USPOULTRY plans education-packed year

USPOULTRY is sponsoring more than 14 poultry-related seminars and workshops during 2016. The programs, which cover all phases of the industry, will begin in March with the Feed Mill Management Seminar in Nashville, TN
Barbara Jenkins, USPOULTRY’s VP of education and student programs, said, “USPOULTRY’s cost-effective seminars and workshops provide members and industry representatives with tools, knowledge and technical expertise to help keep their operations running efficiently and effectively. With the help of industry leaders, our association spends numerous hours planning education programs that our members and attendees find valuable every year. We are excited to announce another robust, education-packed year full of learning and networking opportunities for the poultry and egg industries.”
Seminar topics and sessions include human resources, financial management, National Breeders Roundtable, Poultry Processor Workshop and Hatchery Breeder Clinic.
Information and registration are available at www.uspoultry.org.

News from the National 4-H Poultry & Egg Conference

The USPOULTRY Foundation continues to provide support programs for students interested in becoming part of the poultry and egg industry. Providing today’s youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel has been the goal of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s sponsored programs, such as 4-H, FFA, collegiate poultry judging competitions and the College Student Career Program. The 4-H youth recruiting activity is made possible by a gift from Amick Farms.
Beverly Hampton, technical assistant for USPOULTRY, attended the 2015 National 4-H Poultry & Egg Conference held at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville in November. Hampton presented awards in five separate competitive events that included poultry judging, chicken barbecuing, turkey barbecuing, an egg preparation demonstration and an avian bowl (poultry and egg trivia). The conference hosted 120 senior 4-Hers representing 19 states who competed in educational events that helped them learn to formulate and defend decisions, speak publicly and expand their poultry-related skills. For the poultry judging contest, Caroline Dunn, Justin Harper, Karen Ouano and Nicole Taylor from Georgia, were named top team overall winners. Dakota Horlocker, from Florida, was named the top overall individual poultry judging contest champion.
"We are all aware that agriculture faces some daunting realities. There will be 9 billion people to feed by the year 2050 and with less land, resources and people with an understanding of what it takes to cultivate food. I’m positive that with bright young people, such as the ones who attend the National 4-H Poultry & Egg Conference, we can be confident in our future," said Hampton.
A Poultry Careers Workshop was also held at the conference, which gave the 4-H students the opportunity to interact with poultry and food industry personnel and receive relevant information about career and educational opportunities in the industry.

USPOULTRY releases fourth video in series

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is releasing a fourth video in a series highlighting environmental stewardship on poultry and egg farms. The video features one of USPOULTRY’s Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners, Meiring Poultry Farm of Ft. Recovery, OH.
Bill and Janet Knapke own and operate Meiring Poultry Farm, which consists of 250 acres and has four pullet houses for layers, with a total capacity of 330,000 birds. The company also produces row crops and operates pullet houses for Cooper Farms. The Excellence Award is chosen for exemplary environmental stewardship by family farms engaged in poultry and egg production.
The Meiring farm utilizes a composter for chicken mortality and a nutrient management plan with 100 percent of its litter sold to a third party. To protect the land and preserve wildlife, Meiring has taken several proactive measures including the installation of field borders, filter strips, wetlands, windbreaks and other general tree planting. The farm participates in the Conservation Reserve Program and the Wetland Reserve Program to further protect, restore and enhance wetlands, reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and increase wildlife habitat.
“We are a third-generation farm and are proud of the work we do. It is how we earn our living, and we make every attempt to incorporate the best environmental management practices possible in our operations,” said Bill.
“USPOULTRY and our members know the significance of exemplary environmental stewardship. We are pleased to be able to provide this video series highlighting the environmental efforts of our family farmers,” said Sherman Miller, Cal-Maine Foods and USPOULTRY chairman.
The video can be viewed on USPOULTRY’s YouTube Channel by clicking here.

