Poultry Times Feb 27 Edition

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Since 1954, the nation’s only poultry industry newspaper

February 27, 2012

Poultry litter tips to assist with storing, applying, quality and safety.

Poultry Times

February 27, 2012 Volume 59, Number 5 www.poultrytimes.net

Poultry Federation plans new office building LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — New building plans for the Little Rock office of the Poultry Federation were announced on Feb. 7 by Marvin Childers, PF president, on behalf of the association’s board of directors.

Plans are underway to raze the current structure, located at 321 South Victory, and replace it with a new single story structure on the same site. A gift of $1 million has been received from Tyson Foods Inc. to initiate the capital campaign.

“The gift from Tyson Foods will be used to begin the footprint of the Poultry Federation building,” said Donnie Smith, Tyson Food’s CEO. “This gift stems from a commitment Don Tyson made in 2010. Don was

always a firm supporter of The Poultry Federation and its mission. He had a vision of a new building using the same location.

Tyson Foods is happy to be in a position where we can initiate the campaign for a new building.”

“The generous nature of this gift cannot be underestimated,” Childers said. “The gift makes certain that The Poultry Federation will build a structure that represents the economic impact the poultry industry has in our state and that will serve our industry for years to come.”

“Tyson Foods is proud to be involved at the very beginning of the construction project,” said Sara Lilygren, senior vice president of external relations for Tyson Foods and current board

member of the Poultry Federation. “Looking back at the history of the association and the building, we recognize the importance of the legacy, as well as the future of the poultry and egg industry in the state.”

In addition to the $1 million gift from Tyson Foods, the federation intends to raise an additional $1.5 million for the new building construction, including office furnishings and equipment.

“A new building is the beginning of new era for the Arkansas poultry and egg industry,” said Todd Simmons, chief operating officer for Simmons Foods in Siloam Springs and current chairman of the board of the Poultry

See Plans, Page 5

Best management practices for storing and applying poultry litter

By Drs. D. Cunningham, C. W. Ritz & W. C. Merka Special to Poultry Times

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia poultry farmers produce more than 2 million tons of poultry litter/manure annually in the process of producing meat and eggs. Fortunately, Drs. Dan L. Cunningham, Casey W. Ritz and William C. Merka are Extension poultry scientists with the University of Georgia Department of Poultry Science.

when stored and applied appropriately, this material has value as an organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. As a result, poultry litter/manure has been applied to Georgia’s soils dating back to the beginning of the poultry industry in Georgia.

The nutrients and organic materials found in poultry litter/manure are extremely beneficial by-products, as evidenced by the fact that years of application have transformed North Georgia from a severely depleted landscape in the 1920s and 1930s to a productive and green one today. Over-application or improper storage of poultry

litter, however, can cause nutrient contamination of the state’s waters. Given the size and economic importance of this key agricultural industry, poultry producers must properly use this material to obtain maximum economic value of its fertilizer qualities while assuring protection of the environment.

Nutrients of concern The primary nutrients of concern in poultry litter are nitrogen and phosphorous. Both nutrients have value as a plant food, but they also

See Practices, Page 8

Photo by David B. Strickland

Exhibit floor: Approximately 900 exhibit booths and more than 20,500 visitors were on hand for the recent International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo in Atlanta, Ga.

Thousands attended annual poultry expo ATLANTA — The 2012 International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo drew more than 20,500 poultry and feed industry leaders from all around the world. In addition, the show had 895 exhibitors as compared to 900 last year.

Sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the American Feed Industry Association, the annual Expo is the world’s largest poultry and feed industry event of its kind.

“We are very pleased with the number of exhibitors and attendees on the exhibit floor for IPE/IFE Week,” said 2012 USPOULTRY Chairman Mark Waller with Ingram Farms, Cullman, Ala. “We (had) a great turn-out this year, and the energy and excitement on the floor (was) evident.”

The central attraction was the large exhibit floor. Exhibitors presented the latest innovations in equipment, supplies and services utilized by industry companies in the production and processing of poultry, eggs and feed products, the association’s noted. Many companies use the annual event to

See Expo, Page 13

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POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

Maple Leaf Foods to consolidate operations TORONTO — Maple Leaf Foods has announced that it will consolidate its further processed poultry operations into its Brantford and Mississauga, Ontario, facilities.

The company will transfer production from its 42,000-squarefoot facility in Ayr, Ontario, and close the plant in May 2012. The closure of the Ayr plant will result in a net reduction of approximately 100 positions.

Investments totalling approximately $6.5 million will be made in Mississauga and Brantford to support the production transfers.

In addition, the company will incur approximately $5.6 million before taxes in restructuring costs, of which approximately

$4.2 million are cash costs. The investment in the Mississauga facility will create approximately 75 new hourly and salaried positions at that facility.

“We have an immediate opportunity to increase efficiency and capacity utilization in our value-added poultry business, which this consolidation will achieve,” said Michael H. McCain, president and CEO, Maple Leaf Foods. “Value-added chicken is an important market for us and we plan to grow the business by focusing our operations and investments in our Mississauga and Brantford plants.”

This includes fully cooked, partially cooked or marinated frozen chicken products prepared

for retail and foodservice customers. The category excludes refrigerated prepared chicken products such as deli meat and meal solutions.

In addition to working notice, affected employees at the Ayr facility will receive severance packages, as well as outplacement and counseling assistance, and will be encouraged to apply for other positions across Maple

Leaf Foods. Maple Leaf will also work with all levels of government and community leaders to seek to find alternate, non-competing uses for the facility that would leverage the skill base of the workforce and reduce the impact of the closure.

“We deeply regret the impact on our people. We will treat them fairly and support them through this transition to secure new em-

ployment, either within Maple Leaf or in the broader economy,” said McCain .

Maple Leaf Foods Inc.is a Canadian value-added meat, meals and bakery company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The company employs approximately 21,000 people at its operations across Canada and in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Supply & demand affecting future of ethanol industry The Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Falling fuel demand, an ethanol oversupply and high corn costs could lead some Midwest biorefineries to cut back or idle production until profit margins improve, industry analysts say.

Troy Gavin, general manager of the Midwest Renewable Energy ethanol plant near Sutherland, Neb., said the 28-milliongallon-per-year plant is halting production for a period of up to eight to 12 weeks because of the supply-demand imbalance.

“It’s got to work itself out of the system, and it will,” Gavin said on Feb. 13.

Ethanol futures on the Chicago Board of Trade have dropped nearly 50 cents during the past five months to $2.21 a gallon, and corn, the alternative fuel’s primary feedstock, is hovering around $6.36 a bushel.

Meanwhile, ethanol stocks as of Feb. 3 climbed to an all-time weekly high of 21.1 million gallons, according to the Energy Information Association.

“We went from some of the best margins we’ve ever seen

to some of the worst in 30 to 45 days,” Gavin said. “That is volatility like no other industry.”

Rick Kment, a Nebraska-based ethanol industry analyst for agricultural data company DTN, said much of the lackluster demand is seasonal.

Ethanol is blended into gasoline, so a driver pumping fewer gallons affects both industries.

And fuel demand typically drops during the winter months between the holiday travel season and their spring-summer road trips.

Kment said larger ethanol plants will likely cut back on production rather than go cold, as a shutdown can be more disruptive.

“That way they can jump back into it when margins improve,” he said.

Another contributing factor could be the Jan. 1 expiration of the 45-cents-per-gallon blender tax credit. Although it didn’t go directly to ethanol producers, it had been an incentive for oil companies to buy ethanol and blend it with gasoline, said Matt Hartwig, spokesman for the Renewable Fuels Association.

“Part of that might be a little market adjustment with the tax credit going away,” Hartwig said.

In early February, Archer Daniels Midland Co. announced it was closing its ethanol plant in the North Dakota city of Walhalla, ending 61 jobs. The company said the plant wasn’t profitable enough because of its geographic location and scale.

See Ethanol, Page 13

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, February 27, 2012

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GPF is making plans for its annual meeting GAINESVILLE — The 2012 annual Spring Meeting of the Georgia Poultry Federation will be the weekend of April 13-15 at Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, Ga. The non-profit Research & Service Exhibits will open at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 13. Regular exhibitors are: AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network, Georgia Tech Research Institute, USDA Russell Research Center and the University of Georgia Departments of Population Health and Poultry Science.

The annual Business Meeting, with election of officers and directors for 2012-13, will be on Friday evening, April 13, followed by a Family Bingo Game, which features prizes from poultry, allied and area companies.

Those who donate prizes, value of $25 or more, and notify the federation office by March 16, will be listed in the program and announced during the game. All

donors will be recognized.

Those who plan to attend the meeting may bring their donated prizes to the federation desk at Brasstown Valley Resort by 6 p.m. on April 13. If this is not possible, donated prizes may be delivered to the Georgia Poultry Federation office at 518 South Enota Drive, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 by April 6 — please include name and address of donor.

On Saturday, April 14, sports events will include a golf tournament, horseshoes tournament, a 5K race, one-mile fun run and one-mile walk. The day’s activities end with the Saturday Evening Banquet.

The weekend meeting concludes with the traditional Poultry Industry Church Service on Sunday, April 15, at 9 a.m.

