SUMMER 2012

USPOULTRY Celebrates 65 Years of Service International Production & Processing Expo: USPOULTRY, AFIA & AMI Co-Locate American Proteins and Sanderson Farms Win Clean Water Awards Spotlight: Farbest Foods USPOULTRY Foundation: A Lifeline For Researchers

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS James Adams WENGER FEEDS, PA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Brian Barrett FEATHER CREST FARMS, TX Bill Bradley CCF BRANDS, AR Lyman Campbell KOCH FOODS OF ALABAMA, AL

a ss o c i a t i o n 1 President’s Column 2 USPOULTRY Celebrates 65 Years of Service to the Poultry & Egg Industry 2 USPOULTRY Serving Members Through Education, Research, Communication, and Technical Assistance 5 American Proteins and Sanderson Farms Win Clean Water Awards 6 Who Will Do The Research? How Will It Be Funded? 7 Spotlight: Farbest Foods 8 USPOULTRY Provides IT Support For Affiliated State & National Organizations 9 USPOULTRY’s Voice In The Industry 9 Recent Member News 10 Management Development And Succession Planning 17 USPOULTRY Announcements E d u c at i o n 9 USPOULTRY Foundation: A Lifeline for Researchers 11 Knowlege Is Power! 13 Environmental Management Seminar: EPA And The Poultry Industry...A Collaborative Approach 13 Texas A&M Wins USPOULTRY’s 65th National Poultry Judging Contest Five Years In A Row! 14 Human Resources Seminar: Industry Proactivity Can Impact Legislation And Reform 15 Feed Mill Management Seminar: What You Don’t See Can Hurt You 16 Poultry Processor Workshop: Food Safety A Shared Responsiblity Across the Industry e n v i r o n me n t a l 12 The Calm Before The Storm?

Gary Cooper COOPER FARMS, OH Alan Duncan MOUNTAIRE FARMS, AR Charles George GEORGE’S, AR Tom Hensley FIELDALE FARMS, GA Mark Hickman PECO FOODS, AL Paul Hill West Liberty Foods, IA Greg Hinton ROSE ACRE FARMS, IN Jay Houchin FARBEST FARMS, IN Richard King FOSTER FARMS, CA Dr. Kenton Kreager Hy-line international, ia

I n t er n a t i o n a l p o u l t r y e x p o 3 International Production & Processing Expo: New Name for USPOULTRY, AFIA, & AMI Co-located Show 3 International Poultry Expo Updates Website 4 2013 IPPE: Synergy In The Making

Don Mabe American Proteins, GA Elton Maddox Wayne Farms, GA Pete Martin MAR-JAC POULTRY, GA Sherman Miller CAL-MAINE FOODS, MS Wes Morris TYSON FOODS, AR

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N e w s & V i e w s 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 organization which represents its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications, and technical assistance. 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.

Jerry Moye COBB-VANTRESS, AR Shawn Nicholas BAADER-JOHNSON, MO John Prestage PRESTAGE FARMS, NC Clint Rivers PERDUE, MD Walt Shafer PILGRIM’S PRIDE, TX

Send Comments to: Ne w s & Vi e ws , U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, GA 30084-7303 [email protected]

Mark Waller INGRAM FARMS, AL

P R E S I D E N T ’ S

C O L U M N

These last several months, I have had the opportunity to visit with a number of key industry leaders representing “all feathers.” The visits were undertaken to gain understanding of the industry’s view of our Foundation mission but invariably covered what USPOULTRY as a whole is doing to accomplish its mission. The end result has been a number of great conversations, and these leaders have shared many keen insights with me. Two common themes virtually every leader has raised are as follows:

John Starkey President

Communications is the key Our industry, and modern agriculture, must do a better job of communicating and being transparent about our practices if we want to thrive in this nation. Modern agriculture has brought innumerable benefits to today’s society. Let’s share the knowledge of these benefits to all who will listen. Also, USPOULTRY needs to increase its communication efforts toward our stakeholders. Invest in the future Today’s modern executive is often portrayed as having an interest only in next quarter’s numbers. My visits demonstrated what a “red herring” that portrayal is. These leaders clearly understood, for example, how important it was to continue to invest in research to advance our industry ever-more efficiently, sustainably, and safely. There was patient knowledge that today’s investment will improve tomorrow’s results. On the other hand, there was considerably less patience expressed with respect to recruiting students, and letting young people know of all the great opportunities available in our industry. The leaders urged us to do more – faster – better – in reaching tomorrow’s leaders of our industry. Thanks to all of those who have shared their time during these visits. You have provided great direction and feedback and plenty for USPOULTRY and the Foundation to work on!

John Starkey, PE President [email protected]

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USPOULTRY Celebrates 65 Years

of Service to the Poultry & Egg Industry

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is celebrating 65 years of service to the poultry and egg industry. Formed in May of 1947 in Atlanta, the organization was originally known as the Southeastern Poultry & Egg Association and was created to help its members meet the challenges of the ever-changing poultry and egg industry. The organization’s name was changed to the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) in the 1990’s to reflect the Association’s national scope. USPOULTRY represents the complete spectrum of today’s poultry and egg industry, with a mission of progressively serving member companies through research, education, communication, and technical assistance. Association membership includes producers and processors of broilers, turkeys, ducks, eggs, and breeding stock, as well as allied firms. Association leaders recognized early the

importance of continuing education for managers to keep up with the rapid changes and advancements occurring in the industry. This is demonstrated through the Association’s International Poultry Expo, which will also be celebrating its 65th anniversary with the 2013 Expo. It can further be seen in the oldest, still-running seminar hosted by the Association, the Poultry Processor Workshop, which was established in 1958. Another ongoing legacy of USPOULTRY has been its research program with $23 million reinvested back into the industry in the form of competitive research grants. The research is selected by a panel of industry experts and conducted primarily at universities around the nation to provide a comprehensive look at every aspect of poultry and egg production and processing. Additionally, the USPOULTRY Foundation allocates funds to over 17 schools, including six schools with poultry science degrees, to recruit students into poultry-related courses or degree programs.

Technical assistance is provided to the industry via USPOULTRY’s environmental, food safety, and worker safety/risk management programs. A unique service USPOULTRY provides to sister trade associations is IT support, built on the IT expertise USPOULTRY developed to manage the International Poultry Expo and its own activities. Furthermore, the education department has been expanded to include extensive training and education. At present, USPOULTRY’s comprehensive list of annual conferences, workshops, and clinics help keep every segment of poultry and egg management informed and up-to-date. From its inception, the ultimate goal of USPOULTRY has been to serve the poultry and egg industry and its members. USPOULTRY continues to be as dynamic as the industry it serves, always ready for the new challenges that will come in the future.

