JUL 28-30 — NCC CHICKEN MARKETING SUMMIT, DeSoto Savannah, Savannah, Ga. Contact: National Chicken Council, 1152 15th Street NW, Suite 430, Washington, D.C. 20005; Ph: 202-296-2622; www.nationalchickencouncil.org.
JUL 29-31 — AAAP 68TH ANNUAL MEETING, Hilton Portland Downtown, Portland, Ore. Contact: American Association of Avian Pathologists, 12627 San Jose Blvd., Suite 202, Jacksonville, Fla. 32223; Ph: 904-425-5735; Email: aaap@aaap.info; www.aaap.info.
AUGUST
AUG 4-6 — AGRONOMY CONFERENCE & EXPO, JW Marriott Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Ind. Contact: The Fertilizer Institute, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700, Arlington, Va. 22203; Ph: 202-962-0490; Email: info@tfi.org. www.tfi.org.
AUG 5 — AFIA/KSU-500, Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing. Online course runs through Sept. 9, 2025. Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 810, Arlington, Va. 22201; Ph: 703-524-0810; www.afia.org.
AUG 18-20 — NATIONAL SAFETY CONFERENCE FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin, Fla. Contact: USPOULTRY, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084; Ph: 770-493-9401; seminar@ uspoultry.org; www.uspoultry.org.
RACHEL DANFORD Digital Specialist 678-447-0702 rdanford@poultrytimes.com
Index of Advertisers
Be sure to pay a visit to these esteemed sponsors of the Poultry Times, recognizing them as vital contributors to the industry who greatly appreciate your support.
Aurora Phamaceutical l 18 888-215-1256; www.aurorapharmaceutical.com
Boehringer Ingelheim l 3 www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Eagan Mfg. l 27 870-878-6805; www.eaganmfg.com
Extrutech Plastics l 19 888-818-0118; www.epiplastics.com
Harpak-Ulma l 20 800-813-6644; www.harpak-ulma.com
Impact Poultry Products l 22 800-448-4723; www.impactpoultryproducts.com
Kunafin (The Insectary) l 28 800-832-1113; www.kunafin.com
L.B.White l 13 608-783-5691; www.lbwhite.com
LiphaTech l 2 888-331-7900; https://liphatech.com
Motomco l 32 800-237-6843; www.motomco.com
Neptune Wash Solutions l 17 866-303-4437; www.neptunewash.com
Overdrive Lighting l 23 800-657-0509; www.aglights.com
Precision Lighting l 1, 4, 21, 31 800-737-1837; www.poultrylighting
Weightech l 15, 22 800-457-3720; www.weightechinc.com
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President Trump officially signs the ‘OBBB” during July 4 ceremony
DAVID B. STRICKLAND POULTRY TIMES EDITOR DSTRICKLAND@POULTRYTIMES.COM
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump officially signed the budget reconciliation bill, known as the “one, big, beautiful bill” during a Fourth of July holiday ceremony at the White House.
The bill passed the U.S. Senate after a nearly 24-hour debate session on July 1 with a final vote that ended 50 to 50, with the tie-breaking vote being cast by Vice President JD Vance. The bill then went back to the U.S. House of Representatives for its final vote where it passed on July 3, with a vote of 218 to 214 in the lower chamber.
In this final House vote, two Republican representatives, Thomas Massey (R-Ky.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), joined all the Democrat representatives in opposing the legislation. When the bill originally passed the House on May 22, it was by the razor-thin margin of 215 to 214.
Detractors of the legislation note that the bill adds $3.3 trillion to the national debt and makes damaging cuts to health care.
The Senate Agriculture Committee had been debating the bill and its implications for American farmers, primarily in terms of tax relief and efficiencies.
“Passage of this legislation is critical to delivering the promises made to the American people by President Trump,” U.S. Sen. John Boozman (RArk.) chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry said in a statement. “We make commonsense reforms to SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to ensure the program operates efficiently, is accountable to the taxpayers, and helps those who truly need it.”
“There is also good news for hardworking farmers, ranchers, and producers who, for too long, were forced to operate under outdated policies,” Boozman added. “Our investments in farm country will support the long-term success of family farms and America’s agriculture industry, providing desperately needed and improved risk management tools, as well as a modernized farm safety net.”
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, in a commentary about the bill, adds that, “Over the next decade, the OBBB increases the farmer safety net, crop insurance, and trade programs. These changes to farm support will allow USDA to return to our core mission of putting Farmers First and restoring rural prosperity across the country. At USDA, we are working every day on behalf
of our farmers and ranchers to ensure President Trump’s America First agenda unleashes prosperity for generations to come.”
“Modernizing important farm safety net programs and making permanent critical tax provisions could be the difference between staying in business or shutting down the family farm,” Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation president, said. “More than half of farmers are losing money, so an increase in reference prices is desperately needed, and tax tools will help farmers and ranchers plan for the next season and the next generation.”
“Lawmakers took a big step toward ensuring America’s farmers and ranchers can continue to keep pantries filled for America’s families,” Duvall added.
The Senate bill vote on July 1 was similar to the House vote, which followed along political party lines, with three Republicans siding with Democrats, including U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and notably, Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who also has announced that he will not seek re-election after his current term.
“I will always do what is in the best interest of North Carolina, even when that puts me at odds with my own party,” Tillis said. “There is a lot for North Carolinians to love about the … One Big Beautiful Bill, including extending the historic Trump tax cuts, increasing the child tax credit, providing historic funding for border security, and ending wasteful spending. We can and must accomplish this without hurting our rural communities and hospitals, and without jeopardizing access to care for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians who need it the most.”
Those in favor of the bill have noted that it will
provide tax relief needed for economic growth, while proponents have said that it will cut access to essential services like healthcare and add to the national debt.
“Despite false narratives about ‘tax cuts for billionaires and corporations,’ the reality is this legislation not only prevents massive across-theboard tax hikes, but also provides new tax relief that overwhelmingly benefits low- and middleclass families and workers,” U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said.
He added that according to an analysis from the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, the new bill provides more than $600 billion in middle-class tax relief.
However, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Senate Finance Committee ranking member, said, “It’s absolutely gobsmacking that Republicans have found a way to run up the debt by $3.3 trillion and still drive countless millions into hardship. Trump either lies about what’s in the bill or simply has no idea, and Republicans follow his lead by blocking out the shame that ought to stop them from passing it.”
Democrats add that the bill cuts billions of dollars of “green energy tax credit” investments with focuses on wind and solar energy.
Elon Musk, once a staunch ally of President Trump, addressed the bill adding $5 trillion to the nation’s debt ceiling.
On social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), Musk said, “It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!”
U.S. poultry exports gaining expanded opportunities to Namibia
DAVID B. STRICKLAND POULTRY TIMES EDITOR DSTRICKLAND@POULTRYTIMES.COM
WASHINGTON — United States poultry exporters now have greater market access to Namibia through new trade terms that began on July 1, for fresh, frozen, and chilled poultry exports. USDA estimates this market’s potential to be valued at $15 million.
The USDA adds that successful negotiations have removed export and market transit permit requirements for processed poultry products to the Namibian market.
“President Trump is renegotiating the status quo of bad trade deals that have left behind American farmers and ranchers for far too long,” Brooke Rollins, U.S. agriculture secretary, said. “Our agriculture is the best in the world, and under President Trump’s leadership, we are providing more markets for farmers to share their bountiful harvest. The announcement today is a win for farmers, a win for exporters, and a win for freedom-loving nations who want access to safe, high-quality U.S. food.”
USDA also noted that Namibia has recognized the efforts, inspection systems, and food safety standards of the department’s Food Safety & Inspection Service.
The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council has voiced its approval for this opening of a new trade channel that had been restricted for years that may lead to greater access to markets within the African continent.
“This announcement is a meaningful win for the entire U.S. poultry industry,” Greg Tyler, USAPEEC president and CEO, said. “We are grateful for Secretary Rollins’ leadership and the USDA’s persistent efforts to eliminate barriers and grow global demand for American poultry.”
“This exactly the kind of result that’s possible when U.S. agriculture is prioritized,” Tyler added. “From cutting red tape to building strategic partnerships, USDA’s work continues to pay dividends for our producers and exporters.”
The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service notes that in export ranks Namibia is 109th for total U.S. agricultural markets, with a total export value of $21.51 million. The top U.S. exports to Namibia are soybeans at $18.12 million,
corn, $3 million, and up until this announcement poultry meat and products (excluding eggs) at number three at $151,085.
Namibia, with a population of 3.1 million, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, with a close connection to Zimbabwe. It is the world’s 34th largest country, along with being one of the most sparsely populated. It’s economic base includes mining for diamonds, gold, silver, uranium, and base metals, as well as agriculture.
National Chicken Council President Harrison Kircher added, “On behalf of NCC and our members, I want to thank Secretary Rollins and
her team at USDA for their leadership in prioritizing U.S. agriculture across the globe. We export about 16 percent of broiler production, and eliminating barriers and expanding our market portfolio is a huge win for America’s chicken farmers and processors.”
The USDA is also looking toward further advancement for U.S. exports. Secretary Rollins has recently made agricultural trade trips to the U.K. and Italy, with plans to travel soon to Japan, Peru, Brazil, India and Vietnam. The USDA is planning trade missions in 2025 to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Taiwan, and Côte d’Ivoire.
