Hy-Line inaugurates new farm in Nebraska

After millions of dollars have been invested, Hy-Line International continues to carry out a 4-year expansion project. The initial phases completed within the past two years included a complete remodel and upgrade of the Dr. James Arthur Research and Development Farm, a new pureline pullet growing farm, a new grandparent farm in India and construction of a state-of-the-art hatchery dedicated exclusively to pedigree and grandparent stock.
The Nebraska project is focused on increased grandparent and parent stock production capacity to ensure continuous and reliable supply for Hy-Line's growing customer demand.
In an effort to accommodate the growth and guarantee security of supply, Hy-Line has completed a new cooperator house in Nebraska. "Being able to meet customers' needs and supply them with quality products is our first priority. The ability to source our product from multiple states gives us control over quality assurance," explains Global Director of Production Antonio Paraguassu.
The new cooperator will house Hy-Line Grandparent stock, which will include multiple varieties. The modern design includes a computerized monitoring system, and a strict shower-in policy and isolated location set a high standard for biosecurity.
Hy-Line International is a world leader in poultry layer genetics with a rich history of innovation.  Founded in 1936, by Henry A. Wallace, Hy-Line was the first poultry breeding company to apply the principles of hybridization to commercial layer breeding and continues to lead the industry with the application of molecular biology and genomic selection. Hy-Line genetics are sold in over 120 countries worldwide.

George's wins Cobb500 award for third consecutive year

For the third year running, the Springdale, Ark., complex of George’s Inc. has won the award for the top Cobb500 breeder performance in the United States.
Ranked on adjusted production to 65 weeks, the complex averaged 176.43 total eggs per hen housed from some 1.24 million pullets capitalized at 25 weeks.
“Winning the award for the third consecutive year is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Ken Semon, director of Cobb technical service in North America. “It’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication put forth by the entire breeder team led by live production manager Benny McClure and breeder manager Ricky Pinkerton.”
Pinkerton said their program focuses on fundamental management. “We make it a priority for all our technical service people to be in the field as often as possible to observe flocks eating. Rapid and even feed distribution is an essential component to producing uniform pullet flocks that have the greatest potential for achieving maximum hen house productivity,” he said.
Cobb US performance awards began in 2004 and each year recognize the overall best performance using Cobb500 and Cobb700 breeding stock, with awards also to the top six regional winners. Last year, completed flock data was collected from 2029 Cobb500 flocks, reflecting the performance of more than 36 million pullets.

Moark to add 1 million chickens to Missouri business

Moark has plans to expand its Missouri business with 12 new layer and pullet houses for up to 1 million birds, according to reports.
Area residents, who unsuccessfully protested the last expansion, said they will not fight these latest plans. They previously cited a history of pollution by the company and pointed to concerns about odors and water quality, which they said would affect their ability to use their homes and would undermine their property values.
Moark contacted all residents who live within 4,500 feet (nearly nine-tenths of a mile) of the chicken houses and waste sites it plans to build. All waste generated by the birds will be collected and transported to a manure holding and composting building, where it will be kept dry and outside air will be blown over it to further dry it. The dry manure will be moved to a nearby composting operation or can be hauled off and applied to farm fields, where it is supposed to be spread according to state regulations.