Poultry Times December 5 Edition

Poultry Times PERIODICALS

Since 1954, the nation’s only poultry industry newspaper

Industry

December 5, 2011

Outlook

Inside:

An in-depth look at the poultry industry, along with a glimpse at what’s on the horizon for 2012.

Poultry Times

December 5, 2011 Volume 58, Number 25 www.poultrytimes.net

ERS forecasting broiler production decrease for 2012 Egg production: higher Turkeys: steady Exports: higher

By David B. Strickland Poultry Times Staff

dstrickland@poultrytimes.net

Special

National Thanksgiving presentation and “pardon”: National Turkey Federation Chairman Richard Huisinga, president and COO of Willmar Poultry Co., Willmar, Minn., presents President Obama with “Liberty,” the National Thanksgiving Turkey, to be “pardoned” during the annual ceremony at the White House in Washington on Nov. 23.

President pardons Thanksgiving turkey at White House WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Nov. 23 “pardoned” the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a White House Ceremony, as he and National Turkey Federation Chairman Richard Huisinga celebrated the 64th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation.

Huisinga presented President Obama with “Liberty,” a 19-week old, 45-pound tom. The names of the turkeys were chosen from more than 100 submissions to the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association’s web site that highlighted the National Thanksgiving Turkey. Many of the submissions came from Minneapolis and St. Paul school children who learned this year about the importance of agriculture to the world food supply and to local economies.

Huisinga was accompanied by his wife, Randi, and children, Brianna, Aaron and Austin at the White House Rose Garden for the annual Thanksgiving presentation.

“Tomorrow (Thanksgiving) is one of the best days of the year to

See Turkey, Page 9

WASHINGTON — Production of broiler meat is being forecast to decrease in 2012, to 36.7 billion pounds, a decrease of 1.7 percent, due to higher prices of corn and soybean meal, as well as the slow economy, USDA’s Economic Research Service notes in its recent Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook.

In regard to broiler and turkey exports, there was a noted increase in September from last year’s amounts.

“Broiler shipments totaled 637 million pounds, a 3.1 percent increase from September 2010 shipments,” ERS reported.

“Turkey shipments totaled 58.8 million pounds, an 18 percent increase from last year.”

Broilers In the fourth quarter of 2011, ERS projects broiler meat production at 9 billion pounds, a decrease of 5.1 percent from last year.

“The lower fourth quarter production is expected to be driven by sharp declines in the number of birds slaughtered, but these declines are expected to be somewhat offset by an increase in average live weights,”

the department noted. “Over the last several weeks, preliminary slaughter data show a lower overall number of broilers slaughtered driven by reduced numbers of lighter birds, pointing toward higher average weights.”

For the third quarter of 2011, production of broiler meat was 9.53 billion pounds, an in-

crease of 0.3 percent from the previous year, ERS said. The report notes that this was the result of a 3 percent increase in average bird live weights to 5.80 pounds, and that it worked to offset a 2.9 percent decrease in the number of slaughtered broilers.

See Forecast, Page 8

McDonald’s drops Sparboe Farms

By Barbara Olejnik Poultry Times Staff

bolejnik@poultrytimes.net

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald’s has dropped Sparboe Farms as its egg supplier after an animal rights organization released an undercover video of operations at the egg producer’s farms.

The video by Mercy for Animals shows what it calls animal cruelty. The video was the subject of a Nov. 18 ABC News investigation on “20/20” and “World News with Diane Sawyer.”

The action by McDonald’s also follows a warning letter to Sparboe Farms on Nov. 16 from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration citing violations found during inspections between April 25 and July 22 at five Sparboe Farms.

A statement from Bob Langert, McDonald’s vice president, sustainability, said the company was “no longer accepting eggs from its supplier, Sparboe.”

“Regarding the undercover videos, the behavior on tape is disturbing and completely unacceptable,” Langert said, adding, “we demand humane treatment of animals by our suppliers.”

Langert did say that “It’s important to note that the most

See Sparboe, Page 9

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POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

Target, Cargill dropping Sparboe Farms MINNEAPOLIS — Target stores and Cargill Inc. have joined McDonald’s in dropping Sparboe Farms as their egg supplier.

The move follows reports of animal cruelty resulting from an undercover video shot by animal rights activists at farms in three states that revealed mistreatment to hens and chicks.

The video, shot by Mercy for Animals and broadcast on ABC’s “20/20” show on Nov. 18, showed a worker swinging a bird around by its feet, hens packed into cramped cages, and workers cutting off the tips of chicks’ beaks.

“Having been made aware of the unacceptable conditions in the company’s egg laying facilities, effective immediately, Target will discontinue its business relationship with Sparboe Farms,” Minnesotabased Target said in a statement Nov. 18.

Cargill’s response to the animal cruelty

allegations stated, “As a Sparboe Farms customer and a supplier to McDonald’s, we are disturbed by what we saw in the undercover video. We will not tolerate mistreatment of animals anywhere in our supply chain.”

Cargill added, “As a result of the animal welfare questions and other concerns about the company’s operations, we have decided to suspend Sparboe from our supply chain.”

Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald’s, which was the first to drop Sparboe as an egg supplier, said the “most alarming actions on video” didn’t happen at Sparboe’s facility in Vincent, Iowa, which supplied its restaurants, but they violated the standards the company sets for its suppliers.

“The behavior on tape is disturbing and completely unacceptable. McDonald’s wants to assure our customers that we demand humane treatment of animals by

our suppliers,” Bob Langert, McDonald’s view president for sustainability, said in a statement.

Target sold Sparboe eggs nationwide under the Sparboe and Target’s own Market Pantry and Archer Farms brands.

Pulling Sparboe eggs from its shelves has resulted in egg shortages at some Target stores.

Tim Loesch, a spokesman for Wayzatabased Cargill, declined to say how many eggs Sparboe supplied it or how much the company was paid.

Sparboe describes itself as the fifthlargest shell egg producer and marketer in the U.S., operating seven processing plants supported by 33 egg-laying and pullet production sites in Iowa, Minnesota and Colorado. The company says it serves retail, wholesale and foodservice customers in 26 states.

Sparboe spokesman Lyle Orwig said

the company has a “zero tolerance policy” for any animal abuse or cruelty. He said all employees are trained by a veterinarian and work with a crew leader who has also been trained.

Beth Sparboe Schnell, Sparboe Farms’ president and owner, said the company was “shocked and deeply disturbed” by the video and that an internal investigation identified four employees “who were complicit in this disturbing activity.” They were fired this month.

Sparboe said in a statement that it is creating a task force to review its food safety, animal care and sustainability practices.

The task force will also develop best practices in those areas for all the company’s production and processing facilities in Minnesota, Iowa and Colorado.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

AEB aims to increase consumption in 2012

By Joanne C. Ivy CAE, president & CEO American Egg Board

PARK RIDGE, Ill. — Consumers who know about eggs and their nutritional benefits are also the heaviest users of eggs, according to research from the American Egg Board. In essence, people who know more, buy more. For 2012, AEB revamped its consumer marketing efforts to increase consumer demand by encouraging consumers to rethink their first meal of the day and to eat one more weekday egg breakfast. This shift in thinking presents an opportunity for a strong 2012.

As a result, the new “Wake Up to Eggs” campaign attempts to increase awareness of a variety of motivating facts about eggs

Ivy

and reminds consumers to wake up to eggs for breakfast but also to wake up to the new news about eggs. Here is a roundup of how AEB’s focus is dif-

ferent in 2012.

The Good Egg Project (GEP) targets older school children in classrooms and parents at home by coordinating in-school education poster through the State Support Program and by partnering with Discovery Education, the number one provider of K12 broadband-delivered content to U.S. schools, used by 1MM+ teachers and 35MM+ students.

Community donations now focus on mass reach by giving food

See AEB, Page 10

INDEX AEB Hotline ..................... 15 Business ......................... 6-7 Calendar .......................... 10 Classified......................... 12 Viewpoint............................ 4 A directory of Poultry Times advertisers appears on Page 15

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­POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

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Major production adjustment seen for 2012 Change should allow for recovery in broiler industry

By William P. Roenigk Senior Vice President National Chicken Council

WASHINGTON — After experiencing in 2011, one of the toughest years, if not the toughest, in the broiler industry’s history, producers appear to have set in-motion plans for a significant adjustment in production for 2012.

A number of veteran industrymen have called 2011 not only one of the most difficult times to have survived, but actually the Roenigk most troubling in their long experience in the broiler business. Few, if any, years have witnessed as many companies being forced into bankruptcy, changing ownership, or simply ceasing operations.

In addition, the broiler industry felt the federal government was piling-on with increased mandated use of corn for ethanol, the likelihood of more onerous government regulations, and an international market for U.S. chicken leg quarters that could not get much traction to move upward for most of the year.

For the survivors of 2011, the new year is anticipated as a time to repay debt that mounted to unprecedented levels, rebuild equity, and renew investments to better tackle future competition and company growth.

Short supply, elevated prices common throughout markets ATLANTA — “Short supply and elevated prices are a pretty common theme throughout all protein sectors,” said John Carley, vice president and senior RM for Wells Fargo Bank.

He was speaking to feed ingredient purchasing managers and other poultry industry professionals who had gathered at the 2011 Grain Forecast and Economic Outlook Conference held here recently.