Exhibits The research and service exhibits are a key part of the annual Spring Meeting, GPF notes, adding that they provide an excellent

opportunity to visit with research and service personnel.

Exhibitors for 2012 will include: l AgGeorgia Farm Credit — AgGeorgia Farm Credit is part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, a network of banks and associations that is the largest single lender of agricultural credit in America. According to Tom Kight, marketing officer, AgGeorgia has been making loans to serve the needs of Georgia’s families and rural America for close to 100 years.

Kight said, “We are committed to serving agriculture and have numerous products and services to offer our clients. Our staff understands agriculture and can relate to the many needs for today’s farmers.”

For more information, visit their booth at Brasstown Valley Resort or contact the nearest AgGeorgia Farm Credit office or visit their web site at http://www. aggeorgia.com. l Georgia Poultry Labora-

Massey wins award Photo by David B. Strickland

Lifetime Achievement Award: Abit Massey, president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation, was recently awarded the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award, during the 2012 International Poultry Expo in Atlanta. Massey, center, was awarded the honor by John Starkey, left, USPOULTRY president; as well as Harold E. Ford, right, a past president of the association and namesake of the award.

tory Network: — Dr. Louise Dufour-Zavala, executive director, says the lab’s trifold exhibit will summarize the mission and activities of GPLN. The network has three locations throughout Georgia offering monitoring and diagnostic services for commercial and non-commercial poultry.

It operates in coordination with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Poultry Improvement Association and the Georgia Poultry Federation. l Georgia Tech Research Institute — Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Agricultural Technology Research Program conducts both contract and statesponsored applied research that seeks engineering solutions to

challenges faced by the poultry industry. The display will highlight ongoing technology development and prototype system activities. Program and project displays and videos describe current research activities. l Department of Population Health, University of Georgia — Mark Jackwood, department head, describes the mission of the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center (PDRC) as threefold: “teaching, research, and service in poultry medicine. The teaching function includes teaching of poultry medicine in the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine, teaching poultry medi-

See GPF, Page 11

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POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

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

A new approach to the farm bill

By Bob Stallman Special to Poultry Times

WASHINGTON — ‘Farm Bill.’ It’s probably the most synonymous term associated with American agriculture. It plays a huge and significant role in farming operaBob Stallman is president of the American Farm Bureau Federation with offices in Washington, D.C.

tions across the nation, and shapes everything from the ebbs and flows of how farmers go about their daily business to their Stallman conservation efforts and even disaster relief. Understandably, formulating a new

farm bill every five years is no easy task.

The farm bill that Congress is working on now will certainly look different than any previous legislation. Times have changed. The U.S. economy, consumers’ attitudes on food production and even farmers’ opinions on how best to run their businesses are all different from the last go-round. So, as we head into creating the new legislation, it’s important that Farm Bureau lead the discussion — and we need to hit the ground running.

The bigger picture Earlier this year, after much thought and deliberation, the American Farm Bureau developed a plan to establish a catastrophic revenue loss program. This plan is unique in that it will help protect America’s farmers from losses that truly endanger the very core of their farms.

At the same time, it recognizes today’s budget realities. It is also unique in that it can be applied to a broader range of commodities, like

fruits and vegetables.

There have been several recent proposals for program crops with payments that kick in after only a small decrease in farm revenue for some crops and set up higher target prices for others. But, as Farm Bureau sees it, the government should take on the very serious, large-scale risks that happen infrequently instead of smaller risks. Agricultural programs are intended to help farmers deal with big challenges they cannot handle alone,

See Stallman, Page 10

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USDA Start2farm.gov supports future farming generations WASHINGTON — USDA’s National Agricultural Library, in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation, has established Start2farm.gov, a new online portal that helps to provide assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers. The portal includes links to training, financing, technical assistance and other support services specifically for beginning farmers and ranchers as well as successful case studies about new and beginning farmers and ranchers.

“America’s farmers and rural communities are vitally important to our nation’s economy, producing the food, feed, fiber and fuel that continue to help us grow,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA is working to provide opportunities for the next generation to get into agriculture in order to continue the record success of America’s farmers and ranchers who are seeing record farm

incomes and record exports. Start2Farm.gov will help us protect and sustain these successes, so that we continue to build an agriculture industry diverse and successful enough to attract the smartest, hardest-working young people in the nation.”

Start2Farm.gov was funded via the NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), program that funded the development of education, training, outreach and mentoring programs to enhance the sustainability of the next generation of America’s farmers and ranchers. The program has been funded since fiscal year 2009.

It was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill with $75 million through FY12. In the first year of NIFA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, three-year grants supported training for

See Farming, Page 16

Editorial/Advertising Staff Editor David B. Strickland 770-718-3442 dstrickland@poultrytimes.net

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Farm Bill . . . plays a huge and significant role in farming operations across the nation.

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­POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

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Viewing litter quality and foot pad dermatitis

By Drs. S. Bilgili, J. Hess & O. Cengiz Special to Poultry Times

OCEAN CITY, Md. — Poultry may develop dermatitis through contact and irritation of the plantar surfaces of the feet (i.e., paw burns or foot pad dermatitis; FPD), the skin on the hock joint (i.e., hock burn) and, in severe cases, the breast keel area (i.e., breast burns).

In many instances there is a common cause and a high degree of correlation between these three types of contact dermatitis in poultry. Histological lesions associated with FPD indicate a non-specific dermatitis characterized by small to large ulcers with thickened keratin and epidermis, often infiltrated by inDrs. Sarge Bilgili and Joseph Hess are professors and Extension poultry scientists with Auburn University’s Department of Poultry Science in Auburn, Ala. Dr. Ozcan Cengiz is an assistant professor at Adnan Menderes University in Turkey. This article is drawn from a presentation given at the 46th National Meeting on Poultry Health and Processing in Ocean City, Md., Oct. 11-13, 2011.

flammatory cells. Secondary FPD infections may also be present. Since pain and discomfort to the bird is possible in severe cases, the incidence and severity of FPD is a welfare concern and have been used as an animal welfare audit point both in the U.S. and European Union.

The incidence of FPD can vary from zero percent to 100 percent in broiler chicken flocks. During the past decade, a highly profitable and sizable export market for processed chicken feet (paws) has evolved. The market value of paws is affected by both size and quality (i.e., grade). Size (count/lb or kg) creates a price differential from small to large, with the largest paws (jumbo) bringing the highest price.

While foot/paw size will be driven primarily by bird size in a given complex and can’t be changed for the paw market, quality considerations may be controlled to increase profits.

General paw grade factors include those that are related to live production (i.e., shank pigmentation, dermatitis, bruises, etc.) and those that are attributed to processing errors (improper cuts, incomplete cuticle removal, scabs, bone fractures, etc.).

•Plans (Continued from page 1)

Federation. “The Simmons family has been a longtime supporter of the association. My grandfather, Bill Simmons served as chairman in 1960 and my father Mark Simmons served as chairman in 1981.

I’m proud to carry on that responsibility today. On behalf of our current board of directors representing Arkansas-based poultry and egg companies, we are happy to support the federation in the construction

LITTER QUALITY The incidence of FPD can vary among commercially available strain-crosses. FPD incidence and severity is generally higher in broilers marketed at heavy as compared to light weights. This is not surprising, because heavier birds spend more time in contact with the litter and exert more pressure per unit area of foot pad with higher body mass.

So, the combination of heavy market weights and high fecal load (i.e., moisture and caking) in the litter results in continuous skin irritation of the foot pads. Effect of sex on FPD is usually confounded by market weights, although, a higher incidence and severity is observed in males compared to females. In general, female skin is thinner, contains less protein and collagen matrix, and is considered to be more susceptible to injury and ulceration than that of males.

Litter quality High placement densities of-

of a new building. We also thank Tyson Foods for initiating the capital campaign with their generous gift.”

The Poultry Federation staff will temporarily re-locate to another office while the construction occurs.

“The plan is for the new building to be ready for use during the 2013 legislative session,” Childers said.

More information may be obtained at http://www. thepoultryfederation.com.

ten results in rapid deterioration of litter quality and places correspondingly greater pressure on flock management programs. Higher stocking densities can also lead to poorer air quality, higher house relative humidity, litter moisture and more fecal load on the litter, leading to a higher prevalence of FPD, hock and breast lesions.

Birds spend their life in close association with the bedding/ litter material. Hence, the most obvious contributor to FPD is quality (type, particle size, moisture, depth and re-use) of the bedding material. Recent research at Auburn University showed that the incidence FPD varies among the bedding materials used, closely paralleling litter moisture and caking scores.

It is natural for chickens to peck, scratch and work the bedding/litter material. This behavior helps in the aeration of litter, further reducing the particle size by breaking down large clumps. However, large particle size bedding material, bedding over-use and exces-

sive caking deteriorate litter quality and can result in less working up of the litter by the birds. Bedding materials with sharp edges (e.g. large particle size wood chips, chopped straw) may contribute to FPD by causing small puncture wounds or shearing on the foot-pad through abrasive action, especially when the birds are young.

