Alabama Poultry, January/February 2010

JANUARY/FEBRUARY – VOL. 5 NO. 1

AP&EA P.O. Box 240 Montgomery, AL 36101 Address Service Requested

The Alabama Poultry & Egg Association is pleased to announce that Nashville recording artist, Blake Shelton, is headlining this year’s “Evening of Fun.” Blake is just beginning the promotion of his latest album Hillbilly Bone.

Hillbilly Bone has been described as “a rollicking joyride full of backwoods attitude celebrating the universal attraction of the honky-tonk life, it has proven to be the perfect representation of the country-boy-meetscyberspace model.” "'Hillbilly Bone' is by a mile the biggest digital single and the fastest rising single I've had in my career," says Blake. "I've never been able to compete with artists like Taylor or Miranda, and this single is competing with those artists now."

"It's an energy-packed little album," he says with a laugh. "It's also about being this guy people are finding out about, which is who I've always been," he says. "It's really going to help define a different mood for me."

With each of his previous albums going gold, and each producing chart topping singles like “The Baby” from his album The Dreamer and “Some Beach” from Blake Shelton’s Bar and Grill, there is little doubt that Hillbilly Bone will be a huge success!

Becoming more comfortable in the spotlight, Blake has begun allowing more of his relaxed and irreverent personality into his stage show. The result is a live show renowned as one of music's most enjoyable. At the same time, he became increasingly recognized as one of the genre's finest singers.

It all just goes to say, You You gotta’ be there!

Read more about Blake on pg. 11

After Blake Shelton rocks you, it’s time to pull up your socks and head over to the Sheraton Ballroom where the band Hotwire is sure to short your circuits. Hotwire is a party band and dance band made up of former members of the legendary Tip Tops and continue the tradition of great live band.

With multiple vocalists, a kickin' rhythm section and the awesome Hotwire Horns you can guarantee a packed dance floor all night long.

Just be sure to wear sensible shoes ... cause it’s going to be a long hot night ...

Just the way you like it!

Board of Directors Officers Fred Cespedes, President, Hanceville* Wendell Shelton, Vice President, Boaz John Pittard, Tresurer, Guntersville* Spence Jarnagin, Secretary, Huntsville* Ken Taylor, Immediate Past President, Anniston* Directors Johnny Adcock, Woodland* Ronnie Adrian, Collinsville George Attwood, Anniston Roger Chappell, Cullman Billy Conquest, Cullman Melissa Durbin, Birmingham Randall Ennis, Huntsville* Tim Esslinger, Eufaula Dale Gambrill, Snead Billy Gilley, Cullman Harold Hunt, Gadsden Heath Loyd, Decatur David Massey, Montgomery Dennis Maze, Horton Joe McGlamery, Enterprise Todd McMahen, Dothan John Roberts, Cullman Kenneth Sanders, Brundidge Roddy Sanders, Gordo Jack Sherwood, Troy Jason Spann, Guntersville Phyllis Thomas, Russellville David Thompson, Ashland Stanley Usery, Athens Ricky Walker, Snead Advisors Dr. Don Conner, Auburn University James Donald, Auburn University Dr. Joe Hess, Auburn University Mickey Humphries, Montgomery Dr. Tony Frazier, Montgomery Perry Oakes, Auburn

*Executive Committee Members

AP&EA STAFF Johnny Adams – Executive Director Wanda H. Linker – Administrative Director Huck Carroll – Communications Director/Editor Jennifer Shell – Support Director

Alabama Poultry is published by the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association 465 South Bainbridge Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: 334-265-2732 Fax: 334-265-0008 Send editorial and advertising correspondence to: Alabama Poultry Editor P.O. Box 240 Montgomery, AL 36101 Advertising rates and closing dates available upon request.

Editorial matter from sources outside AP&EA is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may or may not coincide with official AP&EA policy. Publication does not necessarily imply endorsement by AP&EA.

w w w. a l a b a m a p o u l t r y. o r g

Director’s MESSAGE

As you know, over the last few years we have been concerned over the disruptive agenda-driven activities of certain, so called, animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), against law-abiding participants in professional animal agriculture. To this end we joined with other like-minded groups to form the Alabama Coalition for Farm Animal Care and Well-being.

This coalition is very appreciative of the efforts of Sen. Wendell Mitchell and Rep. Ralph Howard for introducing SB413 and HB561. These pieces of legislation will help the Department of Agriculture continue to maintain a food supply system that is both safe and plentiful, while insuring that farm animals are raised in a responsible and humane manner.

These bills give added relevance to the state veterinarian, giving him the authority to oversee the “care of livestock, animal husbandry practices and control of contagious and infectious diseases in livestock.” These bills also provide for uniform rules governing the care and handling of livestock across the state, while prohibiting local governments from establishing special livestock care regulations.