Carley provided an overview of the protein markets in his presentation, A Wall Street View of the Protein Markets. He gave a review of some of the top industry companies from all protein sectors. He concluded his presentation with a look at the food and agribusiness’ view of the protein markets.

Carley commented, “The view of Wall Street, in my opinion, is strong. I think the protein sector is well positioned, both domestically and in the export markets. The broiler business has done a nice job of not relying on Russia for dark meat exports and has found other markets in which to move product.”

Economist Dr. Paul Aho presented an Economic Outlook for 2012. He observed that as a result of the recession, consumption of red meat

and poultry are both down. He remarked that total meat consumption was down by more than 20 pounds during this recession, which he termed as unprecedented. Aho provided information from Rabobank, which shows that the U.S. is decreasing animal protein by Carley a rate of about 1 1/2 percent per year. By the end of 2012, the U.S. will be reducing the production of animal protein on a 5 percent per year rate.

Aho predicts that the U.S. will see corn prices falling for 2012 from $6.50 to $5.50, deboned chicken breast prices at $1.40 to $1.50, and leg quarter prices at 55 cents. Aho concluded his presentation by remarking that the future will include a slowly improving economy and lower input costs, resulting in profitability returning to the poultry industry in 2012.

Mike Gilbert Sr., product manager of fats and oils for Griffin Industries, gave a feed and ingredient trend presentation on fats and oils.

See Grain, Page 11

Regulations More specifically, hangingover the broiler industry for most of 2010 and 2011 was the proposed rule on competition and concentration from the USDA Grain Inspection and Packers & Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). At the eleventh hour in the rule-making process for the proposed GIPSA regulations, Congress re-asserted its authority through the budgetary process to convince GIPSA to follow the previously-approved directions provided in the 2008 Farm Bill.

If, in fact, the significant production adjustment slated for 2012 returns the industry to a continued profitable position, companies will undoubtedly have a number of difficult challenges to face in the new year.

However, one challenge that will be hopefully removed is the threat of GIPSA rule. This rule as originally proposed would have significantly changed the relationship between companies and contract growers. A much more

common-sense rule will allow companies to direct investments toward being more efficient and productive, rather than having to siphon-off funds for costly administrative burdens and legal challenges.

In addition to the final GIPSA rule likely to be a much more manageable one, the broiler industry found some relief in having the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VTEEC) and import duty on ethanol sunset as 2011 expired. Unfortunately, the federal mandate (renewable fuels standard) remains to consume up to 40 percent of the 2011 corn crop. Until much more adequate corn harvests are realized, corn prices will be unacceptably high and uncomfortably volatile.

Competition While broiler producers are looking to themselves to find the best path forward in 2012, it is appropriate to note the path for-

See NCC, Page 11

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POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

Viewpoint Compiled by Barbara Olejnik, Associate Editor 770-718-3440 bolejnik@poultrytimes.net

EPA actions counterproductive and burdensome

By Hobey Bauhan Special to Poultry Times

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Emerging from the Vietnam era protest movements, the first Earth Day in 1970 was a protest against environmental pollution Hobey Bauhan is president of the Virginia Poultry Federation with offices in Harrisonburg, Va.

and a call for government action to regulate “polluters.” High profile incidents, such as the Cuyahoga River catching fire, helped spur the movement. That year, President Richard Nixon signed an Executive Order creating the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Congress adopted the Clean Air Act. In 1972, the Clean Water Act was adopted. (At least this movement was well focused,

unlike the present-day “Occupy Anything” crowd.)

Environmental pollution was a significant and growing problem in the era when EPA was created and Congress passed our nation’s Bauhan first environmental protection laws with broad bipartisan support. Our national environmental laws played a role in adoption of technologies and management practices that have dramatically improved the quality and condition of natural resources in the United States.

However, which, in reality, have had the most positive impact: federal regulations or private sector awareness about the importance of environmental quality and an ethic of change and improvement? In my opinion, it’s the latter. Private enterprises have spent untold billions

For future of food production -avoid dire predictions

By Stewart Truelsen Special to Poultry Times

WASHINGTON — Here is a prediction: American farmers and ranchers will be able to feed this nation well into the future if given access to land, water, capital and scientific advances. If you’d like the prediction to be more specific, let’s say the nation’s food supply will be secure until at least the year 2061.

There’s an excellent chance this prediction will be true, but it’s hardly the stuff books are written Stewart Truelsen is a regular contributor to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Focus on Agriculture series, and is the author of a book marking the AFBF’s 90th anniversary, Forward Farm Bureau.

about. A prediction like this would only bring a yawn, and the reader would go back to worrying about dire predictions of economic collapse or the 2012 apocalypse.

Finally, someone has written a book about expert predictions: “Future Babble” by Dan Gardner.

The author claims so-called expert predictions are next to worthless, and we can probably do better ourselves.

The expert predictions that catch our eye are ones predicting doom and gloom. One such book was “Famine 1975!” Written by William and Paul Paddock in 1967, the book predicted food scarcities so severe that food aid would have to be cut off from a few nations leaving their populations to starve. India and Egypt were said to fit this description.

See Truelsen, Page 10

“

Private enterprises have spent untold billions of dollars over the past 40 years on environmental protection measures.

”

of dollars over the past 40 years on environmental protection measures. The air we breathe is cleaner and rivers no longer catch on fire. While regulations

played a part, it was only because of economic growth, knowledge, innovation and an enlightened

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See Bauhan, Page 16

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­POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

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Economic, legislative issues face industry

By Joel Brandenberger President National Turkey Federation

WASHINGTON — During the first nine months of 2011 turkey production increased nearly 4 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, higher feed costs and slow growth in the domestic economy are expected to keep production relatively flat for the foreseeable future. The Brandenberger odds are that feedstocks production forecasts, especially for corn, will get smaller in the near term, not larger. Since feed is 70 percent of the cost of producing a

turkey, if production of crops like corn and soybeans shrink, meat and poultry production will grow slowly, if at all. The turkey industry will continue to adjust to these new economic realities and other regulatory and legislative issues of importance in the year ahead.

Food safety Ground turkey recalls earlier in the year gave the turkey industry the opportunity to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to food safety. After the second recall, NTF convened a summit with technical, regulatory and live production personnel to create an aggressive, comprehensive strategy to further reduce the incidence of salmonella in turkey products. Throughout the year ahead, NTF and its members will implement a strategic action plan to research emerging technologies to reduce naturally oc-

curring pathogens in turkey products, so consumers can continue to feel confident in eating turkey products. The federation will be in regular communication with FSIS (USDA’s Food Safety & Inspection Service) to ensure regulations are science-based and risk-based with measureable achievements in public health.

Renewable fuels policy For nearly eight years, the turkey industry has been fighting the federal government’s ethanol support structure, which has caused serious harm to the turkey industry. The federation will continue to push for real reform of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in the year ahead. There’s already reason to be optimistic given the introduction of the RFS Flexibility Act of 2011 (H.R. 3097) that would grant a partial waiver to the RFS. The

Stocks soar after strong start of holiday shopping season The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A strong start to the U.S. shopping season and fresh proposals for a far-reaching solution to Europe’s debt crisis sent stocks sharply higher on Nov. 28. The Dow Jones industrial average soared 300 points in afternoon trading, making up more than half of the ground it lost the previous week.

Initial reports show a record number of shoppers hit the mall or bought gifts online during the holiday weekend. Thanksgiving weekend is a makeor-break time for many retailers. For the past six years, Black Friday has been the biggest sales day of the year.

The retail numbers add to a growing set of indicators, including steady drops in the number of applications for unemployment, that suggest the U.S. is far from the second recession economists had begun to fear in August.

“This goes in stark contrast to the gloom and doom that had been over markets,” said Rob Lutts,

president of Salem, Mass.-based investment firm Cabot Money Management. “A lot of the stocks I follow have been more oversold than any time I can remember in the last few years.”

Markets in Europe also rose sharply as leaders there discuss new approaches for containing the region’s debt troubles. One plan calls for Europe’s most stable economies jointly sell bonds to provide assistance to the region’s most indebted members, like Greece and Portugal.

Investors are hoping that the recent signs of deterioration in the debt crisis will finally get Europe’s leaders to agree on a package of measures that can ease market concerns over whether the euro currency itself can survive.

Stock indexes in Italy, Germany and France rose more than 4 percent. The euro and commodities prices also rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.03 percent from 1.97 percent late on Nov. 25 as investors sold ultrasafe assets.

See Stocks, Page 13

waiver would be triggered when corn stocks fall below certain critical thresholds. While the industry made significant strides this year in eliminating the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit or blender’s credit, the federation will continue to remain diligent to ensure the credit does not reappear after it expires on Dec. 31. Regardless, NTF and its members will pursue a grassroots effort to send a strong message that it is time to reform the federal renewable fuels policy into something more sensible.

GIPSA rule The Grain Inspection and Packers & Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) proposed marketing rule will not be as dominant an issue for the industry in 2012. Congress recently passed the FY 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, and the bill includes restrictions on implementation of a proposed GIPSA rule, which increased regulatory authority and oversight on livestock and poultry markets.

Political outlook Although the elections are still almost a year away, prognosticators are starting to make their best predictions for the 2012 elections. The race for the White House seems to

be, and will likely remain, a wide open race as Americans continue to be frustrated with all branches of government. At present, opinions on the outcome of the election are all over the map, from the Republicans taking control of the House and Senate, along with the White House, to no significant change in the power distribution. The reality is that next year’s elections will likely fall somewhere in between.

