summer 2011 - u.s. poultry & egg association web site · summer 2011 the all feather...

S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

The All Feather Association serving the industry through education, research, communication, and technical services.

Expo Registration Open On-line August 1stFamily Farm Competition AnnouncedApplications for Poultry Science Education Funding Now AvailableOne Less Tool: Suspension of 3-Nitro Spotlight - Ingram Farms

a S S o c i a t i o n1 President’s Column4 USPOULTRY’s Voice in the Industry5 Spotlight: Ingram Farms5 Recent Member News6 USPOULTRY Creates Storm Relief Fund6 USPOULTRY Donates $25,000 to MSU Egg-Laying Hen Research Facility7 Annual Safety Awards: Fifty-Six Companies Recognized for Outstanding Safety Performance8 Research Completed: Project #656, Project #662 and Project #F0259 11th Annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Competition Announced9 Did You Know? USPOULTRY Offers Free IT Services to Affiliated State Associations12 We’ve Got a Great Story to Tell...So, How Do We Tell It?16 U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance: A Movement!

E d U c a t i o n 10 Applications for Poultry Science Education Funding Now Available10 USPOULTRY FOUNDATION Investing Today to Strengthen Tomorrow’s Poultry and Egg Industry11 Texas A&M Wins USPOULTRY’s 64th National Poultry Judging Contest11 USPOULTRY Promotes Barbara Jenkins to Vice President of Education Programs15 Human Resources Seminar: Human Resource...Influenced by Both Federal and State Regulations15 National Breeder Roundtable16 Financial Management Seminar: Lovette Addresses Expectations For Financial Managers17 Poultry Processor Workshop: SIP – 2011, An Industry Perspective

E n v i R o n M E n t a l14 One Less Tool: Non-Peer Reviewed Study Results in Voluntary Suspension of Roxarsone

f o o d S a f E t y13 A Bellwether Event: Food Safety Policies Should Be Based on Sound Science, Not Aspirations

i n t E R n a t i o n a l p o U l t R y E x p o2 2012 International Poultry Expo: Dates and Times Are Changing3 Expo Registration / Hotel Registration Open On-line

S U M M E R 2 0 1 1news & views is produced quarterly by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the world’s largest and most active poultry organization. USPOULTRY represents the entire industry as an “All Feather” association. USPOULTRY is a nonprofit orga-nization which represents its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications, and technical services. Membership includes producers and processors of broilers, turkeys, ducks, eggs, and breeding stock, as well as allied companies. Formed in 1947, the Association has member companies nationwide and affiliations in 28 states.

USPOULTRY also sponsors the International Poultry Expo.

Send Comments to: ne ws & views , U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, GA 30084-7303

[email protected]

BoaRd of diREctoRS

James AdamsWENGER FEEDS, PA

Bill BradleyCCF BRANDS, AR

Lyman CampbellKOCH FOODS OF ALABAMA

Gary CooperCOOPER FARMS, OH

Tim DavisPFIZER POULTRY HEALTH, NC

Alan DuncanMOUNTAIRE FARMS, AR

Tom HensleyFIELDALE FARMS, GA

Greg HintonROSE ACRE FARMS, IN

Jay HouchinFARBEST FARMS, IN

Richard KingFOSTER FARMS, CA

Kenton KreagerHY-LINE INTERNATIONAL, IA

Don MabeAMERICAN PROTEINS, GA

Elton MaddoxWAYNE FARMS, GA

Pete MartinMAR-JAC POULTRY, GA

Sherman MillerCAL-MAINE FOODS, KS

Wes MorrisTYSON FOODS, AR

Jerry MoyeCOBB-VANTRESS, AR

Shawn NicholasBAADER-JOHNSON, MO

Ron PrestagePRESTAGE FARMS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SC

Clint RiversPERDUE, MD

Walt ShaferPILGRIM’S PRIDE, TX

Keith ShoemakerCLINTON, NC

Todd SimmonsSIMMONS FOODS, AR

Mark WallerINGRAM FARMS, AL

Steve WillardsenCARGILL VALUE ADDED MEATS, KS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

P R E S I D E N T ’ S C O L U M N

Somebody’s Gotta do Something!

How many times have you had that thought when you’ve seen yet another distorted report slamming today’s production agriculture? Our agricultural production system is truly a shining miracle of today’s world. As Americans we enjoy the lowest cost food, efficiently produced and as safe as any in the world, and safer than at any period of time in mankind’s history. Yet for all this achievement, our modern agriculture production systems - like Rodney Dangerfield - “don’t get no respect!” How do we get our story out? How can we reach the public demonstrating the many and significant benefits today’s agriculture brings to people’s daily lives?

A year of discussion on these issues among dozens of agricultural organizations, including USPOULTRY, culminated last fall in the formation of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA). The formation of USFRA is unprecedented in that virtually all aspects of production agriculture have come together to work toward a common goal. Representatives from the poul-try, beef, pork, soybean, corn, wheat, sugar, produce, sheep, rice, peanut, and other commodity industries recognized the common “knowledge” thread that connects those involved in today’s production agriculture - that it is today’s technology that allows us to feed the world, and we need to enhance confidence in that technology if we are going to continue doing so.

For decades, U.S. agriculture has been segmented, or “siloed,” by the different industries that make up the entire food chain. Corn focused on issues dealing with corn. Beef focused on issues dealing with beef. And yes, poultry focused on issues dealing with poultry. What’s more, each industry took it upon itself to try and educate consumers about the source of their food. With USFRA, the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. By working together as an agriculture industry, the expertise and resources that separate commodities have pooled together will en-able us to be more effective and efficient with our efforts.

USFRA is developing a “big table” movement that will target key influencers of the general consuming public and will educate and inform them about today’s agriculture practices, the technologies used and the benefits of each, and the reason producers do what they do in a highly responsible manner. The public launch will roll out in August/September with a National Town Hall event in Washington, DC, presented by American farmers and ranchers, that will be hosted by a prominent journalist and celebrity chef. The messages incorporated into the move-ment will be used throughout all of agriculture.

USFRA also plans to enlist others to participate through a Farmer and Rancher Activation program in July and August. Not only will the Alliance engage agribusinesses for support, but it will also reach out to individual farmers, ranchers, and small businesses whose livelihood relies on today’s production agriculture. USFRA recognizes this effort has to represent the entire spectrum of agriculture – all commodities, all sizes of producers, all production systems, and all businesses that supply goods and services. If you want to join this historic movement, visit www.usfraonline.org to learn more about how you can participate.

When the agriculture groups that met last fall decided to form USFRA, they recognized there is no need for another permanent agriculture-related organization. USFRA will evaluate its progress at achieving its vision in the next three to five years, and determine if measurable prog-ress is being made. Obviously, our hope is that the progress is steady – educating and building trust among consumer influencers, media, and the general population about today’s agriculture practices, all while securing a strong future for the agriculture industry.

“Somebody’s gotta do something!” If you, too, have felt that frustration, you have the chance to be that “somebody” and join us in the campaign. We need your help. Come join us!