“This exactly the kind of result that’s possible when U.S. agriculture is prioritized. From cutting red tape to building strategic partnerships, USDA’s work continues to pay dividends for our producers and exporters.”
Greg Tyler,
USAPEEC president and CEO
USDA gives update to its five-prong bird flu strategy
DAVID B. STRICKLAND POULTRY TIMES EDITOR DSTRICKLAND@POULTRYTIMES.COM
WASHINGTON — Egg prices earlier in the year reached record-high levels with the nation’s egg producers reeling from ongoing struggles associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks. In February, USDA announced a five-pronged plan to combat the virus, and on June 26 the agency announced an update on how the plan is progressing.
USDA notes that since February wholesale egg prices have dropped 64 percent and retail prices have fallen 27 percent. The department adds that egg farmers and poultry producers can still use the USDA’s available resources to conduct biosecurity assessments.
“When President Trump entered office, the cost of eggs was at a record high, seriously denting consumers’ wallets after years of awful inflation,” Brooke Rollins, U.S. agriculture secretary said, in the USDA update. “On my first day as Secretary, we got to work to implement a five-pronged strategy to improve biosecurity on the farm and lower egg prices on grocery store shelves. The plan has worked, and families are seeing relief with egg prices driving food deflation in the April Consumer Price Index.”
“While we are proud that over 900 biosecurity assessments have been conducted to date, resources remain available, and we are urging poultry farmers of all sizes to get your assessments done today before a potentially challenging fall.” Rollins added.
In the February announcement, USDA noted that, beginning with egg-layer facilities, it is expanding its Wildlife Biosecurity Assessment for producers to help provide a safeguard from wild birds, which it adds are 83 percent of the cause of HPAI cases.
In this recent announcement, the department says that it offers “two free, voluntary biosecurity assessments to help farmers get ahead of any potential HPAI threats. One focuses on wildlife risk mitigation and another on general biosecurity improvements.”
For the first half of this year, between Jan. 20 to June 26, 2025, USDA notes that it has conducted 948 total biosecurity assessments nationwide. The department announces that it will share up to 75 percent of the total fix cost for the highest-risk biosecurity concerns that it finds on a facility during an assessment.
To request an assessment, producers can
contact USDA by email at poultry.biosecurity@usda.gov, or by phone at 844-820-2234.
Additional strategy updates include: • Relief to assist farm repopulation after an outbreak.
“USDA has continued providing financial relief and support for faster repopulation of poultry flocks after an HPAI detection,” the department said. “Since Feb. 27, 2025, when USDA increased indemnity values available to producers affected by HPAI, over $70 million has been paid out to directly support layer flocks. These increased indemnity rates have provided producers a level of support and stability to help them in moving forward to repopulate their flocks as quickly as possible.”
• Imports to increase supplies.
USDA adds that to assist with domestic shell egg supplies, since the beginning of this year more than 26 million dozen shell eggs have been imported from Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Turkey and South Korea, that have been used for breakers, and another 14 million egg products, which brings the total egg imports for the year to more than 40 million.
“To compare, in 2024, U.S. production totaled 109 billion eggs,” USDA said. “To more smoothly facilitate these imports, USDA has
inspected and approved three new facilities — one in Arkansas and two in New York — to receive imported shell/table eggs for breaking and pasteurization, bringing the total number of approved facilities in the United State to six.”
• Reducing burdens of regulations.
Rollins notes that she has traveled the country for listening sessions to find ways to give producers relief financially and from regulations.
“USDA has also taken action to reduce red tape for the poultry industry by eliminating redundant worker safety data submissions and extending line speed waivers and withdrawing the proposed ‘Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products,’” the department added.
• HPAI research and vaccine development.
USDA said that it received 417 proposals to its “HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge Funding Opportunity.”
“Applicants proposed a total of $793 million in funding,” the department noted. “These projects focus on a range of innovations to support research into HPAI prevention, therapeutics, and potential vaccines. USDA expects awards to be finalized by this fall.”
Continuing the call for WOTUS clarity
BY ZIPPY DUVALL
American Farm Bureau Federation
WASHINGTON — Farmers and ranchers hold a unique bond with the land we care for. This connection often spans generations, grounded in a deep respect for the soil, water and natural resources that sustain our farms. We take pride in being entrusted with these resources and always strive to do the right thing by our land and communities. Years of regulatory tug of war on a clear Waters of the United States rule, however, have kept farmers in limbo on what they can and cannot do on their own land. That is why we are encouraged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent steps this spring to provide clarity on WOTUS.
The years-long journey to clarity on WOTUS has been muddy at times, marked by significant legal and regulatory developments. It seemed like the WOTUS rule became a moving target with shifting definitions and guidelines – even after the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Sackett v. EPA to provide clarity.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers were given clear instructions to fix their overreaches, including reliance on the so-called “significant nexus” test.
But instead, the agencies reintroduced vague and subjective standards leaving farmers with potential permitting delays, legal challenges and overall uncertainty. Even routine activities such as plowing, planting, or fence building could result in harsh penalties or numerous hoops in obtaining Clean Water Act permits.
Farm Bureau has long called for consistent
and fair guidelines surrounding the Clean Water Act. We recognize the importance of regulations around our natural resources and believe farmers — and all landowners — deserve clarity on those rules. Instead, time and again, EPA and the Corps have asserted their reach beyond what Congress intended.
This continued back and forth of regulations and uncertainty is why we continued to press
Vincent (Zippy) Duvall, a poultry, cattle and hay producer from Greene County, Ga., is president of the American Farm Bureau Federation headquartered in Washington, D.C.
EPA for clarity, and why we appreciate them listening to those concerns and taking steps to finally bring WOTUS back in line.
As part of their ongoing process to clarify WOTUS, EPA recently asked for public comments as they begin to craft a new rule. Farmers and landowners are critical to this process,
CONTINUES on Page 16 PT
It seemed like the WOTUS rule became a moving target with shifting definitions and guidelines ….
LEXINGTON, Ky. — In its newly released Alltech Sustainability Report, the company highlights its commitment to helping agrifood producers achieve sustainable profitability, outlines the steps it has taken to reduce environmental impact and champions agriculture’s role in building resilient food systems.
“Our vision of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty® recognizes that thriving farms and food businesses are essential for a more sustainable planet,” Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech president and CEO, said. “When producers are equipped to succeed — to be profitable, to build a legacy and reinvest in their land and communities — we all move closer to a world of abundance.”
The 2024 report highlights a year of strong momentum and measurable impact: Alltech achieved double-digit business growth in 2024 while reducing its Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 7.8 percent. Since 2021, Alltech has reduced those emissions by 26 percent, more than halfway to its 2030 target of 42 percent, proving that strong business performance can go hand in hand with environmental progress, the company noted.
From investing in energy efficiency and water stewardship to creating sustainability partnerships with customers — through carbon credit and farm resource efficiency programs, for example — and taking bold action to tell agriculture’s story in a new way through the World Without Cows documentary, the 2024 report showcases the global impact of Alltech’s purpose-driven strategy, the company added.
It also highlights key progress in reducing emissions and waste, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promoting sustainability across Alltech’s global operations, workplace, and industry partnerships.
Sustainability is embedded in Alltech’s mission to improve the health and performance of people, animals and plants through nutrition and scientific innovation.
“The choices we make today will shape the
world of tomorrow,” Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech. “That’s why our sustainability strategy is designed to deliver long-term environmental, social and economic benefits — not only within our own operations but across the entire agri-food value chain.”
Key sustainability achievements include:
• Energy efficiency: In 2024, Alltech invested $2.04 million in six energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, cutting emissions by 3,602 metric tons of CO2-e. Since 2021, it has invested $13 million in 40 projects across 29 sites, resulting in a reduction of approximately 21,000 metric tons of CO2-e per year.
• Zero-waste milestones: The company expanded its zero-waste-to-landfill practices, with five facilities achieving full zero-waste status in 2024.
• Water stewardship: Alltech launched a strategy to benchmark usage, identify highusage sites, implement conservation technologies and share global best practices.
• Expanding LCAs: Alltech completed 57 product life-cycle analyses (LCAs) in 2024 for a total of 139 total LCAs now completed.
• Workforce diversity and engagement: Alltech has a diverse global workforce representing 72 nationalities speaking 59 native languages. Its team of 5,368 includes 26 percent women and 74 percent men. In its 2,466 non-production roles, 42 percent are women and 58 percent are men.
• Uniquely experienced team: 35 percent of Alltech’s team has been with the company for more than 10 years, while 12 percent have been with the company for more than 20 years. (In the U.S., the average length of employment in corporate companies is 3.9 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.)
• EUDR compliance: The company achieved EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) compliance and drafted deforestation/
on Page 16
Alltech photo
Alltech has recently released its annual Sustainability Report, which demonstrates the actions the company is taking to advance its purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty®.”
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UEP Certified launches Hatch Check program
ATLANTA — UEP (United Egg Producers) Certified, the nation’s leading hen welfare certification program representing the majority of U.S. egg production, has launched Hatch Check, a new certification for egg producers and hatcheries that supplements UEP Certified’s existing hatchery audit.