Primary cause There is little question that the primary cause of FPD is wet and caked litter. Recent data indicated that FPD lesions may be occurring early in the growout and that subsequent improvements in litter quality may help reverse the lesion severity.

Thus proper house ventilation for moisture control is an effective management tool to prevent and/or reduce the development of FPD. Maintenance of house relative humidity (RH) between <70 percent is a must be a goal in this respect. Ventilation is the only

See Litter, Page 16

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POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

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

Merck centralizing headquarters in New Jersey SUMMIT, N.J. — Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the U.S. and Canada, has announced that it intends to centralize certain functions at the existing Merck Campus here.

The plan, taken as part of the business’s worldwide strategic plan and blueprint for significant growth, will result in centralizing most Commercial, Marketing and Corporate Headquarter functions in Summit, the company said, adding that, this worldwide plan follows the announcement in March 2011 that the animal health business remains a core part of Merck, its renaming to Merck Animal Health and an extensive evaluation of the business and its strategy including its geographical footprint.

“Merck Animal Health is one of the largest and most profitable animal health businesses in the world and well positioned in a number of fast growing segments within the global animal health market. We believe that we can operate more effectively and efficiently with the centralization of our headquarter functions in the U.S.,” said Rick De Luca, Merck Animal Health president. “This will lead to a more integrated leadership team, and strengthen the team cohesion required to operate at the highest level globally. It will also place us in the important U.S. market and brings us closer to our parent company to align in strategy and leverage our shared rich resources.”

The structures of the headquarters and the specific units and individual positions it will comprise have been outlined in a plan, Merck said. The plan is expected to have impact on a limited number of positions at, amongst others, Merck’s Animal Health site in Boxmeer, the Netherlands. In that respect a local proposed decision and its implications for the organization in the Netherlands — redundancies are estimated to be approximately 65 employees — is now subject to Works Council consultation, the company said, adding that it is working closely with the Works Council to address questions and provide support wherever needed. Potentially affected employees have been informed.

Merck Animal Health adds that the Boxmeer site will remain a pivotal part of the company’s global business and strategy. The biological research and development operation, and a large manufacturing organization will remain at Boxmeer, which is expected to continue to employ approximately 1,700 employees.

More information may be obtained at http://www.merck-animal-health.com.

In other Business news:

Int’l. Paper completes Temple-Inland merger MEMPHIS, Tenn. — International Paper Co. has announced that it has completed its acquisition of Temple-Inland Inc. through the merger of its wholly owned subsidiary Metal Acquisition Inc., with and into Temple-Inland.

Temple-Inland is now a wholly owned subsidiary of International Paper. Under the terms of the transaction, each issued and outstanding share of Temple-Inland common stock has been converted into the right to receive $32 in cash, without interest thereon, and less any applicable withholding taxes. Including the assumption of approximately $700 million in Temple-Inland net debt, the total transaction value is approximately $4.5 billion.

As a result of the acquisition, Temple-Inland’s common stock will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange, as of Feb. 13.

“We are very pleased to have completed this compelling transaction,” said John Faraci, International Paper chairman and CEO. “The combination of International Paper and Temple-Inland strengthens our North American packaging business and enhances our ability to generate cash flow while maintaining our strong balance sheet. We look forward to working with the employees of Temple-Inland as we successfully integrate our businesses and create an even stronger company with substantial benefits for our cus-

tomers, employees and shareholders.”

Temple-Inland is a manufacturing company focused on corrugated packaging and building products. The fully integrated corrugated packaging operation consists of seven mills and 59 converting facilities.

More information may be obtained at http://www.internationalpaper.com.

Chick-fil-A receives LEED Certif. in Texas FORT WORTH, Texas — Nearly a year after opening its first restaurant built to the standards of the U.S Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED ®) certification program, Chick-fil-A® has announced that its Montgomery Plaza location here received LEED Gold certification.

Chick-fil-A at Montgomery Plaza is the first LEED Gold-certified restaurant in Fort Worth, the company said, adding that, it has committed to build four more LEED designed restaurants in 2012.

Chick-fil-A at Montgomery Plaza was built in conjunction with the company’s expanding environmental stewardship initiative, which is aimed at minimizing the company’s environmental footprint. The initiative places emphasis on four main areas of operation: cup recycling, energy and water efficiency in existing restaurants, sustainable new restaurant development and sustainable supply chain.

Features of the location include:

l Water Usage — The restaurant utilizes low-flow fixtures in both the restrooms and the kitchen. An underground cistern (the size of a swimming pool) collects rainwater for landscape irrigation. As a result, Montgomery Plaza uses 40 percent less water when compared to a typical Chickfil-A Restaurant, the company said. l Energy Efficiency — The restaurant features skylights in the dining area and windows in the kitchen, as well as the installation of energy efficient appliances. As a result, Chickfil-A at Montgomery Plaza uses 14 percent less energy than industry standards. l Air Quality — Materials used in construction at Montgomery Plaza were specially selected because they do not emit harmful gasses. As a result, this restaurant has 30 percent more fresh air than a typical building. l Diverting Waste — 20 percent of the building material budget for Chick-fil-A at Montgomery Plaza was spent on products with recycled content. In addition, more than 50 percent of construction waste was diverted from the landfill.

All cardboard and foam cups used in the everyday operations of the restaurant are being recycled.

“Chick-fil-A is dedicated to demonstrating our commitment to the environment and the communities in which we operate,” said Michael Garrison, Chick-fil-A senior director of environmental stewardship. “We have learned so (Continued on next page)

­POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012 (Continued from previous page)

much at our living laboratory at Montgomery Plaza. It truly has enabled us to explore and refine our environmental stewardship practices to the point where we can now implement them in many of our restaurants nationwide.”

Following the success of the Montgomery Plaza restaurant, Chick-fil-A notes that it will incorporate energy conservation measures and recycled materials into all new restaurant construction activities, and by the end of 2012, more than half of the chain’s 1,600plus restaurants will receive energy and water retrofits.

The company has already committed to building four LEED designed restaurants in 2012. The first of these will be in California, and is projected to open in summer 2012. Additionally, Chick-fil-A foam cups, which are made from polystyrene, are being recycled in 12 Chick-fil-A restaurants currently, with a goal of 100 restaurants participating by the end of 2012, the company said.

USCIS announces expansion of Self Check ORLANDO, Fla. — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Feb. 9 announced that Self Check, a free online service of E-Verify that allows workers to check their own employment eligibility status, is now available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Northern

Mariana Islands.

Launched in March 2011 by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas, this announcement delivers on the goal of expanding Self Check nationally within one year, the departments noted.

“We are pleased to complete, ahead of schedule, our expansion of this important tool for employees,” Mayorkas said during a press conference at the agency’s field office in Orlando, Fla. “Since our initial launch in March, approximately 67,000 people have used Self Check and we anticipate that participation will dramatically increase with service now available to individuals across the country.”

Self Check was developed through a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to provide individuals a tool to check their own employment eligibility status, as well as guidance on how to correct their DHS and SSA records. It is the first online E-Verify service offered directly to workers. Available in English and Spanish, Self Check enables individuals to enter the same information into Self Check that employers enter into E-Verify. Since the program’s inception, thousands of individuals have used Self Check to access their federal employment eligibility records and for guidance on how to correct potential record discrepancies prior to the hiring process, the departments noted.

In August 2011, Self Check

7 became a bi-lingual service available to users in both English and Spanish, broadening the scope of the program to members of the U.S. workforce who are more comfortable reading Spanish-language materials.

More information may be obtained at http://www.uscis. gov/selfcheck.

NCFC recognizing year of farmer co-ops WASHINGTON — At its recent 83rd annual meeting in Naples, Fla., the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) launched its celebration of the “Year of Farmer Co-ops,” as part of the wider effort to recognize the International Year of the Cooperative.

The Year of the Farmer Coop will showcase how America’s farmer-owned businesses enable their producer-members to thrive in a global marketplace, how they create jobs and economic growth across rural America, and how they provide consumers with a safe, abundant and affordable supply of food and fiber, the group said.

“I am excited about what 2012, the Year of the Farmer Co-op, holds for us, and the opportunity that it gives all of us in the farmer cooperative community to tell our story to policy makers, opinion leaders and the public all across the country,” said NCFC President and CEO Chuck Conner in his opening remarks to the meeting’s 560 attendees. “We have a fantastic story to tell

Business — one of how co-ops have created real value for millions of farmers and ranchers across the U.S.; one of how farmer co-ops are an engine of job creation and economic growth throughout rural America; and one of how farmer co-ops connect customers and consumers directly with the farmers who provide them with a safe, affordable and abundant food, fiber and fuel supply.”

In July 2011, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution declaring 2012 to be the International Year of Cooperatives to recognize and celebrate the benefits cooperatives of all types deliver to the communities they serve. The Senate’s action came on the heels of the Unit-

ed Nations General Assembly passing a resolution proclaiming the year 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives.

The Year of the Farmer Co-op is NCFC’s contribution to the yearlong, global celebration of the cooperative business model.

NCFC is planning events throughout 2012 in order to spread the word about the Year of the Farmer Co-op. High points will include a week of activities in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with NCFC’s June Washington Conference, and celebrations throughout October, which is designated as Co-op Month.