John [email protected]

John StarkeyPresident

SUMMER 2011 I nEWS & viEWS I 1

2012 INTERNATIONAL POULTRY EXPODates and Times Are Changing

2 I nEWS & viEWS I SUMMER 2011

The 2012 International Poultry Expo, co-located with the International Feed Expo, is moving to a tUESday, WEdnESday, tHURSday format with the following show hours:

tuesday, January 24: 12 – 5 pmWednesday, January 25: 9 am – 5 pm

thursday, January 26: 9 am – 3 pm

The entire week in which the International Poultry Expo will be held has been officially designated as “ipE Week,” with an emphasis on educational programs rounding out the week-long event. With the Expo starting at noon on Tuesday, the shift will help allow

a schedule of conferences for 2012 to include several new programs designed to provide our attendees and exhibitors with the most up-to-date, relevant information concerning the poultry and feed industry. IPE Week gives us an opportunity to provide additional education programs, something we have not been able to do in the past.”

For more information, visit the IPE website at www.ipeweek12.org.

an increase in the amount of education programs available at the front and back end of the Expo.

“Our long-standing International Poultry Scientific Forum, Pet Food Conference, Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit,

and USPOULTRY Education Programs are an important part of IPE and provide people with an additional purpose for attending the Expo,” comments John Starkey, president of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. “We are working on

> I N T E R N A T I O N A L P O U L T R Y E X P O

August 1 is opening day for show registration and hotels. This is the third year for the M2A (Member to Atlanta) program, whereby USPOULTRY members who are involved in the production of poultry meat and/or eggs are eligible for free registration to the show. Registration also includes several workshops and seminars. These include the Animal Agriculture Sustainability Conference and a new offering, USPOULTRY’s Executive Conference on Poultry Trends for the Future, which includes the Market Intelligence Forum. Go on-line at www.ipeweek12.org to see if you qualify and to sign up.

a program for EveryoneWe will be offering several specialized

bus or van for your employees to be picked up early in the morning, drive to Atlanta for the show, and then return in the evening.

Nothing gets your employees more excited than seeing the scope and technological sophistication of the world’s largest industry trade show. Every person will bring back new ideas for improved efficiency and profits.

To qualify, we need a minimum commitment of 10 attendees from the participating location. For more information, contact Charlie Olentine at [email protected] or phone 770.493.9401.

programs that are fee-based: USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder Clinic; Pet Food Conference; Symposium on the Future of American Egg Production; 2012 IPE Pre-Harvest Food Safety Conference; and Quality Feed Ingredients for Rendering. More details on the programs are forthcoming on the IPE website.

let Us do the drivingWe are also promoting a program for M2A operations and complexes within driving distance of Atlanta. If you have a number of employees planning on coming to the show for a day trip, we will provide transportation at no cost. As an M2A participant, your employees will receive complimentary registration to the show. We will arrange a

2012 I N T E R N AT I O N A L P O U LT R Y E X P O M 2 A B E N E F I T S


EXPO REGISTRATION / HOTEL REGISTRATION OPEN ON-LINE

> I N T E R N A T I O N A L P O U L T R Y E X P O

Expo REGiStRation opEn on-linE aUGUSt 1St

WWW.ipEWEEK12.oRG

Pre-registration fee $40 (USD) through January 6, 2012Registration fee after January 6, 2012: $60

The following cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Badges will be mailed to U.S. and Canadian attendees beginning in early September. International attendees must pick up their badges onsite at the Georgia World Congress Center in the International Business Center.

HotEl REGiStRation opEn on-linEaUGUSt 1St

WWW.ipEWEEK12.oRGBy pHonE:

1.800.480.4364 (individUal)1.800.494.5989 (GRoUpS of 10 oR MoRE)

Many hotels will offer special-value room rates several days before and after the 2012 Expo. The reduced rates at participating hotels will be 20-25% lower than their rates during the show.

Along with reduced rates, a variety of other value-added offers will be available. Depending on the hotel, they include reduced parking fees, meal discounts in their restaurants, discounted or free internet service, extra sky miles and points, and upgrades.

To take advantage of the reduced rates and other value-added offers, we encourage everyone to use the hotels in the convention room block.

intERnational poUltRy Expo /intERnational fEEd Expo WEEK

GEoRGia WoRld conGRESS cEntERatlanta, Ga

ipE/ifE WEEK datES: JanUaRy 23-27Expo datES: JanUaRy 24-26

Expo pRoGRaMS

• animal ag Sustainability conference • USpoUltRy’s Executive conference

on poultry trends for the future, which includes the Market intelligence forum

• USpoUltRy Hatchery-Breeder clinic • pet food conference • Symposium on the future of american

Egg production • 2012 ipE pre-Harvest food Safety

conference • Rendering Quality feed ingredients • poultry leaders of the future• afia international feed Education

program• USpoUltRy Safety Workshop

2012 EXHIBITOR COMMITTEE

Exhibitor Advisory Committee: (seated left to right) Martin Johnson, Amandus Kahl USA Corp; Missy Abbott, Danisco Animal Nutrition; Shawn Nicholas, Vice-Chairman, Baader-Johnson; Tim Davis, Chairman, Pfizer Poultry Health; Kris Carroll, Marel Stork Poultry Processing; Patrick Ceska, Morton, Vardeman & Carlson (Standing left to right): Shannon Heath, Meyn America; Roger Rasor, International Paper; Amanda Stumbo, Alltech; Candye Dailey, Anitox Corp.; Jeff Ray, Marel; Pat Meggs, Cumberland; and Noemi Estrella, Biomin America

poultry industry Groups Join farm Bureau lawsuit challenging Epa program in chesapeake Bay Region

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the National Chicken Council (NCC) have joined the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) in a lawsuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to implement a program based on flawed assumptions that EPA has failed to address which could also destroy agricultural jobs in the Chesapeake Bay region.

“The poultry industry is extremely concerned with the potential ramifications that could come from the Chesapeake Bay total maxi-mum daily load (TMDL), recently implement-ed by the EPA,” said John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY and Mike Brown, president of NCC.

“The poultry industry has a large presence in the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” they said. “It provides thousands of jobs and contributes well over $1 billion each year to the region’s economy. The viability of the industry in the watershed is essential if we hope to continue providing a safe, sustainable, wholesome, economical source of protein to the United States and the world.”

The AFBF-led lawsuit takes aim at an EPA program that will set limits on discharges to each of the individual watersheds within the Chesapeake Bay region.

“The poultry industry recognizes the impor-tance of protecting the environment and has been committed to restoring the health of the Bay for over 20 years,” Starkey said. “EPA even acknowledged this in 2007 when it stated, ‘From 1985 to 2005, EPA estimated loads from developed land sources increased up to 16 percent while loads from wastewater disposal and agriculture decreased’.”

In spite of the poultry industry’s well-

The comments were prepared by the Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council, which is made up of members from U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation. Collectively, the three organizations represent companies that produce 95 percent of the nation’s poultry products and employ hundreds of thousands of workers.

In-depth details regarding the comments can be viewed on U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s website, http://www.poultryegg.org/position-papers.

documented contribution to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, which has yet to be matched by other sources, EPA is looking for further reductions from agriculture, Starkey noted.

“The implications of this demand will put pressure on thousands of family farms and put industry in the region in a position where it will be difficult to compete,” he said. “This could result in the loss of thousands of jobs.”

