poultry industry

The American Egg Board has a number of strategic priorities in place for 2024. They include the assessment of new revenue streams, food chain outreach and engagement as well as the development of new farmer support resources. Big things also are already in the works around this year’s Easter Egg Roll at the White House, including taking it beyond Washington, D.C.

This episode is being brought to you by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

Joining us to give us an updated on AEB and all of its efforts to promote US eggs and expand market growth on a global basis is Emily Metz, President & CEO of AEB. We caught up with Emily during this year’s IPPE in Atlanta. 

Amid narrow views about cows and climate change, there is an important conversation to be had. A conversation about the role cows play in our daily lives and world around us. A conversation about the what if … what if there were no more cows? 

Joining us on this episode is Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech president and CEO. 

We caught up with Dr. Lyons during the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta where we got the first scoop on a new feature-length, 90-minute documentary that Alltech is working on that explores the true impact of cattle and the potential consequences of their removal. We also get a preview of the 2024 Alltech ONE World Tour and discussed several recent acquisitions by the company, including: 

• Agolin - In May 2023, Alltech acquired majority interest in the Swiss-based company, Agolin developed and produced plant-based nutrition solutions that has been scientifically proven to improve herd performance, profitability and sustainability in beef and dairy cattle, including milk and meat production.
• Ideagro - This partnership joins two leading companies to accelerate soil and crop research, and to enhance biological and other microorganism-based offerings to producers around the world.

For more information the World Without Cows documentary, visit www.worldwithoutcows.com.
For more information on Alltech, visit www.alltech.com

The U.S. in recent years has seen some of the worst hatchability numbers since the late 1980s. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture in January 2024 reported average hatchability at 79.6%. There are many factors in play, in the barn and the hatchery, that can impact hatchability. Some blame poor fertility and embryo mortality, while others consider more management-related issues. Regardless, the cause of this phenomenon is unclear.

Until a firm cause is discovered and addressed, what can producers do to support hatchability and better ensure those chicks make it onto dinner plates? 

Joining Feedstuffs in Focus host Sarah Muirhead is NOVUS executive manager and poultry technology lead Hugo Romero-Sanchez, a poultry expert with a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, nutritional, environmental, and economic variables that affect broiler and layer performance. Dr. Romero presented a TECHTalk on the topic of hatchability during the 2024 International Production and Processing Expo this week. 

To learn how NOVUS is using intelligent nutrition to help poultry producers do more, visit www.novusint.com

The International Production & Processing Expo, also known as IPPE, is held annually in Atlanta, Ga. This year’s event is set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and will offer the largest trade show floor space ever and more than 80 hours of dynamic education sessions focused on current industry issues. 

Joining  Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead in this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to talk about IPPE and everything it has to offer this year’s attendees is Sarah Novak, chief operating officer of the American Feed Industry Assn.  AFIA is one of the hosting organizations of IPPE.

This episode is brought to you by the International Production & Processing Expo, a collaboration of three shows representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. Make your plans today to join the feed, meat and poultry industry in Atlanta, Ga., on Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2024. To learn more at ippexpo.org. 

Is it possible to build a better laying hen? Perhaps so, according to University of Guelph researchers.

During the Poultry Science Assn. annual meeting in Philadelphia earlier this week,  Drs. Tina Widowski and Ana Rentsch shared their findings on how bird welfare can influence bird productivity throughout the bird's lifetime. Their work has shown how a modification of early life experience along with attention to bird welfare and health can make a difference particularly when paired with specific housing systems. The results they were reporting on at PSA were largely focused on birds being house in aviaries. 

For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

Rural commercial cellular coverage is spotty, and Wi-Fi is not always effective in poultry and livestock barns or, for that matter, in remote locations on the farm and in the country. 

A lack service and reliability can be frustrating at best but it also can cost farmers and ranchers dollars in lost efficiency and an inability to easily access and track critical data. 

In this episode, we turn to Sean Horan, Vice President of Sales for GXC,  and Nick Moser, Vice President of JBI Distributors and Services, to learn more the operational, biosecurity, and safety advantages of deploying wireless communications utilizing private cellular networking. What is a private cellular network and a cellular mesh? How can they extend wireless coverage throughout an ag enterprise and what they might that mean for your operation or business. 