More information may be obtained at http://www.ncfc.org.

8

POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

•Practices (Continued from page 1)

can cause contamination of surface and ground waters with excessive application.

Nitrogen Most of the nitrogen found in poultry manure or litter is in the form of organic nitrogen. A smaller amount of the nitrogen in the litter is ammonium. Organic nitrogen can be converted to inorganic nitrogen by bacteria in the soil. Plants can then use inorganic nitrogen for growth. Excessive organic and ammonium forms of nitrogen can be transformed into nitrate nitrogen, which in high levels in drinking water can harm human health. Excess nitrogen may be removed from application sites by surface runoff from rain storms and by leaching.

This nitrogen can end up in surface or ground water, causing nutrient contamination.

Phosphorous Poultry manure contains phosphorous as a result of natural excretions and from the phosphorous added as an ingredient in poultry feeds. Certain forms of the phosphorous used in poultry feeds are poorly absorbed by the chicken’s digestive tract, and this unabsorbed phosphorous is eliminated in the manure. Years of poultry manure applications have resulted in some

phosphorous laden soils in Georgia. Soils with excessive phosphorous levels, if not managed properly, can be a source of soluble phosphorous contamination via runoff into surface waters. Excessive soluble phosphorous in water can cause excessive plant and algal growth that can lead to fish kills as a result of depleted oxygen levels in the water.

Adherence to “Best Management Practices” can reduce or eliminate the potential for these nutrients to become environmental issues for poultry farmers. Using appropriate methods for storage and application of poultry litter will assure maximum fertilizer values and environmental protection for your farm and community.

Storing poultry litter Why Storage Is Necessary The cleaning of a poultry house depends on the schedule of flocks and will vary considerably from company to company. These schedules do not always coincide with crop production periods or proper soil conditions that would allow spreading of poultry litter.

Many poultry producers, therefore, are required to hold the litter in temporary storage until appropriate application times. Storing poultry

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litter properly will assure the most beneficial use of the valuable fertilizer nutrients and prevent water contamination on poultry farms.

The maximum value of poultry litter as a fertilizer occurs at the time of its removal from the poultry house. This is the point at which the nitrogen content is greatest (see Table 1). The longer poultry litter is held prior to its application to soils, the more available nitrogen is lost to the atmosphere in the form of ammonium. Stockpiling uncovered manure during the winter season can cause reductions in nitrogen content. In addition, uncovered litter piles can result in runoff from storm water and can be considered a point source pollution problem.

Storing poultry litter properly, however, can reduce the amount of nitrogen lost to the atmosphere and protect your farm’s environment.

Never leave poultry manure uncovered and exposed to rain.

or ditches, if necessary, to prevent surface water from running into or through the stockpile. Anchor the edges by laying the sheeting across a small trench approximately 12 inches deep and back-filling with soil. Lay used tires or other anchoring devices over the top of the plastic. Improperly anchored plastic will become loosened in the wind and may tear or blow off the pile.

Heavy gauge (6 mil) plastic sheeting works best and can last one or two seasons. Lighter gauge material is not recommended.

Ground Liner Stockpiles Where stockpiles must be located on high water table soils, use a ground liner to prevent leaching.

A liner must be accompanied by a cover. A liner can be as simple as a sheet of 6 mil plastic laid on the soil surface on top of which the stockpile is formed, or it can be as elaborate as a concrete slab that can be covered with plastic or a permanent cover. The value of ground

Table 1. Average Nutrient Value of Broiler Litters (lb/ton) Total N

P2O5

K2O

Broiler Litter - Fresh

63

55

47

Broiler Litter - Stored

56

57

46

Broiler Litter - Composted

56

60

46

Source: The University of Georgia Agricultural and Environmental Service Laboratory sample analyses from July, 2000, to June, 2002.

Samples were analyzed on an “as-received” basis.

Methods for storing Covered Stockpiles Stockpiles of litter can be protected from rain and erosion by covering them with plastic sheeting anchored with earth and/or other devices such as auto tires. This method represents the least expensive way for storing litter, but it may not be the most effective way for protecting the environment. For this reason, it is recommended only as a temporary storage method.

When using this method, choose a high, well drained location away from drainage ditches. Use berms

liners is that they prevent nutrients from leaching into ground water.

Most leaching occurs when a large part of the pile has been used but a small amount is left and the cover is removed. Get as much of the litter as possible removed from the site to prevent leaching.

Permanent Structures For larger poultry operations, permanent storage structures may be the most practical method for storing litter. Permanent structures should have concrete floors and be covered so the litter is protected from rain. The roof should be clear

span supported by outside walls or perimeter posts. Interior posts will obstruct loading and unloading and might be a source of fire if spontaneous combustion conditions of the manure are just right. Roof heights must be sufficient to allow manure piling and equipment operation.

Roofs of 12 feet or more may require wall panels to protect the stored litter from blowing rain. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Georgia have plans available for stack houses and compost facilities.

These structures are well designed and are required by NRCS for cost sharing programs. Most poultry producers, however, can use less expensive and functional storage facilities. What’s important is that a storage facility is functional and protects the litter material from rain and ground water.

Take care to operate litter storage and compost sheds in a manner that will prevent fires. Improperly stockpiled litter can generate enough heat to cause the wood in the storage structure to burn. The following steps will help prevent over-heating of stored litter. l Stored litter should not exceed 7 feet in depth at the center of the pile. l Keep different age litter stored separately. l Prevent storm water intrusion. l Monitor the internal temperature of the pile. Litter with temperatures that exceed 180 degrees F must be moved to prevent spontaneous combustion.

Improved storage methods for poultry litter are necessary to allow the most effective use of the nutrients contained in the manure.

Poultry litter storage can be done in a variety of ways with a great range of investment costs and management programs. The use of poultry litter storage structures is

See Storage, Page 9

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­POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

•Storage (Continued from page 8)

considered a Best Management Practice for protecting the environment and maximizing the fertilizer value of this material. Litter storage structures will become more important and more prevalent as the poultry industry continues to implement environmentally sound management programs. Your local Cooperative Extension Service or your Natural Resource Conservation Service office can provide assistance in planning for proper litter storage.

Applying poultry litter Nutrient Management Plans Proper application of poultry litter requires a nutrient management plan (NMPs). A nutrient management plan is essentially a collection of best management practices that assures the appropriate use of animal manures and commercial fertilizers to provide crop nutrient requirements while simultaneously protecting surface and ground waters from over-application. In addition, crop production cost can be significantly reduced by effective use of this poultry farm product.

Poultry litter has a calculated value of $25 to $50 per ton as a replacement for commercial fertilizers, depending on the individual farm circumstances and the equivalent cost for commercial fertilizer nutrients.

To effectively and responsibly use poultry litter, certain poultry producers are required by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GEPD) to implement NMPs. Regardless of state-mandated programs covering some poultry producers, all poultry producers are strongly encouraged to develop a nutrient management plan for protecting their farm’s environment and from potential neighbor complaints.

Components of an NMP A properly constructed and implemented NMP requires the completion of several key components.

These components are:

l Farm Mapping — Identify the fields and tracts of land on which poultry litter will be applied.

Locate surface waters and wells on the property with appropriate setback distances for application. Do not apply poultry manure within 100 feet of surface waters or wells unless a 35-foot vegetative buffer can be provided. l Soil and Litter Analysis — Laboratory analysis of soil and poultry litter nutrient levels are necessary for determining the appropriate application rates. Soil samples can be taken on a 2 to 3 year cycle.

Litter analysis should be done on an annual basis. Contact your local Cooperative Extension Service Office for assistance. l Nutrient Budgets — Determine the appropriate amount of poultry litter to be applied based on the soil and litter analysis, the amount of commercial fertilizer used and the crop nutrient requirements. The use of a phosphorous risk index (P-Index) can be incorporated into the NMP to determine if litter/manure application is most appropriately done on a nitrogen or phosphorous basis. l Record Keeping — Document the annual manure production on the farm, the amount applied to the land and the amount transported off the farm. Documentation is critical to demonstrating the appropriate use of poultry manure on the farm. l Proper Handling and Storage — Document storage procedures when utilized and calibrate manure spreading equipment. l Mortality Disposal — Document appropriate dead bird disposal procedures using state Department of Agriculture approved methods and emergency action plans when needed.

Detailed information on developing and implementing NMPs can be obtained from the Department of Poultry Science and the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Georgia, or from the local Coopera-

9

tive Extension Service Office.

Other considerations The importance of selecting an appropriate site for manure applications cannot be overemphasized.

Consideration of potential effects on the environment and neighbor relations when applying poultry manure can be very important to the success of any manure utilization program. Attention to details prior to spreading can potentially reduce problems in these areas and minimize adverse public relations.

Some suggested practices for site selection are: l Do not apply poultry litter to land that is too steep. Ideally, slopes of land should not be more than 10 percent to 15 percent. l Use sites as far away from surface waters as possible. When spreading in close proximity to surface waters, drainage ditches or wetlands, use either a 100-foot setback or a 35-foot vegetative buffer.