Hatch Check is for those choosing to incorporate in-ovo sexing technology or to raise male chicks as an alternative to culling and ensures transparency through thirdparty audits measured against a robust set of animal welfare guidelines developed by experts in chick and hen care.
Hatch Check was developed collaboratively with egg farmers, hatchery operators, and animal welfare specialists, and it reflects a science-based approach that can be scaled responsibly. UEP has long supported the advancement of inovo sexing technologies and participated in research initiatives to drive the innovation of new methods for in-ovo sexing, including the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s Egg-Tech Prize.
Cotabato, the Philippines.This strategic collaboration reflects Cargill’s continued investment in one of the country’s most vital agricultural regions, aimed at delivering faster, more reliable, and high-quality feed solutions to better serve customers, the company announced.
Biotech Farms, established in 2001, is a vertically integrated agribusiness in the Philippines, specializing in poultry, swine, feed production, and rice milling.
ties that depend on us every day.”
Hatch Check offers producers and hatcheries the option to certify that they are using approved in-ovo sexing technologies to identify and remove male embryos before hatch — eliminating the need to cull dayold male chicks. This certification is available to operations that meet all program requirements, including early sexing by day 15 or earlier of incubation and robust supply chain traceability from hatchery to carton.
The program features independent, third-party audits, strict record-keeping protocols, and a focus on integrity at every step. Hatch Check ensures that certified eggs are properly segregated, verifiable, and clearly labeled for consumers.
“UEP Certified is dedicated to promoting high standards of hen welfare throughout the entire egg production system, which is a top priority for U.S. egg farmers,” Dr. Larry Sadler, United Egg Producers senior vice president of animal welfare, said. “Our mission includes evolving our guidelines and audits to stay relevant with innovative approaches to hen health and well-being, as well as advancing critical technologies that enhance welfare. By addressing the management of male chicks in egg production, Hatch Check and the UEP Certified program continue to lead in animal care.”
Participation in Hatch Check is entirely voluntary, and complements the broader UEP Certified program, which continues to support a range of science-backed animal welfare practices across all housing systems and is governed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee made up of academics, veterinarians and hen welfare experts.
To learn more, visit https://uepcertified.com/hatch-check/.
Cargill strengthens its Philippines feed production with new partnership
MANILA, Philippines — Cargill is further strengthening its presence in Mindanao, with a new feed production partnership with Biotech, a state-of-the-art facility located at the Biotech Agro-Industrial Complex in Tantangan, South
Mindanao is one of the most dynamic agricultural regions in the Philippines and home to a growing base of animal farmers, producers, and agribusinesses, Cargill said, adding that, by establishing a dedicated production line at the Tantangan plant, the company aims to strengthen its foothold in the region and the country’s food system.
“This is about serving our Mindanao customers better — with the reliability, responsiveness, and quality they deserve,” Sonny Catacutan, senior managing director for Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health Philippines, said. “The Tantangan plant gives us a stronger presence in a region essential to the future of the local agricultural industry. It allows us to enhance service to our customers and live our purpose of nourishing the world starting with every bag of feed. We’re excited about what this partnership brings, not just in operational capability, but in helping us create more impact for customers, farmers, and communi-
The Tantangan feed mill features modern milling technology, proven high-performance production, and a dedicated monthly feed output to meet the growing demand in the region, Cargill said, adding that with production now fully operational, the Tantangan plant partnership reinforces Cargill’s expanded footprint and supply chain resilience in Mindanao while accelerating capabilities to deliver tailored, safe, and sustainable nutrition solutions at scale.
“This partnership is a testament to our shared mission of empowering Mindanao’s farmers with innovative, sustainable solutions,” Rey Chiang, Biotech Farms CEO, said.
“Since 2001, Biotech has been at the forefront of transforming Philippine agriculture through precision farming, renewable energy, and circular economy practices. Together with Cargill, we will amplify our impact — ensuring farmers receive highquality, tailored feed nutrition solutions using Cargill’s cutting-edge research, data-driven insights, and a vast supply chain network that not only boosts productivity but also aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and community upliftment.”
As production ramps up at the Tantangan feed mill, the partnership signals an important step forward for Cargill in nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way, Cargill noted. With 77 years of doing business in the Philippines,
Cargill photo
Cargill and Biotech leaders recently marked the beginning of a shared commitment to advancing animal nutrition in Mindanao, the Philippines, officially launching their partnership with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Tantangan plant within the Biotech Agro-Industrial Complex in South Cotabato. On hand were, left to right, Erwin Saballa, Biotech COO; Rey Chiang, Biotech CEO; Sonny Catacutan, Cargill senior managing director; and Carlito Fernando, Cargill director for manufacturing and supply chain.
Cargill continues to strengthen its presence while staying rooted in its core to help farmers succeed and communities to prosper, company officials said.
USPOULTRY
Financial Management Seminar discusses team development and cybersecurity
TUCKER, Ga. — The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s Financial Management Seminar welcomed more than 150 poultry industry financial professionals in Amelia Island, Fla. A multidisciplinary slate of speakers delivered an impressive array of knowledge to address the issues faced by finance managers, accountants and other financial professionals.
With a high-energy presentation on “Leading Through Change,” Dr. Rick Goodman of S.T.A Consulting, a keynote speaker and author, kicked off the program and pro -
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vided attendees with several strategies to drive higher organizational achievement and help teams thrive. Goodman offered numerous examples of ways to maximize successful change, with two of the most impactful being having a “What if?” mindset and leading through change with enthusiasm and optimism. Attendees were also urged to “risk a yes” and build and maintain relationships.
Christian Lawrence, head of Cross-Asset Macro Strategy at Ra-
bobank, gave attendees an update on the current economic landscape, emphasizing that uncertainty in the economic sphere can be looked at through the lens of changing economic policy to economic statecraft. This shift, in combination with the multi-layered outcomes and macroeconomic implications, makes forecasting exceptionally difficult. Attendees were advised that uncertainty will continue, with possible rate cuts later this year.
A panel discussion, moderated
by Greg Finch, CFO and treasurer for Claxton Poultry Farms, focused on team member development and upskilling in finance. The panel included Aaron Weaver, corporate controller at Butterball LLC; Jonathan Jennings, corporate controller at Mar-Jac Poultry; and Jessica Kelley, regional accounting manager at Pilgrim’s. A variety of methods for developing team members were discussed, including individual development plans, internal customer surveys and changing perspective on
USPOULTRY photo
A panel discussion during the recent 2025 USPOULTRY Financial Management Seminar, moderated by Greg Finch, CFO and treasurer for Claxton Poultry Farms; included speakers Aaron Weaver, corporate controller, Butterball LLC; Jonathan Jennings, corporate controller, Mar-Jac Poultry; and Jessica Kelley, regional accounting manager, Pilgrim’s.
lateral moves.
Lynn Dornblaser, client advisor at Mintel Group Ltd., provided insights on consumer attitudes and opportunities for innovation. Perceived healthy attributes and claims were identified as being important across price points, and the growth of private label product development was explored. Dornblaser also discussed the desire to replace restaurantstyle meals at home, despite minimal cooking skills, with value-added products. Chicken was identified as the category leader for new product introductions, including beyond center-of-the-plate items. Additionally, protein content was identified as a key motivator for poultry (chicken) purchases.
Cybersecurity rounded out the discussions with Rich Santoriello, senior director of cybersecurity and infrastructure at Butterball, detailing the cyber threats financial managers need to know about. Santoriello explained the critical importance of cybersecurity defense and preparedness.
Citing numerous cyber incidents with far-reaching implications for the businesses and people involved, the significance of ensuring network security — both in informational and operational technology — was emphasized. Recommendations for reducing cyber risks were presented, including password best practices, phishing defense, team member training, malicious website awareness and the rising threat of deep fakes.
USPOULTRY is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. Up to 12 CPE credits may be awarded to seminar attendees. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. For more information, visit www. uspoultry.org.
Corn acreage up 5 percent, soybean acreage down 4 percent from last year
WASHINGTON — The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated 95.2 million acres
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of corn planted in the United States for 2025, up 5 percent from last year, according to its recent “Acreage” report. Soybean area planted is estimated at 83.4 million acres, down 4 percent from last year.
Following up on the “Prospective Plantings” report released in March, NASS surveyed approximately 67,700 farm operators during the first two weeks of June to gather information on what farmers actually planted.
Key findings released in the report include:
Corn
• Growers expect to harvest 86.8 million acres of corn for grain, up 5 percent from 2024.
• Ninety-four percent of all corn acres planted in the United States are biotech varieties, the same as 2024.
Soybeans
• Soybean harvested area for 2025 is estimated at 82.5 million acres, down 4 percent from last year.
• Producers planted 96 percent of the soybean acreage using herbicide resistant seed varieties, the same as 2024.
NASS has also released its quarterly “Grain Stocks” and “Rice Stocks” reports to provide estimates of on-farm and off-farm stocks as of June 1.
Key findings include:
Grain Stocks
• Corn stocks totaled 4.64 billion bushels, down 7 percent from the same time last year.
• On-farm corn stocks were down 16 percent from a year ago, and off-farm stocks were up 6 percent.
• Soybeans stored totaled 1.01 billion bushels, up 4 percent from June 1, 2024.
• On-farm soybean stocks were down 12 percent from a year ago,
while off-farm stocks were up 18 percent.
