A new Cobb Tennessee production facility, including a hatchery and a quality assurance complex, is scheduled for completion in April 2011.
The facility, a $14 million investment, will have the latest technology and will be supplied by a network of 27 local breeder farms. "Right from the start, communication and coordination with local officials was encouraging," said Dave Juenger, Cobb's corporate services director. "Response times, support and identification of mutual goals to create long-term benefits for both the county and Cobb were evident."
The hatchery and QA complex are being built on a 10-acre industrial park site.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
US Poultry & Egg Association accepting Clean Water Award applications
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is now accepting applications for the 2011 Clean Water Awards.
The awards, which recognize outstanding water treatment plant performance in the poultry industry, will be presented at the Environmental Management Seminar in March 2011. Winners will receive a trophy, be profiled on the Poultry & Egg Association website and receive assistance in publicizing the award on all levels.
More information, including an application form, is available at the Association's site.
The awards, which recognize outstanding water treatment plant performance in the poultry industry, will be presented at the Environmental Management Seminar in March 2011. Winners will receive a trophy, be profiled on the Poultry & Egg Association website and receive assistance in publicizing the award on all levels.
More information, including an application form, is available at the Association's site.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Ammonia leak at Alabama chicken plant sends 130 people to ER
Between 200 and 300 gallons of ammonia were released when a tank leaked at an Alabama chicken refrigeration plant.
At least 130 people had ammonia poisoning symptoms severe enough to be sent to the emergency room as a result of the leak; others affected were provided with first aid at a nearby gas station. Millard Refrigerated Services, the site of the leak, handles up to 2.5 million pounds of chicken each day. Officials do not yet know the cause of the leak, but said the company will likely face fines from both OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency.
At least 130 people had ammonia poisoning symptoms severe enough to be sent to the emergency room as a result of the leak; others affected were provided with first aid at a nearby gas station. Millard Refrigerated Services, the site of the leak, handles up to 2.5 million pounds of chicken each day. Officials do not yet know the cause of the leak, but said the company will likely face fines from both OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Sow Lameness Symposium held in Minneapolis
The Sow Lameness Symposium II, hosted by Zinpro Corporation and Feet First, was held in Minneapolis Aug. 31 through Sept. 2.
The event brought industry experts and academics from around the world to present advancements in sow lameness causes, implications and prevention. "Lameness is a critical animal welfare issue with significant economic implications for sow herds around the world," said Dr. Terry Ward, director of research and nutritional services for Zinpro. "This symposium is designed to bring together international experts and industry representatives to share information and advance our collective understanding of this important topic."
More than 125 swine industry experts attended the event.
The event brought industry experts and academics from around the world to present advancements in sow lameness causes, implications and prevention. "Lameness is a critical animal welfare issue with significant economic implications for sow herds around the world," said Dr. Terry Ward, director of research and nutritional services for Zinpro. "This symposium is designed to bring together international experts and industry representatives to share information and advance our collective understanding of this important topic."
More than 125 swine industry experts attended the event.
Bioreduction may solve pig producers’ fallen stock problems
An alternative strategy for disposing of fallen stock in the UK called bioreduction is being investigated by researchers at Bangor University in North Wales to see if it could help reduce costs, as well as improve biosecurity on pig farms.
Bioreduction is the process of accelerated decomposition of animal carcases in an aerated vessel containing water at 40°C. The waste within is subsequently disposed of via incineration, or rendering, at a convenient time for the farmer.
In a project that is being funded by the British Pig Executive (BPEX), Ceri Gwyther at Bangor University is investigating the potential of this process to reduce the costs of livestock disposal (the volume of waste considerably decreases) and cut the frequency of farm collections needed by licensed contractors.
Bioreduction is the process of accelerated decomposition of animal carcases in an aerated vessel containing water at 40°C. The waste within is subsequently disposed of via incineration, or rendering, at a convenient time for the farmer.
In a project that is being funded by the British Pig Executive (BPEX), Ceri Gwyther at Bangor University is investigating the potential of this process to reduce the costs of livestock disposal (the volume of waste considerably decreases) and cut the frequency of farm collections needed by licensed contractors.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Australian pork producers participate in Town Hall Teleforum
Nearly 1,000 Australian pork producers took part in a countrywide Town Hall Teleforum addressing the industry's use of gestation stalls.
The Teleforum, part of the Shaping Our Future initiative, brought 982 producers in contact with industry leaders to discuss consumer perceptions, pork imports, labeling and labor. "Feedback from producers, both from the Teleforum and the extensive round of industry meetings Australia-wide, suggests that it is one of the most comprehensive consultation processes the industry has encountered," said Australian Pork Limited CEO Andrew Spencers.
The ramifications and costs of a voluntary phase-out of gestation stalls were prime topics for debate, particularly how Australian producers could justify the transition costs while gaining ground on imported pork, which makes up the majority of Australia's pork products. "Producers cannot do this on their own," said Spencers. "It requires support, cooperation and involvement with all parties along the supply chain and government to ensure its success."
The Teleforum, part of the Shaping Our Future initiative, brought 982 producers in contact with industry leaders to discuss consumer perceptions, pork imports, labeling and labor. "Feedback from producers, both from the Teleforum and the extensive round of industry meetings Australia-wide, suggests that it is one of the most comprehensive consultation processes the industry has encountered," said Australian Pork Limited CEO Andrew Spencers.
The ramifications and costs of a voluntary phase-out of gestation stalls were prime topics for debate, particularly how Australian producers could justify the transition costs while gaining ground on imported pork, which makes up the majority of Australia's pork products. "Producers cannot do this on their own," said Spencers. "It requires support, cooperation and involvement with all parties along the supply chain and government to ensure its success."
Animal Welfare Approved to offer free consulting services
In response to the recent U.S. shell egg recall, Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) is offering its consulting services free of charge to any farmer interested in starting up a pasture-based egg operation.
"AWA farmers who are raising laying hens are already experiencing a significant increase in demand for pastured eggs and many are concerned they cannot satisfy it," said AWA Program Director Andrew Gunther. "That's why we are encouraging farmers to contact us for set-up advice." The AWA also has a mentoring program that matches new and experienced farmers.
"AWA farmers who are raising laying hens are already experiencing a significant increase in demand for pastured eggs and many are concerned they cannot satisfy it," said AWA Program Director Andrew Gunther. "That's why we are encouraging farmers to contact us for set-up advice." The AWA also has a mentoring program that matches new and experienced farmers.
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