Applications from wells must be maintained at a minimum of 100 feet. l Use the P-Index to determine if your farm represents a high risk site for phosphorous runoff. For farms representing a high risk situation, use management practices that reduce this risk. l Use sites that are as isolated as possible. The farther away from neighbors and public facilities the better. Out of sight often means out of mind. l Pay attention to weather forecasts before spreading. Avoid spreading prior to heavy rains. Be aware of prevailing wind conditions and avoid spreading when it might have an impact on neighbors. l Apply poultry litter when crops can best use the nutrients.

Calibration of spreaders Once the appropriate application rate for poultry litter is determined, be sure that the spreader equipment is calibrated to deliver this material as accurately as possible. Calibrating a manure spreader does not have

to be complicated or time consum- would require recalculation of the ing. Several methods are available, application rates for the distances but a procedure (“A Simplified traveled.

Method of Determining Application Rates for a Manure Spreader”) Summary developed by Dr. William Merka, Adhering to Best Manageseems to be the easiest and most ment Practices for storing and straight forward.

This procedure is as follows: Distance Traveled Miles Tons per Acre The simplified (feet) method uses the 1,100 0.20 5 capacity of the spreader and the 1,360 0.25 4 distance traveled to 1,800 0.35 3 determine the application rate. Ba2,700 0.50 2 sically, an operator 5,400 1.00 1 needs to know: (1) the capacity of the Table 2 spreader and (2) the swath width of the spreader. These two specifications can be obtained from the applying poultry litter will remanufacturer, but check them un- sult in obtaining the maximum der field conditions for accuracy. fertilizer value of this valuable The following example uses litter animal by-product while asspecifications for a typical spreader suring protection of the state’s used in Georgia. surface and ground waters. l A spreader bed that holds 20 Nutrient Management Plans cubic feet of litter per foot of bed are essential for the approprilength. l Litter weighs approximately ate application of important crop nutrients, but responsible 30 pounds per cubic foot. l The swath width of the spread- management includes more er is 40 feet. than just applying the correct l The spreader has a 16 foot long amount of poultry litter. bed and will hold 9,600 pounds Responsible management (20 cubic feet per foot of bed x 30 also requires consideration of pounds/cubic foot x 16 feet of bed appropriate sites, timing of = 9,600 pounds). l With a swath width of 40 feet, application and consideration the spreader truck will cover 1 acre of neighbors. Maintaining and for each 1,100 feet traveled ( 40 feet calibrating spreader equipment x 1,100 feet = 44,000 square feet). on a regular basis will ensure To determine the application that the calculated rates of aprate, use the odometer to measure plication from the NMP are the distance traveled to put out one actually delivered as intended. load. In this example, 5 tons per acre were applied when the truck It is important for all growers put out one load as it traveled 1,100 to practice Best Management feet. Table 2 demonstrates the dif- programs for the utilization of ferent rates of application with dif- their poultry litter. It takes only ferent distances traveled to put out one poorly managed poultry one load of litter.

Swath widths, different than the operation to negatively impact more common 40 feet used here, all producers in a community.

10

POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

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

FEB 27-29 — PEPA ANNUAL CONV., Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Maui, Hawaii. Contact: Pacific Egg & Poultry Association, 1521 I St., Sacramento, Calif. 95814. Ph: 916-441-0801; dmurdock@cgfa.org; http://www. pacificegg.org.

FEB 28-March 18 — HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO, Houston, Texas. Contact: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, P.O. Box 20070, Houston, Texas 77225-0070.

Ph: 832-667-1000; questions@rodeohouston.com; http://www.hlrs.com.

MAR 1-3 —ASA COMMODITY CLASSIC CONV., Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: American Soybean Association, 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100, St. Louis, Mo. 63141. Ph: 800688-7692; membership@soy.org;

http://www.soygrowers.com MAR 4-7 — FMI ANNUAL BUSINESS CONF., 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.

MAR 6-8 — AEB MTNG., Chicago, Ill. Ariz.

Contact: American Egg Board, 1460 Renaissance Drive, Park Ridge, Ill. 60068. Ph: 847-296-7043; aeb@aeb. org; http://www.aeb.org.

MAR 7-8 — ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SMNR., Doubletree Hotel, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 300847303, Ph: 770-493-9401; info@ uspoultry.org; http://www.uspoultry. org.

MAR 12 — CPF WINTER BOARD MTNG., Doubletree Hotel, Modesto, Calif.

Contact: California Poultry Federation, 4640 Spyres Way, Suite 4, Modesto, Calif. 95356. Ph: 209-576-6355; califpoultry@cs.com; http://www.cpif.org.

MAR 12-14 — AFIA SPRING COMMITTEE MTNGS./PURCHASING & INGREDIENT SUPPLIERS CONF., Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate, Orlando, Fla. Contact: American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 916. Arlington, Va. 22201. Ph: 703-524-0810; afia@afia. org; http://www.afia.org.

MAR 13-15 - MPF ANNUAL CONV., Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, Minn.

Contact: Midwest Poultry Federation, 108 Marty Drive, Buffalo, Minn.

55313. Ph: 763-682-5546l steve@ midwestpoultry.com; http://www.midwestpoultry.com.

MAR 14 — BEAM ANNUAL MTNG., Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, Minn.

Contact: Broiler & Egg Association of Minnesota, 108 Marty Drive, Buffalo, Minn. 55313. Ph: 763-682-5546l steve@midwestpoultry.com; http:// www.midwestpoultry.com.

MAR 14 — MTGA ANNUAL MTNG., Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, Minn.

Contact: Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, 108 Marty Drive, Buffalo, Minn. 55313. Ph: 763-682-5546l steve@midwestpoultry.com; http:// www.midwestpoultry.com.

MAR 15-16 — PHTQA ‘TRAIN THE TRAINER’ MTNG., Saint Paul

RiverCentre, St. Paul, Minn. Contact: Dr. Eva Waller-Pendleton, Poultry Handling & Transportation Quality Assurance coordinator, 100 Orchard Road, Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. 16802; 814-8630837; eaw10psu.edu; Registration: lara@midwestpoultry.com, http:// www.midwestpoultry.com, or http:// www.poultryhandling.org MAR 18-20 —NGFA ANNUAL CONV., Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston, S.C. 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.

MAR 21-22 — FEED MILL MANAGEMENT SMNR., Doubletree Hotel, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084-7303, Ph: 770493-9401; info@uspoultry.org; http:// www.uspoultry.org, MAR 24-25 — AMIF WORKER SAFETY CONF., Westin Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo. Contact: Rosie Levine, American Meat Institute Foundation, Attn.: Worker Safety, Human Resources and the Environment, 1150 Connecticut Ave., N.W., 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036.Ph: 202-587-4242; rlevine@meatami.com; http://www.meatami.com.

MAR 25-28 — IEC CONF., Venice,

Italy. Contact: International Egg Commission, Second Floor, 89 Charterhouse St., London, England, EC1M 6HR. Ph: +44 (0) 20 7490 3493; info@internationalegg.com; http://www.internationalegg.com.

MAR 29-30 — FLAX INSTITUTE CONF., Doublewood Inn, Fargo,N.D. Contact: Flax Institute of the United States, P.O. Box 6050, Dept. 7670, North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D. 58108-6050. Ph: 701-231-7122; lisa. johnson@udsu.edu.

MAR 29-Apr. 1 — AAW MIDYEAR MTNG., Lied Lodge, Nebraska City, Neb. Contact: Karen Yost, American AgriWomen, 406-794-0888; president@ americanagriwomen.org; http://www. americanagriwomen.org.

APR 10-11 — EGG INDUSTRY ISSUES FORUM, Holiday Inn Hotel, EastStapleton, Denver, Colo. Contact: Egg Industry Center, 201 Kildee Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 500113150; 515-294-8587; answeb@ iastate.edu; http://www.ans.iastate. edu/EIC. APR 13 — OPA CELEBRATION BANQUET, Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, Columbus, Ohio. Contact: Ohio Poultry Association, 5930 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43229. Ph: 614-882-6111; jchakeres@ohiopoultry.org; http://www. ohiopoultry.org.

•Stallman (Continued from page 4)

not minimal losses.

We have serious concerns about the other proposals floating around, which dictate different rules, different crops and different payments. Not only would such programs be a nightmare for local Farm Service Agency offices to administer, but farmers would have the ability to cherry-pick which program works best for them. Because of distortions in price, we’d have a system of farmers deciding what to produce based on government payments rather than market signals.

A new way of thinking In past farm programs, the government simply wrote checks to farmers to help them sustain America’s food supply. But, times are changing.

While the majority of Americans think farmers need help, they don’t agree on just writing checks. We want to flip that around. Government should accept systemic risk, which would lower insurance premiums for farmers and allow them to choose their own coverage at a much lower cost. Our proposal is a new approach to farm policy.

Not only would the Farm Bureau’s plan get rid of direct and counter-cyclical payments, it would eliminate the need for ad hoc disaster assistance for crops, which, as we’ve experienced in the past, offers no assurance to farmers when catastrophe happens.