The Senate has eight to 10 races (Hawaii, Missouri, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Virginia and Wisconsin) that are likely up in the air and will determine the balance of power in the Senate. Republicans hold 242 seats in the House of Representatives, but the majority will likely not grow in large part because states just completed the redistricting that reapportions congressional seats every 10 years. Even though the Democrats have a shot at increasing the number of seats in next year’s election, they will fall well short of the 25 seats needed to regain control of the House.

Next year is certain to be a whirlwind of a year in politics and NTF will continue to promote and protect the turkey industry so it can continue to provide the safest, highest quality products possible.

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POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

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

Merck highlights long-term growth performance plan WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck recently held its Research & Development and Business Briefing at its global headquarters, highlighting the company’s research strategy, including candidates from its R&D pipeline, and providing an update on its plans for growth.

“Early in the year, we said 2011 would be all about executing our growth plans,” said Kenneth C. Frazier, Merck president and CEO, “and there can be no mistaking that Merck is doing just that. We are implementing a four-part strategy to drive top-line and bottom-line performance with the aim of realizing superior shareholder returns over the longer term.

“We are focused on making the right investment decisions across our business while continuing to advance and augment our latestage pipeline. Fundamentally, Merck is about translating cuttingedge science into medically important medicines and vaccines that save, extend and improve lives throughout the world. Our strategy is based on innovation being the single biggest driver of value over the long term for patients, customers and shareholders.”

2011 As Merck entered 2011, the company focused on accelerating top-line growth, reducing costs, allocating resources to drive growth and advancing and augmenting its pipeline, the company said.

“Three consecutive quarters of top- and bottom-line growth, coupled with strong expense management, demonstrate Merck’s ability to consistently perform, while at the same time make the strategic investments necessary for the future,” said Frazier.

For example: through Sept. 30, 2011, Merck delivered 5 percent top-line growth, increasing sales by nearly $2 billion; and since the merger with Schering-Plough, Merck achieved $2.8 billion in net synergies, the company reported.

Merck also notes that it plans to extend its opportunities in its Animal Health and Consumer Care businesses.

“Looking to 2012, we are confident that we are taking the right steps to ensure that Merck is generating profitable sales growth to drive improved returns and even greater cash flow than we do

See Merck, Page 7

In other Business news:

Tyson & Huey Lewis team up to fight hunger MISSOULA, Mont. — Wellknown rock musician Huey Lewis and his friend John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods, both have a love for music and golf.

However, they also share an interest in hunger relief that has led to a major donation to a network of Montana food banks.

Through Tyson Foods, the two initiated the shipment of more than 30,000 pounds of chicken to the Montana Food Bank Network, Montana’s only statewide hunger organization. The donated food, which is enough to produce 120,000 meals, arrived in Missoula on Nov. 22.

“I’m thankful for my friendship with John and his willingness to help feed people in need here in our state,” said Lewis, who calls Montana home. “Like many other parts of the country, hunger is a serious concern here, especially with rising food and fuel costs.”

“Our company has been active in hunger relief for more than a decade and we appreciate Huey’s interest in joining us in this effort,” said John Tyson. “In addition to feeding people, we’re hopeful this donation will also help increase hunger awareness and prompt more people to step forward and get involved.”

“We’re grateful for the donation, which boosts our mission to help those who need emergency food,” said Peggy A. Grimes, CEO of the Montana Food Bank Network.

“The people we’re helping often work, sometimes in several jobs, yet still don’t make enough money to provide for their families. In fact, based on USDA estimates, more than 30 percent of Montanans are considered to be at risk of hunger.”

The Montana Food Bank Network provides emergency food to 175,000 people across the state through a network of 200 agencies.

In 2010, the network supplemented

local agencies with nearly 8.5 million pounds of food.

Tyson Foods has fought hunger in the U.S. since 2000, donating more than 82 million pounds of protein, or more than 320 million meals, the company said. Tyson partners with Feeding America, the Food Research and Action Center, Share Our Strength, Lift Up America and the League of United Latin American Citizens to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation.

Earlier this year, Tyson launched the “Know Hunger” campaign to raise hunger awareness in the U.S. As part of the campaign, the company released the results of a survey which found that one in four Americans is worried about having enough money to put food on the table in the next year. Another key finding is that many Americans are unaware of how serious hunger is in their own communities.

Meat and poultry are excellent sources of heme iron, which is especially important for women, children and adolescent girls, who are often deficient in iron. More information on the nutritional value of meat and poultry can be obtained at http://www.meatpoultrynutrition.org. More information on Tyson’s hunger relief efforts can be obtained at http://www.tysonhungerrelief.com.

Moark LLC announces expansion into Maine FONTANA, Calif. — Moark LLC has announced that it has agreed to a long-term lease arrangement for the assets of three Maine egg producers, commonly referred to as Quality Egg of New England LLC, Dorothy Egg Farm LLC and Mountain Hollow Farms LLC. This transaction is expected to close shortly, based on customary closing conditions.

Moark is a major marketer, distributor, processor and producer of fresh shell eggs and egg products. Under the lease arrangement,

Moark will be the sole operator of the egg production, processing and warehousing operations (as well as a feed mill) owned by the companies, which are located in Turner, Leeds and Winthrop, Maine. At the end of the 10-year lease period, Moark will have the option of purchasing the facilities. Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

“This expansion enables Moark to better serve customers in the Northeastern United States,” said Craig Willardson, president of Moark. “It complements our existing operations by adding approximately 3.6 million layers, and it provides greater access to a growing market for eggs. This will benefit our customers, the Maine-based employees and the Maine economy.”

As the operator of the Maine production facilities, Moark will evaluate its workforce requirements, but intends to continue employing the majority of the current workforce at the facilities, the company said, adding that it will also institute its safety and quality assurance standards.

“Nothing is more important to us than the quality of our products and the safety and reliability of our operations,” Willardson said.

Hybrid Turkeys notes management changes KITCHENER, Ontario — Hybrid Turkeys has announced the following changes, to be effective Jan. 1, 2012.

Ron Slavnik, current managing director of Hybrid Turkeys, will move to a newly created role as managing director, Hybrid Turkeys Europe. At the same time, Dave Libertini will become managing director, Hybrid Turkeys, in addition to his North America country coordination and aquaculture responsibilities.

(Continued on next page)

­POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011 (Continued from previous page)

The drivers for these internal changes include major market growth for Hybrid Turkeys in Europe and the addition of 17 grandparent farms, as well as a parent stock hatchery in France, the company said, adding that, all of this translates to an increased need to build a local management, sales, service and production team.

Slavnik will be based in France and will also take on various other projects within the growing Hendrix Genetics group.

“These moves strengthen the management capacity of Hybrid Turkeys in response to increased staff and infrastructure in France as well as to manage Hybrid’s tremendous market growth and expanded client base throughout the world,” said Antoon van den Berg, CEO of Hendrix Genetics.

Libertini is re-assuming the role of managing director, Hybrid Turkeys, having previously served in this capacity until 2003. He is also familiar to swine industry professionals, where he served as managing director of Hypor for seven years. Most recently, Libertini has been involved in overseeing Hendrix Genetics’ entry into salmon breeding, through the acquisition of Landcatch Natural Selection, located in Scotland.

“Turkey breeding and distribution is now the largest part of our business portfolio,” Van den Berg added. “As such, it deserves extra top management attention. It is our aim to intensively strengthen our re-

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lationships with vertical integrators and Hybrid Turkeys distributors worldwide, and we can achieve that goal with this new North American and European organizational structure.”

Slavnik and Libertini continue to serve as members of the Hendrix Management Committee, which is charged with setting and implementing strategic goals for Hendrix Genetics.

More information can be obtained at http://www.hendrix-genetics.com.

Butterball donation to help fight hunger GARNER, N.C. — Nearly one in five children in the Research Triangle Park area is struggling with hunger, and nearly 16 percent of the Triangle population is food insecure. The need for charitable food donations in the Triangle is increasingly evident, and to help fill this need Butterball LLC donated turkeys to the community for Thanksgiving, the company noted.

Butterball recently joined with “The Pitmaster” Ed Mitchell and local officials to present more than 750 whole turkeys to nonprofits in Raleigh, Durham and Garner, N.C. “We have seen first-hand that charitable organizations in the Triangle are struggling to feed and house a growing number of people, and we’re honored to be in a position to help those in need.

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the unemployment rate, and devastating spring storms left people in need,” said Rod Brenneman, president and CEO of Butterball LLC. “We are thankful for the opportunity to work with several outstanding organizations that continuously meet the needs of our community members, and we are proud to be part of the solution.”

Two of the donation efforts culminated on Nov. 8, when Butterball executives and Mitchell delivered 500 holiday turkeys during events held at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle in Raleigh and Community of Hope Ministries in Garner. Councilor Thomas Crowder of Raleigh and Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams each offered proclamations at the events held in their respective cities.

Mitchell offered his culinary expertise to support the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s Culinary Job Training Program where he showed students how to prepare turkey barbeque. Students are unable to attend a culinary institute due to life challenges. Eighteen months after completing the program, 70 percent of the program’s graduates are employed.

On Nov. 10, Butterball delivered 250 additional whole turkeys to Urban Ministries of Durham where Mitchell prepared turkey barbeque, a special recipe made with Butterball turkey, for 250 community members. Durham Mayor William Bell offered a proclamation expressing gratitude for businesses like Butterball, who join with the community to help feed the

Business hungry during the holidays and every day.