USPOULTRY

Serving Members Through Education, Research, Communication, and Technical Assistance U.S. Poultry & Egg Association continues to serve all segments of the poultry and egg industry. Since its creation, the Association has exhibited a unique spirit of collaboration and teamwork, driven by a grassroots foundation. Our focus is on serving member companies through education, communication, research funding, and technical assistance. We also sponsor the premier global poultry industry event of the year, the International Poultry Expo. Each year, the Expo brings together thousands of industry leaders and their suppliers in one location. Communicating with members of the media

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and other stakeholders is an element of fulfilling our commitment to serving our members. Being responsive to media inquiries and preparing press releases and articles are an everyday occurrence. USPOULTRY has also extended its messages and engagement in dialogue through participation in social media outlets such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, in addition to posting information on YouTube. Our membership continues to grow, and we encourage all of our members to become actively involved in our Association. Members can get involved in a

variety of ways, including participating in our educational seminars and joining our advisory committees. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATING ON OUR COMMITTEES, CONTACT US: P: 770.493.9401 E: [email protected] W: www.uspoultry.org/membership

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E X P O

International Production & Processing Expo

NEW NAME FOR uspoultry, afia, & ami co-located tradeshow

AMI’s existing priority system will be equitably worked into the tenure seniority system for exhibitors at IPPE. This will facilitate placement of exhibitors on the show floor, as well as assist in prioritizing hotel seniority, a key benefit of the seniority system to secure hotels most convenient to the Georgia World Congress Center. International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is serving as the umbrella name for the co-location of USPOULTRY’s International Poultry Expo (IPE), AFIA’s International Feed Expo (IFE), and AMI’s International Meat Expo (IME). The International Production & Processing Expo will be one of the 50 largest tradeshows in the United States. The entire tradeshow is expected to include more than 1,000 exhibitors and more than 20 acres of exhibit space.

The show hours for the 2013 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, GA, are as follows.

All three associations will continue to operate independently, serving their respective constituents and will offer targeted education and networking opportunities that meet the customer needs and complement the Expo.

There will be a reception on the show floor from 4 - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29. The addition of AMI will complement and further enhance the strong education programs planned for the week of IPPE. An announcement of the

anticipated educational programs will be released in June.

IPPE SHOW HOURS: Tuesday, January 29, 2013: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2013: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, January 31, 2013: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

International Poultry Expo Updates Website The International Poultry Expo has a new website, which went live at the beginning of May. The redesigned website focuses on relevant attendee and exhibitor information and features a video on the new International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), the co-location of IPE, IFE, and AMI’s IME in 2013. New information on events and education programs, which will be held throughout the week of the Expo, will be added to the website as they become available. Be sure to check back often for updates.

is scheduled Tuesday through Thursday, January 29 - 31, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The IPPE will highlight the latest technology, equipment, and services used in the production and processing of poultry, feed, and meat products.

The International Poultry Expo, as part of the International Production & Processing Expo,

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2013 IPPE: Synergy in the making Synergy is defined as the interaction of elements that, when combined, produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc. The new International Production & Processing Expo is proving to be an excellent example of synergy with the combination of USPOULTRY’s International Poultry Expo, AFIA’s International Feed Expo, and AMI’s International Meat Expo. With the addition of AMI’s IME, we anticipate selling out all of the available space in Georgia World Congress Center’s Hall-A and Hall-B. That will represent about 400,000 net square feet of exhibit space, putting the IPPE in the elite Top 50 of U.S. trade shows. We are well on our way to meeting this aggressive goal, having sold close to 90% of the space by mid-May. The 2013 IPPE is expected to draw 25,000 attendees from over 100 countries and represents all aspects of poultry, feed and meat production and processing, from farm to table. 2013 will be a special year for the International Poultry Expo as it marks our

65th anniversary. Every show has been held in Atlanta, and we have grown to be the largest annual show in the Georgia World Congress Center. We will celebrate the anniversary with a number of special programs and displays at the show. An addition to the activities will be a reception on the show floor from 4 - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, the opening day of the show. On Wednesday, we will feature our Networking Reception at the Georgia Aquarium by popular demand, hosted again by International Paper. The 2012 IPE/IFE had a number of wellattended and well-received educational programs; and with the addition of the IME, our 2013 program line-up will be expanded. The annual Pet Food Conference and Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit have shown steady growth since their inception. With regards to topics for programs, we encourage you to provide feedback as to what the “hot” issues and needs are affecting your bottom line. We will start the educational program planning process in early summer and welcome input from you. Pass your suggestions on to Paul Pressley

([email protected]) who coordinates our educational programs and seminars. Registration for the 2013 IPE and also hotel registration will open on August 1. We will continue with the M2A (Member to Atlanta) program, whereby member companies of USPOULTRY who are actively involved in the production and processing of poultry meat and/or eggs will be able to register for the trade show at no cost. With the anticipated growth in attendees for 2013, we are urging everyone to reserve their hotel rooms early in order to get the hotel of choice - they will go fast. We have added several hotels in mid-town Atlanta and also a limited block at the Hyatt. Please be sure to reserve your room through our official housing agency, Wyndham Jade. They offer the lowest rates available for show week. Also, we have encountered problems with fly-by-night hotel booking agencies offering cheaper rates; but in fact, they are scammers. Both show registration and hotel registration can be found on the show web site: www. ipe13.org.

2013 Exhibitor Committee

Front row (left-right): Pat Meggs, Cumberland Poultry Systems; Brian Sandberg, Provisur Technologies; Kurt Hutt, Lubing Systems; Tim Davis, Pfizer Animal Health Global Poultry; Mark Waller, Ingram Farms; Karin Hamrick, Bettcher Industries, Inc.; Sheryl Cook, Centurion Poultry, Inc.; Amanda Stumbo, Alltech, Inc.; Shannon Heath, Meyn Poultry Processing; Ann Pennino, Praxair, Inc.; Candye Dailey, Anitox Corporation; Jeff Ray, Marel, Inc.; and Shawn Nicholas, Committee Chairman, Baader-Johnson. Back row (left-right): Phil Wellhausen, California Pellet Mill; Russ Stroner, Provisur Technologies; Patrick McGady, Handtmann, Inc.; Patrick Ceska, Morton, Vardeman & Carlson; Joe Ong, Screw Conveyer Corporation; Sharon Bouchard, Jamesway Incubator Company, Inc.; John Geuss, Adisseo; Michael Ruscitti, Ashworth Bros., Inc.; Kristin Kirst, Amandus Kahl USA Corporation; Missy Abbott, Danisco Animal Nutrition; Roger Rasor, International Paper; Henry Kuhl, Kuhl Corporation; and Roger Vessell, Cobb-Vantress, Inc.