The Farm Bureau plan is the best possible solution for a new farm program. It’s scalable depending on what the final budget is and could be utilized for all commodities as long as they are covered by crop insurance. But, most importantly, it offers farmers peace of mind that when the going really gets tough, they will have someone watching their back.

­POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

11

Companies invited •GPF to apply for safety recognition awards

(Continued from page 3)

TUCKER, Ga. — Poultry industry facilities with outstanding safety programs are invited to apply for recognition under the Joint Poultry Industry Safety Award Program.

The program recognizes facilities that have achieved injury and illness rates below the industry average for three consecutive years through the implementation of innovative and effective programs.

The program is open to National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association members with poultry or egg processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills or rendering facilities that have injury and illness rates below the industry average for three consecutive years.

The poultry processing total recordable illness and injury rate for 2010 was 5.9 cases per 100 full-time workers (per year). Poultry processing’s 2010 rate of 5.9 represents a 74 percent decrease from 1994 (the oldest data available on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics web site).

“The dramatic reduction in recordable injuries and illnesses is not surprising when you consider the industry’s considerable em-

See Recognition, Page 13

Md. delegate seeking to ban arsenic in feed The Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A Maryland lawmaker on Feb. 8 said that poultry feed containing a known carcinogen should be banned from Maryland farms even though its maker has already stopped selling it voluntarily.

Delegate Tom Hucker (D-Montgomery) told a panel of his colleagues on Feb. 8 that even though Pfizer Inc. has voluntarily suspended the sale of roxarsone, a chemical often put in chicken feed to help the birds grow and fight parasites, he wants the chemical banned here.

Hucker said the chemical and other additives that contain arsenic contaminate chicken meat and waste, polluting soil and the Chesapeake Bay. “We should look for alternatives, but without a ban, there will be far less market pressure to spend money on research for alternatives,” he said.

Pfizer stopped selling the drug in July after a U.S. Food & Drug Administration study found higher levels of inorganic arsenic in

See Arsenic, Page 13

cine in the poultry science curriculum, preparing veterinarians to work in the poultry industry via the Master of Avian Medicine program, and training researchers in poultry medicine through the MS and Ph.D. programs. The research programs emphasize the diagnosis and control of economically important diseases of poultry. Applied and basic research is focused on solving problems of importance to the industry. The service function exists to provide diagnostic and consultative services to the commercial poultry industry.”

This is accomplished, he says, by providing diagnostic, necropsy, consultation and field services to local companies as well as companies located throughout the U.S. and the world. l Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia: “The Department of Poultry Science at the University of Georgia has outstanding programs in research, Extension and teaching. These programs are instrumental in helping the Georgia

poultry industry maintain its position of global leadership in poultry production and processing,” said Dr. Mike Lacy, department head.

The department’s undergraduate instruction, graduate training, research and service programs will be highlighted in this year’s exhibit.

Outstanding teaching faculty, relevant research programs and applied Extension projects will be summarized and the impact of these programs upon the Georgia industry will be described, the group noted.

Registration Registration information may be obtained by emailing the federation at claudette@gapf.org, Ph: 770-532-0473, or Fax: 770-532-7543.

Room reservations may be made by calling Brasstown Valley at 800-201-3205 or 706-3799900, and mentioning that you will be attending the federation’s annual Spring Meeting. More information on the resort and the area may be obtained at http://www.brasstownvalley.com/.

12

POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

Int’l. Rendering Symposium focused on quality in products ATLANTA — “Rendered products are safe feed ingredients,” said Dr. David Meeker, senior vice president of the National Renderers Association at the International Rendering Symposium, which was held during the 2012 International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo.

In his presentation on “Rendering Code of Practice for Safety and Quality,” Meeker cited a recent analysis of almost 9,000 samples tested during 2010. Salmonella was positive in 8.3 percent of the samples, not much different than the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s data

across all feed ingredients. Further serotyping positive samples showed no foodborne salmonella serotypes such as S. enteritidis or S. typhimurium.

However, risk remains for salmonella and other bacteria in rendering plants. Therefore, the industry has developed an aggressive quality assurance program that includes a code of practice. More than 100 plants have been certified to date.

“This code goes a long way in demonstrating that plants are safe,” Meeker said, adding that it also results in high quality rendered products.

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In his presentation on “Quality Assurance in Manufacturing Rendered Products,” Dobbs noted that plants must have a lengthy list of plans, policies and procedures for safety and quality.

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­POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

•Ethanol (Continued from page 2)

Kment said ADM’s announcement seemed to be more of a corporate strategic decision rather than one based on industry profit margins.

Volatility in 2008 led to the bankruptcy of VeraSun, then the nation’s second largest ethanol producer.

As skyrocketing corn costs began cutting into ethanol producers’ profits, many tried to control costs by hedging, which sets future prices for corn sellers while helping buyers avoid the risk of volatile price swings by letting them lock in at a set cost.

After VeraSun locked into prices for its feedstock, corn went into a sharp decline from almost $8 per bushel to less than $5 per bushel.

Gavin said the industry is now better equipped to handle volatility, as companies have reduced their debt and are a lot less exposed.

“The industry has become a lot more intelligent and has managed risk in a lot different fashion,” Gavin said. “Risk management has become a daily occurrence.”

•Expo (Continued from page 1)

highlight their new products. All phases of the poultry and feed industry were represented, from live production and processing to further processing and packaging.

A variety of education sessions also complemented the exhibits by keeping industry management informed on current issues, the groups added.

This year’s educational line-up featured five new programs. The Executive Conference on the Future of the American Poultry and Egg Industry drew an extremely large crowd and featured presentations from Jeff Simmons, president of Elanco Animal Health; Jim Paulsen, chief investment strategist for Wells Capital Management; and Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, USDA’s undersecretary for food safety.

Also new, the Pre-Harvest Food Safety Conference was very well attended, USPOULTRY said. The conference reviewed the known and unknown issues associated with the control of foodborne pathogens in pre-harvest operations.

The Hatchery-Breeder Clinic provided information on incubation needs for modern breeds and a disease update for breeders, along with a variety of other time-sensitive topics. Another popular program, the Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit reviewed the challenges and solutions of animal agriculture stewardship. A distinguished panel participated in a discussion on sustainability implications for the poultry industry, including Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms; and Mike Helgeson, CEO of GNP Co. The College Student Career Program attracted 325 students from 23 universities throughout the U.S. The graduating students interviewed for jobs and internships with 25 industry and allied companies. They were also able to visit the exhibit floor to see the most current technology used in today’s poultry industry.

New product and service launches, exhibitor-sponsored programs, organization meetings, the International Poultry Scientific Forum, Featherfest® activities, publisher-sponsored programs, the Pet Food Conference, educational sessions on a variety of industry-specific topics and once-a-year networking were all opportunities the association’s noted as making the 2012 IPE/IFE, “an exciting place to be.”

13

U.S., China sign cooperation plan DES MOINES, Iowa — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and China’s Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu on Feb. 16 signed an historic Plan of Strategic Cooperation that will guide the two countries’ agricultural relationship for the next five years.

The plan was signed as part of the U.S.-China Agricultural Symposium held at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. The symposium focused on bilateral cooperation in the areas of food safety, food security and sustainable agriculture, as well as enhanced business relationships between the two countries.

“This symposium and plan are a product of a vision I share with my dear old friend Minister Han for the United States and China to work more collaboratively in the future to benefit our nations and agriculture around the world,” Vilsack said.

“This plan builds on the already strong relationship our nations enjoy around agricultural science,

trade and education. It looks to deepen our cooperation through technical exchange and to strengthen coordination in priority areas like animal and plant health and disease, food security, sustainable agriculture, genetic resources, agricultural markets and trade, and biotechnology and other emerging technologies,” he added.

Xi Jinping, China’s vice president, opened the symposium and stressed the importance China places on supporting farmers and rural development, as well as on food security.

“China attaches great importance to food security, and ensuring a sufficient food supply for 1.3 billion people,” Xi said.

In the 2011 fiscal year, China became the top market for U.S. agricultural goods, purchasing $20 billion in U.S. agricultural exports. The value of U.S. farm exports to China supported more than 160,000 American jobs in 2011, on and off the farm across a variety of sectors.

•Arsenic (Continued from page 11)

chicken treated with roxarsone than in those that were not fed the chemical.

Perdue Farms, the country’s third-largest chicken company, stopped using it in 2007.

Hucker’s proposal, which was rejected by House Environmental Matters Committee last year, was studied by the Harry R. Hughes Center for Argo-Ecology. The study found that the use of arsenic is unsustainable, Hucker said.

Chicken industry representatives

said banning roxarsone and other chemicals with arsenic could hurt Maryland poultry farmers if Pfizer begins to sell the product again after further FDA analysis.

“It’s going to make it tougher for Maryland companies to stay in business,” said Bill Satterfield, executive director of the Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc. “They’re going to say we cannot afford to have birds grown in Maryland because it costs us more.”

Farmers could benefit from a ban if they begin using other products

to treat chickens, said Drew Koslow, Choptank Riverkeeper for the Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy. They would have a competitive edge if federal regulators decide to ban the chemical outright, he said.