“This is an opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate and to showcase our continual support for our communities,” said Mitchell. “The . . . Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time to share a delicious turkey version of what I know best — barbecue.”

Mitchell, who has been featured in Bon Appétit magazine and has worked with the Food Network’s Bobby Flay, is widely recognized for his authentic pork barbecue and began using Butterball turkey products years

•Merck (Continued from page 6)

today,” Frazier said. “Reflecting confidence in our business and our commitment to returning cash to shareholders, today (Nov. 10) the Merck board of directors raised the company’s quarterly dividend by 11 percent.”

Merck’s quarterly dividend is being increased 4 cents from 38 cents per outstanding share of the company’s common stock to 42 cents per common share. The board declared that the new dividend is payable Jan. 9, 2012, to stockholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 15, 2011.

Since the beginning of 2010, Merck has returned more than $9 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and repurchased about $3 billion of Merck stock.

More information can be obtained at http://www.merck.com.

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ago to make his famous turkey barbecue.

The donated turkeys were distributed among 11 recipient 501(c)3 organizations in the Triangle including the following: In Raleigh — Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network Inc., Hayes Barton United Methodist Church and Helping Hands United Mission; in Garner — Community of Hope Ministries, Garner Area Ministries and Hope Ministries; in Durham — Urban Ministries, UDI-CDC, Durham Housing Authority and Housing for New Hope.

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8

POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

•Forecast (Continued from page 1)

“Broiler meat production in 2012 is forecast at 36.7 billion pounds, a decrease of 1.7 percent from 2011,” the report said. “The decline in broiler meat production is expected to come mainly from a lower number of birds slaughtered, as bird weights are expected to be close to or slightly higher than in 2011.

“Broiler integrators are not expected to have any strong incentive to expand production, due to the combination of continued high prices for corn and soybean meal and relatively low broiler product prices at the wholesale level. Demand growth will likely be dampened by relatively slow economic growth and continued high unemployment.”

ERS added that the most recent broiler hatchery report (Nov. 5) indicated that for the previous five weeks, chicks placed for growout were 7.9 percent less that for the same time last year.

“This 5-week moving average has become more strongly negative over the last several months,” ERS said. “The number of chicks placed for growout is expected to remain well below year-earlier levels through the remainder of 2011 and into 2012, but gradually to become closer to year-earlier levels in mid-2012.”

Eggs For the third quarter of 2011, production of table eggs was more than 1.65 billion dozen, a slight increase from 2010, the report said.

“On a year-over-year basis, table egg production has now risen in the last 11 consecutive quarters,” ERS noted. “With the number of table egg layers in production increasing from the previous month, table egg production is expected to continue above the previous year’s level in fourth quarter 2011. However, overall table egg production in 2012 is expected to be only about even with the previous year, as weaker egg prices, high grain costs, and a slowly growing economy dampen expansion.”

Third quarter 2011 production of hatch-

ing eggs amounts to approximately 264 million dozen, a decrease of 7 million dozen, or 2.6 percent, from the same time last year.

“Hatching egg production is expected to be sharply lower in fourth quarter 2011 as broiler producers cut back on production.” ERS said. “The decrease in third quarter 2011 was chiefly due to a lower number of meat-type hens as the demand for broiler chicks declined. Hatching egg production is expected to level off in the latter part of 2012 as broiler production starts to gradually expand.”

Third quarter prices for wholesale table eggs were about $1.18 per dozen, a 25 cents per dozen increase from 2010, the report said.

“Seasonally higher demand in fourth quarter 2011 is expected to boost prices somewhat, to $1.26-$1.30 per dozen,” ERS noted. “This increase would leave table egg prices slightly higher than the $1.23 averaged in fourth quarter 2010.

Prices in 2012 are forecast to be slightly lower, as exports are expected to decline slightly, placing more eggs on the domestic market.”

Turkeys For the third quarter, turkey meat production was approximately 1.4 billion pounds, which is an increase of slightly less than 1 percent from 2010, the report said.

Similar to broilers, third quarter turkey production, “saw a reduction in the number of birds being slaughtered and an increase in their average weight,” ERS said. “In the case of turkeys, the number of birds slaughtered in the third quarter was 61.9 million, down 1 percent from the previous year. Offsetting this was a 2 percent increase in live weights to 28.9 pounds.”

For the fourth quarter, turkey meat production is being projected to be 1.5 billion pounds, also a slight increase from last year, the department added.

“Growth in turkey production in the second half of 2011 is expected to be quite different from the first half, which showed strong increases in turkey meat produc-

tion,” ERS said, adding that, “turkey production in 2012 is forecast at 5.85 billion pounds, which would be an increase of just under 1 percent from 2011.

“Even though turkey prices have remained strong through all of 2011, turkey producers will be faced with the impact of high grain prices and a relatively sluggish domestic economy.”

Exports For poultry exports, the ERS reports that third quarter shipments were “recordbreaking.”

“September broiler shipments helped set a new record for broilers shipped in a given quarter; broilers shipped from July 2011 to September 2011 totaled almost 2 billion pounds, which eclipses the previous record set in the fourth quarter of 2010,” the department noted. “The increase in broiler meat exports is largely fueled by demand from new markets. U.S. leg quarters are competitively priced, which is a major factor for both new and historical markets.”

In September broiler exports were approximately 637 million pounds, an increase of 3.1 percent from 2010, ERS noted.

“While leg quarter prices are slightly higher than last year during this time, exchange rates have kept prices competitive against other major broiler exporters, particularly Brazil,” ERS said. “Shipments to major broiler importing countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Hong Kong, Angola, Japan, United Arab and China rose from a year ago.

The top country for U.S. broiler exports for 2011 — Mexico — increased its imports by approximately 4 million pounds in September, the report said. Hong Kong also increased its imports in September by about 30 million pounds more than in 2010.

“With the exception of September, shipments to Russia in the third quarter of the year have picked up and have been important to the U.S. broiler market,” ERS added For eggs and egg products, exports

have remained strong in spite of “relatively volatile” prices in 2011, the department noted.

“In September, total egg exports were the equivalent of 26.1 million dozen eggs,” ERS said. “This is 9 percent higher than a year earlier and over the first 9 months of 2011, egg exports are 9 percent higher than during the same period in 2010.”

Shell egg exports, “fell slightly, but those declines were more than offset by strong increases in exports of egg products,” the report said. “The increase in exports is related to strong demand in a number of Asian countries and the weakness of the dollar against a number of other currencies.”

For the third quarter, total egg exports were approximately 70.6 million dozen, an increase of about 5 percent from the same time in 2010, ERS noted.

“With year-to-date exports down to Canada and a number of (European Union) countries, the increases have come from higher shipments to Mexico and a number of Asian countries, particularly Japan and Hong Kong,” ERS said.

For turkeys, approximately 173 million pounds of turkey meat, an increase of about 9 percent from last year, was exported from July through September, the report said.

“Approximately half of this turkey meat was shipped to Mexico,” ERS said. “Excluding Mexico, when compared with last year’s third quarter, more turkey shipments have been going to Hong Kong and Canada, while fewer have been going to the Dominican Republic and China.”

Turkey exports were about 58.8 million pounds in September, an increase of 18 percent from the same time in 2010, the report noted.

“Mexico and Hong Kong accounted for most of the increase from a year ago,” ERS said. “Shipments to Mexico increased 16 percent, while Hong Kong was up 56 percent. Given continued strength in turkey shipments, the fourth quarter projections were raised up 5 million pounds from (October estimates).”

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­POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

•Sparboe (Continued from page 1)

alarming actions on video did not occur at Sparboe’s Vincent, Iowa, facility that supplies McDonald’s.”

The Iowa facility had supplied eggs for all McDonalds operations west of the Mississippi River.

Beth Sparboe Schnell, president of Sparboe Farms, also issued a statement on the undercover video which she said was taken by an animal activist who was hired under false pretenses.

“Acts depicted in the footage are totally unacceptable and completely at odds with our values as egg farmers,” Schnell said. “In fact, they are in direct violation of our animal care code of conduct, which all of our employees read, sign and follow each day.”

Schnell said that on learning of the video, Sparboe Farms

9

launched a comprehensive internal investigation and identified four employees “who were complicit in this disturbing activity and they have been terminated.”

Schnell also said that the company responded to the FDA and documented implementation of corrective actions. She noted that in a conference call on Nov. 17 with the FDA, Sparboe learned that corrective actions taken were insufficient and “immediate steps were initiated to rectify.”

“Our company has long been an industry leader in food safety and supports scientific research for improvements to hen wellbeing,” Schnell said.

She pointed out that Sparboe Farms was the first U.S. egg producer to receive USDA Processed Verified Program (PVP) certification for its science-based animal

care production guidelines.

The company has also announced that it is creating a Sustainability Task Force that is charged with reviewing all current company practices in the areas of food safety, animal care and sustainability. The task force will also develop additional best practices in those areas for all of the company’s production and processing facilities.

In a statement concerning the “20/20” broadcast, the United Egg Producers, a national organization that represents approximately 92 percent of U.S. egg producers, noted that Sparboe Farms is not a member of UEP and does not participate in the UEP Certified animal welfare program. “We have no knowledge about the conditions or operations of that farm or company,” UEP stated.

students were chosen by their high school agriculture teacher to provide the birds extra attention and human interaction in preparation for the ceremony.