Rice Stocks
• Rough rice stocks totaled 69.7 million hundredweight, up 15 percent from June 1, 2024.
• On-farm rice stocks were up 94 percent from a year ago, while off-farm stocks were up 7 percent.
• Long grain rice varieties accounted for 69 percent of the total rough rice, medium grain accounted for 30 percent, and short grain varieties accounted for 1 percent.
• Milled rice stocks totaled 6.09 million hundredweight, up 26 percent from a year ago.
• Milled rice stocks were comprised of 4.01 million hundredweight of whole kernel rice and 2.08 million hundredweight of second heads, screenings, and brewers rice.
All NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov/publications.
Rabobank: geopolitics and bird flu to shape the 2025 poultry outlook
UTRECHT, Netherlands —
The global poultry industry has seen a relatively strong start to the year, sustained by rising animal protein prices and lower feed costs compared to last year, Rabobank notes. However, recent developments, including the announced (and postponed) U.S. import tariffs, bird flu outbreaks in key regions, and the Israel-Iran conflict, are introducing significant uncertainty.
According to RaboResearch’s latest animal protein report, these factors are poised to impact global trade and market dynamics substantially.
Despite strong fundamentals for the global poultry market, supported by high beef and egg prices and stable feed costs, geopolitical tensions are weighing on the global economy, Rabobank said. The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global GDP (gross domestic product) growth forecast by 0.5 percent. This uncertain economic environment, coupled with avian flu outbreaks, is affecting poultry market stability.
“We have adjusted our global
production forecast for 2025 from 2.5 percent to 3 percent growth to 2 percent to 2.5 percent growth, with potential further reductions if the conflict escalates,” Nan-Dirk Mulder, RaboResearch senior analyst–animal protein, said. “While global markets are expected to remain resilient, regional variations are likely, influenced by geopolitical events, their economic repercussions, and the evolving bird flu situation.”
The United States’ imposition and subsequent postponement of significant import tariffs in April have left the possibility of a trade war looming, analysts added. Should trade agreements be reached, the U.S. poultry sector could expand its market access, potentially disadvantaging local producers or competing exporters. Conversely, a prolonged trade war could restrict U.S. access, benefiting other exporters like Brazil,Thailand, Russia, and the European Union.
Both scenarios carry economic implications, with a trade war potentially leading to price inflation, particularly affecting economies with the highest tariffs, notably in Asia and Africa, and indirectly influencing poultry markets, Rabobank said, adding that, the global feed ingredient market’s reliance on a few countries could lead to short-term volatility and a heightened focus on resource security in the long term.
The development of the IsraelIran war could also affect global economic growth and the chicken industry, the analysts noted.
The Middle East is a significant import market for poultry, and an escalation of the conflict may affect global trade. Brazil, and to a lesser extent the U.S., Turkey, and
Ukraine, are major exporters to the Middle East, Rabobank said. Increasing conflict could heavily affect their exports, in addition to any impact on local industries.
• Impact of disease outbreaks on global trade
Global poultry trade reached historic highs in the first quarter of 2025, Rabobank said. But bird flu outbreaks, along with potential tariff impacts and geopolitical developments, including the Israel-Iran conflict, are likely to disrupt trade dynamics.
“The Brazilian bird flu outbreak in May has significantly affected global trade, with 40 percent of Brazilian exports blocked by major importers. The hatching egg trade is also severely impacted by outbreaks in Europe, Brazil, the U.S., and previously in New Zealand,” Mulder said. “We expect supply to remain tight, posing challenges for countries reliant on imported hatching eggs, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.”
Schomaker to become Big Dutchman head of MEA region
VECHTA, Germany — Jan Schomaker has been appointed Big Dutchman’s head of region Middle East & Africa (MEA). He has been part of Big Dutchman since 2010, most recently as sales director MEA, and will take up the newly created position on Oct. 1, 2025.
and subsidiaries in the MEA region and worked closely with them. He was promoted to sales director MEA in 2023.
Ulf Meyer, who has held a dual role as head of Europe and MEA since the reorganization in 2015, will focus entirely on the expansion of the European business in future. Under Ulf’s leadership, sales in Europe have more than doubled, from around 180 million euro to an expected 400 million euro in the current year.
“We are very proud that we can fill this important position with one of our own,” Meyer said. “Jan’s career is an excellent example of the quality of our training and the development opportunities at Big Dutchman.”
Schomaker joined the company when he started a dual study program in business administration in cooperation with Big Dutchman. After completing his first degree, he became a sales trainee for MEA in 2013. Along with his sales training, he worked on his master’s degree.
From 2015, Schomaker was area sales manager. In this role, he was responsible for multiple agencies
“Europe and MEA will continue to be among our most important growth markets,” Steffen Bersch, Big Dutchman CEO, said. “They are very dynamic markets, making it necessary for responsibility to be shared by several people. Ulf and Jan can now concentrate fully on their respective markets and develop them further.”
“For the past two years, I have been working with Ulf and the team to strategically develop the Middle East and Africa,” Schomaker said. “I look forward to continuing this path as Head of MEA, together with the entire team.”
WeighTech...
“The Board of Management would like to thank Ulf Meyer for his many years of commitment to his dual role. With Jan Schomaker, we have a colleague who has a deep understanding of the region thanks to his extensive travelling activities – and who will further develop the strong growth potential in MEA,” Bersch added.“We wish them both every success and hope they will enjoy their new tasks.”
Zaxbys teaming with Quavo on new lemon pepper menu items
ATLANTA — For the first time ever, Zaxbys® is getting into the dry rub game with the introduction of its all-new Lemon Pepper offerings available for a limited
Serving the Meat, Poultry and Seafood Industries
time, which began on July 7. Zaxbys Lemon Pepper is a blend of zesty, tangy lemon, cracked black pepper, and a rich finish, and as the firstever dry rub on the Zaxbys menu, it adds bold variety to the brand’s diverse line-up of flavor-forward offerings, the company announced.
Lemon Pepper isn’t just a flavor. It’s a cultural movement with roots in Atlanta – home of Zaxbys headquarters, the city that put Lemon Pepper wings on the map and the place that gave rise to the viral fashion trend “Lemon Pepper Steppers” to describe shoes so stylish, they’re dripping with sauce, Zaxbys said, adding that songs have been written about Lemon Pepper, TV shows have dedicated episodes to it, and now the Georgia-based
and we appreciate this chance to have a seat at the table to share perspectives and ensure the final rule reflects the realities of our farms and ranches. Farm Bureau, guided by our grassroots policy, submitted detailed comments to the EPA outlining some of the biggest changes our farmers need to continue stewarding the land we’ve been entrusted with.
The first recommendation in our
conversion-free policies for 2025 adoption.
• Science and impact: 799 Alltech research studies are listed on Scopus, with many mapped to 11 of the 17 U.N. SDGs.
• Recognition: Alltech was reaccredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition, Alltech Serdán received ESR designation again and the company’s sustainability efforts continue to be recognized by sustainability-rating agency EcoVadis.
• Social engagement: Alltech advocates for agri-food, invests
BUSINESS
letter to the EPA was to provide clear guardrails on the “relatively permanent” standard. The 2023 rule expanded the term and led to loose guidelines around what waters fell under federal jurisdiction. We need the EPA to explicitly exclude ephemeral and some intermittent features such as drains, ditches and stock ponds from the definition of “relatively permanent,” as the Clean Water Act and Sackett require, to minimize confusion and limit overreach.
The 2023 rule also violated Sackett by including features such as wetlands that lacked a continuous surface water connection to
in building resilient communities around the world and serves as a global thought and action leader in the industry, producing industryleading publications and hosting and participating in global events.
The report also spotlights the bold steps Alltech has taken to advocate for agri-food producers through science-led storytelling. In 2024, its team completed production of World Without Cows, a feature-length documentary examining the economic, cultural, nutritional and environmental role of cattle — and the consequences of imagining a food system without them. World Without Cows challenges oversimplified narratives about animal agriculture, using evidence-based insights to spark deep-
chicken chain Zaxbys has entered the chat to give Zax and Lemon Pepper fans another way to get the flavor they love on the chicken they crave.
To celebrate its entry into the Lemon Pepper scene and pay tribute to the iconic Southern seasoning, Zaxbys is teaming up with Quavo, Atlanta, Ga., music legend known for his saucy, fashionable fits, the company added.
“Lemon Pepper’s a Georgia staple, just like Zaxbys,” Quavo said. “I’m proud to team up with them as they step into the dry rub game … so everyone can taste what the South’s really about.”
The new lemon pepper will be available for the chain’s chicken fingers, traditional and boneless wings,
jurisdictional water. The agencies must fix this and align with the Supreme Court’s instruction in Sackett that a jurisdictional wetland must directly connect to a WOTUS in such a way that the two are indistinguishable from one another.
The recommendations to the EPA also include the request to provide clear exemptions and exclusions so farmers can use their lands without the risk of severe penalties or expensive permits for what they have always done.
The work ahead with WOTUS
We are hopeful that the EPA
er conversations about sustainability, the company added. More than 5,000 people viewed the documentary in 2024 at private screenings, film festivals and events around the world.
“Through the film, its digital platform and in-person events all over the world, we are creating space for science-led storytelling that encourages critical thinking and sparking broader conversations about livestock, food security and sustainability,” Lyons said.
