Ohio Poultry Association calls for American Egg Board nominations

The Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) is now accepting nominations to serve on the 2016-2017 American Egg Board (AEB), U.S. egg farmer’s link to consumers in communicating the value of the incredible egg. Members serve two-year terms on the national board.
“To serve as a member on a national level to help guide the egg community and further our commitment to provide a safe, wholesome egg supply to Ohioans and the world, is a prestigious honor,” said Jim Chakeres, OPA executive vice president. “I encourage Ohio egg farmers to consider nominating themselves or another producer to serve in the vital role in overseeing and carrying out AEB’s mission to increase demand for eggs and egg products on behalf of all U.S. egg farmers.”
To be eligible for nomination, persons must be producers or representatives of producers and they must own 75,000 or more laying hens. Producers who own less than 75,000 hens are eligible provided they have not applied for exemption and are paying assessments to AEB.
The Board is appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and consists of 18 members and 18 alternates from all regions of the country who are egg farmers nominated by certified state and regional organizations representing egg farmers. Members and alternates may not serve more than three consecutive two-year terms in their current position.
All nominations are due by 5 p.m. on July 10 to OPA at info@ohiopoultry.org.
Ohio egg farmers produce more than 8 billion eggs each year with a value of more than $574 million. Ohio is ninth in the nation for turkey production and produces more than 406 million pounds of chicken for sale each year.

The American Egg Board honors Joanne Ivy

During the annual conference of the American Egg Board (AEB), Urner Barry recognized Joanne C. Ivy as its 2015 Egg Person of the Year. Rick Brown noted Ivy’s 40 years of service to the egg industry, especially her role in driving egg consumption as AEB’s President & CEO since 2007.
“Joanne has made a difference during her career, and when I look back at my career, I hope the same is true,” said Brown. “She is an incredible egg advocate and constantly raises the bar for what AEB delivers back to America’s egg farmers.”
Urner Barry also produced a special video about Joanne’s career that included comments from egg producers about her unwavering dedication to the Incredible Edible Egg.

Joanne Ivy to retire as American Egg Board CEO

Joanne Ivy is retiring as president and CEO of the American Egg Board, effective December 31. 
Joanne Ivy, president and CEO of the American Egg Board (AEB), will retire after 40 years in the egg industry. Ivy’s retirement will be effective December 31.
Ivy started her egg industry career in North Carolina as the director of the North Carolina Egg Association, followed by the next 29 years with AEB. She has served AEB as its president and CEO since 2007.
During almost three decades of service to America’s egg farmers, Ivy created the Egg Product Marketing, Retail Merchandising, and State Support Program.  During her tenure as president and CEO, the egg farmers’ image campaign, known as the Good Egg Project, was launched; the Foodservice and Egg Product Marketing programs were enhanced; and AEB’s highly successful marketing campaigns, including its most recent Wake Up to Eggs with (Kevin) Bacon campaign, were executed. She also strengthened the prominence and integrity of the Egg Nutrition Center and its multi-million dollar nutrition research program that culminated in this year’s historic dietary guidelines recommendations.
“Working with the egg industry for the past 40 years has been my life and those in this industry are family,” said Ivy. “I love my job and love this industry, which has made this decision very difficult. However, I feel it is time for me to explore my personal interests and new opportunities, while healthy and able.”
AEB has played a major role in increasing egg demand profitability for the egg industry and has delivered a strong return on investment for America’s egg farmer. Ivy feels there is no better time to leave than when AEB is at its best.
“I have hired an incredible marketing team – an extraordinary staff, working with amazing agencies and consultants,” she adds. “I feel confident leaving while AEB and the egg industry are at such a high point.”
AEB Chairman Paul Sauder responded to Ivy’s announcement by saying: “This reminds me of a quarterback who retires after winning the Super Bowl. We have just won the Super Bowl with all the recent incredible news in our industry. We wish Joanne the best and appreciate her many years of service.”
And AEB’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Kevin Burkum added: “Her staff has truly appreciated her leadership. She has encouraged us to take risks and find new ways to increase egg demand.”
AEB’s Executive Committee will conduct a search for the incoming president and CEO.