The bills provide realistic penalties for animal cruelty, especially repeat offenders. A second time offender would face a minimum $500 fine, while repeat offenses would carry a minimum fine of $1,000.

Under these bills, the commissioner of agriculture and the Board of Agriculture, in consultation with the Coalition for Farm Animal Care and Well-being, would have the authority to develop standards of care and guidelines for the care of livestock.

The state veterinarian would administer these standards and guidelines.

These bills do not give the state veterinarian any additional enforcement authority. He already has at his disposal a network of veterinarians and investigators who work with local law enforcement and animal shelter officials to respond to cases of abuse or neglect.

These excellent bills are worthy of our support. Please write or call your senator and representative and ask them to support these bills. If you don’t have an address or phone number for them, call us at 1-800-254-2732 and we’ll get the numbers for you.

FEATURING

Governmental Affairs Fishing Tournament EOF Golf Tournament Association News Grower Profile – Ron Davis International Poultry Expo Recipes Membership News Practical Applications Calendar of Events

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G over nment al Affairs

Customers Drive Sustainability in Animal Agriculture

ATLANTA - Poultry and red meat companies are developing sustainability programs, not because of government mandates, but because of customer requests. C. Larry Pope, president and CEO, Smithfield Foods Inc, told the audience at the Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit that a presentation to customers used to consist of a discussion of price, product quality and delivery schedules. Now, Pope said that before any of these things are discussed, customers want to know about all aspects of sustainability.

The Sustainability Summit was held during the 2010 International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo, sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the American Feed Industry Association.

Sustainability at Smithfield is not just about environmental programs, according to Pope. It also includes animal welfare, antibiotic and drug usage policies, product traceability, worker safety, immigration policy, relationships with employee unions, food safety systems and even financial stability of the company. These items have become hot button issues for buyers for both foodservice outlets and grocery chains; they do not want a vendor's public relations problems to taint their brand. “Customers demand all of these things now because of demands from consumers,” Pope said.

Smithfield has not always had a stellar environmental record, Pope reported. He said that around 10 years ago Smithfield was forced to pay a $12.5 million fine because of Clean Water Act violations that resulted from a lawsuit brought by a private individual. The plaintiff in the suit was Dennis Treacy, who was subsequently hired to head up

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Smithfield’s environmental programs.

Pope said that Smithfield needs to go beyond compliance in all areas. “There is no insurance for a product recall or environmental impact,” he said. “You need to have 100 percent compliance 100 percent of the time.”

Pope said that the animal agriculture industry, both processors and farmers, need to listen to and engage the people and groups who are attacking them. He said that it is important to talk with these individuals and groups to show them the industry’s side of the story. “We need to educate all of the groups that challenge our practices,” Pope said.

The public at large has developed some misconceptions about animal agriculture practices. To combat this, Pope challenges everyone in the animal agriculture industry to make two visits to a community group or school to educate the public on industry practices and to dispel the myths about industry practices that exist now.

untary programs to enforcement programs, Richter explained.

This shift to increased enforcement runs counter to the collaborative approach espoused by Suzy Freidman, of the Environmental Defense Fund, another Sustainability Summit speaker. She said that the animal agriculture industry should look for ways to collaborate with groups that can come to the table and make a difference. Collaboration can lead to solutions that are both economical and yield environmental improvements, she added.

The Environmental Sustainability Summit is part of a comprehensive series of industry education sessions complementing the huge exhibit floor at the Expo. The annual event features the latest technology, equipment, and services used in the production and processing of poultry, egg, and feed products.

Expect little help from Washington

“Hyper command and control mode is coming back at EPA,” said Christian Richter, The Policy Group Inc, also speaking on the Sustainability Summit program. The current administration is shifting personnel from cooperative vol-

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

Alabama Poultry Magazine

G over nment al Affairs

NCC Releases Revised Program on Animal Welfare

WASHINGTON – Feb. 26, 2010 — The National Chicken Council released today a revision of its Animal Welfare Guidelines and Audit Checklist, the industry-standard program for assessment of animal welfare programs and practices in broiler and broiler-breeder operations.

“Our revised program demonstrates the chicken industry’s strong commitment to animal welfare and ensures that companies that use the program will continue to meet the expectations of their customers for the proper treatment of animals,” said Thomas M. Hensley Jr., chairman of the National Chicken Council and president of Fieldale Farms in Baldwin, Ga. The revisions were recommended by a task force of industry veterinarians and other experts chaired by Bill Lovette, president and chief operating officer of Case Foods in Troutman, N.C., and approved by the NCC executive committee and board of directors.

“Animal welfare has become engrained in the operations of our companies and in the expectations of our customers, the supermarket and restaurant companies that buy our products,” Lovette said. “It’s part of

the way we do business. The NCC program is utilized by companies with the vast majority of production in the industry and is widely accepted by customers.”