The path to a more sustainable future is complex, but progress is possible when science, innovation and collaboration come together. While challenges like climate change, resource scarcity and social inequality persist, Alltech
and sandwiches.
“At Zaxbys, flavor innovation is part of who we are – and with Lemon Pepper’s deep Georgia roots and huge cultural following, we’re proud to deliver our take on the flavor, worthy of the hype,” Patrick Schwing, Zaxbys chief marketing and strategy officer, said. “This launch celebrates more than just our first-ever dry rub – it’s a tribute to Zaxbys Atlanta roots and the viral phenomenon of Lemon Pepper Steppers, that’s all about owning your own sauce. We’ve teamed up with Quavo – a Georgia native, cultural tastemaker, and longtime Lemon Pepper lover – to help us debut this flavorful new offering the only way we know how: with bold style and sauce.”
and Corps will hear the concerns of our farmers and ranchers and finally achieve new rules that reflect the realities of life on the farm.
Landowners have long been at the mercy of shifting regulations, and it’s encouraging to see steps toward clarity.
We will continue to stay vocal on clear guidelines and ensure that we can continue to grow the food, fiber and renewable fuel that families at home and abroad rely on.
America’s food security, let’s choose the path of innovation and growth.
remains committed to working alongside producers and partners to turn these challenges into opportunities, Alltech noted.
“We are dedicated to addressing these complex issues through ongoing rigorous research, robust data management, strategic partnerships and the development of forward-thinking sustainable solutions,” McCarthy said. “We invite our stakeholders, partners and communities to join us on this journey. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, create meaningful change and create a world of abundance for future generations.”
The full Alltech Sustainability Report is available now at https://www. alltech.com/about/sustainability.
Hot Takes
THE POULTRY INDUSTRY SPEAKS OUT
What our partners have seen and think of 2025
2025 is No Coop for the Complacent.
Get the boldest predictions, sharpest insights, and can’t miss trends defining poultry this year.
What’s next in Poultry - lead the flock.
Read ahead - thoughts on:
• The best wheel cleaning system for your trucks
• Prevention and control of coccidiosis in poultry
• American-made panels for wall partitions, slat wall systems, pre-hung doors, and more
• Trends and solutions for case-ready packaging formats
SPECIAL SECTION
Automated Two Stage Disinfecting System
The First stage consists of a Wash Platform designed to flex the tires open while the wash pumps effectively remove any debris or contaminants from the tires. The wash platform offers 12 foot of cleaning which will over one full tire rotation of cleaning and an overall width of 114 to make it easy to navigate.
Wash Platform: The Wash Platform consists of two wash Elements (1 left, 1 right), each one being 12 foot long with a tread width of 42”, and an overall drive width of 114”.
The wash elements contain an integrated steel internal sludge and water drainage sloped steel pan for the rapid discharge of solids, debris, and water. Includes Tread Nozzles, Side Spray Bars, and Side Curtains with three piece brass spray nozzles.
Water Recycling/ Solid Separation
Tank: Integrated 3,500 gallon water
recycling and solid separation tank.
Self-supporting steel structure includes one (1) welded in place weir wall with mesh insert. The tank is configured with an Automated Scraper Conveyor for continual removal of solids from prefabricated tank which includes paddles; motor; and discharge chute to allow the system to continually scrape the solids from the bottom of the tank, and dispose of the dewatered solids through the discharge chute.
The second stage is designed to effectively spray the clean tire with a disinfectant of the customers choice. The second stage consists of the disinfecting module and pump.
The design of the system allows the overspray from the disinfecting spray to drain into the main water recycling tank to help sanitize the first stage spray.
Disinfecting Module: One galvanized
disinfecting platform 144” long x 114” wide at the wheel base; manufactured in two pieces for each of shipping. The platform is designed to be placed at even grade with the wheel wash system.
The base of the system includes integrated nozzles drilled into the wash platform. Each nozzle bar is 144” long and sprays at a 45 degree angle. The entrance and exit spray bars are configured with low flow high pressure nozzles tips for even application.
Pump: The disinfecting systems are configured with one (1) lnline Centrifugal Pump constructed with a cast iron body and stainless steel impeller, and includes a pressure regulator and by pass valve.
The system is designed to be plumbed to a customer supplied vault or tank to hold a premixed disinfectant mixture.
Coccidiosis in Poultry: What to Look For
Coccidiosis is a common and serious parasitic disease in poultry, caused by protozoa from the Eimeria family. These microscopic organisms infect the intestinal lining of poultry, leading to poor nutrient absorption, illness, and in severe cases, death. It primarily affects young birds, especially those raised in crowded or unsanitary conditions. However, older birds with weakened immune systems can also be vulnerable.
The coccidia parasites multiply in the gut, damaging the intestinal walls. Chickens and turkeys become infected by ingesting oocysts (the infective stage of the parasite) from contaminated litter, feed, water, or equipment. Damage to the gut lining can allow secondary infections such as Clostridial sp. to multiply which adds to the severity of clinical signs and increases economic loss. Warm, wet, and dirty environments promote the spread of coccidia, making proper coop management essential in preventing outbreaks.
Symptoms of Coccidiosis
Early detection is key to controlling the disease. Look for these signs:
• Diarrhea, often watery or bloody
• Lethargy and reluctance to move
• Poor appetite or refusal to eat
• Weight loss and slow growth
• Pale combs and wattles due to anemia
• Ruffled feathers and a hunched posture
• Dehydration
• Sudden death in severe cases
Because symptoms can resemble other poultry diseases, a veterinary diagnosis is recommended if you suspect
Maintaining a clean, dry living environment is the best defense. Regularly change bedding, disinfect waterers and feeders, and avoid overcrowding. Many poultry keepers use medicated feed containing coccidiostats for young chicks to help build resistance during their
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THE CASE FOR CASE-READY:
HOW FIXED WEIGHT POULTRY DRIVES PROFITABILITY & IMPACT
COVID-19 didn’t just reshape public health — it reshaped how people buy, prepare, and consume protein. As restaurants closed and in-store meat counters scaled back, consumers turned to packaged proteins, sparking a major shift toward case-ready poultry products.
And that shift stuck.
By 2022, case-ready packaging had become the dominant format across all meat categories, with turkey leading at 99%, followed closely by chicken at 96%, and even beef experiencing a sharp increase, from 66% in 2018 to 71%.
The 2023 Power of Meat report revealed that 86% of shoppers now consider caseready meats equal to or better than in-store packaged options.
But what’s fueling this shift? Why are more consumers—and retailers—choosing case-ready packaging formats such as thermoformed vacuum skinpacks (VSP) and tray sealing and forming with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)?
The short answer: consistency, convenience, and confidence. Today’s shoppers want proteins that align with fast-paced lifestyles, reduce waste, and simplify meal planning. Younger, time-strapped consumers in particular prize grab-and-go packaging that supports portion control, food safety, and transparency. Case-ready poultry meets all these needs—and fixed-weight formats take it even further. As market expectations evolve, case-ready isn’t just a trend. It’s the future of poultry packaging.
Portioned to Perfection for Today’s
Poultry Shoppers
For today’s consumers, fixed-weight, case-ready poultry delivers both practicality and value. It’s not just packaging — the process appeals to them because it’s a smarter way to shop, cook, and eat. Case-ready offers the attributes modern consumers want:
• Convenience: Shoppers know precisely what they’re paying. Pre-portioned, ready-to-cook, and pre-seasoned options reduce prep time and simplify busy weeknights.
• Value: Fixed pricing eliminates the uncertainty of per-pound costs, making product comparisons easier and faster.
• Mindfulness: These formats support portion control, nutritional awareness, and reduced food waste — important for both health- and eco-conscious buyers.
• Variety: Consumers can try new cuts and global flavors without needing extra preparation skills or guesswork in the kitchen.
Of course, these benefits don’t just serve consumers; they also benefit the companies themselves. Fixed-weight case-ready poultry also creates significant advantages for retailers and processors behind the scenes.
Poultry Packaging Built for Performance and Profitability
By eliminating in-store weighing and overwrap, these products reduce the need for skilled labor and lower exposure to contamination risks through fewer touchpoints. Pre-portioned products are easier to stock, rotate, and merchandise, improving shelf appeal and freshness perception.
Case-ready poultry packaging also enhances profit margins. Retailers can more easily use fixed pricing strategies, such as “$5 per pack” rather than “$X per pound,” which often resonates better with cost-sensitive consumers. This type of price anchoring allows for smarter promotions and clearer value messaging.
And with extended shelf life thanks to vacuum-sealed or modified atmosphere packaging, case-ready SKUs help minimize shrink and inventory loss - key profitability drivers in a competitive market.
But delivering on this level of consistency, precision, and efficiency requires more than good intentions — it demands automation and innovative precision. Enter the multihead weigher (MHW).
Solving the “Sticky & Tricky” Poultry Portioning Challenge
Packaging fresh poultry consistently is no small feat. Natural variability in size, weight, and texture — especially with items like boneless breasts or thighs — makes it notoriously “sticky and tricky” to handle. Achieving precise, fixed-weight portions using manual methods is also labor-intensive, error-prone, and often results in costly product giveaway of up to 5-6%.
That’s where multihead weighers deliver unmatched precision and redefine portioning efficiency.