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American Proteins and Sanderson Farms Win Clean Water Awards American Proteins, Cuthbert, GA, and Sanderson Farms, Flowood, MS, were selected as winners of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2012 Clean Water Awards. Presented annually, the awards recognize excellence in the operation of wastewater treatment plants in the poultry industry. The presentations were made during USPOULTRY’s Environmental Management Seminar in Nashville, TN, with the winners being selected by a committee made up of industry engineers and managers, university personnel, and state regulatory officials. Awards are presented in two categories, full treatment and pretreatment. The full treatment category covers facilities that fully reclaim wastewater prior to discharge into a receiving stream or final land application system. The pretreatment category includes facilities that discharge pretreated effluent to publicly owned, full treatment facilities. American Proteins was selected as the winner in the full treatment category after being runner-up last year. The American Proteins’ plant in Cuthbert recycles inedible poultry parts into valuable protein ingredients used in products such as pet food and livestock feed. Through an aggressive water conservation program, roughly 8,500 gallons per minute of water is recycled to carry-out processes occurring within the rendering plant. One highlight of their operation is a new stateof-the-art analytical laboratory, which has decreased the analysis time on wastewater samples. The facility averages 1.5 million cubic feet of biogas burned per week, which lowers its demand for natural gas and/or diesel fuel. Sanderson Farms was selected as the winner in the pretreatment category for their further processing facility operation. The Flowood facility was recognized for its pretreatment of wastewater, which consists of flow equalization, primary clarification, biological treatment, and secondary wastewater

clarification. Several innovative processes were recognized, including the application of cationic and anionic polymers to neutralize the charge on particulate matter and efficient utilization of the primary dissolved air flotation unit. Sanderson Farms of McComb, MS; Marshall Durbin of Jasper, AL; and West Liberty Foods of Mt. Pleasant, IA, received honorable mention. Sanderson Farms received a plaque in the full treatment category. Marshall Durbin and West Liberty Foods each received a plaque in the pretreatment category. “The poultry industry is recognized as a frontrunner in safeguarding our natural resources,” said USPOULTRY chairman Mark Waller, Ingram Farms, Cullman, AL. “U.S. Poultry & Egg Association continuously emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship by identifying excellence in environmental programs at our member companies. USPOULTRY also offers technical assistance and training in environmental management. Congratulations to these five companies for their excellent work.

The winner in the full treatment category was American Proteins, Cuthbert, GA, with Christopher Jones, Environmental Manager, accepting the award from Dr. Brian Kiepper (left), University of Georgia, and the late Jim Walsh (right), Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute, both members of the selection committee.

USPOULTRY’s 2012 Clean Water Award winner in the pre-treatment category was Sanderson Farms, Flowood, MS, and Sanderson Farms in McComb, MS, received Honorable Mention in the full treatment category with Keith Miller, Environmental Coordinator, Brenda Flick, Environmental Manager – Permits, and Dwayne Holifield, Environmental Manager of Operations, receiving the award.

Marshall Durbin in Jasper, AL, received Honorable Mention in the pretreatment treatment category at USPOULTRY’s 2012 Clean Water Award’s presentation in Nashville, TN. Accepting the plaque is Amanda Durham, Wastewater Supervisor, and James Faison, VP Science & Quality Assurance.

West Liberty Foods of Mount Pleasant, IA, received Honorable Mention in the pretreatment treatment category.

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Who Will Do The Research?

How Will It Be Funded?

The global poultry industry has advanced from a very simple and fragmented industry in the 1950’s to a highly sophisticated, technologically advanced, highly efficient production system in the 21st century. In the course of its advancement, the poultry industry has created countless jobs, enhanced local and national economies, and provided a high quality, safe meat protein source at a nominal cost for a rapidly expanding global human population. Many factors have contributed to the success of the poultry industry. Among the most important of these factors has been the ability of the poultry industry to apply and adapt the findings of research conducted at universities and federal research institutes. Researchers have provided repeated breakthroughs and advances in design and application of poultry house equipment, poultry husbandry, processing equipment and management, vaccine development and disease control, food safety, environmental management, hatchery equipment and management, and nutrition and feed manufacturing. Historically, the funding for research related to poultry science came from many sources, but those sources have been gradually diminishing over the past 25 years. In the United States, the most significant funding was available from the USDA to perform a variety of types of research to benefit the poultry industry. University researchers could acquire these funds through a competitive grant proposal process. Today, those funds have dwindled dramatically and are available for only narrowly focused areas. The USDA

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has a series of research centers, administered as the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), that have provided the research for very important advances in the poultry industry. The ARS budget is also in decline, forcing the closure of some facilities, reductions in staffing in others, and a reduction in the funding for research. A recent example is the Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory in East Lansing, MI, which has been scheduled for closure. This laboratory has performed a significant portion of the research which has provided the knowledge that has allowed the poultry industry to so effectively control two major poultry diseases, Marek’s disease and avian leucosis. When the laboratory closes, the poultry industry will experience a permanent decline in the national expertise in these areas. Similar facilities in the United Kingdom and Europe have already been closed, also because of budgetary constraints. The diminished availability of research funds has had very visible effects on the university poultry research community. University researchers cannot thrive in the academic environment unless they can successfully attract external funding for research. Likewise, departments of poultry science and other centers which perform poultry research cannot effectively justify their existence within a university unless they can partially fund their programs with external research dollars. As available competitive research funds have dwindled, the viability of poultry research as an academic vocation for young researchers has weakened and the attractiveness of a department of poultry science as a research unit for a university to support has faded. We have seen poultry science departments either closed or merged with animal science departments all over the United States in recent years. The surviving six departments of poultry science are typically struggling to maintain productivity because of dramatic reductions in their operating budgets. In many cases, when a faculty member retires, the vacant

position is not filled with a poultry researcher. This is causing a gradual contraction of the remaining poultry research centers. Today, poultry researchers have to resort to every option possible for research funds. Very important research is still being performed at our universities, but it is primarily being funded by private companies and private research foundations. Although these sources of funds are limited, they have become the most important sources of funds for applied research directed toward solving important poultry industry problems.

One of the foundations that our modern industry is built upon is generations of research. The funding and physical and human infrastructure needed to perform that research is now only a fraction of its former size. Who will perform the research in the future? How will it be funded? These are important questions for all of us.

John R. Glisson, DVM, MAM, PhD Director of Research Programs [email protected]

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C Y I A ET X I OP N I N T E R N A T I O N A L >P A O SU SL O T R O

Spotlight: FARBEST FOODS Farbest Foods has been family owned since 1982. Since that time, the company has been growing steadily. Today, the company is one of the nation’s largest turkey companies, processing some 40,000 tom turkeys per day. Farbest Foods has a long-running commitment to product quality, reliability, and customer service. While the company is proud of its modern, clean operations, they are most proud of the reputation Farbest Foods has earned and sustained over the years. Farbest Foods recently launched construction on an additional turkey processing facility in Vincennes, IN, in response to a growing demand for its products. The company is excited about the expansion because it will

enable Farbest to continue serving customers to the best of the company’s ability. At the same time, the expansion will provide hundreds of new jobs and increase Farbest Food’s investment in locally grown grains used to produce high quality turkey feed. The project completion date for the new plant is 2014. As global demand for affordable, lean protein sources continues to rise, Farbest Foods assesses every day what its customers are going to need in the near future – and beyond.