For more information, on this and other topics, including additional coverage from the AASV meeting, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

 

Host: Kevin Smith Dives into the weekly news most impactful to the Heartland

HEADLINES

• Oklahoma Charter School earns coveted largest abuse of taxpayer funds 'in the history of this state' award. 
  • Tulsa World - https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/education/state-auditor-to-lawmakers-epic-charter-schools-mismanagement-is-largest-abuse-of-taxpayer-funds-in/article_7d9f6fc4-83a6-11ec-9c66-836dae32ab96.html
  • The Oklahoman - https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/government/2023/01/11/epic-charter-schools-scandal-to-be-prosecuted-by-oklahoma-ag-gentner-drummond-after-oconnor-dropped/69796742007/
• Decade Long Water Rights Battle Sees Supreme Court Decision
  • Wall Street Journal - https://www.wsj.com/articles/rio-grande-water-deal-between-texas-and-new-mexico-is-opposed-by-u-s-11674045744

LIGHTNING ROUND

Missouri

• Missouri Governor Mike Parson Embraces Build Back Better Programs in his State of the State Speech 
  •  Missouri Independent - https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/18/parson-makes-i-70-a-focus-for-missouri-budget-heavy-on-infrastructure-education-spending/?fbclid=IwAR3Uco4MgaV8bZP3EEnvYcXIWZqONJyVH_iBSb3B6VwxXeUVfs3BMjLvozg&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Arkansas

• New bill that would require adults to present proper identification before viewing pornographic content online in the state. 
  • THV11 - https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/proposed-arkansas-bill-digital-id-porn/91-59598af8-d81e-42c7-8414-d1b5ad40b6fd
• Retail customers in Arkansas to be compensated for any excess solar generation. 
  • Arkansas Advocate - https://arkansasadvocate.com/2023/01/18/arkansas-energy-stakeholders-begin-talks-on-new-net-metering-compensation-bill/

Pennsylvania

• Gov. Josh Shapiro signs first executive order, removing a four-year degree requirement for state government jobs. 
  • Pennsylvania Capital Star - https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/in-his-first-executive-order-shapiro-removes-degree-requirement-for-thousands-of-state-jobs/

Oklahoma

• Poultry pollution in the Illinois River watershed 
  • Tulsa World News -https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-courts/after-18-years-a-home-run-for-oklahoma-as-judge-rules-in-poultry-pollution-lawsuit/article_3fa41802-9771-11ed-a005-a706e564ba4f.html

Nebraska

• Education funding decisions.
  • Nebraska Examiner https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/17/nebraska-gov-pillen-wants-2-5-billion-in-new-funding-for-schools-property-tax-relief/

Iowa

• House File 3 targets SNAP
  • Iowa Hunger Coalition - https://www.iowahungercoalition.org/protect-snap/

Wisconsin

• Constitutional Amendment to raise bail
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2023/01/19/wisconsin-lawmakers-vote-to-add-ballot-question-bail-to-april-ballot/69820307007/

Indiana

• Private hands seek to pilfer from public schools.
  • Indiana Capital Chronicle - https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2023/01/19/indiana-lawmakers-weigh-bill-to-create-universally-expand-school-choice-program/

@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threads

Co-Hosts
Adam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85  (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)

Rachel Parker @msraitchetp   (Post) 

Sean Diller  (no social)

The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!

JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!

“Change The Conversation”

Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium 

http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Environmental compliance, right-to-farm laws, contracting issues and more. Agriculture is not without its legal risk management challenges, particularly in the livestock sector. What strategies can producers adopt to protect themselves from potential liability and litigation?

At the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention in Minneapolis, Minn., last month, attorney Paul Goeringer presented a workshop on understanding legal strategies used to avoid litigation in an ever-evolving regulatory environment. Goerginger is a Senior Faculty Specialist and the Extension Legal Specialist at the University of Maryland, and we sat down with him to discuss what livestock and poultry producers need to understand when it comes to legal risks and how best to manage those within their operations.

This episode is sponsored by Novus International, Inc., a leader in swine, poultry and dairy nutrition solutions driven by science. Novus’ products and services look at the whole animal, focusing on productivity and well-being, in order to feed the world affordable and wholesome food.

For more information, visit Novus’ website at www.novusint.com

You can see more of Feedstuffs' coverage of the Midwest Poultry Convention by visiting our video channel, Feedstuffs 365. Also watch your inbox for the latest dynamic digital edition of Feedstuffs, or access the issue by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “digital editions.”

Animal disease challenges are simply a part of life in livestock production, but some disease challenges are more problematic than others. One major problem facing the poultry industry this spring is highly-pathogenic avian influenza, a viral disease currently popping up in flocks and in wild birds across the country.

How well-prepared is the poultry industry for this challenge, what is the current state of affairs, and what can the swine industry learn from how chicken and turkey producers handle this latest outbreak?

At the Midwest Poultry Convention in Minneapolis. Feedstuffs' Andy Vance sat down with veterinarian Mark Bienhoff, leader of the pathogen control team at Kemin, to discuss high pathogenic avian influenza, and how this outbreak is similar or different from the major outbreak of 2015.

After listening to this week's episode, you can watch all of Feedstuffs coverage of the Midwest Poultry Convention via Feedstuffs 365, our live streaming channel, at Feedstuffs365.com. Also, look out for the next digital edition of Feedstuffs for an in-depth report on the high path AI situation. You'll find the dynamic digital edition of Feedstuffs at Feedstuffs.com.