These advanced, automated machines use an array of weight sensors and high-speed computing to accurately portion out product in real-time. Instead of relying on manual estimations, the system calculates the ideal combination of weights from multiple hoppers to hit a precise target — often within a fraction of a gram.
The result? Producers can achieve consistent, fixed-
weight portions without unnecessary overfill. This accuracy can reduce product giveaway rates from as high as 5–6% to under 1%, preserving yield and boosting profitability.
Plus, automation reduces labor dependency — a critical benefit as workforce shortages and labor costs continue to rise.
But how can one custom system achieve all this? To truly appreciate the impact of this technology, it helps to understand how multihead weighing automation works in action.
Inside the Technology: How Does MHW Automation Work?
At the heart of multihead weighing is a fast, intelligent system designed for precision. Bulk poultry products — whether whole muscle cuts or smaller pieces — are first conveyed to the top of the weigher. From there, vibratory feeders or screw-driven mechanisms evenly distribute product into a series of hoppers.
Each hopper contains a load cell that measures product weight independently. In milliseconds, the system software calculates the best combination of filled hoppers to match a target weight — say, 1.00 lb — as closely as possible. Once the right combination is found, the product is discharged into a timing hopper and sent to packaging.
This rapid, repeatable process maximizes throughput and ensures consistency at every cycle.
But beyond precision and speed, what makes multihead weighing a game-changer is its impact on the bottom line, especially in high-volume poultry production.
Automated Accuracy That Drives Real Poultry Profits
With such integrated innovation, multihead weighers do more than automate a step — they transform a cost-heavy process into a profit-driving advantage.
One of the most significant cost leaks in manual poultry portioning is product giveaway. A seemingly small overfill of 5% can compound quickly. On a production line generating $100 million in annual revenue, reducing giveaway to under 1% could reclaim up to $4–5 million per year — a staggering return.
Labor savings also contribute to ROI. With automation handling precise weighing and portioning, producers reduce reliance on manual labor, cutting labor by up to 70%, along with overhead, and increasing uptime.
Add in reduced waste, better yield control, and extended shelf life, and the case for automated multihead weighing for case-ready poultry production becomes a strategic necessity, not just a technical upgrade.
And while the economic upside is clear, it’s the ability to scale with precision that makes multihead weighing essential for poultry producers navigating today’s fastmoving, margin-sensitive market.
Smart Poultry Packaging That’s Ready for What’s Next
Shoppers want consistent quality, portion control, sustainability, and ease of use. Retailers want profitability, labor efficiency, and shelf-ready merchandising.
Multihead weighers now sit at the center of this shift. They give producers the tools to scale precision without sacrificing speed or profit. By reducing waste, lowering labor costs, and improving precision, they help turn operational complexity into a competitive advantage.
In today’s high-pressure protein market, automation systems like multihead weighing and case-ready packaging production aren’t optional — they’re foundational.
Protection and production highlighted for Texas poultry industry
DAVID B. STRICKLAND POULTRY TIMES EDITOR DSTRICKLAND@POULTRYTIMES.COM
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Giving his insight into issues affecting the Texas poultry industry, J.C. Essler, executive vice president of the Texas Poultry Federation, was a recent guest on Poultry Times’ new podcast, The Coop Scoop.
“Our poultry producers …are providing good protein for Texans and the world,” Essler said.
During the podcast, he noted that the Texas state legislature only has a session every two years, and it just wrapped up in June, with 9,014 total bills filed and 1,231 of them passing through the legislature and on to the governor’s desk.
Of these bills, Texas Senate bill 1948, “would restrict government entities from requiring the installation of sprinkler systems in ag facilities,” he said. “Last year,
J.C. Essler, executive vice president of the
The
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Texas Poultry Federation photo
Texas Poultry Federation, was a recent guest for Poultry Times’ new podcast,
Coop Scoop.
listen in on all the Texas industry insights that Essler shared, please visit wherever you
the Fire Protection Association passed in one of their committees that all our animal facilities would have to have sprinkler systems in any new building starting in 2025 … putting fire protection systems in animal ag facilities, it sounds like a really great thing, but if you really look at it from the standpoint of what it will do, plus what all the unintended outcomes would be of having, you know, loaders in chicken houses or having to clean the system and somebody actually setting it off, the damage of the birds, what that would do to us, plus what it would do to all of our electronic motors and control boards, and so on.”
“We see that it would have caused more damage and more cost into the system and not really prevented what it was made and meant to do,” Essler said. “So, we did work heavily on that bill … and it did get through the senate and the house, and the governor has signed it, and it will become effective Sept. 1, 2025.”
In addressing how these systems have the potential to detrimentally affect chicken houses, Essler noted that with these pres-
“We see that it would have caused more damage and more cost into the system and not really prevented what it was made and meant to do. So, we did work heavily on that bill … and it did get through the senate and the house, and the governor has signed it, and it will become effective Sept. 1, 2025.”
J.C. Essler,
executive vice president of the Texas Poultry Federation
surized sprinkler systems, the sprinkler heads will need a great deal of cleaning from all of the dust and other things that can accumulate inside a poultry house, and if the sprinkler are accidentally triggered in this process it would flood a house filled with broilers.
“The other issue is having loaders and other equipment in those houses as they are doing cleanout, and what damage would happen to those pipes if something
got hit, and what it would do,” he added. “If the system goes off and sprays electronic motors and control boards and it shorts all of that stuff out, it would cause a lot more damage than being able to actually put a fire out that we don’t have that often.”
He noted that the restriction of this bill was an accomplishment of this session.
“That is one of our big accomplishments,” Essler said. “When new builds come into the state
of Texas, we don’t have to worry in that regard for that aspect on the Fire Protection Association’s codes.”
• To hear more from J.C. Essler and the Texas Poultry Federation’s initiatives, insight into keeping the New World screwworm out of the southern border, the state’s egg industry, as well as the federation’s annual convention, go online and listen to this informative edition of Poultry Times’ The Coop Scoop podcast.
Your Poultry Lighting Specialists
Remaining vigilant and mindful of IBV infections
DAVID B. STRICKLAND POULTRY TIMES EDITOR DSTRICKLAND@POULTRYTIMES.COM
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Even with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza continuing to have impacts on poultry operations, with it being one of the most contagious poultry diseases, it’s important to remain vigilant against infectious bronchitis.
“Infectious bronchitis is an extremely contagious respiratory disease of chickens characterized by coughing, sneezing and rales (rattling),” Mississippi State University’s Department of Poultry Science notes in its disease breakdown. “When in occurs, all susceptible birds on the premises become infected, regardless of sanitary or quarantine precautions. The disease can spread through the air and can ‘jump’ considerable distances during an active outbreak. It can also be spread by mechanical means such as on clothing, poultry crates and equipment. The disease is not egg transmitted and the virus will survive for probably no more than one week in the house when poultry are not present. It is easily destroyed by heat and ordinary disinfectants.”
Infection from IB just affects the upper respiratory system of birds which will show signs
of breathing difficulty, gasping, sneezing, and some birds may also have a nasal discharge, MSU said, adding that, “The disease never causes nervous symptoms. It prevails for 10 to 14 days in a flock and symptoms lasting longer than this are from some other cause.”
It is also more detrimental to young birds.
“In chickens under three weeks of age, mortality may be as high as 30 or 40 percent,” MSU notes. “The disease does not cause a significant mortality in birds over five weeks of age.”
The World Health Organization for Animal Health adds that the virus can be found across the globe.
“IB occurs worldwide and assumes a variety of clinical forms, the principal one being respiratory disease that develops after infection of the respiratory tract tissues following inhalation or ingestion,” WOAH says. “Infection of the oviduct at a very young age can lead to permanent damage and, in hens, can lead to cessation of egg-laying or production of thin-walled and misshapen shells with loss of shell pigmentation. IB can be nephropathogenic causing acute nephritis, urolithiasis and mortality, especially in young birds.”
Geographic regions are also very important to which types of vaccines to use.
“The ability of the virus to quickly mutate requires constant surveillance to identify IBV types circulating in a specific geographical region,” Merck Animal Health notes. “Different antigenic types do not cross-protect, making it extremely important to choose the appropriate vaccine(s) specific to a particular geographical region for protection.”
Addressing vaccination options, Mississippi State adds, “vaccinate chickens being retained as layers. Whether broilers should be vaccinated depends upon many factors and is an individual decision. Numerous vaccines are available commercially. Most of them represent a modified or selected strain of the infectious bronchitis virus. The vaccine should contain virus known to be present in the area. All vaccines contain live virus and those that give the best protection are also capable of producing symptoms and reducing egg production. The vaccine virus will spread to other susceptible birds. Vaccine is usually added to the drinking water, but may be dropped in the eye or nostril or used as a spray.”
“There is no treatment for this disease,” MSU also noted. “In young chickens it is helpful to increase the brooder temperature and provide as nearly ideal environmental conditions as possible.”
UGA program helps farmers adopt sustainable irrigation methods
BY EMILY CABRERA University of Georgia
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia’s leading industry is agriculture, which relies significantly on irrigation — approximately half of the state’s cropland is irrigated.
For most farmers operating on razor-thin profit margins, irrigation is essential as insurance against drought and extended dry periods. Due to this critical dependence, numerous state agencies actively promote water use efficiency to sustain the industry.