“We have to figure out how to keep agriculture profitable and protect the Bay at the same time,” Koslow said. “This bill in my mind is a no-brainer. The scientific questions have been answered. We’re talking about a heavy metal, a known carcinogen that we’re spreading on the land.”

•Recognition (Continued from page 11)

phasis on complying with safety regulations and its proactive tackling of safety challenges over a long period of time,” said Doug Britton, manager of the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Agricultural Technology Research Program and one of the award program judges. “The industry’s efforts have changed the

way safety is handled in processing plants today.”

Award program application forms can be obtained at http:// www.uspoultry.org. The application deadline for the 2012 awards is March 1.

The annual awards will be presented during the National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry, June 6-8, 2012, at the Sawgrass

Marriott, Ponte Vedra, Fla. The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council is made up of members from the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation. Collectively, the three organizations represent 95 percent of the nation’s poultry products and employ hundreds of thousands of workers.

14

POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

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

N at’l. Broiler Market: (Feb. 21): Whole broiler/fryer pric-

higher in the East, and unchanged in the West, when compared to the previous week. Offerings of all sizes were light and moving well. Retail and foodservice demand was light to moderate, fast food was moderate to good. Floor stocks were bal-

es are holding steady in the West, but considerably higher in the East and Midwest. Final majority prices are 10¢ higher in the Midwest, 5¢

anced to tight. Market activity was mixed, but mostly mdoerate. In the parts structure, prices were trending steady to firm on leg items and bone-in breasts, steady to weak for wings, and steady for the remaining items. Offerings were moderate to heavy for jumbo wings, but light to moderate for smaller sizes. Tenders were moderate to heavy and all other parts were available. Market activity was slow to moderate. In production areas, live supplies were moderate at mixed, but mostly desirable weights.

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 Feb. 22: line run

tenders $1.84½; skinless/boneless breasts $1.46½; whole breasts 91¢; boneless/skinless thigh meat $1.23; thighs 71½¢; drumsticks 64¢; leg quarters 54¢; and wings $1.84.

F owl: Feb. 17: Live spent heavy fowl

Final prices at Farm Buyer Loading (per pound): range 8½¢-17¢

N ational Slaughter: Broiler: Estimated slaughter for week ending Feb. 25 is 153,026,000.

Actual slaughter for the week ending Feb. 18 was 150,358,000.

Heavy-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Feb. 25 is 1,405,000.

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

39.73 35.66 27.34 30.50 7.99 53.22 2705.00 21.06

Feb. 15

Estimates: The estimated number of broilerfryers available for slaughter the week ending Feb. 25 is 152.9 million head, compared to 159.4 million head slaughtered the same week last year.

For the week of Mar. 2,2012, the estimated available is 152.5 million head, notes the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Poultry Programs.

Broiler/Fryer Markets

Industry Stock Report

Company

Actual slaughter for the week ending Feb. 18 was 1,565,000.

Light-type hen: Estimated slaughter for the week ending Feb. 25 is 1,310,000. Actual slaughter for the week ending Feb. 18 was 1,678,000.

Total: Week of Feb. 25: 155,741,000.

Week of Feb. 18: 153,601,000.

Feb. 17

Feb. 22

Extra Large Regions: Northeast 97.50 Southeast 98.50 Midwest 93.50 South Central 101.50 Combined 97.91

39.11 39.03 31.84 33.11 26.97 26.11 28.97 29.04 5.28 6.09 48.74 48.73 1975.00 1970.00 18.84 18.69

Large

Medium

96.00 96.50 91.50 100.50 96.33

77.00 75.00 71.50 76.50 75.05

Computed from simple weekly averages weighted by regional area populations

Grain Prices OHIO COUNTRY ELEV. Feb. 7 Feb. 14 Feb. 21 No. 2 Yellow Corn/bu. $6.47 $6.45 $6.47 Soybeans/bu. $12.00 $12.25 $12.40 (Courtesy: Prospect Farmers Exchange, Prospect, Ohio)

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

USDA Composite Weighted Average For week of: Feb. 20 90.28¢ For week of: Feb. 13 86.31¢ Chi.-Del.-Ga.-L.A.-Miss.-N.Y.--S.F.-South. States For delivery week of: Feb. 6 Feb. 21 Chicago majority 70--74¢ 90--94¢ Mississippi majority 82--86¢ 83--87¢ New York majority 79--82¢ 89--92¢ For delivery week of: Feb. 8 Feb. 22 Delmarva weighted average 68--98¢ 71¢--$1.07 Georgia f.o.b. dock offering 91.00¢ 91.50¢ Los Angeles majority price $1.00 $1.00 San Francisco majority price $1.00½ $1.00½ Southern States f.o.b. average 57.71¢ 57.99¢

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

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)

Jan. 28

Feb. 4

Feb. 11

Feb. 18

Jan. 28

Feb. 4

Feb. 11

Feb. 18

28,029 20,235 10,488 3,258 1,352 31,630 7,582 3,424 7,216 17,662 7,668 19,741 6,609 3,831 5,156 14,345 5,698

26,917 19,931 10,258 3,265 1,352 30,859 7,665 3,440 6,874 17,623 7,784 20,206 6,841 3,649 5,318 14,410 5,985

27,060 20,091 10,087 3,188 1,352 31,983 7,666 3,440 7,484 17,832 7,817 20,310 6,923 3,539 5,282 14,805 6,200

27,638 19,499 10,273 3,229 1,243 32,221 7,546 3,424 7,067 17,663 7,807 20,143 6,768 3,748 5,404 14,904 5,963

20,298 19,924 9,573 4,431 1,136 27,019 6,646 3,010 5,518 14,603 5,034 15,780 3,943 3,065 4,124 11,809 4,785

19,733 20,438 10,330 4,016 1,149 26,053 6,181 3,023 5,849 14,721 4,934 15,699 3,220 3,211 4,956 11,568 5,164

19,445 18,219 9,444 4,433 1,048 27,384 6,544 3,062 6,406 15,172 5,755 15,648 4,755 3,107 4,798 12,111 4,607

21,845 19,111 10,073 4,363 1,062 25,271 6,008 3,068 5,968 15,227 5,674 15,418 4,003 3,208 4,971 11,941 4,096

193,924 203,933

192,377 205,787

195,059 204,337

194,540 207,150

160,698 168,493

160,245 168,151

161,938 167,953

161,307 167,473

95

93

95

94

95

95

96

96

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

Week ending Feb. 17 Hens (8-16 lbs.)

Toms (16-24 lbs.)

Week ending Feb. 10 Hens (8-16 lbs.)

Toms (16-24 lbs.)

100.90 100.07 98.07 98.12

Last year 90.40 90.40 Jan. avg.

98.35 98.76

Egg Markets USDA quotations New York cartoned del. store-door: Feb. 15 Extra large, no change $1.02--$1.06 Large, no change $1.00--$1.04 Medium, no change 78--82¢ Southeast Regional del. warehouse: Feb. 15 Extra large, down 2¢ 95½¢--$1.03 Large, down 2¢ 94¢--$1.01 Medium, down 5¢ 72½--80¼¢

Feb. 22 $1.02--$1.06 $1.00--$1.04 78--82¢ Feb. 22 93½¢--$1.01 92--99¢ 67½--75¢

­POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

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 The American Egg Board’s new national advertising campaign, “Wake Up to Eggs,” includes magazine ads, online banners, radio spots, in-store signage and retailer direct mail. Because nearly everyone eats eggs, AEB’s consumer target was expanded to include all adults, men and women ages 18-49. Throughout the various elements of the campaign, we ask these consumers to think again about their breakfast choices. The question “Can your breakfast . . .?” headlines this campaign, challenging consumers to think about eggs in a brand new way.

The advertising features five print ads that will appear in more than 25 different magazine titles.

Magazines replaced television in AEB’s media mix because magazine advertising increases purchase intent five times as much as television commercials do.

Together with online outreach, AEB advertising will reach 90 percent of adults 18-49 ten times in 2012, a significant increase in both reach and frequency than in 2011. AEB has also developed two half-page executions, which have been adapted for instore signage and retailer direct mail. The radio commercials and digital banners take on a similar

thought-provoking personality. l AEB’s 2012 foodservice communications program focuses on the growing opportunity for eggs at Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) breakfast. In the various elements of the program, data/ statistics demonstrating the dramatic growth of QSR breakfast over the last several years will be utilized. The 2012 QSR Communications program includes: l QSRMagazine.com Breakfast microsite sole sponsor for 2012, including banner ad and Breakfast Portal Data section. l Five banner ads on QSRMagazine.com appearing in January, May, July, September and November providing a total of 300,000 impressions to the QSR target, including one no-charge, value-added banner ad. l Blog and Twitter program continuing throughout the year. l Four issues of the Breakfast Beat newsletter to be distributed in February, May, August and November. l Coverage surrounding the Walmart “Great for You” icon and eggs resulted in pickup in hundreds of online outlets stemming from Walmart’s press release and initial articles in the Associated Press and Reuters. Eggs are mentioned in the forefront of coverage as a food that qualified for the icon after some debate due to high cholesterol content, making the list because they’re a low-cost protein source. This great news of Walmart recognizing eggs as a healthy food would never have happened without the work of Dr. Mitch Kanter and the Egg Nutrition Center.