“Raising the National Thanksgiving Turkey is an honor and a privilege,” said Huisinga.

“Making it even more special was having four students who are part of FFA raise and prepare the turkey for presentation to the president of the United States.”

Huisinga is president and COO of Willmar Poultry Co. Inc., based in Willmar, Minn.

Since 1945, Willmar Poultry Co. has been a leader in turkey poult production, hatching and breeding techniques. Its focus on innovation, research and development, and advancements in agriculture has been recognized industry-wide, and the

company is currently the largest producer of turkey poults in the world.

The night before the presentation, “Liberty” and “Peace” stayed in a room at the W Hotel.

After the pardoning, they were driven to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate Museum and Gardens. The National Thanksgiving Turkey will be on display for visitors during “Christmas at Mount Vernon,” a special program through Jan. 6. After the holidays, the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate will live in a custom-made enclosure at Mount Vernon’s nationally recognized livestock facility.

Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pa., gave President Obama’s family two dressed turkeys that were donated to the Capital Area Food Bank.

•Turkey (Continued from page 1)

be an American. It’s a day to count our blessings, spend time with the ones we love, and enjoy some good food and some great company,” said President Obama. “I want to thank Richard Huisinga, the chairman of the National Turkey Federation, and his wonderful family for donating this year’s turkey from his farm in Willmar, Minnesota.”

After his remarks, President Obama “pardoned” the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate, “Peace.” Both birds were raised on a Willmar Poultry Co. farm in Willmar, Minn., under Huisinga’s supervision.

Peter Gruhl, Hybrid Turkeys, handled the turkey during the ceremony. In partnership with Willmar Poultry Co. and the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, four Willmar-area FFA

Vilsack notes record growth of ag exports WASHINGTON — On Nov. 10, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement after USDA released its final tally for agricultural exports in fiscal year 2011: “Thanks to the productivity of America’s farmers, ranchers and producers, the American brand of agriculture is surging in popularity worldwide. Farm exports in fiscal year 2011 reached a reVilsack cord high of $137.4 billion — exceeding past highs by $22.5 billion — and supported 1.15 million jobs here at home. Furthermore, agriculture continues to bolster our nation’s economy by contributing a trade surplus year after year. This year, that surplus hit a record $42.9 billion. And next year looks equally strong for the U.S. agricultural economy, thanks in part to President Obama signing new trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, which will add an additional $2.3 billion to our export total and support nearly 20,000 American jobs.

“U.S. agriculture continues to be a bright spot in America’s economy and a driving force behind export growth, job creation, and our nation’s competitiveness, underscored by the increasing demand for U.S. food and agriculture around the world. For the first full fiscal year, China was the lead export market for farm products, buying almost $20 billion of goods such as soybeans, cotton, tree nuts and hides. There is no doubt that the Asia Pacific region recognizes the United States as a reliable supplier of the highest-quality food and agricultural products, and that’s the message I will take to our trading partners when I travel next week to Vietnam and China to help expand markets and remove barriers to trade for U.S. farm products.

Partnerships with growing markets like those in Vietnam and China are integral to the strength of the U.S. economy in the decades ahead.

“Strong export performance means higher incomes for farmers and ranchers, more opportunities for small businesses owners, and jobs for folks who package, ship and market agricultural products. So, thank you to all of America’s farmers, ranchers and producers who continue to make U.S. agriculture a bright spot in our nation’s economy.”

10

POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

Calendar

JAN

Compiled by Barbara Olejnik, Associate Editor 770-718-3440 bolejnik@poultrytimes.net

DEC 6-8 — ASA BOARD MTNG., Hilton at the Ballpark Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. Contact: American Soybean Association, 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100, St. Louis, Mo. 63141. Ph: 314-576-1770; http:// www.soygrowers.com.

DEC 6-8 — USAPEEC WINTER MTNG., Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, D.C. Contact: USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, 2300 W. Park Place Blvd., Suite 100, Stone Mountain, Ga. 30087. Ph: 770-413-0006; usapeec@ usapeec.org; http://www.usapeec. org.

DEC 11-13 — NGFA FEED INDUSTRY CONF. & TRADE SHOW, Chicago

Marriott Magnificent Mile Hotel, Chicago, Ill. Contact: National Grain & Feed Association, 1250 I St., N.W., Suite 1003, Washington, D.C. 20005.

Ph: 202-289-0873; ngfa@ngfa.org; http://www.ngfa.org.

JAN

2012

JAN 8-11 — AFBF ANNUAL MTNG., Honolulu, Hawaii. Contact: American Farm Bureau Federation, 600 Maryland Ave., S.W., Suite 1000 W, Washington, D.C. 20024. Ph: 202406-3600; http://www.fb.org.

JAN 23-24 — UEP BOARD MTNG., Omni Hotel & CNN Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: United Egg Producers, 1720

•Truelsen (Continued from page 4)

The Paddocks underestimated the Green Revolution and other advances in production agriculture around the world, but they weren’t the only ones. Paul Ehrlich predicted a similar fate when he said, “The battle to feed all humanity is over,” in his book “The Population Bomb.”

In a 1982 book, “Encounters with the Future,” respected futurist Marvin Cetron and co-author Thomas O’Toole forecasted that the Soviet Union would invade Australia within 10 years for its natural resources. They missed the part about the Soviet Union crumbling.

Why do we pay attention to expert predictions in the first place?

In “Future Babble,” Gardner gives several reasons. Most people love certainty, so if someone says they know what will happen in the future, it attracts our attention.

We jump to conclusions about the future because we tend to look for patterns where none exist. Randomness and chaos limit our ability to see very far ahead.

We also are attracted to experts who are bold and confident about their predictions despite the fact that Gardner says they have the worst track records. In his words, “Reliable forecasting is a challenge on a par with climbing Mt. Everest barefoot.”

Life is unpredictable and uncertain, but that isn’t as bad as it seems.

Gardner believes an accurate prediction isn’t necessary to make good decisions. A rough sense of possibilities and probabilities will do fine.

That’s why we can stick by our prediction that American farmers and ranchers will meet our food needs for at least the next 50 years.

They’ve done it in the past despite all kinds of obstacles and dire predictions. There’s every reason to believe they can do it in the future.

JAN

JAN

Windward Concourse, Suite 230, Alpharetta, Ga. 30005. Ph: 770-3609220; gene@unitedegg.com; http:// www.unitedegg.com.

23-24 — ANIMAL AGRICULTURE SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084-7303, Ph: 770493-9401, info@poultryegg.org, http:// www.poultryegg.org, or American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 916, Arlington, Va. 22201, 703-524-0810, afia@afia.org, http://www.afia.org.

23-27 — NPFDA ANNUAL CONV. & POULTRY SUPPLIERS SHOWCASE, Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: National Poultry & Food Distributors Association, 2014 Osborne Road, St. Marys, Ga. 31558. Ph: 770-535-9901, kkm@npfda.org, http://www.npfda. org.

24 — NCC TECHNICAL & REGULATORY COMMITTEE, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: National Chicken Council, 1015 15th St., N.W., Suite 930, Washington, D.C. 20005. Ph: 202296-2622; http://www.nationalchickencouncil.cm; http://www.eatchicken. com.

25—NCCMARKETINGCOMMITTEE, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: National Chicken Council, 1015 15th St., N.W., Suite 930, Washington, D.C. 20005. Ph: 202296-2622; http://www.nationalchick-

JAN

JAN

JAN

JAN

FEB

encouncil.cm; http://www.eatchicken. com.

24-25 — HATCHERY-BREEDER CLINIC, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 300847303, Ph: 770-493-9401; info@poultryegg.org; http://www.poultryegg.org, 24-26 — INTERNATIONAL POULTRY EXPO - INTERNATIONAL FEED EXPO, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 300847303, Ph: 770-493-9401, info@poultryegg.org, http://www.poultryegg. org, or American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 916, Arlington, Va. 22201, 703-5240810, afia@afia.org, http://www.afia. org.

26 — NCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MTNG., Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: National Chicken Council, 1015 15th St., N.W., Suite 930, Washington, D.C. 20005.

Ph: 202-296-2622; http://www.nationalchickencouncil.cm; http://www. eatchicken.com.

29-31 — FMI MIDWINTER EXECUTIVE CONF., Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Food Marketng Institute, 2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 800, Arlington, Va. 222024813. Ph: 202-452-8444; fmi@fmi.org; http://www.fmi.org.

8-10 — POULTRY FOCUS ASIA 2012, Queen Sirikit Center, Bangkok, Thailand. Contact: Positive Action

•AEB (Continued from page 2)

instead of feeding and eliminating catering costs.

Overall, the GEP strives to encourage consumer interaction to learn, share or inspire others by telling American egg farmers’ stories while giving back to the community as well.

The Egg Nutrition Center (ENC) continues focusing on health professionals and supporting targeted research. This research helps power all of AEB’s marketing programs and provides the new news needed for continued success. ENC is also forming strategic partnerships, enhancing communications efforts and working on updates to EggNutritionCenter.org. As a result of its strategic partnerships, ENC facilitated a whole egg being included in the criteria of health meals for children in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell.

Through updated advertising, Egg Product Marketing highlights the 20-plus functional benefits of eggs and reaches research and development (R&D) professionals promoting the expertise of AEB. In fact the AEB-sponsored Egg Products School at Auburn University will target R&D professionals for the first time.