USPOULTRY and Foundation approve grant for $87,124 research proposal

USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have approved $87,124 for a new research grant at Auburn University through the Board Research Initiative program. The research funding was approved by the boards of directors of both organizations, based on recommendations from the Foundation Research Advisory Committee. The committee evaluates research proposals to determine their value to the industry and then makes recommendations to the boards for funding. Committee members are professional specialists from different segments of the poultry and egg industry who represent a variety of disciplines.
The research grant will address the following area of interest:

• Low Voltage Stunning of Poultry: Objective Verification of Insensibility and Refinement of Low Voltage Electrical Stunning”
  (Research grant made possible by a gift from Wayne Farms)

The USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative was created by the boards of USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation to address current issues facing the poultry industry. The USPOULTRY Initiative operates alongside the current USPOULTRY research program and augments the great success of the existing program by focusing additional resources toward defined areas of research.
USPOULTRY and its Foundation operate a comprehensive research program incorporating all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. Since the inception of the research program, USPOULTRY has reinvested more than $27 million dollars into the industry in the form of research grants, with the International Poultry Expo as the primary source for the funding. More than 50 universities and federal and state facilities have received grants over the years.

USPOULTRY offers videos on environmental regulations

USPOULTRY has made available four presentations from the Environmental Bootcamp education program held during the 2015 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, GA. The video presentations provide an overview of the environmental regulations that commonly affect the poultry and egg industries and discuss the importance of environmental audits and inspections.
The first video presentation is from John Pierson, P.E., research engineer, Georgia Tech Research Institute, discussing “Stormwater NPDES Permitting and SPCC Compliance.” The second video presentation is from James Faison, regulatory compliance manager, Mar-Jac Poultry, examining “National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Feed Mills.” The third presentation offers an overview of Tier I, Tier II and TRI reporting requirements by Sam Hardin, P.E., consulting engineer, Clear Water Consultants. The fourth video presentation is from Warren Howe, P.E., vice president, Woodruff & Howe Environmental Engineering, reviewing “Environmental Audits and Inspections.”
“These presentations are one example of how funds generated by the International Poultry Expo, part of the IPPE, are directed back into the industry. We value the support of our members and exhibitors that has allowed USPOULTRY to create and distribute this information,” said Sherman Miller, Cal-Maine Foods, Jackson, MS, and USPOULTRY chairman.
The presentations can be viewed on the USPOULTRY YouTube page by clicking here or on the USPOULTRY Environmental “Regulatory Programs Support & Assistance” webpage by clicking here.

Researchers use Vitamin D to fight coccidiosis in turkeys

USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have announced the completion of a funded research project at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, in which researchers looked at the role of vitamin D in fighting coccidiosis in turkeys. The research project has been designated as the Virgil H. Cooper Turkey Fund 2014 award and is part of the association’s comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. A brief summary of the completed project is shown below. A complete report, along with information on other association research, may be obtained by going to www.uspoultry.org.
The project summary is as follows:
Project #689: 25-OH Cholecalciferol (HyD) Supplementation to Improve Anti-Coccidial Defense in Turkeys 
(Dr. Ramesh Selvaraj, Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center)
Dr. Selvaraj and colleagues found that supplementation of turkey feed with increased levels of a form of vitamin D, 25-OH cholecalciferol, improved body weight gain and decreased the fecal shedding of coccidial oocysts following coccidia challenge. This novel approach to controlling coccidiosis may prove useful for production programs which rely less on the use of anticoccidial compounds.
For a detailed summary, click here.

Euthanasia of recently hatched chicks, poults research pre-proposals requested

The USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative is requesting pre-proposals on the euthanasia of recently hatched chicks and poultry. In various segments of the poultry industry, there are instances when recently hatched chicks and poults may not be used for commercial purposes. Chicks and poults that will not be used must be humanely euthanized on a timely basis. Various euthanasia methods have been developed for hatchery use with maceration, gas euthanasia or a combination of the two systems being the most common.
Despite the current national and international approval of these two primary methods for chick euthanasia, the perspective and humaneness of these methods has been questioned by some retailers, animal activist groups, society and governments. Research is needed to objectively evaluate these methods to determine the specific equipment requirements and parameters needed to achieve the required euthanasia outcomes and to develop new and novel alternative methods for humane euthanasia of recently hatched poultry.

The areas of focus for the research will include objective measures to evaluate whether euthanasia methods provide humane euthanasia in recently hatched chicks and poults; evaluate maceration, CO2 gas, and a combination of gas plus maceration as methods of humane euthanasia; and develop alternative methods of humane euthanasia of recently hatched chicks and poults.