American Egg Board, Kevin Bacon team up to promote eggs

Famous actor Kevin Bacon has teamed up with America’s egg farmers for a promotional campaign to bring attention to the many nutritional benefits of eggs. With the promotion, the phrase “bacon and eggs” takes on a whole new meaning.
"With a last name like Bacon, I'm the obvious choice, and I'm excited to be a part of the new Incredible Edible Egg campaign," said Kevin Bacon. "I like the creativity behind the idea, and I've always been a big fan of eggs. They're a nutritional powerhouse and I never get tired of them because there are so many ways you can eat them."


Variety of ads to appear on video, print, social media
The actor will be featured in a variety of online video, print, digital and social media ads. Grey New York is the American Egg Board's creative agency, Starcom handles media planning and buying, and Edelman oversees PR and social media.
"Kevin Bacon brings real star power to the world of eggs and we think consumers are going to love this clever new version of bacon and eggs," said Kevin Burkum, American Egg Board's senior vice president of marketing. "And, there's no better time to talk about eggs with consumption at its highest level in three decades and Easter right around the corner."


Promotion aimed to help egg consumption continue to grow
The USDA reports that per-capita egg consumption grew to 260 in 2014, increasing by more than a dozen eggs per person in the last five years. Many factors are fueling the spike in egg consumption, including growing interest in protein, health professionals viewing eggs more positively, and the affordability of eggs compared to other breakfast foods.
"Clearly, eggs are on a roll. We hope to build on this positive momentum with everyone's favorite bacon, Kevin Bacon," said Burkum.

American Egg Board elects new executive committee

New American Egg Board chairman Paul Sauder, left, accepts the gavel from outgoing chairman Roger Deffner.
The American Egg Board (AEB) elected the 2014 executive committee at its March 13 board meeting. Paul Sauder of R.W. Sauder Inc., based in Lititz, Pa., was chosen as the newly elected chairman of American Egg Board.
"Every decision, every action, we take as a board should be made through the lens of whether the effort will help drive egg consumption during my term as chairman," said Sauder, who has served on the board during varying years since 1990 with more than 20 years of total service. "Immediate Past Chair Roger Deffner and his predecessor, Chris Pierce, left big shoes to fill, and I charge this group of board members and alternates with the task of earning the confidence of every egg farmer in America. We'll be looking at all AEB's expenditures and programs to make sure our return-on-investment continues to increase while driving egg consumption."
Others elected to the American Egg Board executive committee included:

• Blair Van Zetten, vice chairman, Oskaloosa Food Products, Oskaloosa, Iowa
• Scott Ramsdell, secretary, Dakota Layers, Flandreau, S.D.
• Clint Hickman, treasurer, Hickman's Egg Ranch, Buckeye, Ariz.
• Andrew Reichman, Parker & Reichman, Andrews, N.C.
• Tom Hertzfeld II, Hertzfeld Poultry Farms, Grand Rapids, Ohio
This meeting also was the first for Tim E. Floyd, L&R Farms, Hartwell, Ga., as an alternate representing the South Atlantic states and Richard A. Patmos, Sunrise Acres, Hudsonville, Mich., as a member representing the East North Central states.
Larry Thomason of Larry Thomason Egg Farm, Calhoun, Ga., and Greg Herbruck, Herbruck Poultry Ranch, Saranac, Mich., rotated off AEB's board and were thanked for their service to the industry.
Immediate Past Chairman Roger Deffner, National Food Corp., Everett, Wash., expressed his appreciation to the board for the opportunity to serve since 2008 and to AEB's committee chairs  who provide their leadership throughout the year, and to all those who have shared input and feedback on AEB's programs.
"Stay focused, and don't lose sight of the big picture and its supporting details," said Deffner. "The details are where success is often found. If all our efforts answer the questions 'Are we wisely spending our investment? Will this result in more egg sales?' and answers are yes, then we'll exceed our mission to drive sales of eggs and egg products."
The board meeting included updates from each of AEB's Committees including details on the 2013 measureable objectives, 2014 Easter outreach, research, Dunkin' Donuts partnership, Good Egg Project and more. AEB's July board meeting will take place July 9-10 in Rosemont, Ill.