Animal disease outbreaks are one of the key challenges facing livestock producers and veterinarians. State veterinarians and related animal health officials at the state level play a critical role in managing outbreaks of certain diseases that could devastate the industry. Significant progress has been made in recent years but there is more that needs to be done to support the preparedness and planning effort of the states. 

Earlier this week, Feedstuffs visited with several swine industry professionals at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual meeting. We spoke with Indiana State Veterinarian Dr. Bret Marsh about his role in disease preparedness in his state, and what state health officials can and should be doing to help the industry be ready for potential foreign animal disease issues.

We also talked with Dr. Marsh about the current avian influenza outbreak in the Hoosier State.

You can see more of our coverage of the AASV annual meeting at Feedstuffs365.com.

This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting their website UnitedANH.com.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a complex and confusing labor market on a national scale, and the agriculture sector is feeling the strain both literally and figuratively. Combatting employee burnout is critical to the bottom line of the business, and something that isn’t easily done given the generational diversity seen in the modern workforce.

While much of the current labor challenge centers on simply finding enough people to get the job done, one of the bigger issues stems from current employees facing the very real issue of burnout. With fewer people to get the job done, coupled with persistent stressors at home and in the workplace, many workers are quite simply at their wits’ end. 

What can managers and business owners do to help support these employees and help them achieve the seemingly mythical work-life balance? In this episode, Feedstuffs poses that question to business consultant Melissa Furman, the former assistant dean and current faculty member at the James M. Hull College of Business at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia. Dr. Furman, in addition to her consulting work with businesses in a variety of industries, has a background in academic research on issues of generational diversity, unconscious bias, career and leadership development, emotional intelligence, and assisting technical professionals transition into management roles. 

This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Topigs Norsvin, the second largest swine genetics company in the world. The TN70 is the flagship parent sow of Topigs Norsvin, described as being a self-reliant sow capable of raising her own pigs and requiring less human intervention in the farrowing house. When challenged with finding qualified employees, hire the TN70. Visit tn70.topigsnorsvin.com to see what producers are saying about their experience with the TN70. 

In this segment of Feedstuffs in Focus, we talk with Chad Gregory, president and CEO of the United Egg Producers, and recently named Ag Association Leader of the Year by the National AgriMarketing Assn. We caught up with Gregory this week in Kansas City to talk about what it takes to lead in challenging times and to get an update on some of the issues the egg industry is currently facing and what’s likely ahead.

One such topic of discussion what that of how COVID-19 changed the industry overnight, shutting down foodservice and causing major disruptions in the retail sector. 

Proposition 12 in California and other state initiatives that are set to mandate such things as cage-free production was also explored. The egg industry is ready for the transition that goes into play within the next few months but stands to face insurmountable obstacles if those requirements expand to other states. 

Other topics discussed were the United Nation’s upcoming Food Summit, truthful labeling regulations and where the industry stands in regard to environmental sustainability. 

Finally, Gregory shared how having a good team in place and being proactive are critical to weathering any crisis. 

This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting their website UnitedANH.com.

Tyson Foods is one of the world’s largest food companies. With a massive global footprint and millions of animals in production, the company has taken an increased look at animal welfare with a scientific approach to figuring out ways to improve animal health and wellbeing. Recently, the company’s animal welfare research team embarked on a study that leveraged animal preference to test which environmental enrichments chickens on the company’s broiler farms prefer.

In this episode Feedstuffs Editor Sarah Muirhead talks with Dr. Karen Christensen, Tyson Foods’ Senior Director of Animal Welfare, about the the company’s Broiler Welfare Research Farm, a state-of-the-art four-house commercial broiler farm, and how it allows the company’s Office of Animal Welfare and university research partners to scientifically evaluate and understand how welfare practices can impact broiler behavior and welfare outcomes in a commercial setting. 

RELATED: You can watch Sarah Muirhead’s full interview with Dr. Karen Christensen of Tyson Foods via Feedstuffs 365, our virtual community and events platform. Feedstuffs 365 is part of your subscription to Feedstuffs and can be accessed via Feedstuffs.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production and their #ScienceHearted podcast, “Food Chain Chats.” Check it out to hear insights on how the food supply chain is taking their experiences from 2020 disruptions into 2021. Subscribe wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported last week that beef cattle inventories were slightly smaller than a year ago, but given long-term market trends, there may yet be too many cows producing too many calves to keep producers profitable over the long haul. Couple that with rising feed costs and a shifting policy situation in Washington, and it’s an interesting time — to put it mildly — to be in the animal protein business.