The deadline for pre-proposal submission is Nov. 6. For more information go to www.uspoultry.org, and click on “Research” for complete instructions and deadlines.

The USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative was created by the Boards of USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation to address current issues facing the poultry industry. The USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative operates alongside the current USPOULTRY research program and augments the success of the existing program by focusing additional resources toward defined areas of research.

Coalition challenges EPA's Clean Water Rule

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recently joined a broad coalition, made up of agricultural and industry groups, in a lawsuit that seeks to vacate the controversial “Clean Water Rule” issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Corps of Engineers earlier this year.
On June 28, EPA and the Corp issued the final rule despite the submission of detailed comments by USPOULTRY and others pointing out shortcomings that kept the rule from achieving the agencies’ stated goal of providing more clarity for landholders. Ambiguous determinations on the existence of a bed, bank and ordinary high water mark and numerous other issues threaten a poultry and egg farmer’s ability to perform everyday farming activities without fear of violating the Clean Water Act.

Issuance of the rule was justified by the EPA and the Corp in order to provide certainty, clarity and predictability to the regulated public. USPOULTRY noted in its comments to the EPA that if this justification was genuine, the agency had no choice but to withdraw the rule and start over with real and meaningful input from the agricultural community.

“EPA and the Corp promised a rule that would give poultry and egg farmers a clear understanding of waterways that fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. The final rule failed to provide that guidance, and it is imperative that we challenge this rule in support of our members,” remarked USPOULTRY president John Starkey.

In addition to USPOULTRY, coalition members include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Petroleum Institute, American Road and Transportation Builders, Leading Builders of America, National Alliance of Forest Owners, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Manufacturers, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Mining Association, National Pork Producers Council and the Public Lands Council.

The petition for review of the final rule can be viewed by clicking here.  

USPOULTRY presents PSA Distinguished Career Award

Dr. Igal Pevzner, broiler geneticist with Cobb-Vantress, has been recognized with the 2015 Poultry Science Association Distinguished Poultry Industry Career Award, sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). The award was presented during the annual Poultry Science Association meeting in Louisville, Ky, by Larry Brown, retired USPOULTRY vice president of education.
The Distinguished Career Award recognizes distinctive, outstanding contributions by an industry leader. In addition to sponsoring the award, USPOULTRY also makes an annual contribution to the Poultry Science Association Foundation on behalf of the award recipient.
“U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is proud to honor industry leaders exemplified by Dr. Pevzner,” said John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY. “He is widely recognized for his many years of work and contributions in poultry genetics. It is this kind of service that has helped make the poultry industry the most efficient and productive segment of modern animal agriculture.”
Pevzner received a BS and MS degree in Agriculture from Hebrew University and a PhD in Animal Breeding from Iowa State University under the direction of A.W. Nordskog. Pevzner credits his scientific accomplishments in the area of poultry genetics to Nordskog’s great scientific leadership and brilliant mind. Pevzner’s research at Iowa State University centered on breeding of layer chickens, and his major accomplishment was the identification of IR-GAT, an immune response gene with a powerful effect on general livability. Pevzner joined Cobb-Vantress in 1990, where he is still serving as broiler geneticist. He has been responsible for breeding commercial and experimental meat lines designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the poultry industry.

USPOULTRY and Foundation approve three new research grants

USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have approved a total of $248,499 for three new research grants at three institutions through the Board Research Initiative program. The research funding was approved by the boards of directors of both organizations, based on recommendations from the Foundation Research Advisory Committee. The committee evaluates research proposals to determine their value to the industry and then makes recommendations to the boards for funding. Committee members are professional specialists from different segments of the poultry and egg industry who represent a variety of disciplines.
The research grants for each institution include:


• Development and Production of Salmonella Multi-serotypic and Multi-subunit Vaccines for HenUSDA ARS (research grant made possible by a gift from Cal-Maine Foods)
• Development of Improved Integrated Pest Management Programs to Control Vectors of Salmonella on Hen Farms
  University of Georgia (research grant made possible by a gift from CCF Brands)
• Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated with Salmonella Contamination in Post-chilled Carcasses and Secondary Processing Products in a Poultry PlanClemson University (research grant made possible by a gift from Perdue Farms)
The USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative was created by the Boards of USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation to address current issues facing the poultry industry. The USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative operates alongside the current USPOULTRY research program and augments the great success of the existing program by focusing additional resources toward defined areas of research.