Farbest Foods at a Glance •

Founded in 1982

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Privately held

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Corporate office in Huntingburg, IN

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Processes over 40,000 tom turkeys per day

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Grows more than 10 million turkeys per year through some 160 contract growers in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, and company-owned brooder hubs

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Produces approximately 1,800 tons of high-grade, pelleted turkey feed each day

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USPOULTRY PROVIDES IT SUPPORT FOR AFFILIATED STATE & NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

IT service, USPOULTRY assists its affiliated state organizations at no cost, hence freeing funds to be used for other efforts in the organizations. Recently, USPOULTRY completed major projects for several national organizations; which had existing contracts with IT vendors costing thousands of dollars per month! USPOULTRY has assembled this team of IT experts to support the International Poultry Expo, as well as its own organizational needs. Extending our IT staff to our sister organizations is just one more way that USPOULTRY supports the industry through the IPE.

In early 2003, USPOULTRY took up the challenge of providing IT support to the North Carolina Poultry Federation. That single venture in support of a sister organization has now grown to providing IT support from USPOULTRY’s experienced team IT developers to over 20 state and national poultry organizations. This effort has become one of the most visible ways USPOULTRY builds relationships between the state organizations while sustaining the industry and its members through its Information Technology capacity. Over the years, USPOULTRY’s IT team has established a rapport between the state organizations while providing advice, encouragement, and leverage to their current systems and their members. It is USPOULTRY’s goal to provide its affiliated state organizations with stronger, more sustainable, and stable Information Technology infrastructures. This allows the state organizations to immediately share information across physical geographical boundaries on industry-specific topics and provides organizations an avenue to contribute in a more effective and rapid means.

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USPOULTRY supports its affiliated state organizations from the beginning stages of IT development, with the intent of building and reinforcing their capabilities, leaving the organization with a more robust infrastructure than when they first started. Different types of support are available through USPOULTRY, such as network installation and monitoring, remote tech support, database development, and custom state association management development. AREAS SUPPORTED FOR AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS: • IT management, planning, and budgeting • IT computer support and administration (remotely and/or onsite) • Association data management • Mentoring staff on basic skills on available and new technologies, etc. • Online payment processing • Electronic newsletters • …and many others! Why Provide This Service? As our industry continues to consolidate, the funds available to affiliated state organizations dwindle. By providing full

Why Is This Support Important? USPOULTRY’s IT Support Program is an important way to strengthen the relationships with our organizations and help each other learn from one another as an effective capacity-building strategy. The program provides support and expertise from an association that knows and understands the industry and associations. Further, we bring an unbiased view to assessment of the needs of the sister organization. USPOULTRY’s IT Support Program Benefits: • Provides expert IT consultation • Improves infrastructure support • Assists, explores, and develops key skills and technical knowledge • Provides support and reassurance from an association that knows and understands the needs of the industry and associations!

Jason Rivera Vice President Information Technology [email protected]

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USPOULTRY’S VOICE IN THE INDUSTRY USPOULTRY’s Statement on the Bloomberg School of Public Health “Feather Meal” Study The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association released the following statement on the recent Feather Meal report published by the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University.

USPOULTRY’s Statement on Extension of Comment Period for Proposed Poultry Slaughter Inspection Rule The extension is a procedural move by the USDA, and it is not something the poultry industry requested. USDA has been studying the modernization of its poultry inspection system for two decades. Since 1999, a pilot program running in approximately 20 poultry plants has been examined, discussed, and reviewed in-depth to assure its effectiveness. Note that under the proposed rule, USDA will continue to maintain its oversight role, and

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“The U.S. commercial poultry industry does not use fluoroquinolones and has not since they were banned in 2005 by the FDA for poultry. In fact, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin found in this study – albeit at extremely low levels – have never been used in the U.S. commercial poultry industry. The fact that they are evident in this study calls into question the source of the feather meal that was tested, potential cross-contamination with other products, and ultimately the scientific objectivity of the research since it

implies continued use of fluoroquinolones that were never used by the poultry industry in the first place,” remarked Dr. John Glisson, DVM, Director of Research Programs for U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

USDA inspectors will still be in every poultry processing plant, examining carcasses to ensure the safety of poultry products and providing them with the USDA seal of approval for wholesomeness. Additionally, some USDA inspectors will be relocated on inspection lines to play a greater role in the prevention of foodborne pathogens on poultry. These efforts will help confirm that the vigorous testing and other protocols that companies have in place are working properly to prevent bacterial contamination. Finally, it is the primary focus of the poultry industry and USDA alike to provide consumers with safe, high quality and wholesome poultry. This proposed rule does not change that goal.

RECENT MEMBER NEWS Tyson Foods Ranked as “Best Corporate Citizen” by Corporate Responsibility Magazine Tyson Foods, Inc. was named one of the “100 Best Corporate Citizens” by Corporate Responsibility magazine. Tyson ranked No. 90 of the 100 companies on the 13th annual list. The magazine based its list on publicly available data related to seven categories: climate change, employee relations, environment, financial, corporate governance, human rights, and philanthropy. Perdue, Delmarva Shorebirds Announce ‘Strike out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva’ Campaign

Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, in announcing the launch of the “2012 Perdue Strike Out Hunger Challenge on Delmarva” campaign on behalf of the three Delmarva food banks. GNP Company™ Unveils Third Farm To Fork Report for 2011 GNP Company™, the Midwest’s leading chicken producer, unveiled its third Farm To Fork Report, outlining its newly launched mission of healthy food, families and farms, and key results for 2011. Despite a difficult year for the industry, GNP Company reported $338 million in annual sales, added new jobs, and donations to local food banks exceeding four million meals’ worth of chicken to Minnesota and Wisconsin families.

American Proteins Recycles Nutrients to Keep Poultry Industry Sustainable American Proteins’ Cuthbert, GA, rendering facility turns poultry byproducts into energy, ingredients for pet and animal feeds and even hay, contributing to a sustainable future. American Proteins’ Cuthbert, GA, facility processes the byproducts from 13 million broilers per day. Managers of the rendering processes at American Proteins in Cuthbert, GA, like to say that by the time they process the byproducts like feathers, bones, blood and viscera from over 13 million birds per day received at their plant, they have extracted everything but the chickens’ cluck.