The revision is the first overhaul of the program in about five years.

Lovette said key differences in the new program, compared with the guidelines in effect since 2005, include: • Greater emphasis on corporate commitment to animal welfare, including a requirement that senior management must sign off on company’s animal welfare program.

• Each department of the company handling live animals (hatchery, growout, catching and transportation, and processing) must have a person in charge of promoting adherence to the Guidelines.

• Each department must have a disaster response and recovery plan.

• Employees who handle live animals must be trained in advance and must receive retraining every year, in languages other than English if necessary.

• Addition of a preface stating principles of animal welfare.

• Commitment to review the program every two years, beginning with review by scientific advisors in

2011 followed by an industry committee review in 2012.

“Numerous specific changes were made and metrics revised, resulting in a program that will be more challenging for our companies to comply with,” Lovette said. “But we believe this is what our customers expect.”

Among the principles stated in the document are: • Poultry raised for food should be cared for in ways that prevent or minimize fear, pain, stress, a n d suffering.

• Guidelines for welfare should balance scientific knowledge and professional judgment with consideration of ethical and societal values.

• It is the welfare of the chickens themselves that is foremost, not how humans might perceive a practice or an environment.

• Poultry should be treated with respect throughout their lives and provided a humane death when processed for food or when they are euthanized for any other reason.

The NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines and Audit Checklist documents are available at http://www.nationalchickencouncil.com/aboutIndustry/

U.S. Poultry Industry Hit Hard by China Tariffs

By Meatingplace Editors Feb. 1, 2010 U.S. poultry companies are taking a "big hit" from tariffs placed on U.S. chicken imports by China in February as the repercussions reverberate across the industry, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council said.

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U.S. companies exported $649.2 million worth of chicken products to China last year, making China the second-largest importer of U.S. chicken behind Russia, according to USAPEEC. But tariffs of up to 105.4 percent on U.S. chicken imports that went

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

into effect on Feb. 13 have caused that market to dry up. Companies have 20 days to appeal the decision.

"The anti-dumping duties exclude U.S. chicken from the Chinese market. It just makes it not feasible to ship there. We're out of the market, period," USAPEEC spokesman

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Toby Moore told Meatingplace.

About half of the exports to China are chicken paws, which have little value in the United States but can fetch 60 cents to 80 cents a pound in China. The remainder consists of wing tips, mid-joints and leg quarters.

Other markets such as Hong Kong, the Philippines and Vietnam are absorbing some, but not all, of the U.S. chicken that would have been destined for China. "We're hearing some companies are just shutting down paw production completely," Moore said in an interview.

China imposed the duties after its Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) conducted an unfair trade practices investigation last fall and concluded the country's local pro-

ducers had been hurt by U.S. products sold at unfairly low prices.

All U.S. processors are subject to the tariffs, which vary by company. The schedule of tariffs is posted on MOFCOM's Web site.

Three companies selected to participate in MOFCOM's investigation received individualized import duties, with Tyson Foods at 43.1 percent, Keystone Foods at 44 percent and Pilgrim's Pride at 80.5 percent.

Companies that registered for the investigation but were not selected, including Sanderson Farms, would pay a weighted average rate of 64.5 percent. All others face the highest tariff of 105.4 percent.

Sanderson Farms last week said it is appealing the duty. (See on Meatingplace, Feb. 23, 2010.)

USAPEEC says it is protesting the tariffs on behalf of the industry on the grounds that U.S. export practices do not constitute dumping.

China's Commerce Ministry is expected to make a final determination this fall, Moore said.

U.S. companies also face separate Chinese tariffs known as countervailing duties, on top of the anti-dumping duties, stemming from China's contention that U.S. feed grain subsidies are illegal.

U.S. exporters have also been shut out of the Russian market due to the country's recent ban on poultry rinsed with chlorine.

"We're out of China and we're out of Russia in one fell swoop," Moore said.

We’re ahead of the flock

when it comes to poultry financing.

At FFB Finance, Inc., we specialize in poultry loan solutions. We have plans specifically designed to provide the means you need to fit your business operation and goals. FFB Finance, Inc. wants to help you grow!

Mike Hughes Vice-President 611 Glover Avenue Enterprise, AL 36331 866-347-9944

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Greg Graham Vice-President 2201G Gault Avenue North Fort Payne, AL 35967 877-245-4271

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

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AP&EA Big Bass Open Fishing Tournament • • • • • • • • •

$1,000 in Cash Prizes

Tournament to be held on Lake Guntersville, in Guntersville, Ala. May 14, 2010 Boats will be launched from the twin boat ramps behind Reid’s Restaurant just off of Highway 431.

Registration is $25 per person. This includes entry fee, prizes and favors.

All proceeds will go to the Alabama Poultry Trust.

Tournament sponsored by AP&EA’s VIP sponsorship members.