FEB

FEB

FEB

FEB

FEB

Publications Ltd., P.O. Box 4, Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 9DJ, England.

Ph: +44 1377 241724; http://www. positiveaction.co.uk or http://www. nccexhibition.com.

15-18 — NTF ANNUAL CONV., Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, Tampa, Fla. Contact: National Turkey Federation, 1225 New York Ave., N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005. Ph: 202-898-0100; info@ turkeyfed.org; http://www.eatturkey. com.

19-21 — ANNUAL MEAT CONF., Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, Fla. Contact: American Meat Institute, 1150 Connecticut Ave., N.W., 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. Ph: 202-5874200; http://www.meatami.com.

22-23 — NPI ANNUAL CONV., Norfolk Lodge & Suites, Divots Conference Center, Norfolk, Neb. Contact: Nebraska Poultry Industries Inc., University of Nebraska, 102 Mussehl Hall, P.O. Box 830721, Lincoln, Neb. 68583-0721. Ph: 402-472-2051; eggturkey@unl.edu.

23-24 — USDA AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK FORUM, Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, Va. Contact: http://www.gov/oce/forum.

23-25 — SGFA AND GFGA ANNUAL CONV., Hyatt Regency Savannah, Savannah, Ga. Contact: Bonnie Holloman, Southeastern Grain & Feed Association and Georgia Feed & Grain Association, P.O. Box 58220, Raleigh, N.C. 27658. Ph: 919-855-8981; bonnieholloman@yahoo.com.

Foodservice, specifically the Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) segment, continues its growth. In the past five years, the QSR morning meal is up $7.3 billion incremental sales. AEB works with national chains throughout the country on menu development, trend information and more as needed in hopes to increase breakfast programs and egg sales.

The State Support Program now better aligns with the overall national marketing messages and focuses on helping the state promotional organizations best execute AEB’s national messages locally. This ensures all consumers hear the same messages from AEB next year.

Industry Communications continues to reach producers with updates on AEB’s programs, and plans are underway in 2012 to improve AEB’s communication to those producers not currently on AEB’s board. A blog geared at the industry is one more way to inform the industry.

AEB’s staff is more energized and eggcited for the year ahead. Through a comprehensive analytical and strategic process of taking a fresh look at everything that we do, new, exciting opportunities are being explored. AEB has an extraordinary, devoted staff working on behalf of egg producers to increase the sales and profitability of egg and egg products.

­POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

11

•NCC (Continued from page 3)

ward may be made a bit easier by less competition from beef and pork.

Beef consumption may decline as much as five pounds per person in 2012 as fewer fed cattle move through feedlots and U.S. beef exports continue at a robust pace.

Although pork production may increase very modestly in 2012, expanding exports of pork are most likely to drawdown per capita pork consumption in the U.S. As a result, combined average per capita consumption of red meat (beef, pork, lamb and veal) may be little more than 100 pounds, the lowest level in more than three-quarters of a century.

For 2012, USDA forecasts a 1.7 percent decrease in broiler production. More likely, the decrease will approach 4 percent, as it did in 2009.

The decrease in broiler production in 2012 will mark only the fourth time in five decades when annual broiler production declined from the previous year.

Broiler consumption will likely slip 4 pounds per person in 2012, after experiencing some recovering in consump-

tion in 2010 and 2011. The record high broiler consumption was 87.7 pounds in 2006 and will undoubtedly remain the high point until corn becomes more plentiful and affordable.

Despite less broiler production in 2012, broiler exports will continue to pick up. Following an estimated 1.5 percent gain in exports in 2011, broiler exports could gain an additional 2.5 percent, or even more in the new year.

Outlook In summary, the situation and outlook for broilers is as follows: USDA estimates that broiler production will increase 1.1 percent in 2011, even though broiler production for January through October was up 2.6 percent.

LITTER WINDROWER

•Grain (Continued from page 3)

Gilbert mentioned that there were about 10 billion pounds of animal fat and grease produced each year in the U.S., with poultry fat making up about 15 percent of the total. Gilbert presented information from the U.S. Census Bureau which showed that 483 metric tons of rendered

fat is estimated for use in biodiesel production in 2011, with the mandate being 800 million gallons of biodiesel fuel made in 2011. Gilbert indicated that this is the first year the biodiesel industry has been profitable. He also discussed the reasons the fat market price has fallen over the last year and changes that could affect the fat and

oil market in the future.

Other sessions included an Oilseed Outlook; Ethanol/ Renewable Fuels/Acreage Legislation . . . Impact on Poultry Industry; and a Feed Grain Outlook.

The conference was sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association based in Tucker, Ga.

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­POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

13

USB: Int’l demand stays strong for U.S. soy ST. LOUIS — Federal government figures show U.S. soy continues to be in strong demand among international customers.

Buyers outside of the U.S. purchased 1.5 billion bushels of whole U.S. soybeans in the latest marketing year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That makes U.S. soy one of the largest agricultural exports. And U.S. agriculture continues to lead all economic sectors with a positive balance of trade.

“Increasing demand for U.S. soy abroad has been the cornerstone of the soybean-checkofffunded marketing efforts for the

past 20 years,” said Jim Call, a soybean farmer from Madison, Minn., as well as chairman of the United Soybean Board International Marketing program. “We focus not just on China, but on increasing sales in other international markets, as well.”

“The soybean checkoff helps fund market-building activities like hosting international buying teams and conducting poultry and livestock feeding demonstrations abroad that prove the advantages of using U.S. soy,” Call said.

Additional key soybean export figures for the 2010/2011 mar-

•Stocks (Continued from page 5)

The Dow jumped 310 points, or 2.8 percent, to 11,541 as of 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 28. The index plunged 564 points the previous week on fear that Europe’s debt crisis was spreading to large countries like Spain and even Germany. Alcoa Inc. jumped 5.7 percent, the most of the 30 stocks in the Dow. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 36, or 3.1 percent, to 1,194. The rally lifted stocks across the board. Only four stocks in the S&P 500 index fell.

The Nasdaq composite rose 87, or 3.6 percent, to 2,528.

Banks had some of the biggest gains as investors became less fearful of an imminent freeze-up in Europe’s financial system. Morgan Stanley jumped 5.4 percent and JPMorgan Chase & Co. rose 4 percent. Retailers also rose sharply. Macy’s Inc. rose 6 percent and Best Buy Co. rose 4.2 percent.

A record 226 million shoppers visited stores and web sites during the four-day holiday weekend starting on Thanksgiving Day, up from 212 million last year, according to early estimates by the National Retail Federation released on Nov. 27. They spent more, too: The average holiday shopper spent $398.62 during the weekend, up from $365.34 a year ago.

It’s still unclear whether retailers’ will be able to hold shoppers’ attention throughout the remainder of the season, which can account for 25 percent to 40 percent of a merchant’s annual revenue.

Questions also remain about the situation in Europe.

Credit rating agency Moody’s warned on Nov. 28 that the “rapid escalation” of Europe’s financial crisis is threatening the creditworthiness of all euro zone governments, even the most highly rated.

Only six of the euro zone’s 17 countries have the top rating — Germany, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Finland.

keting year: l U.S. soybean farmers helped export more than 1.5 billion bushels of whole soybeans. l Soybean meal from more than 332 million bushels of soybeans was exported. l Oil from approximately 290 million bushels of soybeans went to foreign customers.

Soy users in China weighed in as the top international customers of whole U.S. soybeans buying 895 million bushels, up from 825 million bushels during the 2010/2011 marketing year. Other top importing markets for whole U.S. soybeans in the last marketing year include the following: l Mexico — 124.3 million bushels l Japan — 75.2 million bushels

l Indonesia — 71.03 million bushels l Taiwan — 55.9 million bushels l Germany — 36.3 million bushels l Spain — 28.6 million bushels l Egypt — 27.8 million bushels l South Korea — 26.3 million bushels l Thailand — 18.6 million bushels USB notes that the soybean checkoff funds international marketing efforts in more than 80 countries worldwide. These include market development, communications and education.

USB is made up of 69 farmerdirectors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff

on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply, USB added. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.

More information on USB can be obtained at http://www.unitedsoybean.org; on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard; on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/unitedsoy; and on YouTube at http:// www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard.

CEA: Consumer confidence in technology reaches year high ARLINGTON, Va. — Consumer confidence in technology reached its highest level of the year in November as confidence in the economy sunk to an all-time low, according to the latest data release from the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA).

Consumer sentiment around technology increased nearly two points in November. The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) rose to 91.2, its highest level since December 2010. The ICTE, which measures consumer expectations for technology spending, is also up nearly 12 points from this time last year.

“Tech continues to grow and remains well above year-over-year levels on the heels of the strongest monthly gains for electronics and appliance retail sales since November 2009,” said Shawn DuBravac, CEA’s chief economist and director of research. “Strong retail sales in October, coupled with growing consumer intentions to purchase innovative new technologies, is well timed as we move fully into the holiday shopping season.”

While consumer confidence in technology is at

its highest point in 11 months, consumer confidence in the overall economy dropped to an alltime low, the group noted. The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) fell to 156.6 in November, down three points from last month and the lowest level since the CEA Index began in 2007.

The ICE, which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, is down more than 10 points from this time last year.

“The Super Committees’ inability to come to a debt reduction compromise in Washington is clearly impacting sentiment across the country,” said DuBravac. “Consumers remain uncertain about the near term and long term viability of the U.S. economy.”