Building on a company commitment to fighting hunger in our communities, Perdue Farms joins the Delmarva Shorebirds, the

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Management Development and Succession Planning During one of the IPE educational programs, we watched the “Chicken of Tomorrow” video, a look at the poultry meat industry just 63 years ago. We took a nostalgic look backward, but today’s issues are about the future. No longer are many poultry and egg companies tightly held family businesses. Today’s companies are larger and more complex. Change is rapid. The business is now a global business. The regulatory environment alone requires staffs of skilled professionals to stay on top of, and in compliance with, ever increasing government intervention. Product mix, input costs, and labor availability are more volatile than ever and require skilled management. As we look to the future, effective management development and succession planning will be more and more important. That’s a great challenge when you consider that so few people in this country still have any connection to agriculture. We’ve seen the USDA statistics that fewer than two percent of Americans farm for a living and only 17 percent of Americans now live in rural areas. Is our traditional talent pipeline drying up? It’s certainly my perception that many bright, young managerial candidates don’t think about moving from the big city to small town America where most of our jobs are. Where do we turn to keep the talent pipeline flowing toward the poultry and egg industry? The good news is that a few old standbys are doing well. The National FFA Organization is experiencing a comeback. In the past year, more than 17,000 new students have joined FFA as membership grew to 540,379 students, setting a new all-time high since the organization was founded in 1928. And 4-H membership has increased 11 percent to 6.3 million youth in the last 15 years. FFA and 4-H prepare their members for leadership roles with programs on public speaking, entrepreneurship, and basic business skills.

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These are the types of young people we need to be attracting to the poultry and egg industry. Finding and hiring future managers is hard enough. Developing their management potential is even harder. I recently read, “The Leadership Pipeline: How to Build the Leadership Powered Company.” The book bemoaned the lack of available leadership talent in organizations – simply stating that the demand greatly exceeds the supply and pointing out the signs of imbalance. Almost daily the Wall Street Journal reports on a corporation bringing in a top executive from outside the company, and executive search is a growth industry in the United States. Since the supply is short, organizations must develop ways to keep their own leadership pipeline full and flowing. Like many things in business, it’s about culture and process. Companies must develop a CULTURE to identify and develop management talent and implement PROCESSES to measure, implement,and monitor the program. The Leadership Pipeline suggests there are four to six levels of advancement throughout the organization as good performers move from managing themselves, to managing others, to managing managers, to managing a business function, to managing the entire enterprise. One big “Aha!” moment in understanding these changing roles is realizing that the skills that make for a star performer at one level may not guarantee success at the next level. Each step up the ladder requires that leaders acquire new management skills and often abandon their old ways with respect to getting work accomplished themselves. For example, take an entry level engineer or an accountant. They contribute by doing their assigned work within given time

frames. As they sharpen their skills and are considered “promotable,” they may become a first line manager – managing others for the first time. Problems may arise when this high performing person wants to keep doing what made them successful and jumps in to “help” their staff do their work while being slow to learn the necessary skills to manage others – planning work, filling jobs, assigning work, motivating, coaching and measuring the work of others. First time managers must learn how to shift from “doing” work to getting work done through others. Without proper guidance and coaching, many first time managers fail. Companies also need to implement a program to frequently evaluate EVERY SALARIED EMPLOYEE to see where they fit in the organization, if they have the potential for further advancement, and what skill sets they need to acquire to be successful at the next level. To help potential leaders acquire those skill sets needed to advance to the next level, or to improve performance at the current level, an Individual Development Plan should be created that identifies each employee’s strengths and development needs and outlines specific activities to develop specific core competencies needed to advance. Then implement the plan! It’s a challenging, almost overwhelming task, but one of extreme importance to the success of the company and the industry. Finally, it’s an Art…not Science. There’s no one right way and no all wrong way to approach management development. It’s just important that you recognize the need for, and begin the process of, developing the managers of the future.

Paul W. Pressley Executive Vice President Industry Programs [email protected]

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! The first thing that strikes me about education is knowledge gain. Education gives us knowledge of the world around us, and that knowledge becomes power. Education not only teaches us how to lead life, it is the basis of culture and cultivation. Education is important for the economic growth of our industry, and it forms a support system for individuals to excel in life. Education is important because it equips us with all that is needed to maintain a sustainable industry, as well as opens doors to brilliant career opportunities. Today, every employer requires prospective employees to be well-educated. People are weighed in the job market on the basis of their educational skills and how well they can apply those skills. Education is essential, especially when our

industry is being tried in a court of public opinion. It has the power to wipe out all the wrong beliefs in people’s minds. Education brings up questions and also helps us devise ways to find satisfactory answers to those questions. Education is about knowing that everything has a science to it, allowing us the knowledge to enlighten the ill-informed. In every individual, education can build confidence to make decisions, to face life, and to accept successes and failures. Industry knowledge can allow each of us to educate others about the positive, science-based facts about the poultry and egg industry. It instills a sense of pride about our industry and self when one has the knowledge to debunk a myth. Continuing education is a necessity for company and personal growth. As part of

our mission statement, USPOULTRY offers an annual calendar of seminars and workshops for each phase of the poultry and egg industry . . . from environmental management and live production to poultry genetics. Our programs are a great value at a minimal cost of $150 to USPOULTRY member company representatives and $300 for non-members. Additional information about each program and registration is available at www.uspoultry.org. Prepare yourself for future success . . . education is the best tool that one can possess!

Barbara Jenkins Vice President, Education Programs [email protected]

USPOULTRY FOUNDATION A Lifeline for Researchers John Glisson, USPOULTRY Foundation’s new research director, looks at a stack of more than 60 proposals that could solve some of the poultry industry’s biggest challenges. Food safety, animal welfare, environmental impact, poultry diseases...university researchers who invest their time, expertise, and efforts into these crucial issues, which impact the future viability of the poultry industry, can’t move forward without funding. The need for poultry research dollars is as big as it has ever been, but federal funding is smaller than ever. “I have seen a never-ending relentless reduction of available funds to do this research,” says Glisson, who recently was a professor emeritus at the University of Georgia and is recognized for his expertise in vaccine development. “There’s much less available now to do meaningful research. The one organization that has maintained its focus and dedication to funding poultry research is the

USPOULTRY Foundation,” comments Glisson. The USPOULTRY Foundation has invested more than $22 million in research funding during the last 20 years. Glisson envisions that as the Foundation’s endowment grows, the Foundation can serve as the lifeline for researchers. “We are excited that John’s background will carry us into the future in shepherding our research program to ensure that our industry remains competitive,” says John Starkey, USPOULTRY president. Research projects – selected by an independent industry advisory committee – are funded by the USPOULTRY Foundation twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Glisson believes companies, individuals, and foundations seeking to legacy in the industry can help the Foundation increase the number of research projects selected annually (currently 15 to 20) and fund them at a higher level.