American Egg Board wins International Egg Commission's Golden Egg Award

The American Egg Board (AEB) won the Golden Egg Award at the International Egg Commission's Cape Town Conference in late September.
The Golden Egg Award is given in recognition of the best promotional and marketing campaign and, for 2013, AEB's Taking Back Easter 2013 initiative won the award.
The campaign was developed to counter the drop in egg sales that traditionally occurs around Easter and resulted in a in a 3.8 percent increase in egg category sales, as compared to Easter 2012. This increase equated to 8.1 million more dozens of eggs sold and $40 million more in value sales.

American Egg Board, Denny’s team up to fight childhood hunger

The American Egg Board and Denny's have partnered to help fight childhood hunger in the United States. For every "Build Your Own Omelette" purchased at Denny's through September 15, the American Egg Board will donate one egg on behalf of Denny's guests to one of Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry food distribution partners.
The promotion offers guests the opportunity to help others while helping themselves to a build-your-own omelette, customizable with a choice of more than twenty ingredients. Throughout the duration of the promotion, a Dennys.com ticker will track the increasing number of eggs to be donated, which is anticipated to approach 500,000. 

Armed forces represented on commemorative egg

The 36th Commemorative Egg was presented to First Lady Michelle Obama on behalf of America's egg farmers by American Egg Board Chairman Roger Deffner and American Egg Board President and CEO Joanne C. Ivy. President Obama also attended the presentation as did his daughters Malia and Sasha and Bo, the first dog, the morning of the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Award-winning artist Brian K. Baity of Wet Valley City, Utah, used a brown egg for the starting point of this year's design. For the first time, White House Easter Egg Roll's logo is featured. Baity incorporated his signature lattice pattern, and a quote along the egg's bottom represents the need for continued art education.
"On the reserve side, I photographed my long-time friend and solider Zach Burton with his children," says Baity. "I served in the United States Air Force as did my father. I chose the Bronze Star Medal, which my father was awarded, as the background. I'm honored to commemorate the service of our nation's military and in a small way, honor their sacrifices for our freedom," said Baity.

American Egg Board names new chairman

The American Egg Board has elected Roger Deffner, vice president of the National Food Corporation, Everett, Wash., to serve as its chairman for 2013-2014.
Most recently, Deffner served on the executive committee. He previously served as the chairman of American Egg Board's foodservice and egg product marketing and industry programs committees. Deffner has been on this board since 2008.
The election was held during the American Egg Board's March board meeting. Others elected to the executive committee included: Vice Chairman, Greg Herbruck, Herbruck Poultry Ranch, Saranac, Mich. ; Secretary,  Blair Van Zetten, Oskaloosa Food Products, Oskaloosa, Iowa ; Treasurer, Paul Sauder, R.W. Sauder Inc., Lititz, Penn., and members Andrew Reichman, Parker & Reichman Inc., Andrews, N.C., and  Pat Stonger, Daybreak Foods, Lake Mills, Wis.
Deffner's first official duty was presenting the 36^th Commemorative Egg to First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama, along with American Egg Board President and CEO Joanne C. Ivy at the White House Easter Egg Roll. 
Bringing his enthusiasm to everything egg-related, Deffner believes strongly in the American Egg Board's value to the entire egg industry.
 "The American Egg Board executes a wealth of programs that we as individual egg farmers simply couldn't do so successfully," said Deffner. "Since first being appointed to the Board in 2008, I've seen an emphasis on strategic planning and perhaps even more importantly, strategic results. The entire team at American Egg Board strives to ensure our investment is well spent. I'm honored to serve the egg industry in this role."  

Egg producer Richard Simpson dies

Richard Simpson, of Simpson's Egg Farm, was killed in an automobile accident in his hometown of Monroe, N.C., January 31, 2013. Simpson was 62 years old.
His generosity and kindness was felt by all who knew him. He was president of Simpson's Egg Farm, a fourth-generation family owned business founded by his grandfather in 1925.
Additionally, Richard served in many agriculture-related and civic organizations; he was past president of the American Egg Board, president of the North Carolina Egg Association, and a board member of United Egg Producers.