GNP's Jurek discusses effective financial management

“In our business, we have a balance of business segments that sell the whole bird in the most profitable form. With that said, there are two sides to every coin - the sales revenue side and the cost side. Leadership means effectively balancing both,” said Steve Jurek, president of GNP Company, at USPOULTRY’s 2015 Financial Management Seminar in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This year’s seminar brought together financial managers to discuss key economic trends, global markets, tax updates and other financial drivers that affect a company’s bottom line.
In his “Top Management Perspective of Poultry Financial Management” presentation, Jurek discussed strategies that his company utilizes to stay competitive, including tracking key performance indicators, benchmarking and evaluating new business opportunities. He noted that leadership, especially in the poultry financial sector, is crucial. He shared that GNP follows a servant leadership model which encourages discussion, engages team members and builds trusts.
Heather Jones, managing director with BB&T Capital Markets, provided “An Analyst’s Perspective” on the rapidly shifting consumer demand pattern, especially among the Millennial Generation, and how it affects the poultry and egg industry. Jones noted that consumers are more discriminating and demanding than ever before when it comes to better quality foods, and Millennials are becoming the most important consumer demographic for food companies.
“Social media’s vast influence, as well as the Millennial population’s greater distrust for big brands, greater demand for fresh meals and interest in production processes, spell substantial implications for spending patterns. Companies must adapt effectively and eliminate consumer misconceptions by seizing control of messaging, among other strategies,” remarked Jones.
Dr. Terry Barr, an economist for CoBank, provided a ‘pretty optimistic’ economic forecast, citing strong consumer confidence, rising interests and declining unemployment. Barr predicted the U.S. dollar will continue to get stronger, and that, surprisingly, as far as the global economy, more economic growth is coming from the emerging markets. Although, he did note that “overall growth is still very subdued.”

USPOULTRY releases videos on food safety advancements

As part of its Poultry Insight series, USPOULTRY has created several videos that address food safety advancements in the poultry industry. The videos are a discussion with Rafael Rivera, manager of food safety and production programs for USPOULTRY. The series addresses how the modern food safety system developed, how food safety is implemented in the poultry industry, current food safety practices implemented at the farm and at the processing plant, and defines HACCP and how it works.
"USPOULTRY and our members recognize consumers have questions about the poultry industry’s food safety practices. This series of videos is designed to provide a general overview about food safety in the poultry industry, and we welcome any feedback from consumers who have additional questions," remarked USPOULTRY president John Starkey. 
“It is through funds generated by the International Poultry Expo (IPE) that USPOULTRY is able to create educational resources of this type. This video series is only an example of the IPE funds that have been directed back into the industry over the years. We value the support of our members and exhibitors that has allowed USPOULTRY to create and distribute this information,” said Sherman Miller, Cal-Maine Foods, Jackson, Miss., and USPOULTRY chairman.
One video addressing all of the food safety advancement areas can be viewed on the USPOULTRY YouTube page by clicking here. Videos addressing the individual areas can be viewed by clicking here. The videos can also be viewed on USPOULTRY’s website at www.uspoultry.org.

Poultry operation is integral to a 'Plant Manager's Dashboard'

Operations manager for Wayne Farms LLC, Juan DeVillena provided an overview of the areas he considers to be part of “A Plant Manager’s Dashboard” during his presentation at USPOULTRY’s 2015 Poultry Processor Workshop, held in Atlanta, GA. DeVillena discussed sanitation, human resources and labor considerations, safety, regulatory aspects, production, yield and environmental aspects. “All of these areas are what goes through my mind and must be addressed daily,” remarked DeVillena.
In her presentation on “Sanitation…Lessons Learned,” Melissa Raybon, plant manager, Fieldale Farms Corporation, reviewed how the company controls Listeria monocytogenes in its processing plants. Raybon observed that the cleaning of equipment is essential and reviewed some of Fieldale Farms’ sanitation procedures. She described the zone cleaning system that the company has implemented and stressed the importance of verifying zone cleaning and freezer integrity on a monthly basis.
Tom Sammon, project manager, Georgia Tech Manufacturing Extension Partnership, gave a presentation on “Team Member Safety” that focused on a safety-integrated process improvement approach. He observed that for most businesses, safety and health programs are competing with the operational functions of the organization and resources. Sammon reflected that a solution to this problem would be to integrate safety and health problem solving into the continuous improvement process.
Other topics included: Customer Expectations; Building a Case for Management Buy-In for Emerging Technology; Stormwater / Wastewater Compliance for Plant Managers; Regulatory Update; Parts Intervention Strategies Update; Condensation…The Real Costs; and a series of roundtable discussions on sanitary design, challenges of big bird meat block management and robotics in the plant.