“EPA has announced this program will be a model that will be implemented on a nation-wide level,” Brown noted. “If so, the assump-tions and data that went into developing this model deserves the highest level of scrutiny. Even though the poultry industry identified a number of flawed assumptions to EPA in March of 2010, they failed to address those issues prior to issuing the TMDL in December of 2010.”

poultry industry comments on fMcSa’s proposed Rule Mandating the Use of Electronic on-Board Recorders

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council, and National Turkey Federation submitted comments to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Proposed Rule Mandating the use of Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs). The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on February 1, 2011.

Many of our member companies have already installed EOBRs in their fleets and enjoy the benefits of the technology, including enhanced recordkeeping and other fleet management tools. However, the industry’s opposition to the proposed rule centers on the fact that when properly administered, the existing paper log system allows motor car-riers to comply with current hours of service regulations. In addition, the mandatory use of electronic systems adds an unnecessary expense to the costs of fleet operations.

USPOULTRY’S VOICE IN THE INDUSTRY


> A S S O C I A T I O N

George Watts tribute dinner

ncc Meeting in Washington, d.c.

David Wilson, Marel Stork Poultry Processing Inc. and John Starkey, president, U.S. Poultry

& Egg Association

John Starkey, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association; George Watts, National Chicken Council; and

Elton Maddox, Wayne Farms.

novus international, inc. celebrates 20th anniversary

Focusing on ‘Innovation with Integrity,’ Novus International hosted more than 500 people from more than 30 countries at its Global Headquarters facility in Missouri Research Park for the celebration of its 20th Anniversary.

House of Raeford’s arcadia and Wallace plants achieve Major food Safety certification

House of Raeford Farms is pleased to announce that their Arcadia, LA and Wallace, NC chicken processing plants have both achieved SQF 2000 Level 2 certification.

established to “transport America’s veterans to Washington, DC to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.”

perdue Unveils first national campaign

Perdue Farms Inc. announced the launch of a series of documentary-style TV spots to unveil its first national campaign, We Believe in a Better Chicken™. The advertisements take viewers behind-the-scenes at Perdue Farms, introduce passionate associates, and reveal the company’s new USDA Process Verified Seal.

West liberty foods Joins ‘iMaGE’ program

West Liberty Foods, LLC became the first Iowa-based business to be certified as a partner in a nationwide program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure a legal and more secure work force.

tyson foods Sponsors third Honor flight for World War ii veterans

More than 90 World War II veterans from northwest Arkansas visited the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC as part of a trip Tyson Foods, Inc. helped fund and organize. The trip, called “Honor Flight,” was planned in coordination with a national organization called the Honor Flight Network, which was

RECENT MEMBER NEWS


Spotlight: inGRaM faRMS


ingram farms focuses on customer needs

Ingram Farms was established in 1951 by Forrest H. Ingram in Cullman, AL. Ingram’s is a fully integrated broiler company producing 1,050,000 broilers per week.

The company has a feed mill, hatcheries, a processing plant, and support operations in Cullman and Cullman County. In addition, the company has about 150 contract growers, with a few of them in adjacent counties.

Ingram Farms offers a full line of RTC broilers, along with several customer-specific products. Ingram’s customers are primarily

Bill is a past chairman of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Assocation and served on the board of directors for the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association for 18 years.

ingram farms Statistics

Broilers• 215,000,000 lbs. live broilers annually• 125 broiler contract growers• 28 breeder contract growers• 7 pullet contract growers

Grain• Over 225,000 tons of broiler and breeder feed

per year• Over 5,000,000 bushels of corn purchased per

year• Over 50,000 tons of soybean meal purchased

per year

small and mid-size food distributors located throughout the United States. Being small relative to the industry, the company is very focused on customer needs and being ex-tremely responsive to their specific issues.

Ingram Farms is a family-owned, private company led by William “Bill” Ingram, son of the founder, and his sister, Mary Fay Ingram.

Ingram Farms’ broilers

Bill IngramPresident, Ingram Farms

USPOULTRY CREATES STORM RELIEF FUND



U.S. Poultry & Egg Association donated $25,000 to the Michigan State University’s new egg-laying hen research facility. The donation was presented at the United Egg Producers Legislative meeting in Washington, DC. Dr. Janice Swanson, Michigan State University, accepted the $25,000 check presented by Gary Cooper, chairman of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and COO of Cooper Farms.

“We had a successful 2011 International Poultry Expo. In particular, we were well supported by the commercial egg industry. Due to that success, we are very quickly able to return those funds to support the industry,” commented Gary Cooper.

Department of Animal Science at Michigan State. “The importance of having an intensive research facility outfitted with conventional and alternative systems to enable the replication and validation of data cannot be understated,” Dr. Swanson added.

The new MSU facility will provide housing and rooms to conduct research on hens in conventional cages, cage-free aviary, and enriched colony stages. The facility will allow the researchers to measure performances and behavioral traits of hens using nests and perches at a variety of floor spacings per hen.

In addition to this donation, USPOULTRY’s Research program has recently funded a $72,600 project entitled, “Enriched Colony Cages: Stocking Density on Laying Hen Well-Being,” that will be conducted at Michigan State in the new facilities.

“We are pleased to accept this generous donation from USPOULTRY,” stated Dr. Janice Swanson, Director of Animal Welfare,

USPOULTRY Donates $25,000 to MSU Egg-Laying Hen Research Facility

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association created a storm relief fund to help those which suffered damage as a result of the tornados and associated storms which struck the Southeast. USPOULTRY identified the relief organizations working in the area, particularly those that serve the rural areas within the poultry industry, in which to donate the funds.

“Like millions around the world, our hearts

go out to those who have lost a loved one or suffered injury or property damage. Our industry was particularly hard hit, and we would like to assist those that are in need however possible,” said John Starkey, president of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

USPOULTRY made an initial $1000 donation to the storm relief fund. The generous donations from within our Association and

from our members have helped raise almost $12,000 for the fund, with disbursements made to the East Cullman Baptist Relief Fund, the Alabama Poultry Growers Fund/Alabama Poultry Foundation, and the PECO Employee’s Relief Fund.

Dr. Janice Swanson, Michigan State University, accepted the $25,000 check presented by

Gary Cooper, Chairman of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and COO of Cooper Farms.


ANNUAL SAFETY AWARDS Fifty-six Companies Recognized for Outstanding Safety Performance

Keystone foodsGadsden, AL - ProcessingEufaula, AL - Processing

Koch foodsCumming, GA – Further ProcessingGainesville, GA – Further Processing

Moroni feed companyMoroni, UT – Feed Mill

perdue farms inc.Murfreesboro, NC – Hatchery

pilgrim’s corpMoorefield, WV – Prepared Foods

Sanderson farms, inc.Laurel, MS - Processing

tyson foods, inc.Robards, KY – River Valley Animal FoodsDexter, MO - HatcheryRogers, AR – Further Processing

Wayne farms llcAlbertville, AL - HatcheryLaurel, MS – Feed MillEnterprise, AL – Hatchery

Keystone foodsCamilla, GA - ProcessingAlbany, KY – Processing

longenecker’s HatcheryElizabethtown, PA

perdue farms inc.Candor, NC - Feed MillCromwell, KY - HatcheryCromwell, KY - ProcessingDothan, AL - ProcessingForsyth, GA - HatcheryGeorgetown, DE - Roaster ComplexHurlock, MD - Feed MillPerry, GA – Cook PlantRockingham, NC - ProcessingSalisbury, MD – Hatchery 2Washington, IN – Turkey Processing

pilgrim’s corp.Broadway, VA - ProcessingLive Oak, FL – Feed MillMayfield, KY – Feed MillMayfield, KY - HatcheryMoorefield, WV - HatcheryNatchitoches, LA – Further ProcessingStaley, NC – Feed MillStaley, NC - Hatchery

Sanderson farms, inc.McComb, MS - Processing

Wayne farms llcDecatur, AL East - Further ProcessingDecatur, AL – Fresh PlantDecatur, AL West – Further ProcessingLaurel, MS – Hatchery

award of Merit

cagle’s inc.Collinsville, AL - Processing

cobb-vantress, inc.Wadesboro, NC - Hatchery

coleman natural foodsGainesville, GA - Processing


Award winners at the 2011 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry held in Savannah, GA

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council awarded 56 chicken and turkey companies for outstanding safety performance through the implementation of innovative and effective safety and health programs. The annual safety awards were presented during the 2011 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry held in Savannah, GA.