The CEA Indexes comprise the ICE and ICTE, both of which are updated on a monthly basis through consumer surveys. New data is released on the fourth Tuesday of each month. CEA has been tracking index data since January 2007. To find current and past indexes, charts, methodology and future release dates, log on to http://www. ceaindexes.org.

14

POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

Markets

and 16-24 lb. toms $1.07-$1.12 shipping point for current deliveries. Limited sales of 16-24 lb. toms was reported for current delivery at $1.11 shipping point. The market on bulk parts and meats is steady and not fully tested. Demand was light.

Offerings were light to moderate.

Buyers and sellers reviewing inventories. Trading was slow.

Exports: The market was steady and not fully tested. Demand was light.

Offerings were light to moderate.

Trading was slow.

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

N at’l. Turkey Market: (Nov. 29): The market on frozen hens with The keys

steady to weak. Demand was limited. Buyers and sellers evaulating December holiday needs. Frozen offerings were light to moderate.

Frozen basted equivalent processor offering prices on a national basis for hens $1.07-$1.12 shipping point

and 16-24 lb. toms is steady a steady to weak undertone. market on fresh whole turfor post Thanksgiving needs is

P arts: Georgia:

The f.o.b. dock quoted prices on ice-pack parts based on truckload and pool truckload lots for the week of Nov. 30: line run tenders $1.81; skinless/bone-

less breasts $1.44; whole breasts 82½¢; boneless/skinless thigh meat $1.23½; thighs 71½¢; drumsticks 62½¢; leg quarters 53¢; and wings $1.36½.

F owl: Nov. 25: Live spent heavy fowl

Final prices at Farm Buyer Loading (per pound): range 8.5¢-17¢

N ational Slaughter: Broiler: Estimated slaughter

for week ending Dec. 3 is 151,720,000.

Actual slaughter for the week ending Nov. 26 was 116,294,000.

Heavy-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Dec. 3 is 1,510,000.

Actual slaughter for the week end-

The following chart provides an annual high and a comparison of recent activity of major poultry company stocks.

USDA Shell Eggs

AMS weekly combined region shell egg prices Average prices on sales to volume buyers, Grade A or better, White eggs in cartons, delivered warehouse, cents per dozen.

Annual High

Cal-Maine Campbell Soup ConAgra Hormel Pilgrim’s Pride Sanderson Farms Seaboard Tyson

36.55 35.66 26.60 30.50 8.61 52.67 2705.00 20.14

Nov. 23

Nov. 25

Nov. 30

Extra Large Regions: Northeast 119.50 Southeast 120.50 Midwest 113.50 South Central 125.50 Combined 120.02

31.55 33.86 31.24 32.60 23.86 25.26 28.26 30.11 4.86 5.74 49.62 51.47 1858.26 2009.71 19.17 20.14

Large

Medium

118.00 118.50 111.50 123.50 118.14

97.00 99.00 93.50 100.50 97.62

Computed from simple weekly averages weighted by regional area populations

Grain Prices OHIO COUNTRY ELEV. Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Dec. 1 No. 2 Yellow Corn/bu. $6.41 $6.04 $6.08 Soybeans/bu. $11.40 $11.10 $10.96 (Courtesy: Prospect Farmers Exchange, Prospect, Ohio)

(Courtesy: A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc.)

Broiler Eggs Set/Chicks Placed in 19 States EGGS SET (Thousands)

Ala Ark

Ca,Tn,Wv

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

19 States Total Prev. year % Prev. yr.

CHICKS PLACED (Thousands)

Nov. 5

Nov. 12

Nov. 19

Nov. 26

Nov. 5

Nov. 12

Nov. 19

Nov. 26

24,416 19,738 11,463 2,895 1,351 30,427 7,766 3,379 7,636 17,737 7,175 19,156 6,439 3,423 5,106 13,638 6.025

26,942 20,366 11,999 2,903 1,352 30,501 7,575 3,349 7,549 17,213 7,882 19,785 6,672 3,684 5,329 14,400 5,975

26,671 20,529 11,172 2,903 1,349 31,461 7,392 3,409 6,875 18,186 7,871 20,218 6,620 3,764 5,535 13,299 5,947

27,495 19,977 11,132 3,102 1,351 31,647 7,064 3,379 7,632 17,687 8,036 19,753 6,576 3,708 5,352 14,508 5,962

19,403 16,039 9,698 3,539 1,182 25,573 5,291 2,793 5,001 14,446 5,005 14,019 4,645 3,143 4,123 10,844 5,002

18,624 17,666 9,946 3,953 1,139 25,935 5,177 3,013 4,687 14,544 4,475 14,980 4,242 3,090 3,974 11,142 4,635

17,798 18,819 10,166 4,413 1,162 24,502 6,452 3,038 4,257 13,958 4,956 15,642 3,450 2,789 4,524 12,214 4,643

17,661 19,447 10,563 4,038 1,147 25,461 6,217 2,995 4,200 15,416 4,983 16,099 3,686 2,853 5,026 11,683 4,778

187,770 199,721

193,476 204,203

193,201 205,716

194,361 207,175

148,746 161,368

151,222 164,476

152,783 165,149

156,253 164,970

94

95

94

94

92

92

93

95

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

Estimates: The estimated number of broilerfryers available for slaughter the week ending Dec. 3 is 143.6 million head compared to 166.3 million slaughtered the same week last year. The estimated U.S. slaughter the week of Nov. 30 was 152 million head or 8.4 million more than estimated available. For the week of Dec. 10 the estimated available is 142.9 million head, notes USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

Broiler/Fryer Markets

Industry Stock Report

Company

ing Nov. 26 was 819,000.

Light-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Dec. 3 is 1,198,000. Actual slaughter for the week ending Nov. 26 was 682,000.

Total: Week of Dec. 3: 154,428,000.

Week of Nov. 26: 117,795,000.

USDA Composite Weighted Average For week of: Nov. 28 81.01¢ For week of: Nov. 21 79.77¢ Chi.-Del.-Ga.-L.A.-Miss.-N.Y.--S.F.-South. States For delivery week of: Nov. 14 Nov. 28 Chicago majority 62--66¢ 69--73¢ Mississippi majority 80--87¢ 81--86¢ New York majority 67--70¢ 74--77¢ For delivery week of: Nov. 16 Nov. 30 Delmarva weighted average 63--89¢ 67--93¢ Georgia f.o.b. dock offering 89.25¢ 89.75¢ Los Angeles majority price 98.00¢ 99.00¢ San Francisco majority price 98.50¢ 99.50¢ Southern States f.o.b. average 54.88¢ 54.31¢

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

Week ending Nov. 25 Hens (8-16 lbs.)

Toms (16-24 lbs.)

Week ending Nov. 18 Hens (8-16 lbs.)

Toms (16-24 lbs.)

National 112.50 114.46 111.42 112.30

Last year 105.87 106.00 Oct. avg.

114.83 111.95

Egg Markets USDA quotations New York cartoned del. store-door: Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Extra large, up 3¢ $1.25--$1.29 $1.28--$1.32 Large, up 3¢ $1.23--$1.27 $1.26--$1.30 Medium, up 4¢ $1.03--$1.07 $1.07--$1.11 Southeast Regional del. warehouse: Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Extra large, no change $1.17½--$1.25 $1.17½--$1.25 Large, no change $1.16--$1.23 $1.16--$1.23 Medium, no change 96½¢--$1.07¼ 96½¢--$1.04

­POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

AMERICAN EGG BOARD HOTLINE AEB Hotline appears regularly in Poultry Times and provides an update on programs and services provided for egg producers by the American Egg Board. Details on any item mentioned may be obtained by contacting AEB at 1460 Renaissance Dr., Park Ridge, Ill. 60068. Phone: 847296-7043. l Approximately 200 members of the Dietetic Practice Group on Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN) attended the Egg Nutrition Center’s presentation on protein distribution and recovery for athletes by Mitch Kanter, Ph.D. and Dave Ellis, RD, CSCS. SCAN’s members are registered dietitians who specialize in sports nutrition, cardiovascular health, wellness and weight management and disordered eating and eating disorders. l AEB works closely with leading grocers to develop tools to accomplish their goals and objectives. A key need voiced by virtually all retailers is for training materials on proper egg handling at the warehouse and the store. This DVD provides retailers with a hands-on, how-to guide to proper egg handling . . . from the time the warehouse receives the eggs to the time trucks are loaded for shipment to the stores. The DVD runs just under 10 minutes in length. To request your FREE copy, please contact Ashley Richardson at 847-2967043 or arichardson@aeb.org.

Quantities are limited. l One of the 12 winners from last year’s Back-to-Breakfast Teacher Challenge, Margaret

Turk continues to be very impressed with the impact their breakfast program has had on students. Several of her students at Grovetown Elementary in Georgia have adopted a daily egg breakfast, helping their moms make quick microwave egg cups to eat on their way to school.

“I want to thank you and the American Egg Board once again for the experience you afforded our students last year. Our kids have been reporting how they are continuing to use the recipes, songs and exercises from last year. We all had so much fun learning about eggs and implementing new food choices! Several students have seen the Egg Mug recipes in various magazines and have actually tried the recipes. Each child has a favorable report! Haleigh, Steven, and Emma make an Egg Mug every morning. See what you started?

I love it!