USPOULTRY names new chairman of Foundation Research Advisory Committee

The USPOULTRY Foundation announces the appointment of Dr. Travis Cigainero as chairman of the Foundation Research Advisory Committee. Dr. Cigainero is manager of broiler technical services for CEVA and has served on the Foundation Research Advisory Committee for 13 years. He is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Avian Pathologists and is an Honorary Member of the University of Georgia’s Masters of Avian Medicine Alumni Association.
“USPOULTRY research programs are very important to the continued success of the U.S. poultry industry. I am very pleased to be able to be a part of the program,” remarked Dr. Cigainero.
“Travis is an integral part of our Foundation Research Advisory Committee. His many years of experience in poultry production and long service to USPOULTRY research programs have prepared him well for this important leadership role,” said Dr. John Glisson, vice president of research, USPOULTRY

USPOULTRY is accepting nominations for 2016 competition

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. The award recognizes exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production. Those eligible for the award include any family-owned poultry grower or egg producer supplying product to a USPOULTRY member or an independent producer who is a USPOULTRY member. Nominations are due Sept. 30.
The award is presented to exemplary family farmers in six regions of the country. One award may be presented for each of the regions: Northeast, Southeast, South Central, North Central, Southwest and the remainder of the United States. Nominations must be made by a USPOULTRY member or an affiliated state poultry association by completing the application provided by USPOULTRY. Each integrator or egg processor may nominate one grower or producer for each complex in each state supporting their operations.
All semi-finalists will receive a trip that covers travel expenses and hotel accommodations for two nights to attend a special awards ceremony that will take place during the 2016 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, GA.
The overall winner of each region will be named at the Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit, held in conjunction with IPPE, on Jan. 26, 2016.
Competition details are available on the USPOULTRY website atwww.uspoultry.org/environment. 

Texas A&M wins High Team Overall in Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest

Texas A&M University recently won the High Team Overall category of the 68^th USPOULTRY Foundation Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, held at Louisiana State University. Penn State University placed a close second. Additionally, Joshua Cassar, a senior at Penn State University, was announced high individual overall winner, and Eryn Crow, a sophomore at Texas A&M University, finished second overall.
Nine universities participated in this year's competition, which was focused on production judging, breed selection and market products judging. The awards were presented by Barbara Jenkins, USPOULTRY’s vice president of education and student programs.
The contest is funded through a grant from Mountaire Corp. in honor of Ted Cameron, past chairman of Mountaire. The contest is part of the Foundation's comprehensive student outreach program and was established to enhance young people's interest in the poultry industry and encourage student enrollment in poultry science and related studies.

New video provides an inside look at U.S. poultry processing

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) announces the release of a new video that provides a look at how chickens and turkeys are processed in the United States. The video takes a behind-the-scenes look at today’s high-tech, highly efficient poultry processing plants and highlights the food safety and sanitation practices employed by the modern poultry industry.
Food production and safety is critical to maintaining the reputation of the U.S. poultry industry for consumer confidence and trust. Collectively, proper handling, interventions, sanitation and microbial testing all lead to improved food safety for chicken and turkey products.
Producing poultry for consumption is modern agriculture at its best and addresses the world demand for food that is safe and affordable. The poultry industry is proud to provide one of the safest and healthiest food options available to consumers and invites everyone to take a peek behind America’s dynamic poultry processing industry.
The video is viewable on USPOULTRY’s website www.uspoultry.org. It can also be viewed on YouTube by clicking here and is being distributed to all USPOULTRY members as well.