Award consideration was based on injury statistics over three years and an evaluation of written applications by three judges: Craig Wyvill, retired director of the Agricultural Technology Research Program at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI); Gary Pohlmann of Marsh Risk Consulting; and Doug Britton, program manager for Agricultural Technology Research at GTRI. Awards were presented to 56 facilities with 10 in the highest category, “Award of Distinction.” The other categories included “Award of Honor” and “Award of Merit.”

award of distinction

perdue farms inc.Accomac, VA - ProcessingConcord, NC - Further ProcessingDillon, SC - ProcessingPerry, GA - Fresh ProcessingSalisbury, MD - Processing

pilgrim’s corp.Harrisonburg, VA - Feed MillRussellville, AR - Premium Protein Products

Wayne farms llcPendergrass, GA - ProcessingTroy, AL - HatcheryUnion Springs, AL - Processing

award of Honor

cobb-vantress, inc.Siloam Springs, AR - Feed Mill

Gnp companyArcadia, WI – Feed Mill

RESEARCH RESULTSFunded by the Harold E. Ford Foundation



project #656 http://www.poultryegg.org/research/ resproj/pRoJ_656.html

determination and analysis of the poultry Gut viral Metagenome

Poultry enteric disease is an ongoing economic problem for the poultry indus-try. The following symptoms are related to this recognized enteric disease syndrome: Poult Enteritis Complex (PEC), Poult Enteritis Mortality Syndrome (PEMS), and Running-Stunting Syndrome (RSS). Although decades of research have implicated the above symptoms and other viruses, a definite cause of this disease remains unknown. Using state-of-the-art nucleic acid sequencing, research was conducted to determine the full genomic profile of organisms found in the gut environ-ment. New novel viruses were identified.

project #f025http://www.poultryegg.org/research/ resproj/pRoJ_f025.html

are the infectious laryngotracheitis virus (iltv) Recombinant viral vector vaccines Efficient tools for the control of the disease?

Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) Recombinant Vaccines are now commonly available to the poultry industry. However, over the past several years vaccination with recombinant laryngotracheitis (ILT) vaccines has resulted in variable results. In Georgia two-thirds of the ILT cases recorded during 2008 occurred in flocks vaccinated with recombinant vaccines during incubation (in ovo). Research was conducted to determine the degree and onset of protection induced by recombinant vaccines when applied in ovo and subcutaneously; to determine if shedders are produced in recombinant vaccinated chickens; and to improve detection of antibodies produced following vaccination.

project #662http://www.poultryegg.org/research/ resproj/pRoJ_662.html

Bacterial Re-colonization of in-House com-posted Broiler litter

In-house litter composting has been shown to reduce bacteria in broiler litter. However, reduction in natural flora of waste residual may lead to increased re-colonization of other bacteria pathogens due to reduced competition. Laboratory studies were conducted to: 1) determine re-colonization of food-borne bacterial pathogens (by inoculation with Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium, and Listeria) in composted and non-composted litter; 2) identify bacteria associated with reduced pathogen re-colonization; and 3) correlate ammonia levels on pathogen re-colonization.

Food-borne bacteria were higher in composted litter in weeks 1 and 2. However, bacterial levels were identical in both litter treatments by week 7. Upon ceasing addition of inoculated fecal matter, food-borne bacterial pathogens were overtaken by normal litter bacteria in both treatments. No differences could be attributed to ammonia levels.

In summary, while initial (weeks 1 and 2) microbial levels were reduced and food-borne pathogens were increased in composted litter, bacterial levels were similar in composted and non-composted litter treatments by week 7.

USpoUltRy announces the completion of three research projects. they are part of the association’s comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. Brief summaries of the projects are shown below. complete reports, along with information on other association research, may be obtained by going to USpoUltRy’s website, www.poultryegg.org.



U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is now accepting nominations for the 11th Annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Awards. The awards recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production. Those eligible for the award include any poultry grower or egg producer (family-owned) that supplies product to a USPOULTRY member, or an independent producer that is a USPOULTRY member. Nominations are due no later than September 1, 2011.

The award is presented to exceptional family farmers in five regions of the country. One award may be presented for each of the regions: Northeast, Southeast, South Central, North Central, and Southwest. Nominations must be made by a member by completing the application provided by USPOULTRY. Each integrator or egg processor may nominate one grower for each complex in each state.

Six families received the Environmental Excellence Award in 2011. The winners were: Tim and Carole Shoemaker, Shoemaker Farm, Burlington, WV, nominated by Pilgrim’s Pride; Bud and Misty Shaver, Lucky Charm Farms, LLC, Weyers Cave, VA, nominated by Pilgrim’s Pride; Roger and Coleen Plemmons, Plemmons Farm, Iberia, MO, nominated by Cargill Turkey Production; Todd and Sandee Huneycutt, Huneycutt Brothers’ Family Farm, Albemarle, NC, nominated by Pilgrim’s Pride; Vincent Reina, Maxim Production Company, Inc., Boling, TX, nominated by Texas Poultry Federation; Ken and Charlotte Mitchell, Mitchell Farms, Elk Grove, CA, nominated by Foster Farms.

“Poultry growers and producers utilize best management practices that heighten environmental stewardship on their family-owned-and-operated farms,” said Gary Cooper, Cooper Farms, Oakwood, OH, and chairman of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. “The ingenuity, resourcefulness, and

commitment our award winners show each year in pursuing environmental management is outstanding,” he added.

Awards will be presented during a special ceremony at the 2012 International Poultry Expo in Atlanta. Each award winner will receive a Family Farm Environmental Excellence trophy, $1,000 cash, an expense paid trip to the Expo, a farm profile on USPOULTRY’s website, and the Association’s assistance in local, regional, and national publicity.

For more information on the 2012 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Awards, contact Paul Bredwell or Marjorie Maul, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, GA, 30084-7303; Phone: 770. 493-9401; Fax: (770) 493-9257; or E-mail: [email protected]. Competition details also are available on the USPOULTRY website, www.poultryegg.org/environment.

DID YOU KNOW?USPOULTRY OFFERS FREE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TO AFFILIATED STATE ASSOCIATIONS

An important service USPOULTRY offers is professional Information Technology (IT) guidance, support, and technical assistance to our affiliated state poultry, turkey, and egg associations. The Association’s trained IT professionals provide remote and onsite technology services free of charge to the affiliated state associations, and this includes design, application development, network engineering, and database administration.