One skeptical parent told me to “get out of here!” when I told her she could microwave an egg. Her kids love eggs yet she doesn’t have time to cook in the mornings. She told me that she and her boys (three of the four) tried it and, to her astonishment, “it worked!” They love the One Minute Egg on Toast because it is easy, mess-free and a wholesome HOT breakfast. Perhaps printing this recipe on egg cartons would increase awareness of this wonderful, simple, healthy treat.

Thank you, again. Your generosity continues to ripple through our little school and community, and we are most appreciative!”

-Ms. Turk.

15

Obituaries Al Husman

NEWMAN, Calif. — Al Husman, who established Husman Turkey Hatchery here following service during World War II, died Nov. 16. He was 93.

As a young man, Mr. Husman herded turkeys and lived in the turkey camps. After Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Coast Guard and was stationed in Hawaii.

In the service he became a cook, drafted to that position because of his experience cooking in the turkey camps.

Following his service, Mr. Husman returned to Newman and established Husman Hatchery, a custom turkey hatchery.

Mr. Husman served on the National Turkey Advisory Board.

The California Poultry Federation presented Mr. Husman with its Pioneer Award in 2000 in recognition of his contributions to the California poultry industry.

Survivors include two children, Jay and Suzi; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Harold Rosenthal

LIVINGSTON, N.J. — Harold Rosenthal, owner of Poultry Services of America, died Nov. 4 at the age of 86.

Mr. Rosenthal spent a majority of his life in the poultry business in the Northeastern U.S. Following high school graduation, Mr. Rosenthal joined his father’s poultry business, B. Rosenthal & Son, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

He left the poultry business in 1957, but returned in 1960 following the retirement of his father. At this time he became a poultry broker buying Leghorn chickens from farmers in the Northeast and selling them to processing plants in Vineland, N.J. Mr. Rosenthal is survived by his son Jeffrey Rosenthal of Sea Bright, N.J.; daughter Debra Fox of Millburn, N.J.; and four grandchildren.

Frank G. Sweetman

APTOS, Calif. — Frank G. Sweetman, one of the original founders of VSI, died Nov. 11 in Aptos, Calif., at the age of 82.

Mr. Sweetman was elected vice president of the corporation in 1960 and maintained that position in VSI until 2004. He continued to serve on the board of directors until his death.

As a sales representative in the late 1950s, Mr. Sweetman called on Dr. Willis Woodward and Dr. Donald Rosenberg at the Maze Animal Clinic. The two vets had started a small distributing company called Veterinary Service and Supply (VSS) which was to call on and service the poultry and animal nutrition customers. The three of them surveyed the possibility of forming a new company for which Mr. Sweetman would be the first sales representative. Out of this came VSI which was incorporated in February of 1960. Mr. Sweetman is credited for designing the VSI logo as it is known today.

Index of Advertisers Agrifan, 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-236-7080; www.envirofan.com Creek View, 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717-445-4922 DSM, 8C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.unlimitednutrition-na.dsm.com Gasolec, 8A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-628-4588; 800-628-4588 Flame, 8D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-255-2469; www.flameengineering.com Katolight, 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-625-7973; www.katolight.com Lee Energy, 8B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.leeenergysolutions.com Preserve, Cover II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-995-1607 Pro-Tech, 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-438-1707; www.pro-techinc.com Reeves, Cover III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-854-5221; www.reevessupply.com Space-Ray, 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-849-7311; www.spaceray.com Star Labs, 8D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-894-5396; www.primalac.com Tabor Group, 8D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-657-0509; www.aglights.com VALCO, Cover IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .717-392-3978; www.valcompanies.com Walco, 8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-438-1615 WeighTech, 8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-457-3720; www.weightechinc.com

16

U. of Neb. mural integrates agriculture and artwork CURTIS, Neb. — Both art and agriculture are represented at the University of Nebraska’s dedication of the new Nebraska Agriculture Industry Education Center and Veterinary Technology Teaching Complex.

The Education Center building, dedicated Nov. 18 at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Neb., displays a 12-foot x 40-foot tile mural artwork created by tile artist Randy Hopfer of Tile Surface Impressions from Vancouver, Wash., and digital and conceptual artist Cheri Freund from Waukesha, Wis. The tile mural includes timeless elements that represent the education offerings at the college. A satellite in orbit expresses worldwide communications and real-time data transfer to a combine working the fields. A hand extended with soil and a growing sprout represent the hands-on nature of agriculture, a large water droplet connects to the ever important water resources of Nebraska. Both food and feed crops are represented and tied to both the livestock and companion pet need for veterinary technology. A simple handshake represents the relationships required for entrepreneurship within the local and worldwide communities.

After completing her agriculture focused digital artwork Freund worked with Hopfer of Tile Surface Impressions to manage reproduction of the artwork in tile and installation of the mural. The mural was produced onto porcelain tile and surrounded with solid color porcelain that frames the artwork and integrates flush with the wall, completing the entire design in line with the architect’s intent for the building Dean Weldon Sleight and faculty at NCTA envisioned artwork that would influence and inspire students at the college in the areas of agribusiness management, agriculture production systems, horticulture systems and veterinary technology. Their vision and input to the artwork inspired Freund as she used her digital fine art and conceptual skills to create this landmark work of art. Freund appropriately titled the tile art mural “Field of Choice.”

Tile Surface Impressions also completed a small version of the mural installed in the lobby of the Education Center along with tiles recognizing donors, enabling students, faculty and visitors a place to appreciate the artwork up close.

When architects from Clark Enersen Partners designed the new Education Center as part of the campus expansion in Curtis, Neb., a mural was integrated into the wall face to communicate the learning opportunities at the college. A building rendering was completed showing possible mural subjects as a seed for their vision of the schools mission for the future.

POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

•Bauhan (Continued from page 4)

ethic of stewardship that so much progress has occurred.

The activist movement that began in the 1960s and 1970s has evolved into an industry unto itself, self-perpetuated by the environmental “crisis” du jour to justify a constant drumbeat for more regulations and a steady flow of costly litigation. The typical pattern has been that activist groups sue EPA for not being stringent enough; EPA settles with the environmental group; and the agency pursues the activists’ agenda based upon the court-ordered settlement.

For example, the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), which many believe is beyond the scope of the Clean Water Act, has much to do with settlements of activists’ litigation. In 1999, the settlement of a lawsuit against the EPA required the development of a TMDL for the Chesapeake by 2010 unless certain water quality targets were achieved by then. In 2009, settlement of another suit, filed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, led to the Bay TMDL adopted by EPA in 2010.

The Commonwealth of Virginia estimates the Bay TMDL will cost as much as $10 billion to implement. However, EPA commenced with the TMDL pursuant to a legal settlement without the cost-benefit analysis afforded regulations. In testimony before a House Agriculture subcommittee, EPA claimed the TMDL is not actually a regulation and that the start of the Bay cleanup cannot wait for such an analysis.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), who serves on the subcommittee, took strong issue with EPA’s statements. Rep. Goodlatte pointed out that Virginian’s have already spent billions of dollars on Bay cleanup activities and much

progress has been made toward a healthier Chesapeake. He criticized EPA for undertaking this massive federal action without a cost-benefit analysis.

EPA’s CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) regulation is another example of EPA overreaching and going after an environmental “problem” that is being largely addressed by the private sector and state regulatory and voluntary programs. EPA’s efforts to regulate poultry farms are tantamount to solutions looking for a problem. Regulating dry poultry litter operations as “point source” dischargers is like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. It just doesn’t fit very well.

The Clean Water Act requires EPA or authorized states to issue National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to “point sources,” including CAFOs, if they discharge to “waters of the United States.”

However, the program was primarily intended and designed to regulate discharges of treated wastewater through a manmade conveyance. Even though the Clean Water Act’s definition of “point source” specifically lists CAFOs, it is a big stretch to place poultry farms that manage dry litter into the NPDES program.

The definition was meant to capture facilities that were designed to discharge pollutants through a manmade conveyance. Those familiar with dry-litter poultry farms know such operations may have a need to control so-called “nonpoint” source pollution; but direct discharges would be rare under any reasonable interpretations.

Furthermore, in a state like Virginia it is a useless, but very burdensome paperwork exercise.

In 1999, Virginia adopted a state law that requires most poultry farms to be covered by a “general

permit” governing all aspects of poultry litter management. It requires a phosphorus-based nutrient management plan; proper litter storage; setbacks; recordkeeping; and state inspections.

An NPDES permit would not add any new BMPs; only vastly more monitoring, paperwork, reporting, citizen lawsuits and jeopardy for family farms trying to make a living while feeding the rest of us.

Virginia’s poultry industry, like that of the nation, has been a responsible, proactive environmental steward. Most poultry farms had nutrient management plans before they were mandated by state regulations. Poultry companies have invested millions of dollars in wastewater treatment plant upgrades and added the phosphorus-reduction enzyme phytase to poultry feed.

Virginia Poultry Federation has contributed tens of thousands of dollars for research aimed at environmental improvement. The federation has provided grants to local farm bureaus to purchase poultry litter spreaders to facilitate markets for poultry litter outside of the poultry production centers.

Virginia’s poultry industry continues to achieve environmental improvement through state regulatory programs, locally administered conservation programs and actions being taken by poultry farmers and processors to protect our natural resources. Virginia’s poultry industry is committed to sound conservation practices that achieve environmental quality goals while maintaining a positive economic climate for poultry farmers and processors. Incrementally strangling farms with too much government regulation jeopardizes what many take for granted: the World’s safest, most abundant supply of food.

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