In the Coastal Plain region of the state, where the majority of crop production takes place, soils are drier and sandier, making irrigation crucial for crop survival. However, the cost of pumping water can be high, and obtaining the necessary water use permits can be difficult.
Compounding the issue are the decades-long legal battles throughout the southeast, which have placed restrictions on water use and require a show of good faith in stewarding the precious resource through effective conservation strategies across all sectors.
• Water conservation in agriculture
In a concerted effort to address water conservation in agriculture, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Ag Water Team helps farmers adopt water-saving practices that boost yields, lower production costs and conserve water for future generations.
Jason Mallard and Phillip Edwards, agents with the UGA Extension Ag Water Team, work alongside UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences faculty, research scientists and county Extension agents to enhance wateruse efficiency in agriculture.
With a $75,000 grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s Altamaha Regional Water Council, the team launched the Master Irrigator Developmental Program last year. The program aims to help Georgia farmers optimize water use through advanced technologies and offers hands-on training and exposure to tools like soil moisture sensors and online apps, enabling farmers to make more informed irrigation decisions and improve their efficiency and sustainability.
While the technology is not new, most growers in Georgia use visible plant stress and the feel of the soil as indicators to apply irrigation, Mallard said. Sole reliance on these older methods generally leads to yield and profit losses and highlights a gap in technology adoption as only a small percentage of Georgia producers report using soil moisture sensors.
Soil moisture monitoring technology mea-
UGA photo
The Master Irrigator Developmental Program teaches farmers to use soil moisture sensing technology to conserve water and increase yields and profits. The initiative is led by the University of Georgia Extension Ag Water Team, which collaborates with local and state agencies to provide one-on-one training with farmers.
sures the water content in the soil and provides data that helps optimize irrigation practices by indicating when watering is necessary.
“Ultimately, this technology helps conserve water, reduce energy usage, improve crop yields and enhance profitability,” Mallard said. “Conversely, over-irrigation can lead to soil erosion, nutrient runoff and deep percolation. By implementing smart irrigation practices, we can mitigate these issues by precisely applying water according to crop needs.”
Mallard designed and adapted the UGA Master Irrigator Developmental Program initiative for the southeast based on successful programs from other regions, particularly the Midwest, where extensive crop production places high demands on water.
With initial funding from the Altamaha Regional Water Council, which encompasses 16 counties, the program started with one farmer from each county. Thanks to its initial success, the team recently partnered with the Brier Creek, Ogeechee, and Middle South Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Districts to expand the program, adding eight more farmers over the next two years. Bulk purchases of a variety of sensors through local nonprofit Pine Country Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) have enabled the Ag Water Team to
showcase additional, up-to-date technologies to producers.
“The success of this program is due to the collective effort of everyone involved, including our partnering agencies and county agents who work with these farmers daily,” Edwards said. While helpful technology like this exists, changing irrigation methods comes with business risks. In farming, where so much is on the line, it can be difficult for growers to make these changes.
According to Edwards and Mallard, the exceptional participation of county Extension agents has been instrumental in strengthening the program. Working collaboratively, the agents make up a statewide network of experts who work directly on farms to provide growers with one-on-one support.
“We’ve truly seen how this program has significantly enhanced participants’ knowledge of the tools available to implement irrigation best management practices,” Mallard said. “Farmers are now making data-driven decisions and have a better understanding of soil type and cropspecific water demands throughout the season.”
As water scarcity remains a pressing issue,
Cost of July 4th cookouts nearly unchanged, says Farm Bureau
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
WASHINGTON — Families that celebrated the recent Fourth of July holiday continued to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey. An Independence Day cookout will cost $70.92 for 10 guests this year.
This is down only 30 cents from last year’s record-high cost. At $7.09 per person, 2025 will be the second-highest cost since Farm Bureau began the survey in 2013. The cookout favorites include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products. While the survey does not include an exhaustive list of Fourth of July options, it serves as a snapshot of prices families are facing this summer.
“Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America’s families,” Samantha Ayoub, AFBF associate economist, said. “High prices don’t mean more money for farmers, however. Farmers are price takers, not price makers. Their share of the food retail dollar is just 15 percent. The cost of running their farm is up, from labor and transportation, to taxes.”
The marketbasket survey shows an increase in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans, while there are drops in the cost of pork chops, chips and hamburger buns.
The retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef increased 4.4 percent to $13.33. Pork and beans will cost $2.69, up 20 cents from 2024. Potato salad is up 6.6 percent to $3.54. Several factors influence these increases, reflecting the sort of challenges farmers regularly face. Fewer cattle are available for processing, which is affecting supplies. Steel and aluminum tariffs mean increased prices on canned goods.
The cost of eggs - used in potato salad - is still elevated, although they are much lower than record highs earlier this year as egg-laying chicken populations are recovering from avian influenza.
Our survey found a reduction in cost for five cookout staples. Among them is a 3-pound package of pork chops, which is down 8.8 percent from last year, at $14.13. Chips average $4.80 a bag, a dime less than 2024. Hamburger buns are 2.6 percent less expensive, at $2.35. The amount of pork available to stores is up, which is pushing prices down. The demand for potatoes has eased, helping bring down the cost of chips. Wheat prices are still much lower
than record highs of three years ago, contributing to the slight decrease in the cost of buns.
Although the $7.09 per-person cost is near a historic high, when put in a global context, people in the U.S. spend a smaller percentage of their expenditures on food than in any other country.
“We can celebrate America’s independence every year in part because of the hard work of the farmers and ranchers who contribute to the nation’s food independence,” Zippy Duvall, AFBF president, said. “Farmers are dedicated to doing the right thing, and their commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices ensures a safe and abundant food supply for every family in America.”
“Farmers and ranchers achieve this, in part, through research, conservation and farm safety net programs that are made possible through a strong farm bill,” Duvall added. “We urge members of Congress to return from their holiday break and pass a new, modernized five-year farm bill. We appreciate efforts during the reconciliation process to address some issues facing agriculture, but only a new farm bill will bring the certainty farmers need to continue leading the world in agriculture.”
The federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index report for food at home shows an overall increase of 2.2 percent compared to a year ago. Farm Bureau’s informal marketbasket survey examines only those foods com-
monly associated with summer cookouts. The July Fourth cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare a holiday meal at home. Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from stores in every state and Puerto Rico. Individual Prices, AFBF 2025 Summer Cookout:
• 2 pounds of ground beef, $13.33 (+4.4 percent)
• 2 pounds of chicken breasts, $7.79 (-0.5 percent)
• 3 pounds of pork chops, $14.13 (-8.8 percent)
• 1 pound of cheese, $3.54 (-0.9 percent)
• 1 package of hamburger buns, $2.35 (-2.6 percent)
• 2 ½ pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.54 (+6.6 percent)
• 32 ounces of pork and beans, $2.69 (+8.2 percent)
• 16-ounce bag of potato chips, $4.80 (-2.1 percent)
• 13-ounce package of chocolate chip cookies, $4.00 (+0.3 percent)
• ½ gallon of ice cream, $5.69 (+0.7 percent)
• 2 pints of strawberries, $4.69 (+1.7 percent)
• 2 ½ quarts of lemonade, $4.37 (+4.2 percent)
UGA program
initiatives like the Master Irrigator Developmental Program are essential for the long-term sustainability and support of Georgia’s top industry, agriculture. The partnership between UGA Extension, regional water councils, RC&D councils, and soil and water conservation districts demonstrates the remarkable impact of cooperative efforts in working directly with farmers to build confidence in using these technologies to conserve water, Mallard noted.
“County by county, one farm at a time, we hope to see farmers across Georgia and from every commodity area adopt newer technology for precision irrigation management,” Edwards said.
Visit extension.uga.edu/water to learn more about Extension programs, services and other resources to help conserve the world’s most precious resource.
Emily Cabrera is a writer for the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. from Page 25
Martin Piffaretti elected USAPEEC chairman
TUCKER, Ga. — Martin Piffaretti, president of FoodLink Group Inc., was elected chairman of the board of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) for 2025-2026 during the 2025 USAPEEC Annual Meeting in Montreal, Canada.
Piffaretti served as first vice chairman for the last year. He will head the board, which sets policy and provides direction to USAPEEC, an organization whose mission is to promote and increase exports of U.S. chicken, turkey, duck, and egg products worldwide. He succeeds Thomas Isaf, Interra International, who is now the immediate past chairman.
“I am truly honored and humbled by the opportunity,” Piffaretti said. “Having served as first vice chairman and having been active in the organization for a couple decades now, I know full well how valuable a role USAPEEC’s mission
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plays in our industry’s success. I am fully committed to building upon the amazing work of my predecessors and making sure that we continue to grow U.S. poultry and egg exports globally.”
Jianlin Si, Tyson Foods, was elected to serve as first vice chairman for the 2025-2026 term; and Oleg Kovalev, Mountaire Farms, was elected second vice chairman. And, Ryan Downes, Farbest, was elected secretary-treasurer of the council. Also elected to the USAPEEC
Executive Committee were: Andrew Szymanski, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Haden Slain, Poseidon Forwarding, and Kenny Raney, Simmons Prepared Foods, will be members-at-large; Christine McCracken, Rabobank, associate member-at-large; and Jerry Slocum, the United Soybean Board, commodity member-at-large. Thierry Murad, AJC International will serve as chairman of the USAPEEC Market Advisory Panel and will have a seat on the Executive Committee.