Some of the large websites the IT department maintains are nationalchickencouncil.com, ohiopoultry.org, clucknation.com, etc. - all of which have recipe databases attached. Along

USPOULTRY’s IT department has over 30 years of combined experience, developing in Sql, T-SQL, HTML, Ajax, and Coldfusion. All website designs are modeled per the organization’s needs, as the IT and graphics departments do not use templates. Everything is unique.

Contact:Jason RiveraVice President of Information [email protected]

with website development, the IT department also creates customer relations management software (web based) that is tied into the websites and secured with the proper encryption, authentication, and firewall.

11TH ANNUAL FAMILY FARMENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE COMPETITION ANNOUNCED

APPLICATIONS FOR POULTRY SCIENCE EDUCATION FUNDING NOW AVAILABLE


Applications for the Poultry Science Education Fund of the USPOULTRY Foundation are now available. The fund supports student recruitment at colleges and universities with poultry science programs that do not have full departments with poultry science degrees. Any institution of higher education in the United States that offers an identifiable poultry science program is eligible for a recruitment grant of up to $7,000.

A committee of poultry science department professionals will review funding requests and make recommendations to the board of

directors of the Foundation. Institutions can apply for a grant by completing the form and submitting nine copies to the USPOULTRY Foundation by August 1. The form is available at http://www.poultryfoundation.org/files/psfund2011.pdf.

Established in 1994, the Foundation funds recruitment and retention efforts at colleges and universities that have full poultry science

> E D U C A T I O N

departments and offer degrees in poultry science. The Poultry Science Education Fund was added in 2004 to assist institutions with poultry studies but without separate departments.

The USPOULTRY Foundation has provided millions of dollars in vital support for poultry research and poultry science student recruitment for more than 15 years. The focus of the USPOULTRY Foundation is directlytied to USPOULTRY’s crucial mission to recruit the next generation of leaders in the industry and provide the means for essential research.

USPOULTRY’s Board of Directors createdthe Foundation in 1994 in response toa critical need to recruit more studentsinto poultry science. Its mission was laterexpanded to attract students from otherdisciplines utilized by the industry intopoultry-related courses. Funding vitalresearch projects was also added to theFoundation’s mission.

key leaders on its programs and plans and is considering a program that will secure private funding to grow its assets. The preliminary goal is attaining an additional $5 million in endowment to fund programs that are vital to the industry’s future success.

The Foundation’s investment in the industry has been significant. Together with USPOULTRY, more than $22 million of competitive research grants have been provided – ensuring that the industry continues to set itself apart by building on a firm foundation of science and technology. Almost $2 million have been provided solely from the Foundation for recruitment and retention efforts at colleges and universities with poultry science programs and courses.

To ensure the success of tomorrow’s poultry industry, the Foundation’s strategy continues to be a collective effort through scientific research and student recruitment, which offer the greatest opportunities to help sustain the industry. The Foundation interviewed

USpoUltRy foUndationinvesting today to Strengthen tomorrow’s poultry and Egg industry


TEXAS A&M WINS USPOULTRY’S 64TH NATIONAL POULTRY JUDGING CONTEST

> E D U C A T I O N

Texas A&M University won the 64th U.S. Poultry & Egg Association National Poultry Judging Contest, held at Louisiana State Uni-versity. Additionally, Christopher Clay, a junior at Texas A&M, was high individual winner. Texas A&M continued its streak as national champions, having won the event every year since 2008.

Penn State’s team placed second in the team competition, and Jake Pieniazek, a sophomore at Texas A&M University, finished second in the individual category.

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association sponsors the National Poultry Judging Contest as part of its comprehensive student outreach program. The contest was established to enhance young people’s interest in the poultry industry and encourage student enrollment

in poultry science studies. Teams compete in production judging, breed selection, and market products judging.

The Association also sponsors the annual College Student Career Program at the In-ternational Poultry Expo, supports FFA and 4-H poultry activities, and funds student recruiting efforts for poultry science depart-ments and programs through the USPOULTRY Harold E. Ford Foundation.

Ten universities participated in this year’s competition. The awards were presented by Barbara Jenkins, vice president of education programs, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

USPOULTRY PROMOTES BARBARA JENKINS TO VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association announced the promotion of Barbara Jenkins to Vice President of Education Programs. The

the level of responsibility for which her position has grown, and we are confident in her ability to lead the program in the future,” comments John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY.

Association’s Poultry & Egg Institute sponsors industry-specific education and training programs that help member companies improve operations, identify and reduce loss exposures, and enhance employee safety and retention. The Institute also identifies and maintains technical resources that address key industry issues.

“Barbara began her career with USPOULTRY as an administrative assistant in 2000. In the corresponding 11 years, she has taken on every responsibility given her, as well as completed her college degree while working full-time. She has learned all aspects of the industry and is a positive representative for the Association. This promotion recognizes

The winning Texas A&M team (seated from left): Kyle Sells, Christopher Clay, also the individual winner, and Jake Pieniazek; (standing from left): Dr. Jason Lee (coach), Ashley Hill, and Amy O’Quinn

WE’VE GOT A GREAT STORY TO TELL...SO, HOW DO WE TELL IT?



The poultry and egg industry has been at the forefront of agricultural advances for most of the last century. Selective breeding has developed birds that are healthier and grow more efficiently. Advances in feed nutrition have assisted in improving feed conversion rates. Research into avian diseases has developed vaccines and antibiotics to further improve bird health. Improvements in poultry barn equipment and on-the-farm management practices result in a better growing environment for the birds. Effective wastewater treatment systems generally allow our plants to return process water to the environment in as good or even better

condition than when it was withdrawn. Worker safety programs continue to outpace the rest of industry in the rate of reduction of workplace injuries. And most importantly, every single day we produce the safest, healthiest, most affordable source of animal protein the world has ever known.

And yet, every day it seems the message the public hears is one of animal abuse, contaminated food products, worker injury, and environmental damage to both land

and water – many times with a finger pointed directly at our industry.

With the poultry industry’s unprecedented advances in so many areas, how does this misinformation continue to make the headlines?

First off, the opposition and their marketing campaigns are focused and well-funded. Groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) capitalize on any failure in our industry, misrepresent isolated events as standard practice and, although we win the scientific argument hands down, they

are winning the emotional battle with the consumer and the general public.Secondly, we’ve got to do a better job of telling our story. In May I attended the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s Stakeholder’s Summit where one of the speakers was Frank Luntz, the political pollster-writer, frequent contributor on the Fox News Channel and expert in “words.” His topic was “Words that Work,” and he pointed out that it is critical to use the correct words in advertising, training and any communication endeavor, especially if you are trying to

educate and capture the audience’s attention.

His presentation reminded me that all too often we have the mistaken notion that we don’t need to proactively tell our story because science is on our side and that because “anyone with common sense knows that taking proper care of the birds is good business.” When we do tell our story, we sometimes use words like biosecurity which one blogger recently said conjures up images of hazmat suits and suggests that great dangers must be hiding

just behind the fences and walls of farms and processing plants.