“We’re not going to let this go away. We’re going to build our funding,” he says. “As research dollars from the federal government have diminished, the importance of money from the Foundation has intensified. USPOULTRY’s role is to be the enabler and to put together the resources the university researchers need to do the work that will provide the solutions for the poultry industry.” “Dr. Glisson brings to the Foundation a careerlong devotion to poultry-related research, knowledge of all aspects about the industry, and a strong reputation among researchers and industry leaders,” says Dr. James Denton, a Foundation officer. “He’s an ideal selection for the role,” he says. For more information about the USPOULTRY Foundation’s research efforts, please contact Dr. John Glisson at 770.635.9060 or at [email protected].

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The Calm Before the Storm? Over three years ago, the animal agriculture industry was nervously eyeing the future, uneasy about the policies of the incoming administration and the administration’s relationships with environmentalists. It didn’t take long for industry’s apprehension to be confirmed. Five days before the incoming administration was inaugurated, a number of environmental groups filed a petition for review of the final rule providing an exemption from emergency reporting under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

and a partial reporting exemption from the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to producers that raise poultry and livestock. Despite the agency’s earlier assertions that the rule was justified because of the burdens it would place on industry, and because the EPA could not see a situation where a response action would be taken as a result of the notification of the release

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of ammonia into the air, the new policy makers within EPA did something very rare. Citing policy choices made during the initial rulemaking process, and because of views articulated by the environmental groups during the mediation process, they filed a petition to remand a regulation finalized during a previous administration.

The second lawsuit, filed by a further collection of environmental groups, prompted EPA to enter into an additional settlement agreement where they agreed to propose a rule to collect information - location, owner, animals raised, size of the farm, and other specific facility data - from every CAFO in the United States.

A similar situation occurred after two additional lawsuits were filed against EPA relating to regulations that would affect confined animal feeding operations. The first was a lawsuit filed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation that alleged

In each instance, EPA has responded to the lawsuits filed against them in similar fashion, and the agency’s policy of settling each time a lawsuit is filed has drawn the attention of Congress. This controversy was discussed specifically during a House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Hearing to “Review the Impact of EPA Regulation on Agriculture.” During the hearing, Minnesota Democratic representative Colin Peterson told the Administrator of the EPA that the agency is too quick to settle. He remarked, “There seems to be a pattern of a lawsuit, followed by an EPA settlement resulting in policy changes to comply with the settlement. This has been going on far too often and many times without adequate public disclosure.”

the Bay states and EPA had failed to achieve any progress in cleaning up the Bay. In a matter of months, the new administration at EPA had signed a binding settlement agreement with environmental groups. This agreement included a commitment to propose new CAFO regulations in the watershed to expand the universe of animal feeding operations that can be regulated and propose more stringent requirements for utilizing nutrients in poultry litter as an organic fertilizer.

Although EPA is under a deadline to propose a new regional CAFO rule by June 30, 2012, and finalize an information collection rule by July of 2012, it appears they will miss those obligations. In fact, EPA recently confirmed the agency was in negotiations with environmental groups to extend the deadlines established in each settlement agreement. While industry hopes creation of these unnecessary regulations will not proceed, it’s fairly safe to assume that if they do, the new deadlines will occur on a day after November 6, 2012. If that is the case, there is a possibility this is only the calm before the storm.

Paul J Bredwell, III, P.E. Vice President Environmental Programs [email protected]

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Environmental Management Seminar

EPA and the Poultry Industry: A Collaborative Appproach

“The EPA has been working on nutrient pollution for a long time, and the poultry industry has been working on nutrient pollution for a long time. What we are seeing is that we are not keeping up with the problem, at least in most areas of the country. A lot of that has to do with population growth and development – things that we cannot control and will not be controlling. As a result, we need to think about how to do better in terms of addressing the nutrients associated with us and with people,” commented Nancy Stoner, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, at the 2012 USPOULTRY Environmental Management Seminar in Nashville, TN.

industry.

In her presentation, EPA and the Poultry Industry Working Together to Protect Water Quality, Stoner encouraged a collaborative approach between federal partners, states, and stakeholders. The goal of this approach would be to accelerate adoption of the most effective conservation practices where they are most needed. She went on to address various ways in which EPA can collaborate with the poultry industry and ended with an open discussion on the possible roles and opportunities the EPA can provide to the

Russ Dickson, Manager of Environmental Compliance and Engineering, Wayne Farms, gave a presentation titled, Georgia Storm Water Permit…Lessons Learned. Dickson described the negotiations between the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and the Georgia poultry industry associated with fecal coliform from storm water outfalls. The two groups reached a consensus in which the Georgia EPD agreed that facility areas not associated with live animal handling were not subject to outfall benchmark requirements. The

Nancy Stoner, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Russ Dickson, Manager of Environmental Compliance and Engineering for Wayne Farms.

poultry industry agreed to meet the outfall benchmark for fecal coliform and captureand-treat storm water from animal handling areas recognized by EPD as eliminating “cause and contributing” potential from animal handling runoff. Dickson concluded with a discussion on the future of industry general storm water permits and how the industry can prepare for the next storm water permit event. Another session featured a presentation by Dr. Charles Starkey, Director of Technical Services for American Proteins, on DAF… What Does Rendering Want? Starkey described the criteria American Proteins asks of its customers in supplying secondary poultry nutrients or poultry skimmings from a treated dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit. Other topics included a Washington Review; Regulatory/Legal Update –A Broad Overview and Mississippi River Basin; Sustainability – Overview and Implementation; Processing Residuals Management; Phosphorus Removal Options; New Technology for Environmental Management; Biological Wastewater Treatment; and Clean Water Award Winner Plant Tours.

Texas A&M Wins USPOULTRY’s 65th National Poultry Judging Contest Five Years in a Row! Texas A&M University recently won the 65th USPOULTRY National Poultry Judging Contest, held at Louisiana State University. This is Texas A&M’s fifth consecutive win, having won first place at the event every year since 2008. Additionally, Jacob Price, sophomore at Texas A&M, was announced high individual winner.

USPOULTRY 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.

Louisiana State University placed second in the team competition. Grace McKenzie, a senior at West Virginia University, finished second in the individual category.

USPOULTRY also sponsors the annual College Student Career Program at the International Poultry Expo, supports FFA and 4-H poultry activities, and funds student recruiting

efforts for poultry science departments and programs through the USPOULTRY Foundation.

The winning Texas A&M team (left to right): Brian Clay, Jacob Price – also high individual winner, Ashley Clay, Matthew March, Michael Clay, and Jason Lee.