In this episode of Feedstuffs In Focus we talk with a long-time animal protein analyst with one of the world’s leading agri-finance companies about what he took away from last week’s Cattle Inventory Report, and what the data means for beef, swine and poultry producers.

Don Close is a senior animal protein analyst at Rabo AgriFinance in the RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness group. There he is responsible for analyzing all animal protein sectors with a specialization in beef. His extensive research experience includes confinement cow/calf operations, ground beef, and development in international trade.

Close explains not only what we learned from the latest USDA data, but also what it means for beef, pork and poultry producers over the next year, including price implications and the possibility of shrinking profits given higher feed costs that could go higher yet. He also discusses his concerns for ag-related policies from a new administration and how they could affect producers out in the countryside.

This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting their website UnitedANH.com.

Kicking off this year's holiday season will be a couple of  real turkeys. That is, turkeys raised  by National Turkey Federation chairman Ron Kardel and his wife Susie  on their farm near Walcott, Iowa. They have produced the birds for this year's National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation at the White House.

The Kardels will be accompanying the birds to the White House this week and presenting them to President Donald Trump, who will pardon them in a tradition that dates back many years.

Following their trip to the nation's capitol, the turkeys will reside at their new home on the campus of Iowa State University.

Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead caught up with the Kardels this week to find out more about what goes into raising turkeys capable of such public display, how the birds are named and even a bit about  how the pandemic has impacted the turkey industry this holiday season.

Take a listen and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

For shell egg producer, MPS Egg Farms, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant struggles to meet demand, keep grocery store shelves stocked and make sure employees are kept safe.

In this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead talks with Sam Krouse, vice president of business development at MPS, to get his perspective on egg industry challenges brought about by COVID-19. The egg industry’s move to cage-free production and how consumers responded in the marketplace when temporary egg shortage emerged.

This episode is sponsored by Hog Slat and Georgia Poultry. New for 2020, the Classic Pullet feed pan: built to handle the most aggressive birds, the Classic Pullet features an anti-rotation clip, feed shut-off slide, and a shallow divided pan. Learn more at HogSlat.com.  

For more information on this and other stories, visit Feedstuffs online.
Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.   

During the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Outlook forum in late February, Feedstuffs policy editor Jacqui Fatka sat down with Corwin Heatwole, founder and CEO of Shenandoah Valley Organic, a relatively new organic poultry producer in the Mid-Atlantic region. 

A sixth-generation poultry farmer, Heatwole sought out a way to revolutionize the profitability and the structure of his own farms. Rather than grow for a larger integrator, he launched Shenandoah Valley Organic in 2012 as a small-scale organic farm—raising just 300 chickens. He then turned to other local producers to add to his operation. 

He says the company's “Farmer Focus” business model emerged from conversations with local farmers about the potential of creating a new kind of company. The innovative contract model allows farmers ownership of their chickens, their feed, and control of their farming operations. 

Heatwole said this ownership concept is very important to give farmers more than increased profitability – it also gives farmers something they are very proud of, including the husbandry and care they’re able to deliver to animals. This allows Shenandoah Valley to further transfer that ownership to treat farmers as true partners and allow them to manage their own risk. 

“This ensures farms are profitable and sustainable for the next generation,” he said. 

In 2014 SVO launched its own processing plant, helping increase organic product offerings to consumers through food and farming partnerships as well as through larger retailers such as Costco.

This was recorded in late February, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an update at the end of April, Heatwole reported that the company’s people are healthy and orders are strong since it predominantly services the retail sector. 

“We have seen a new wave of organic purchasers as people who like to eat healthy were forced to cook at home and this should sustain well past the pandemic." Heatwole said. "As you can imagine, retail sales have increased and food service has decreased, leaving us in a very blessed position as anyone else should be that services the retail category."

For more information on this and other stories, visit Feedstuffs online.
Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.   

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 13% Monday, reflecting growing fears over the spread of coronavirus in the U.S. and across Europe, and what a prolonged period of business closures and social distancing might mean for the global economy. Already down nearly 32% since Feb. 12, the Dow and other relevant financial indicators signaled the end of the great Bull Market that had run seemingly unabated since emerging from the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009.

In this episode of Feedstuffs In Focus we’ll tackle a pretty big question: What does the largest domestic public health crisis since the spread of polio in the 1950s mean for the U.S. livestock industry, both in the short term and in the coming months?

We pose that question to Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist at INTL FCStone, about what’s happening at home and around the world as markets grapple with the reality of coronavirus, including recent restaurant closures stateside and lockdowns in Italy and other European nations struggling to respond.

As analysts digest the seemingly endless stream of updates and information related to the pandemic, Feedstuffs editor Krissa Welshans spoke with Suderman about the latest developments in the U.S. and in China, and how the U.S. livestock industry is responding to this latest challenge. 

For more information on this and other stories, visit Feedstuffs online.
Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.