Eggs to see restaurant menu growth in 2013

The restaurant breakfast category can expect to see positive growth in 2013, with quick service restaurants continuing to lead the way, according to a trends report compiled by the American Egg Board and NPD Group.
Quick service restaurants have increased their share of breakfast overall over the past five years by 8 percent, and quick service restaurant egg breakfast menu items have increased by 20 percent, according to the report. Today almost 85 percent of all breakfasts eaten away from home are consumed at quick service restaurants, and that means that much of the breakfast innovation that is driving consumer eating habits is bubbling up from quick service restaurants. Families are also starting to use these places as family sit-down restaurants, so expect to see more platters, bowls and skillet dishes rising to the top of their menus, said the report.
As the quick service restaurant breakfast boom continues, expect more chains to add fried egg creations to keep customers satisfied with new and innovative breakfast menu items. Fried egg menu items increased 20 percent in 2012 at chains like Dunkin' Donuts, according to the report. Whether at quick service restaurants or casual dining restaurants, plan to see upgraded quality and ingredients paired with eggs like avocados, mushrooms, flavored sausages and upscale cheeses, as well as upgraded preparation techniques like toasted breads and frying eggs.
Food truck menu offerings with eggs will be on the rise as more and more food trucks focus on breakfast as a way to break into the category without competing in the saturated lunch day part. From egg sandwiches on brioche and flatbreads to meat proteins like pork belly and pulled pork being paired with eggs, to crepes, indulgent pancakes (red velvet, maple bacon) and donuts, consumers love the culinary exploration, and so do restaurant chains, who often get their inspiration from these trucks, according to the American Egg Board's report.
Finally, while innovative egg preparations are taking over restaurants, the Board and NPD Group said they predict Americans are going to keep things simple at home when it comes to preparing eggs in 2013. According to Google Trends, hard-boiled eggs, deviled eggs and scrambled eggs are still among the top-searched egg recipes on Google.

USDA appoints 2012-2013 American Egg Board members

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed nine members and nine alternates to the American Egg Board for the 2012–2013 term.
The Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from egg producers nominated by organizations representing the egg industry. Reappointed members and alternates, by region, are:

• North Atlantic – Paul D. Sauder, Lititz, Pa., member; Karyn M. Kreher, Clarence, N.Y., alternate
• South Atlantic – K. Jacques Klempf, Jacksonville, Fl., member; Larry R. Thomason, Calhoun, Ga., member; Richard L. Simpson, Monroe, N.C., alternate
• East North Central – Gregory S. Herbruck, Saranac, Mich., member; Thomas A. Stoller, Van Wert, Ohio, alternate
• West North Central – Scott T. Ramsdell, Flandreau, S.D., member; Amos Baer, Lake Park, Minn., alternate
• South Central – Brian V. Joyer, New Hampton, Iowa, member; Richard R. Hall, Massena, Iowa, alternate; Gregory B. Nelson, Manhattan, Kan., alternate
• Western states – Clint L. Hickman, Buckeye, Ariz., member; Roger D. Deffner, Everett, Wash., member; Craig A Willardson, Norco, Calif., alternate; Mark G. Oldenkamp, Woodburn, Ore., alternate
Newly appointed members and alternates, by region, are:

• South Atlantic – C. Jeff Hardin, Jackson, Miss., alternate
• South Central – Diane M. Sparish, Minnetonka, Minn., member
Vilsack also named S. Scott Horton, Gillsville, Ga., alternate, to fill a vacancy in the South Atlantic states. This appointment will complete a vacant board member term expiring on Dec. 31.

American Egg Board launches campaign to boost egg consumption

The advertising features five print ads that will appear in more than 25 different magazine titles. Each ad features the egg demonstrating its benefits.