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human resources seminar

Industry Proactivity Can Impact Legislation and Reform ties have on the community. “Poultry is more than just agriculture. We are jobs and millions of dollars in wages. So every chance you have, tell your community about what you do and the impact you have,” Kelly concluded.

Jack Kelly, Director of Government Affairs, Perdue Farms, Inc., speaking at USPOULTRY’s 2012 Human Resource Management Seminar in Destin, FL.

“Don’t believe that someone else is going to take care of the problem. Make sure you are involved,” remarked Jack Kelly, director of government affairs for Perdue Farms. He presented to human resource managers at USPOULTRY’s 2012 Human Resource Management Seminar. Kelly’s presentation provided a Washington Update and discussed how the industry can be more proactive. He began with a description of today’s Washington environment and continued with how the industry can be more proactive educating community leaders on the positive impact poultry plants and facili-

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Mark Reed, CEO of Border Management Strategies, gave a presentation on ICE/I-9/Immigration Laws. Reed observed that ICE had initiated thousands of investigations and Notices of Inspection against employers in 2011. He remarked that immigration reform continues to be a driving force of government policy. He elaborated on the use of E-Verify and Self EVerify, noting that Self E-Verify would replace the need for I-9s if employers were allowed to integrate it into the hiring process. Reed also discussed No Match Letters, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and immigration reform. He concluded by remarking, “So no matter the talk, access to unauthorized workers will dwindle while exposure to sanctions will increase.” Chris Lauderdale, an attorney with Jackson Lewis LLP, gave “An Attorney’s Perspective on Emerging Issues in Discrimination Law.” Lauderdale remarked that the next big threat is the EEOC’s new attitude toward enforcement, particularly pursuing developing cases

for systemic discrimination. He remarked that there were three sets of factors creating risk: the EEOC’s new enforcement attitude, new statutes, and a false sense of security in dealing with the EEOC. Lauderdale provided information on how to protect against systemic claims, remarking that periodic self-audits should be conducted of human resources policies and practices. He concluded by commenting that with exposure to systemic discrimination being the “new normal,” employers can no longer “look away” and hope for the best. Other topics included a State of the Industry Update; Workers Compensation: Mitigating Costs; Dealing With OSHA Inspections; Stress… Are You In Control?; Post Offer of Employment Testing; The EEOC’s Perspective on ADA/Occupational Limitations/Aging Workforce Issues; and a series of roundtable workshops covering areas such as Conducting Internal Investigations, NLRB/Union Activities/Election Process, Healthcare Reform, New Recruiting Trends/Hiring Process, Immigration Issues, and more.

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feed mill management seminar

What You Don’t See Can Hurt You “Vehicle-based safety systems should not be considered a replacement for management practices. Instead, they should support your safety processes,” remarked Tommy Pollard, Corporate Food Safety Manager for Perdue Farms. He was speaking to feed mill managers at the 2012 Feed Mill Seminar in Nashville, TN. In his presentation on Fleet Safety Camera Systems, Pollard mentioned that a wellbalanced venue of three management practices (hiring, safety processes, and technologies) is needed to control and maintain driving risks. He reviewed some of the camera systems that are available for vehicles, such as lane departure warning systems, eye alert systems, crash avoidance systems, on-board video event recorders, and electronic vehicle inspection systems. Pollard concluded the presentation by commenting that “what you don’t see can hurt you.” Richard Sellers, Vice President of Feed Regulation and Nutrition for the American Feed Industry Association, gave a presentation on the Food Safety Modernization Act and Antibiotic Resistance

Efforts. Sellers remarked that the Food Safety Modernization Act is the largest change in food regulation in the history of the world. The new laws, which went into effect on January 4, apply to all ingredient processing, all feed manufacturing, pet food, feed and ingredient imports, and transportation. Sellers addressed some of the new facets of the laws for which all companies should be aware. Sellers also discussed FDA’s upcoming issuance of a Veterinary Feed Directive proposed rule that would require growth promotion and feed efficiency drugs to be converted to “prevention” therapeutic drugs by the drug sponsor via data submission. Richard Obermeyer, Director of Feed Operations for Aviagen, presented on An Effective Biosecurity / HACCP Plan for Feed Mills. Obermeyer remarked that biosecurity/ HACCP was developed for a more practical and proactive approach to food safety, with the proactive approach being the key. He commented that biosecurity/HACCP is not a stand-alone program and works in conjunction with other prerequisite programs, such as OSHA, FDA, EPA, and standard operating procedures.

Richard Obermeyer, Director of Feed Operations for Aviagen.

Other sessions included Economics of Feed Milling…What Is the Industry Facing?; Pellet Quality; OSHA’s Top 50…Be Ready; Boiler Efficiency and Safety; Fleet Safety - GPS; Dust Control Technology - New and Retrofit; New Mill Presentation: A Virtual Tour; and The Future of Tractor Engine Design.

Richard Sellers, Vice President of Feed Regulation and Nutrition for the American Feed Industry Association.

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Poultry Processor workshop

FOOD SAFETY A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY ACROSS THE INDUSTRY first recall was voluntary on Cargill’s part and that USDA did not approach Cargill to recall the product.

Mike Robach, VP of Corporate Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs for Cargill, Inc., speaking at the 2012 Poultry Processor Workshop.

“The ground turkey recall was a gamechanging situation for the industry,” said Mike Robach, VP of Corporate Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs for Cargill, Inc. He presented at the 2012 Poultry Processor Workshop held at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA. In his presentation entitled, Salmonella/ Campylobacter Interventions in 2nd Processing…A Case Study, Robach provided an overview of the ground turkey recalls Cargill conducted in August and September 2011, which were associated with an outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg. He discussed the first recall of 36 million pounds of ground turkey taken by Cargill in August, stressing that the

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Robach then discussed the second recall in September, which was initiated by USDA. He reviewed the changes made at the Springdale facility as a result of the recalls, as well as additional improvements and current efforts still being undertaken. Robach concluded by remarking, “As a result of the recalls, there is more and better sharing of best practices within the turkey industry. Food safety needs to be a shared responsibility across the industry. We cannot differentiate ourselves by having food safety used as a competitive advantage. We need to help each other collectively.” Jeff Smith, Director of Corporate Environmental Services for Perdue Farms, gave a presentation on Sustainability Initiatives: Alternative Energy. He observed that being consistently compliant was important to Perdue Farms and discussed the company’s efforts in reducing its environmental footprint, which includes three platforms: (a) reduce, reuse, recycle; (b) research and innovation; and (c) community outreach. Smith reviewed some of Perdue Farm’s renewable energy initiatives and lessons learned, including the

company’s Cofield and Lewiston, NC, biomass boilers; Cromwell, KY, bio-gas collection system; Salisbury, MD, corporate office; and Bridgeville, DE, feed mill solar electricity systems. As part of the presentations on new processing technology, Scott Hazenbroek, President of Foodmate US, gave a presentation on Thigh Deboning. Hazenbroek provided a recap of the old technology versus the new technology in thigh deboning and reviewed the key features and benefits of Foodmate’s system. Dr. Joe Yates, Food Science and Production Specialist for WTI Inc., presented on Shelf Life Extension. Yates discussed a variety of WTI products, including Ional™, which increases the ionic strength of an electrolyte solution (salt water/brine/ marinades), allowing for better disassociation of salt and other ingredients and extending shelf life by as much as 27 days. Other sessions included The Pulse of Further Processing…Where Do We Go From Here?; Trends in Food Safety Litigation; Poultry Inspection Modernization Act – Turkey and Broiler Perspectives; Low Atmosphere Pressure Stunning: An Alternative to Gas Stunning; Export Markets for Non-Traditional Products; New Processing Technology – Data Collection for Processing Plants, X-Ray Technology; and a Processing Plant Open Forum.