Mr. Luntz advocated using powerful words that work to tell our message in today’s society, words like “cleaner, safer, healthier, accountable, reliable, respect, renew, and commitment.” Acknowledging that the consumers get to decide what they purchase and that they deserve a product that improves their quality of life while exceeding their expectations should be our focus as we tell our story.

USPOULTRY is proud of the leadership role the industry has taken in advancing the cause of animal agriculture. As we seek more effective ways to tell the industry’s story, we’ve reached out to a number of industry veterinarians and food safety and live production experts. With their assistance, we developed a short video, “Raising Chickens and Turkeys….for Today and Tomorrow.” Since most Americans are now several generations removed from the farm, this video is designed to explain how chickens and turkeys are raised while removing some of the mystery and misconceptions about the process. The video illustrates why being good stewards of both our animals and the land is important as we follow the birds’ journey from the hatchery to the farm showing the practices we use to grow healthy, wholesome birds as our industry helps feed the world.

The intended audience for the video is the general public and students, but it may also be effective as an employee education tool for those employees not involved on the live production side of the business. It is available at no charge and can be ordered on-line at www.poultryegginstitute.org.

Paul PressleyExecutive Vice President,Industry [email protected]


> F O O D S A F E T Y

A BELLWETHER EVENTFood Safety Policies Should Be Based on Sound Science, Not Aspirations

On April 14th, the European Union (EU) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a change they intend to implement in their regulations pertaining to Salmonella in poultry meat that will prohibit the presence of Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium in raw poultry products within commerce. All EU member countries, and their trading partners, will have to comply with this new regulation as early as December 1st of this year.

Although the relevance of these two Salmonella serotypes to human food-borne illness is clear, the decision to establish a “zero tolerance” policy for them in raw poultry products is devoid of logic and scientific support. Short of irradiation, an antimicrobial intervention widely rejected by consum-ers, it is not possible to consistently comply with such a standard. One wonders how the EU thinks that producers in their member countries will be able to do so when they are permitted to have seven Salmonella positive 25 gram composite neck skin samples out of a total of 50 taken during processing. Although science supports their standard allowing the

Food safety policies should be based on sound science, rather than aspiration. Un-realistic, or unattainable, standards mislead consumers by giving them a false sense of se-curity, and may postpone real advancements in the development of a safer food supply by forcing producers to dedicate limited resourc-es toward achieving ineffectual goals. And on the international stage, such standards can also serve as non-tariff barriers to trade. For all these reasons, we must stay informed regarding both international and domestic food safety polices, so we may encourage our government to oppose nonsensical standards abroad and avoid their creation at home.

Dr. Al YancyVice President, Food Safety and Production [email protected]

presence of up to 100 cfu (colony forming units) per gram of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) products, said policy only serves to show, by comparison, how ill-conceived a “zero tolerance” is for the presence of Salmonella in raw, not-ready-to-eat (NRTE), poultry products.

Since there is currently only one U.S. poultry establishment approved for export to the EU, one might ask why this regulation change is relevant. The enactment of such policy need-lessly makes it more difficult for other poultry producing establishments in the U.S. to seek and secure EU export approval. Failure to op-pose such a standard could further embolden EU member countries to seek to legitimize their nonscientific and restrictive approaches to food safety by exerting inappropriate influence on the creation of international guidelines via the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). Parties in the U.S. who take their cues from the EU may also seek the implementation of similar standards here.

ONE LESS TOOLSmall, Non-peer Reviewed Study Results in Voluntary Suspension of Roxarsone


> E N V I R O N M E N T A L

By now you have likely heard or read that Pfizer Inc. will voluntarily suspend the sale of 3-Nitro® (Roxarsone). Pfizer made this decision after the Food and Drug Administration released the results of a new study that compared arsenic levels in birds fed roxarsone to a control group that was fed non-medicated feed. During FDA’s news conference with the media, Dr. Bernadette Dunham, Director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, stated,“ FDA’s findings demonstrate a very low but avoidable public exposure to inorganic arsenic.” Dr. Dunham also stated, “…consumers can continue to eat chicken as 3-Nitro is suspended from the market. Furthermore, FDA does not believe there is a need to recall chicken already in commerce.” While the study showed varying levels of arsenic in the liver and muscle, it also pointed out that “total arsenic analysis for both liver and muscle indicated that the mean of measured levels were below the established tolerance values of 2000 ppb and 500 ppb.”

The debate over the use of roxarsone has been ongoing for a number of years. Journalists consistently report the sole purpose for using roxarsone is to achieve quicker weight gain. Although weight gain is one benefit of including roxarsone in a diet, the actual purpose for its inclusion within poultry diets is to control coccidi, a parasitic bacterium found in the intestine of poultry. The control of the bacteria within the intestinal tract enhances the health of the bird and increases its ability to absorb feedstuffs.

What journalists also fail to mention is the positive environmental impact that is a result of using roxarsone. It is proven that a healthier bird is more efficient at converting feed into muscle, which reduces the amount of corn and other feed grain ingredients necessary to bring the bird to the desired weight. Requiring less feed results

is the manner in which it was reached. After six decades of usage by billions of chickens with no evidence of any carcinogenic or other adverse health effect, a non-peer reviewed study of 50 chickens results in the almost immediate loss of a valuable tool in maintaining poultry health. Reflection on this action by the FDA is sobering for anyone interested in maintaining U.S. agricultural competitiveness and for our ability to produce healthy, affordable food products for the world.

Paul BredwellVice President, Environmental [email protected]

in a reduction in the land, fuel, fertilizer, and other resources necessary to produce corn, soybeans, and other grains. A model included within USPOULTRY’s “Arsenic in Poultry Feed Issue Kit” released in 2008 estimates an additional 674,735 tons of feed will be needed by the broiler industry each year if coccidiosis is not controlled. Similar arguments can be made when recognizing the enhancements to food safety resulting from the inclusion of roxarsone in poultry diets. Studies have shown that increased health of the intestinal tract resulting from the use of roxarsone increases the strength of the intestine. A weaker intestinal tract can increase the possibility of intestinal breakage during processing. This, in turn, could increase contamination of the carcass with the contents of the digestive tract.

Beyond simply the technical issues regarding this decision, what gives us more concern

2008 estimates an additional 674,735 tons of feed will be needed by the broiler industry each year if coccidiosis is not controlled.


> E D U C A T I O N

“Today, human resource professionals must navigate in a regulatory environment signifi-cantly influenced by both Congress and state house actions,” remarked Jack Kelly, director of government affairs for Perdue Farms. He was presenting to human resource manag-ers at the 2011 Human Resources Seminar sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s Poultry & Egg Institute.

Kelly’s presentation was centered on recent state and federal legislation. He commented that the current focus seems to be on state legislation that may conflict with federal acts. With regards to state actions, Kelly discussed that Wisconsin and Ohio are restricting col-lective bargaining rights for public employee unions. Florida is considering eliminating check-off dues for public employee unions, and Georgia and other states are moving forward with immigration reform at the state level. In addition, more and more states are recognizing civil unions which may conflict with the federal Defense of Marriage Act with respect to providing benefits and spousal rights to civil partners.

Kelly concluded his presentation by remark-ing, “Elections have consequences. Think

short-term outlook for 2011 is not favorable. He stated, “We’ll work through this; we always do.”