In an effort to boost egg consumption for weekday breakfasts, the American Egg Board has announced the launch of its new national advertising campaign, "Wake Up to Eggs." The campaign includes magazine ads, online banners, radio spots and in-store signage. The advertising effort is the result of a thorough review of existing research by the American Egg Board, as well as qualitative and quantitative consumer studies to identify the best opportunities to increase demand. Weekday breakfast in American households, where less than one in five features eggs, was recognized as a key growth area. Consumer message testing found that the fact that eggs are lower in cholesterol and higher in vitamin D than previously thought was motivating and generated positive feelings about the healthfulness of eggs with consumers. The new marketing strategy aims to leverage "new news" to keep eggs top-of-mind and drive purchase. The impact of the "Wake up to Eggs" advertising campaign will be carefully measured by the American Egg Board, and the results will be used to strengthen efforts moving forward. For more information about the campaign, read: American Egg Board asks America to 'Wake up to Eggs' in 2012.

American Egg Board launches egg information website for consumers

The American Egg Board launched a website, http://www.functionalegg.org/, which provides educational information about eggs and egg products to consumers.
The site features a number of videos, designed to answer questions and provide free educational information to viewers about the functional properties of egg products. The first six videos cover such topics as "Controlling Crystallization," to help manage crystal formation in ice cream and other frozen foods, and "Coagulation in Refrigerated Desserts," using egg products to create gels. The primary video narrator is Shelly McKee, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University.
In addition to the videos, a series of quizzes allows food technologists to earn a continuing education certificate, and a personal record log helps viewers keep track of their progress through the series. Other features include a frequently asked questions section and a conversion table for the various egg products available in liquid, solid (dried powders) or shell. 

American Egg Board funded $2 million in nutrition research in 2010

During 2010, the American Egg Board's Egg Nutrition Center funded a record $2 million for nutrition research and awarded grants to faculty at several universities, according to the board's annual report.
Roughly 13% of the AEB's expenditures came from nutrition campaigns, while 12% went to agriculture education and 12% went to state support and industry programs (6% each). Recipients of the grants included the University of Connecticut, the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, San Diego State University, Austin University School of Medicine and the Baylor College of Medicine. Advertising took up the largest percentage of expenditures (38%), market communications claimed 7% and food service and egg product marketing each accounted for 4% of expenditures.
The board also focused on egg safety, working with the United Egg Producers to develop an Egg Safety Crisis Plan. The AEB reallocated $1 million from existing programs for a campaign to regain consumer confidence following the egg recall in August 2010. The AEB then created the Social Media Crisis Response Plan, and it was also intended to establish a parallel Crisis Protection Plan. Efforts included advertisements in USA Today, Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, as well as statements on egg safety through various media outlets. The AEB said that these efforts “played a key role in minimizing erosion of consumer demand.”
Total revenue for the AEB amounted to $21.23 million, while total expenditures reached $24.65 million — representing a deficit of $3.4 million for the year. As of the end of 2010, the AEB had total assets of $12.47 million with an accumulated excess of revenue over operating expenses of $10.3 million. The deficit between revenue and expenditure was funded from accumulated funds.

American Egg Board promotes new nutrient values

The American Egg Board recently hosted a successful Good Egg Project at the Grand Central Station to promote the release of recent USDA nutrient assay results. The latest data disclosed 25% less cholesterol and higher Vitamin D levels in generic eggs. The event was themed on a “farmers market” with free egg samples, informational literature and demonstrations by Howard Helmer and Jeffrey Saad.
The latest USDA data received national attention as the AEB launched a concerted seven-day program involving a wide range of media. The AEB has placed 1,100 stories generating 126 million impressions including mentions on USA Today, NBC Nightly News, ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, CNN and The Wall Street Journal.
The AEB also arranged a luncheon for 30 food and health editors in New York City to announce the new cholesterol and Vitamin D levels hosted by Dr. Mitch Kanter of the Egg Nutrition Center. Attendees included representatives from Ladies’ Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, Shape and http://www.weightwatchers.com/.

EU ministers vote against 2012 cage ban delay

The EU’s proposed ban on conventional cages is set to take effect in 2012.