15

Obituaries Charles Baum

SEBASTOPOL, Calif. — Charles Baum, founder of Petaluma Poultry Processors in Sonoma County, died Jan. 26. He was 91.

Mr. Baum was born Kalman Baum in Radom, Poland, and was a Holocaust survivor. He met his wife, Anni Bloch, in the Polish ghetto and was reunited with her at a displaced persons camp following World War II. The two immigrated to Northern California in 1947.

Mr. Baum changed his name to Charles and, in 1950, bought a 10-acre farm in Sebastopol.

He started in the chicken business, raising and transporting them to San Francisco and San Pablo.

Mr. Baum eventually expanded the business — dubbed Petaluma Poultry Processors — to include a feed mill, hatchery and processing plant. He sold in the early 1990s.

Survivors include daughters Paulette Miller of Saratoga and Estelle Baum of Oakland, brother Michael Baum of San Rafael and four grandchildren.

Saul Brand

CULVER CITY, Calif. — Saul Brand, former vice president at Zacky Farms, died Feb. 6. He was 85.

Mr. Brand, along with Henry Frederick, founded

Square Deal Poultry in 1946, in Los Angeles. Mr. Brand later joined Zacky Farms from 1970 to 2005 and was vice president of sales and marketing.

Survivors include his wife, Connie, son Michael, daughter Lisa and two grandchildren.

Walter Benedetti

PETALUMA, Calif. — Walter Benedetti, patriarch of the Willie Bird turkey ranching farmily, died Feb. 10 at the age of 93.

Mr. Benedetti ran a hatching-egg business with his brother Alivin in Sonoma County for 55 years, selling fertile turkey eggs to hatcheries across the nation.

In 1963, his son Willie worked on a Future Farmers of America project that involved hatching 450 turkeys and raising them for Thanksgiving dinners.

The project, aided by Mr. Benedetti’s late wife Aloha, grew into a multi-million-dollar company that produces more than 60,000 free-range turkeys each year and operates a retail shop and restaurant.

Survivors include three sons, Riley of Sonoma, Willie of Valley Ford and Edward of Petaluma; two grandsons and two great-grandchildren.

Index of Advertisers Agrifan, 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-236-7080; www.envirofan.com American Proteins, 8G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.americanproteins.com B&M Metals, 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-340-2435; www.qualitymetalroofing.com Clear View Enterprises, 8D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-361-4689 Creek View, 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717-445-4922 DSM, 8H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.unlimitednutrition-na.dsm.com Elanco, 8B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-428-4441; www.elanco.com Farmer Automatic, 8B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 912-681-2763; www.farmerautomatic.com Flame Engineering, 8G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-255-2469; www.flameengineering.com Jones Hamilton PLT, 8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.joneshamiltonag.com Lee Energy, 8E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.leeenergysolutions.com Lewis Brothers, 8D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 912-367-4651; www.lbmfg.com Pfizer Animal Health, 8C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.pfizerglobalpoultry.com Preserve, Cover II, Cover IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-995-1607 Priefert, Cover III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-527-8616; www.priefert.com Pro-Tech, 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-438-1707; www.pro-techinc.com Randy Jones, 8F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-648-6584 RMX Global Logistics, 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-824-7365; www.rmxglobal.com Star Labs, 8D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-894-5396; www.primalac.com Taylor Power, 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-367-7639; www.taylorpower.com Water Cannon, 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-333-9274; www.watercannon.com WeighTech, 8B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-457-3720; www.weightechinc.com

16

POULTRY TIMES, February 27, 2012

•Litter (Continued from page 5)

practical way to remove excess moisture from the house.

In warm weather, ventilation rate for temperature control almost always reduces house RH, preventing litter from becoming wet or caked.

In contrast, during cold weather conditions ventilation is usually kept to a minimum to conserve energy and there is greater likelihood of high house RH and litter moisture.

Therefore, in cold weather, ventilation must be adjusted for moisture control, with temperature managed by the heating system. Minimum ventilation must allow enough fan run time to assure good air quality low house RH. The moisture-holding capacity of air is relative to its temperature (i.e., warm air can hold much more water than cold air). As a rule of thumb, every 20 degrees F (11 degrees C) increase in air temperature doubles its moisture-holding capacity. Warming up cold and wet outside air will enable it to absorb more moisture from the inside air and the litter.

Air recirculation fans can help reduce temperature stratification by keeping in-house air constantly moving.

Both house RH and litter moisture levels are directly influenced by water consumption. For every unit of feed, nearly 2 units of water are consumed. Only about 20 percent of this water is retained for normal growth. Most of the remaining moisture is deposited on the litter in the form of fecal material and some of it released into the air via respiration. Consequently, a tremendous amount of moisture is added to the house (mainly

in the litter) which increases with flock age. Of course water consumption may also be influenced by other factors, such as: environmental temperature, restricted feeding programs, diet composition and water quality.

Various management practices can also affect water intake, including drinker and water line management (height, flushing and cleaning) and water pressure. As birds grow and more moisture is deposited into the litter and exhaled into the air, the ventilation rate must be adjusted to provide the additional ventilation volume needed to remove that moisture.

Nutrient density, feed composition and feeding programs have significant effects on broiler health and performance. Nutritional programs can set the stage and influence FPD directly or indirectly.

High nutrient density diets and those formulated to contain high salt levels can result in higher water consumption, litter moisture and incidence of FPD. Recent research has shown that high nutrient density feeds, high protein levels and feeds formulated with high soybean meal inclusion can lead to increased levels of FPD in broilers. Indigestible carbohydrates (i.e., non-soluble polysaccharides; NSP) from plant protein sources (soybean meal, wheat, barley) are thought to contribute to FPD by increasing fecal viscosity and promoting fecal adherence to foot pads, even when litter moisture is within acceptable levels. Commercially available enzymes can be utilized to address diets higher in NSP. Given optimal conditions

(pH of >8, and moisture of <60 percent), urolytic bacteria in the litter convert the excreted uric acid into ammonia. High fecal pH and dissolved ammonia creates a highly alkaline condition, which in turn can chemically irritate foot pads.

For areas of the world which used built-up litter, many of the commercially available litter amendments reduce ammonia volatilization through reduction of litter pH. These litter amendments can help reduce FPD incidence and severity, although most treatments do not last for the life of flock. The adequacy of macro- and micro-nutrient supplementation of diets, especially trace minerals (Zn) and vitamin (biotin) should be assured to optimize skin and foot health. Research also demonstrated that dietary zinc from organic sources reduces the incidence and severity of FPD under conditions of high stocking density.

Other “add-on” treatments such as the use of clay mineral binders or litter amendments will not cover up larger management challenges described above, but should be part of a coordinated plan to improve foot pad quality on a complexwide basis.

Optimal intestinal health and functionality is essential for maintaining good litter quality. Wet litter is a common consequence of intestinal health challenge that must be controlled through appropriate anti-coccidial programs and management of gut microflora. Any stressors (physical, chemical, or infectious) that affect the integrity and optimal functionality of the gastro-intestinal system can initiate enteritis, diarrhea, malabsorp-

tion and feed passage, all of which rapidly increase nutrient and moisture excretion into the litter. Several mycotoxins increase water consumption and wet litter production, and should be quickly ruled out as a contributing factor in the eti-

ology of FPD. In summary, current information on the etiology of FPD points to a complex interaction of three important risk factors: effective environmental management, good nutrition and feeding programs and optimal intestinal function and integrity.

•Farming (Continued from page 4)

5,000 beginning farmers and ranchers. In 2011, it is anticipated that these grants will have supported training for more than 10,000 beginning farmer and ranchers.

Beginning farms, by USDA definition, are those operated by individuals with 10 years or less experience operating farms.

About 20 percent of the 2.1 million U.S. farms are classified as beginning farms, based on the USDA definition. Most beginning farmers are not young (that is, under 35 years old), do not have a college education, nor have access to farmland through their relatives and more than one-quarter have zero value of farm production.

Most beginning farmers and ranchers experience shared challenges in getting started. The two most common and important challenges faced by beginning farmers are (1) having the market opportunity to buy or rent suitable land and (2) having capital to acquire land of a large enough scale to be profitable.

To address these needs, USDA programs include: Providings affordable credit, including loans under the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program, and Youth Loans via Extension and 4-H offices. In just the past two years, more than 40 percent of all FSA’s farm loans went to beginning farmers and ranchers. (Since 2008, the number of loans to BFRs has climbed from 9,000 to 15,000.)

Under the Conservation Reserve Transition Incentives Program retiring or retired farmers are encouraged to sell or lease expiring CRP lands to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Currently, there are 1,280 approved TIP contracts in 26 states totaling about 200,000 acres. As of Jan. 18, 2012, TIP payments totaling about $16.9 million have been obligated to retiring or retired land owners or operators.

The Risk Management Agency supports crop insurance education and outreach in 47 states to beginning, small, and historically underserved farmers and ranchers. From October 2010 through September 2011, a total of 77,000 farmers and ranchers attended educational sessions or were reached by direct mailing with educational information.