From a human resource perspective, Weath-erford reported that wages and benefits are pushing $15 per hour today, as compared to less than $10 per day in 1995. Weather-ford observed that there has been a steady growth in wages and benefits, with over 25% of the compensation related to benefits. He remarked that the message of steadily increasing wages and benefits has not been effectively demonstrated.

Kessela Brown, US Equal Employment Op-portunity Commission, gave an EEOC Update. Brown discussed revisions to the American Disabilities Act and the recently enacted Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act. She provided guidance on how employers can comply with the new regulations and explained employee’s rights and responsibili-ties with respect to the laws. Brown remarked, “With almost 100,000 job bias charges filed with the EEOC during fiscal 2010, never has the need for compliance and proper docu-mentation been more important.”

about the laws being introduced at the state level, because they affect your worksite.” Kelly encouraged human resource professionals to pay attention and get involved with state and federal issues related to human resource and labor laws.

Another session featured a State of the Industry Update by Dana Weatherford of Agri Stats. He illustrated the volatility of operating profits over the last 10 years and discussed some of the reasons for the unpredictability, including the input of grain and fuel prices. With feed accounting for 67% of live costs for broilers, Weatherford indicated that the

“New developments in genomics have provided opportunities to enhance breeding programs in poultry by being able to geno-type large numbers of individuals for tens of thousands of genetic markers across the ge-nome at a reasonable cost,” remarked Dr. Jack Dekkers of Iowa State University, speaking to breeder specialists and geneticists at the recent 2011 National Breeders Roundtable, sponsored by the Poultry Breeders of America and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

“This technology is already used in dairy cattle by selecting bull calves that have received favorable genes across the genome

from industry, universities, and government to discuss the latest poultry breeding research and developments, along with genetic trends.

for milk production and related traits at a young age, rather than having to go through a time-consuming and costly progeny testing program. This process of ‘genomic selection’ is now also being implemented in poultry breeding programs,” commented Dr. Dekkers.

Other roundtable topics included Present Status and Prospects for Genomic Selection in Livestock, MicroRNA: Small RNAs with a Big Impact, 50 Years of the NC Layers Random Sample Test, and Transgenic Salmon.

The National Breeders Roundtable brings together breeder specialists and geneticists

NATIONAL BREEDERS ROUNDTABLE

HUMAN RESOURCES SEMINARHuman Resource...Influenced by Both Federal and State Regulations

Jack Kelly, Director of Government Affairs, Perdue Farms, Inc., and Hector Gonzalez, Program Plan-ning Committee Chairman, Tyson Foods Inc., at the 2011 Human Resources Seminar.

Dr. Jack Dekkers (right), Iowa State University, with the National Breeder’s Roundtable Program Chair-man, Dr. Jesus Arango (left), Hy-Line International.

It no longer matters if it’s purchased fresh, bundled, frozen, wrapped, boxed, canned, or bottled. Americans want to know more about their food:Where does it come from?How was it raised?How was it grown?Is it nutritious?And above all, is it safe?

To engage in a dialogue that provides answers to these questions, more than 40 of the leading farmer- and rancher-led agri-cultural organizations, of which U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is a member, have come

how their food is raised and grown.

The movement will begin this summer with a farmer and rancher activation centered around the message:

As Farmers and Ranchers, We’ve Raised Pretty Much Everything...Except our Voices.

On behalf of the USFRA, we invite you toshare your voice with us. Join us in leading a con-versation about the importance of today’s agriculture and our commitment to raising healthy food for people everywhere. For more information, visit www.usfraonline.org.

together to form the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA). The goal of the Alliance is to strengthen the image of agriculture and enhance public trust in today’s agricultural production practices.

At the USFRA board meeting in St. Louis on June 2 & 3, USFRA board members met to approve a “big table” national movement that was created by the Ketchum public releations team to finally get our voices heard. The movement will educate consumers about modern conventional agriculture production; and through it, USFRA will provide an accu-rate, respected voice to inform Americans of

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance: A Movement!

Bill Lovette, CEO and President of Pilgrim’s Pride, addressed financial managers at the 2011 USPOULTRY Financial Management Seminar, giving A CEO’s Perspective of Finan-cial Management. The seminar was sponsored by U.S Poultry & Egg Association’s Poultry & Egg Institute.

Lovette opened his presentation with this statement: “The most critical job of a CEO is not to provide the answers. It is to help the team think critically about issues and help

is not near pristine, you will not survive. The marketplace will not allow for, or pay for, com-plexity in your business model.”

Lovette described the characteristics of an effective accounting and finance team as a team that must understand, embrace and help develop the company’s strategy and create a culture of critical thought. Remarked Lovette, “The marketplace will not allow complacency of simply continuing to ‘do what we’ve always done.” Finally, the team must challenge management’s approach. “The Finance team must be active and engaged in the business, and not just scorekeepers,” observed Lovette.

Lovette’s presentation was the keynote for the Financial Management Seminar, which also included discussions of export condi-tions, regulatory challenges, and forecast for future commodity prices. Approximately 150 industry finance professionals attended the event.

them arrive at a solution.”

Lovette then presented a series of critical observations on financial management.First, he noted, “Strategic choices are the ear-mark of a company.” Ultimately, these choices define a firm’s market segmentation and provide the direction to create a sustainable, competitive advantage.

Lovette continued by stating, “The impor-tance of brands and differentiation has changed dramatically over the past 15 years.”

He noted as the poultry business has become increasingly commoditized, it is harder and more costly to build brand equity. Yet, there remains opportunity for differentiation “by providing ‘Value beyond the Box’ through service, product form and quality strata,” ac-cording to Lovette.

Looking forward, Lovette observed, “There is no silver bullet. If you don’t have a competi-tive cost structure and if your balance sheet

16I nEWS & viEWS I SUMMER 2011

> E D U C A T I O N / A S S O C I A T I O N

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

LOVETTE ADDRESSES EXPECTATIONS FOR FINANCIAL MANAGERS

Bill Lovette (left), CEO and President of Pilgrim’s Pride, with program moderator, Mike Popowycz

(right), Case Foods.


> E D U C A T I O N

At the 2011 Poultry Processor Workshop, Dr. Jonathan James, Corporate QA Manager for Sanderson Farms, provided an industry perspective on Sanderson’s work with USDA, FSIS in relation to the SIP (Salmonella Initiative Program) and its new plant in Kinston, NC. On August 25, 2010, Sanderson submitted a request for an On-Line Reprocessing (OLR) waiver to the Risk and Innovations Management Division at USDA. The request was for a previously approved OLR agent in a facility that did not have a previous waiver for OLR, and the request included submission of a validation protocol. On September 2, 2010, Sanderson received, via e-mail, a log number assigned to the request (Log No. 10-SIP-0650-N-A) with part of the e-mail including USDA’s comments that “they would go ahead to waiver (under SIP).”

Sanderson Farms expressed concerns with the SIP, related to the following:

• Rulemaking without going through rulemaking

• Category 1 Performance required• Shipping of known Salmonella isolates• Enumeration of paired samples for

Salmonella, E. coli, and/or Campylobacter• FSIS review of laboratory performing the

microbial testing

Sanderson Farms disagreed with the SIP wording and did not want to take that direction. Sanderson challenged the USDA, FSIS to consider other options, as the only reason USDA gave for wanting to implement the SIP was to obtain data.

