food Dollar Series, they have ranged from 4.6 to 6.3 cents and averaged about 5.4 cents.
Primary factors are resources such as labor and capital used to transform intermediate materials into products purchased by other establishments or final sales to consumers. Value added is the dollar value of the contributions of these factors to the market value of products and services throughout the economy.
The Food Dollar Series sums the value added by all industry groups contributing to the U.S. food supply to create the primary factor series, which shows how a dollar of food expenditures is distributed among four components:
• Salary and benefits — compensation to employees in the form of pretax salaries and
employee benefits.
• Output taxes — excise, sales, and other taxes and fees levied on production, less subsidies.
• Imports — the cost of imported materials, ingredients, and equipment used in domestic food production.
• Property income, sometimes called “gross operating surplus” or the return to capital assets —the portion of an industry group’s revenues remaining after operating costs have been paid but before costs such as depreciation and interest have been paid.
For example, the value added by food processors is the value of their sales (such as to wholesalers and distributors) less the costs of raw food commodities and other intermediate production inputs such as energy and water. This dollar amount pays salaries and
wages, taxes on production, imported inputs for production, and operating surplus for their contributions to the market value of the food processors products.
The third way to measure how much food spending goes back to the farm is by breaking down the components of value added at the farm level into primary factors. This allows, as an example, the ability to differentiate how much food spending goes back to farm labor versus to the owners of farm capital assets.
For instance, when food processors acquire raw farm commodities, their purchase price compensates farm operators for the primary factors that were used up to the purchase point, and the processors’ outputs then become input costs for industries at the next stage.
The Food Dollar Series shows
the breakdown of payments to the four production factors by each industry group. For example, in 2022, of the 7.9 cents per dollar spent on food received by the farm production industry group, 1.5 cents paid salaries and benefits, 5.4 cents paid property income, and 1.0 cent paid for imports used in domestic production. Output taxes amounted to 0.0 cent, indicating that taxes paid were equal to subsidies received.
Quinton Baker is a research agricultural economist, and James Chandler Zachary is an agricultural economist, both in the Food Markets Branch of the Food Economics Division of the USDA’s Economic Research Service.
2025 International Production & Processing Expo Directory of Exhibitors
2025 International Production & Processing Expo Directory of Exhibitors
Compiled by David B. Strickland, Editor 770-718-3442
dstrickland@poultrytimes.com
N
ational Broiler Market:
(Nov. 25): Prices were steady for wogs and whole fryers. Supplies were light to moderate for three pound and lighter sized wogs; moderate for three pound and heavier sizes and whole fryers. Demand was light to moderate as dealers assess market conditions entering the Thanksgiving holiday week. Processing schedules were normal. Floor stocks were balanced. Market activity was seasonally slow to moderate. In the parts structure, prices were trending at least steady for boneless/skinless breasts. Wings and tenders were steady while dark meat cuts, fronts, and bone-in breasts were about steady with thigh meat noted in a slightly better balance. Supplies were light to moderate for boneless/skinless breasts and tenders. Wings, fronts, and bone-in breasts were moderate. Dark meat cuts were moderate to heavy for current needs. Demand was seasonally light to moderate. Market activity was slow to moderate, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service reports.
N
ational Broiler/Fryer Slaughter:
Broiler: Estimated slaughter for week ending Nov. 23 was 157,515,000. Actual slaughter for the week ending Nov. 16 was 160,462,000. Heavy-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Nov. 23 was 1,801,000.
Actual slaughter for the week ending Nov. 16 was 1,602,000. Light-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Nov. 23 was 756,000. Actual slaughter for the week ending Nov. 16 was 735,000.
The estimated number of broiler/fryers available for the week ending Nov. 23, 2024, was 171 million compared to 132.9 million for the same week last year. The estimated U.S. slaughter for the week of Nov. 23 was 157.8 million or 13.2 million less than estimated available. For the week of Nov. 30, 2024, the estimated number available was 167.2 million. For more poultry market news statistics visit www.ams.usda.gov.
Central Ohio Farmers Co-op, Marion, Ohio)
Broiler Eggs Set/Chicks Placed in 19 States
1/Current week as percent of same
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