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Rabobank: Will a trade war burn the summer BBQ season?
NEW YORK — Rabobank releases its annual BBQ Index just in time for grilling season. Rabobank’s analyst findings outline that the cherished summer ritual might be a welcome respite from tariffs and trade wars — prices are up, but mostly domestic supply chains mean mostly domestic reasons for those increases.
The Rabobank BBQ Index assumes an average American BBQ situation — a mix of family and friends — ahead of summer grilling season. That includes 10 adults with each consuming the same amount of food and beverages. It assumes each person will consume one cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato, one chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato and a slice of cheese, two handfuls of chips, two beers, a soda and a few scoops of ice cream. As a means of comparison, the BBQ Index parallels the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a data source. Rabobank selected the monthly data series “average price index, U.S. city average.”
“On the whole, Americans still spend less of our wallet on food than our counterparts in most other nations, but that gap is closing across the board,” Tom Bailey, Rabobank senior consumer foods analyst, said.
For 2025 the BBQ Index highlights a 10-person BBQ is more expensive this year than last, 4.21 percent more expensive to be exact.
Prices have risen for many ingredients found in a traditional summer BBQ. However, despite the increase, the essential items for summertime grilling have not been hit as hard by inflation as some other consumer goods. For instance, eggs, although a small component of the overall food basket used to determine the Consumer Price Index, have only recently begun to decrease in price after experiencing significant year-over-year price spikes. A strong domestic supply chain for many of the items on the table means that the price increases are due to other factors besides trade uncertainty, Rabobank added.
Senior Beef Analyst for Rabobank, Lance
Zimmerman noted, “Beef supply, especially the fresh product Americans like to grill, is mostly domestic. Prices are up, but the reasons include a continued strong demand for beef despite economic concerns coupled with a yearslong downward trend in supply.”
The beef cowherd size has been decreasing since 2019, leading to supply constraints. However, consumers have maintained their beef purchases despite economic difficulties, resulting in higher prices due to the combination of limited supply and robust demand.
“Between relatively local supply chains and the ability of some multinational breweries to shift production of different brands from one location to another, beer prices for the BBQ will be less likely to be affected by tariffs, outside of some true imports,” Jim Watson, Rabobank beverage analyst, said.
The beer supply chain typically operates on a
We
local level, allowing major brewers to shift production of their ‘imported’ brands to US breweries in response to tariff changes. Over the years, the beer market has seen a trend towards ‘premiumization,’ favoring upscale brands over budget-friendly options, resulting in price hikes that have outpaced wines and spirits, Rabobank said, adding that, currently, consumer preferences are shifting towards hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails, potentially leading brewers to grapple with an oversupply of inventory akin to challenges experienced by the competing wine and spirit producers.
Prices for the backyard BBQ in 2025 are on the rise, driven by supply and demand dynamics and inflation rather than tariffs, Rabobank said. The all-American summer BBQ experience is closely tied to an all-American supply chain, shielding backyard chefs from the uncertainties of trade wars.
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New Dolly Parton single-serve meals include chicken and dumplings option
CHICAGO — Global entertainment icon Dolly Parton announces the expansion of her retail food line in collaboration with Conagra Brands. This launch introduces single-serve frozen meals that bring Dolly’s cherished Southerninspired favorites to homes across the nation in a convenient, no-hassle format, the company said.
The new collection of Dolly Parton’s meals features four heat-and-eat dishes, including:
• Dolly Parton’s Chicken & Dumplings: White meat chicken with thick-cut carrots and celery, paired with fluffy dumplings in a creamy pepper and thyme sauce.
• Dolly Parton’s Beef Pot Roast: USDA Choice beef with cuts of carrots, celery, onions, and roasted red potatoes in a rich, savory Southern-style gravy.
• Dolly Parton’s Country Fried Steak: A tender, fried beef patty topped with black pepper and chive country gravy, served alongside
chunky mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans with smoky bacon.
• Dolly Parton’s Shrimp & Grits: Creamy white cheddar grits with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and a bold, spicy Southern-style sauce.
These meals are crafted to deliver the authentic flavors of Southern cuisine, reflecting Dolly’s commitment to quality and taste, the company added. Each meal has a suggested retail price of $4.49 and can be prepared in either the microwave or oven.
“I’ve always believed in the power of a warm, hearty meal, and now with these offerings I’m bringing a little taste of my own Southern favorites to you,” Dolly Parton said. “Whether you’re busy or just craving some quick comfort, I hope these dishes warm your heart as much as your belly!”
This launch builds upon the successful collaboration between Dolly Parton and Conagra Brands, which began in 2022 with a line of bak-
ing mixes and frostings under the Duncan Hines brand. The partnership, which is facilitated by IMG Licensing, has since expanded to include a variety of items inspired by Dolly’s Southern roots including Dolly Parton’s Biscuit Batter Peach Cobbler, a new multi-serve frozen peach cobbler that brings one of her favorite desserts to a broader audience.
“Our partnership with Dolly Parton has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Tim Nangle, ConAgra Brands vice president and general manager, said. “Her genuine love for homecooked meals and deep connection with fans makes this expansion into frozen foods a natural next step. We’re proud to bring even more of Dolly’s warmth and flavor into homes across the country.”
These new, single-serve frozen meals are now available at major grocery retailers across the United States. For more information, visit www.bakingwithdolly.com.
Perdue invests in innovative wheelchairs at Kentucky hospital
SALISBURY, Md. — As part of its Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® outreach, Perdue Farms is investing in enhanced patient care at Ohio County Healthcare in Hartford, Ky. The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving partner of Perdue Farms, has awarded a $20,000 grant to fund the purchase of 20 state-of-the-art Stryker Prime Transport Chairs.
“The Ohio County Healthcare team extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Perdue Foundation for its commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives that directly impact the well-being of our community members,” Shellie Shouse, Ohio County Healthcare, CEO, said. “This generous gift is another demonstration of the long-standing successful partnership between Ohio County Healthcare and Perdue to care for and strengthen Ohio County. Perdue has a rich tradition of investing in the well-being of rural communities, and this gift continues that legacy.”
Ohio County Healthcare serves the region in western Kentucky where Perdue associates live and work, as well as its farm partners and their families, the company said, adding that the innovative and versatile wheelchairs feature numerous safety enhancements, but most importantly, they provide superior comfort during patient transport.
“At Perdue, we are proud to support Ohio County Healthcare and help them improve the patient experience,” Kim Nechay, Perdue Foundation executive director, said. “Ohio County Healthcare is such a blessing to the community where our associates live and work.”
Perdue Farms recently gave a grant to purchase 20 state-of-the-art wheelchairs to
were, left to right, Shelly Casteel, grant specialist for Ohio County Healthcare; Erin
Pharis, emergency room director; Allen Pavlovic, Perdue director of operations; and
Technology and biosecurity take center stage at Poultry Processor Workshop
TUCKER, Ga. — Poultry industry leaders recently convened in Nashville, Tenn., for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2025 Poultry Processor Workshop, where the spotlight was on leadership, technology, biosecurity and operational excellence.
The event offered attendees strategic insights into elevating plant performance, ranging from effective team management and disease prevention to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and preventive maintenance. Presenters stressed that to improve results in every part of the process, teams need to work together, build strong systems and put people first for long-term success.
pathogenic avian influenza, addressed the spread of avian metapneumovirus and discussed limited relief through the recent conditional approval of live vaccines in the United States. Burleson also noted ongoing concerns with infectious laryngotracheitis, suggesting the need for continued evaluation and improved risk assessment strategies.
As part of his presentation on “Leadership: Top Down or Bottom Up? Answer – YES!,” Neal Walsh, chief operating officer at Butterball LLC, emphasized the value of both approaches. He explored leadership dynamics and highlighted that transformational success comes from purposeful leadership, collaboration and trust. Walsh stressed a people-first mindset, noting that shifting focus from results only to team well-being significantly boosted morale and cooperation.
Dr. Mark Burleson, senior director of veterinary services at WayneSanderson Farms, highlighted mounting bird health challenges in the southeastern United States, noting a concerning rise in average broiler mortality nationwide. He emphasized the persistent threat of highly
Kirt Lillywhite, vice president of AI software engineering at KPM Analytics, highlighted the transformative role of AI in food and agriculture, particularly through AI vision grading for bird defects and quality. He emphasized how AI improves consistency, reduces labor costs and workplace hazards, and enables precise defect detection through image analysis, assessing dimensions like width, height and identifying issues such as exposed flesh.
In their presentation on “Finding Success: Building a World-Class Maintenance Program in the Poultry Industry,” Chase Adams, maintenance manager; and Toby Shearer, plant manager, with House of Raeford Farms, emphasized the essential elements of building a world-class preventive maintenance program. They outlined keys to a successful preventive maintenance program in poultry processing and stressed that more than fixing equipment, maintenance is about being a dependable, solutions-focused first responder who supports plant-wide goals.
Perdue Farm photo
Ohio County Healthcare in Hartford, Ky. On hand for the announcement
Groves, Perdue administrative assistant; Shelly Shouse, CEO of OCH; Jamie
seated in wheelchair Tina Lamar, LPN charge nurse.