After numerous conference calls, meetings and revised requests for OLR waiver, Sanderson received a No Objection Letter on December 23, 2010 that did not require the facility to enter the Salmonella Initiative Program (SIP). The letter noted Sanderson’s unique requests for a waiver of certain regulatory requirements, namely the use

Salmonella:• Chicken carcasses, post chill: 7.5%

(51-sample set; ~ 85% of the industry would currently meet)

• Turkey carcasses, post chill: 1.7% (56-sample set; ~ 82% of the industry would currently meet)

Campylobacter:• Chicken carcasses, post chill: 10.4% for

1-ml portion ( ~ 75% of the industry would currently meet)

• Turkey carcasses, post chill: 1.1% for 1-ml portion (~ 81% of industry would currently meet)

A complete copy of the standards is available on the FSIS website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Federal_Register_Notices/index.asp.

Engeljohn also discussed USDA, FSIS projects that are currently in development for FY2011. The Agency is working on a joint project with the FDA to significantly reduce exposure of the public to Salmonella enteritidis (SE), focusing on pre- and post-harvest control of SE. Other projects include baselines at FSIS, prevention of contamination policy development, poultry slaughter rulemaking, and the Salmonella Initiative Program (SIP).

of alternative procedures for On-Line Reprocessing (OLR) (9 CFR 381.91 (b)), and for generic E. coli and Salmonella sampling and testing (9 CFR 381.94 (a) & (b)). The letter also noted that granting the waiver did not preclude FSIS, with appropriate notification, from expecting Sanderson to enter FSIS-defined control programs for enhancing public health, such as the SIP, in order to continue operating under this waiver in the future. In addition, the letter stated the FSIS will not suspend the establishment or revoke its waiver solely on the basis that the establishment fails to meet no more than six Salmonella-positive samples out of a 51 sample set.

Sanderson Farms considered their interaction with the USDA, FSIS a huge step forward for the SIP that can help other plants facing similar issues. Remarked Dr. James, “We, as an industry with USPOULTRY and NCC, believe the Agency is changing in regards to SIP. We provided an alternative to SIP as written, and we solved one problem for one plant.”

fSiS poultry policy Update

Dr. Daniel Engeljohn, FSIS Assistant Administrator for the Office of Policy and Program Development, reviewed the Agency’s progress in reaching targeted Healthy People 2010 goals for Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella and discussed the new Salmonella and Campylobacter performance standards and compliance guidelines published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2011. The new standards and guidelines affect broiler and turkey carcasses and became effective on July 1, 2011.

Engeljohn summarized the new performance standards, which included the following highlights:

POULTRY PROCESSOR WORKSHOP

S I P – 2011: A N I N D U S T R Y P E R S P E C T I V E

Dr. Jonathan James, Corporate QA Manager, Sanderson Farms, at the 2011 USPOULTRY Poultry

Processor Workshop

2011 USPOULTRY Poultry & Egg Institute Seminar ScheduleRegistration Available on Our Website,

www.poultryegginstitute.org

Gary Cooper, COO of Cooper Farms, will address attendees at the 2011 Women’s Leadership Conference. Sponsored by USPOULTRY’s Poultry & Egg Institute, it will be held August 18-19, at the One Ocean Resort, Atlantic Beach, FL.

The program will highlight techniques that enhance professional development and refine leadership and management skills. Cooper will present A Top Management Perspective of Women in Leadership Roles. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

“The conference will provide a beneficial information exchange for women in the poultry industry,” said program committee chairperson, Teresa Dunlap, Wayne Farms, Laurel, MS. “The program will focus on creating opportunities for growth and leadership development. It will feature a variety of topics to

address leadership, management, and communication skills for professional growth.”

Among the topics on the agenda are: A Profile of Women in the Poultry Industry, Conflict Management and Resolution, Effective Workplace Communication Techniques, and Women Leading with Power.

COOPER FARMS COO ADDRESSES ATTENDEES AT WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The 2011 USPOULTRY Information Systems Seminar will take an in-depth look at current and emerging technology. The annual conference, sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s Poultry & Egg Institute, will be held July 18 – 20, at the Sawgrass Marriott hotel in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

“Computers are found throughout poultry operations, from live operations to processing to administration. The programs used to run our operations must be continually refined and updated to maintain productiv-ity and efficiency in the poultry and egg industry,” said program committee chairman, Kendall Layman, Cobb-Vantress Inc. “This year’s agenda will give a balanced view of current and emerging technology to make sure we stay informed, as technology is advancing at an ever increasingly rapid pace. All Information Technolo-gy managers, regardless of the size of their operations, will leave the conference with valuable information they can implement immediately.”

This year’s agenda will highlight Emerging Technology and see the return of the Lightning Round . . . What’s

New in the IT Industry, which will feature a “quick-fire” overview of Linux/Google applications, virtual desktops, food safety audit recordkeeping, and physical access control. Other topics on the agenda include: Poultry Industry Overview, Microsoft Office Integration, Remote Data Collection, Business Intelligence Tools/Dash Boarding, and a series of roundtable workshops .

INFORMATION SYSTEMS SEMINAR

The program committee includes (from left): Tabitha Newton, Perdue Farms; Teresa Dunlap, Chairperson, Wayne Farms; Lisa Noffsinger, Mississippi State University; Sandy Bishop, Perdue Farms; Robin Robinson, Sanderson Farms; and Dianne Cooper, Cooper Farms.

The program committee included (seated left to right): Greg Whisenant, Case Farms, Troutman, NC; and Richard Welch, House of Raeford, Raeford, NC; (standing left to right) Ron Wells, Butterball, Raeford, NC; Kendall Layman (Chairman), Cobb-Vantress, Siloam Springs, AR; Alan Brownell, Case Farms, Trout-man, NC; Earl Pearce, Aviagen, Springville, AL; and Sim Harbert, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA.

Hatchery-Breeder ClinicJanuary 25-26Georgia World Congress CenterIn Conjunction with the International Poultry Expo

Environmental Management SeminarMarch 9-10, Nashville, TNDoubletree Hotel

Feed Mill SeminarMarch 23-24Nashville, TNDoubletree Hotel

Human Resources SeminarApril 18-20 Ponte Vedra Beach, FLSawgrass Marriott

National Breeders RoundtableMay 5-6, St. Louis, MOAirport Marriott Hotel

Poultry Processor WorkshopMay 11-12, Atlanta, GAW Atlanta Downtown

Financial Management SeminarJune 27-29, Amelia Island, FLThe Ritz Carlton

Information Systems SeminarJuly 18-20 Ponte Vedra Beach, FLSawgrass Marriott

Women’s Leadership ConferenceAugust 18-19 Atlantic Beach, FLOne Ocean Resort

Poultry Production & Health SeminarSeptember 20-21 Charlotte, NCHilton Hotel

Poultry Protein & Fat SeminarOctober 6-7, Nashville, TNDoubletree Hotel

Communications Strategies SeminarNovember 2-3, Atlanta, GAMarriott Marquis

Grain Forecast and Economic Outlook ConferenceNovember 9, Atlanta, GA Airport Hilton Hotel

Air Cargo SeminarsDates TBDAtlanta, GAMiami, FLChicago, IL

summer 2011 - u.s. poultry & egg association web site · summer 2011 the all feather...

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