Attempts to delay the EU’s proposed ban on conventional cages, due to come into force on Jan. 1, 2012, have been blocked. At a meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers, various countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK, all backed calls to ensure that the change was implemented on time.
“Egg producers in the UK, and indeed in many other European countries, have worked hard to convert out of battery cages ahead of the European deadline and have invested considerable sums converting their systems to ensure they meet the strictest possible standards," said British Veterinary Association President Harvey Locke. “The egg industry throughout Europe has had 12 years to prepare for this change in law.”

US egg farmers launch new 'incredible edible egg' ad campaign

America's egg farmers have introduced "You Do Everything," a new national advertising campaign for the "incredible edible egg" focusing on how an all-natural, high-quality protein breakfast can contribute to a successful day.
"Eggs are often a part of weekend breakfasts, but there is an opportunity to make eggs a bigger part of Americans' weekday breakfast routines," said Kevin Burkum, senior vice president of marketing for the American Egg Board. "This new advertising builds on a universal truth that parents will do whatever it takes to help their child succeed in school, sports and beyond. We want to remind parents that success starts with an all-natural, high-quality protein breakfast, like eggs, to give kids the energy they need to perform their best throughout the day."
The ads are currently running in spots during "Good Morning America," the "Rachael Ray Show," on the Food Network and online.

Consuming eggs for breakfast reduces hunger

A research paper in Nutrition Research , a peer-reviewed journal, found that subjects who consumed eggs for breakfast ate fewer calories throughout the day than subjects who ate a breakfast of bagels and cream cheese, even though both breakfasts contained about the same amount of calories.
University of Connecticut researchers compared the physiological effect of the two dietary treatments on 21 men from the ages of 20 to the age of 70. Subjects who ate a breakfast of three scrambled eggs and a small piece of white toast ate 400 fewer calories in the 24-hour period following the breakfast, compared with subjects consuming the bagel breakfast. Subjects were allowed a free-choice lunch buffet three hours following breakfast, and those who ate eggs for breakfast consumed 112 calories fewer than the subjects who had the bagel breakfast.
The reduction in caloric intake is associated with the suppression of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger. The bagel breakfast was associated with increased insulin secretion and higher plasma glucose. This research supports previous studies sponsored by the American Egg Board
that demonstrated that consumption of eggs at breakfast was associated with satiety.

American Egg Board releases 2009 annual report

In its 2009 annual report, the American Egg Board recorded total revenue of $21.1M in 2009, of which 98% was derived from assessments. Expenditures of $25M resulted in a deficit of $5.1 million. Operating expenses included $12.6M for advertising; $3.1M for nutrition, research and promotion; $2.0M for support of state marketing initiatives; $1.5M for food service promotion; $1.8M for agricultural education; $1.1M for egg product marketing; and $1M for industry programs. Administrative expenses were held to less than 5%.
The annual report highlighted activities under the categories of agricultural education, consumer marketing, food service and egg product marketing, industry programs, and nutrition. The organization’s Good Egg Project made 100 million impressions over the last four months of 2009. Eggs were promoted through The Rachel Ray Show, Sesame Street, The Early Show and various social media channels. Other activities included the annual White House Easter Egg Roll and maintaining the Incredible Edible Egg consumer Web site. Publications such as Readers Digest, Scholastics, Weight Watchers and leading newspapers carried recipes and promotional materials featuring eggs.
Among food service and egg product marketing activities, the American Egg Board concentrated on quick-service retail increasing egg servings by an additional 120 million during 2009. The organization carried out promotions directed at culinary schools and demonstrations at the National Restaurant Association Show and the School Nutrition Associations National Conference, where Howard Helmer mounted omelet demonstrations. Helmer is the Guinness World Record holder for fastest omelet maker.
Nutrition research was restructured with the transfer of the Egg Nutrition Center to the American Egg Board’s headquarters. A number of studies were published in peer-reviewed journals, and informational reports on nutrition were provided to the media. The Egg Ambassadors program secured more than 90 million media impressions during the year directed to professionals in medicine and dietetics.