Research provides improved method for detecting Salmonella in processing

USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation announce the completion of a funded research project at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., in which a researcher developed a rapid detection assay for Salmonella that can be used in poultry processing plants. The project is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. A brief summary of the completed project is shown below. A complete report, along with information on other Association research, may be obtained by going to USPOULTRY’s website, www.uspoultry.org. The project summary is as follows:
Project #F056:  Rapid Detection of Viable Salmonella on Poultry Carcasses without Enrichment Using Multiplex PCR and Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
(Dr. Steven Ricke and collaborator, Si Hong Park, University of Arkansans, Center for Food Safety – Institute of Food Science and Engineering, Fayetteville, Ark.)
Dr. Steven Ricke, University of Arkansas, recently completed research in the development a rapid detection assay for Salmonella that can be used in poultry processing plants. The method will allow the detection of all Salmonella strains as well as identify S. enteritidis, S. Heidelberg, and S. typhimurium. The assay also reduces cost and testing time compared to some currently used methods. The testing method could be adapted to detect Salmonella in various stages of processing, providing important information for improving control measures. For a detailed summary, click here.

USPOULTRY rereleases video series

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is re-releasing its video series highlighting environmental stewardship on poultry and egg farms. The first video in the series features Bar G Ranch Poultry, in Rogers, Texas, and the second video features Cooley Farms, of Roberta, Ga. Both farms are recipients of USPOULTRY’s Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award, which recognizes exemplary environmental stewardship by family farms engaged in poultry and egg production. Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners are rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques and participation in education or outreach programs.
Bar G Ranch Poultry, owned and operated by Darrell and Shannon Glaser, consists of 500 acres in which turkeys are raised on behalf of Cargill Turkey Production, LLC. The farm also raises cattle and produces forage. Recognizing the potential environmental benefits of litter as an organic fertilizer, Darrell and Shannon added four turkey brooder houses from 1994 to 1996 with the expectation that it would help them save a struggling farm that had been in the family for over 100 years. As hoped, the litter produced by the turkey operation, coupled with responsible management of nutrients in the litter, has restored productivity to the pasture and forage land to a level that now supports a beef cattle operation as well. 
Cooley Farms, owned and operated by Larry and Leighton Cooley, has more than 1,050 acres of land on which chickens and cattle are raised and hay is grown. The farm began operating in 1985 on 70 acres of land with two broiler houses. Over the years, the farm operation grew and evolved, specifically in the area of chicken production. Today, Cooley Farms raises approximately 500,000 chickens per flock on behalf of Perdue Farms, which equates to three million chickens per year in their 18 poultry houses. Litter management is an important part of farm management for the Cooley’s. The farm uses detailed record-keeping to implement precise nutrient management plans. The litter is applied to the land and hay fields at rates needed to maintain appropriate nutrient levels in the soil, and the remainder is sold to other farms.
The Bar G Ranch Poultry video can be viewed on USPOULTRY’s YouTube channel by clicking here, and the Cooley Farms video can be viewed by clicking here. 

USPOULTRY hosts Biosecurity Webinar addressing ON-Farm Waterfowl Mitigation Practices

As a further continuation of its Biosecurity Program offerings, USPOULTRY is hosting a webinar addressing “ON-Farm Waterfowl Mitigation Practices” on Wednesday, May 13, from 1 – 2:15 p.m. EDT. The webinar is free of charge to USPOULTRY members.
The webinar will feature Shannon Chandler, wildlife disease biologist, and Clint Turnage, wildlife disease biologist, both from USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services. Both specialize in disease surveillance pertaining to avian influenza, along with other areas such as plaque & tularemia, feral swine diseases, chronic wasting disease, E. coli, rabies, raccoon roundworm and canine parvovirus.
The “ON-Farm Waterfowl Mitigation Practices” webinar will discuss how producers can reduce congregations of wild birds (mainly waterfowl) on farm premises and methods that farmers can implement to help make farms unattractive to the wild birds.
Participants will be able to submit questions throughout the webinar, which will be answered during a question and answer period at the end of the program. All participants will receive a copy of the recorded program and a one-page document containing important points from the webinar.
To register for the “ON-Farm Waterfowl Mitigation Practices” webinar, click here.