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A S S O C I A T I O N

USPOULTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tiffany Mensah Joins Communications Department Dr. John Glisson to Lead USPOULTRY Foundation Research

Anne Sculthorpe Earns CEM Recognition

USPOULTRY Foundation announces the appointment of Dr. John Glisson as Director of Research Programs. He succeeds Dr. Henry Marks, who retired. Dr. Glisson will administer the Association’s comprehensive research program that encompasses all components of poultry and egg production and processing. He will work with the Foundation’s Research Advisory Committee, receiving and evaluating research proposals and making recommendations to the board of directors for funding approval. Over $22 million has been invested in research funding over the last 20 years.

Anne Sculthorpe has earned recognition from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events by being designated Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM). This is the highest honor of professional achievement available from IAEE, that has in its membership approximately 8,000 exhibition management professionals worldwide. Anne qualified as a CEM by submitting to an extensive educational curriculum followed by nine written exams. In order to maintain certification, Anne must continue a program of professional development over successive three-year periods in the future. Thus, this is an honor neither easily earned, nor maintained.

Among Dr. Glisson’s extensive experience, he recently retired as Head of the Department of Population Health at the University of Georgia, was Head of the Department of Avian Medicine, and was Associate Dean of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a past president of the American Association of Avian Pathologists and has received numerous honors for his work. He received his B.S. in Biology from Valdosta State and his D.V.M., Master of Avian Medicine, and Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from the University of Georgia.

Tiffany Mensah recently joined the Communications Department as Communications Specialist. She succeeds Tanisha Scott, who will be leaving our Association at the end of May. USPOULTRY congratulates Tiffany on her move and knows that she will be an asset to the department.

Congratulations to Tanisha ScottHubbard Tanisha Scott-Hubbard recently married and will soon be moving to Florida to be with her new husband. USPOULTRY wishes Tanisha all the best, though she will be greatly missed by all of us. Congratulations, Tanisha, on your new marriage!

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2012 USPOULTRY Seminar Schedule Registration Available on Our Website, www.uspoultry.org Financial management seminar

TYSON CEO, Donnie Smith, to Speak at financial Seminar

Economic conditions, rising fuel costs, tax changes, and changing consumer trends all have a huge impact on the financial management of poultry and egg companies. The 2012 Financial Management Seminar will address these key issues, as well as analyze the industry’s current and future financial challenges. Sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the seminar for financial management professionals is scheduled for June 25 -27, 2012, at the Sonesta Resort (formerly Crowne Plaza) in Hilton Head Island, SC. “The current economic environment has made financial management increasingly complex. Financial managers cannot react to today’s challenges with yesterday’s knowledge. It is important that management remains current on best practices and methods to stay abreast of the ever-changing financial management responsibility,” remarked Program Chairman, Steve Jurek, GNP Company. “We are looking forward to hearing Donnie Smith, CEO and President of Tyson Foods, Inc., provide his perspective on effective financial management in these volatile times for our industry,” commented John Starkey, President of USPOULTRY. Other topics on the program include Effective Time Management / Team Member Engagement; Global Poultry Trends; A Washington Update for the Poultry

Environmental Management Seminar March 7-8 Nashville, TN Doubletree Hotel Feed Mill Seminar March 21-22 Nashville, TN Doubletree Hotel Human Resources Seminar April 16-18 Destin, FL Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort National Breeders Roundtable May 3-4 St. Louis, MO Airport Marriott Hotel Poultry Processor Workshop May 16-17 Atlanta, GA Marriott Marquis

Donnie Smith, CEO and President of Tyson Foods Inc. Industry; An Analyst’s Perspective of the Poultry Industry; Export Markets Update; Enterprise Risk Management; a Regulatory Update, an Economic Forecast, and a series of small group breakout sessions. U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. Credit may vary from state-to-state, but typically up to 23 CPE credits will be awarded to certified accountants who attend the seminar. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Register online for the 2012 Financial Management Seminar at www.uspoultry.org.

Financial Management Seminar June 25-27 Hilton Head, SC Sonesta Resort (formely Crowne Plaza) Information Systems Seminar July 16-17 Nashville, TN Doubletree Hotel Women’s Leadership Conference August 16-17 Destin, FL Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort & Spa Poultry Production & Health Seminar September 25-26 Birmingham, AL The Wynfrey Hotel Poultry Protein & Fat Seminar October 4-5 Nashville, TN Doubletree Hotel Grain Forecast and Economic Outlook Conference November 7 Atlanta, GA Airport Hilton Hotel Hatchery-Breeder Clinic TBD Communications Strategies Workshop TBD Air Cargo Seminars Dates TBD Atlanta, GA Miami, FL Chicago, IL Dallas, TX New York, NY

The program committee included (Seated left to right): Steve Jurek, Program Chairman, GNP Company, St. Cloud, MN; Greg Finch, Claxton Poultry Farms, Claxton, GA; Mark Glover, Pilgrim’s Corp., Greeley, CO; Alan Duncan, Mountaire Farms Corporation, Little Rock, AR; Bob Nicholson, Aviagen, Inc., Huntsville, AL; and Michael Popowycz, Case Foods, Inc., Troutman, NC. (Standing left to right) Susan Rushing, Fieldale Farms Corporation, Baldwin, GA; Ron Faircloth, Peco Foods, Inc., Laurel, MS; Lynn Schable, Sara Lee Foods, Storm Lake, IA; Bob Childress, Frost PLLC, Little Rock, AR; Michele Rogerson, American Proteins, Inc., Cumming, GA; Mike Jones, Simmons Foods, Inc. & Affiliates, Siloam Springs, AR; Mulham Shbeib, Mar-Jac Poultry, Inc., Gainesville, GA; and Seals Burdell, USPOULTRY, Tucker, GA.

Grower Relations Seminar Poultry Wastewater Operators Training Scheduled upon industry request