Controlled Start at 5:30 a.m.

All boats must be back by 12:30 p.m. Any boat more than 15 minutes late will not be allowed to weigh their fish.

Please try to keep as many fish alive as possible.

Lunch will be served immediately after the tournament. Sponsored by American Proteins, Inc.

Prizes Big Fish: 1st Place: 2nd Place: 3rd Place:

Largest Fish Weighed – Fisherman will receive a trophy & $100 Total Team Weight – Trophy per person & $500 per team Total Team Weight – Trophy per person & $250 per team Total Team Weight – Trophy per person & $150 per team Thanks to the following VIP Sponsors!

Advanced Poultry Equip. & Supplies Alabama AG Credit Alabama Farm Credit AlaTrade Foods Alpharma Alltech American Proteins, Inc. Aviagen, Inc. Biomune Company

Cobb-Vantress, Inc. D & F Equipment Sales Elanco Animal Health Evonik-Degussa Corporation First South Farm Credit Franklin Industrial Minerals GSM Steel & Mechanical Cont.

Hill Parts Hubbard LLC International Paper

Intervet / Schering Plough Ivesco LLC K Supply Company, Inc. M and M Poultry/Memco, Inc. Marel Food Systems Pfizer Animal Health Sand Mountain Electric Co-op The Vincit Group Walco International

Rules 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Open to all Must furnish own boat and equipment.

Maximum of two (2) people per boat (team).

Live wells must be checked before launch.

Must abide by all Alabama Boating Safety Laws: valid boat sticker, life vests, fire extinguisher, etc.

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7.

8.

9.

10.

Must abide by all Alabama Game & Fishing Laws: valid fishing license, etc.

All fish weighed must be 15 inches in length or longer to qualify for weighing.

Only bass will count toward weight.

Limit 5 fish per boat.

Artificial bait only.

Entry Form available online at: www.alabamapoultry.org

AP&E A “B ig B as s” Op en – May 1 4, 20 1 0 ( ) Please enter me in the AP&EA “Big Bass” Open.

Registration: $25 per person Boat Owner________________________________ Company/Farm____________________________ Address________________________________________________ Phone_______________________ Team Member______________________________ Company/Farm____________________________ Address________________________________________________ Phone_______________________ ( ) Check enclosed $_____________ ( ) Visa, ( ) Mastercard, ( ) Discover Card or ( ) American Express Billing Address_____________________________________City______________State__________Zip_________ Name on Card___________________________Card Number_________________________Exp. Date____/____ MA IL TO : A P&E A, P. O. B ox 2 40 , Mo n tgo m er y, AL 3 61 0 1 • 3 3 4- 2 65 - 2 73 2 • Fa x: 33 4 - 26 5 - 00 0 8

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Entry Form available online at: www.alabamapoultry.org Golf Tournament participants must purchase ticket to “Evening of Fun.” List handicaps and ticket numbers. Only one-half of entry fee is refundable if the tournament is canceled due to an “Act of God” or some other unforeseeable difficulty. Limit – first 144 entries. Entry Fee: $100 per person. No refund if canceled after May 21, 2010 .

Name Company Address Handicap ______________________ ______________________ ______________________________________________ _____ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________________________________ _____ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________________________________ _____ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________________________________ _____ Invoice To: NAME___________________________________________ ADDRESS_______________________________________ FAX_____________________________________________

COMPANY/FARM _______________________________ PHONE ________________________________________ EMAIL ________________________________________

( ) Check Enclosed $ _________ ( ) Bill Me $ _________ ( ) Visa, ( ) Mastercard, ( ) Discover Card or ( ) American Express Billing Address__________________________________________City_______________________State_____________Zip_________

MAIL TO: AP&EA, P.O. Box 240, Montgomery, AL 36101 • 334-265-2732 • Fax: 334-265-0008

Name on Card________________________________________Card Number_______________________________Exp. Date____/____

Alabama Poultry Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

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Association News

American Proteins Donates Mortality Collection Freezers to AU will be a great tool for our students to see one of the proper methods of bird disposal.”

Previously, poultry mortality was kept in refrigerated vats and taken to the vet school for incineration. Students can now get valuable experience in a real world situation.

Students participated in finishing the shelter for the freezers by doing all painting and running all of the cables.

American Proteins’ goal is giv23, 2010.

Making the presentation American Proteins Farm Mortality Service of Hanceville has do- for American Proteins was Randall ing poultry science students an opnated two mortality collection Smith (right) and receiving them for portunity to use the newest and most freezers to the Auburn University the farm and processing center was environmentally friendly method of farm mortality disposal. poultry science farm and processing farm manager, Mitchell Pate.

Mitchell said, “The new freezers center. They were installed on Feb.

AP&EA Added to 4-H Wall of Fame – Joining Dan Smalley

COLUMBIANA – Dan Smalley was the first, in May 2009, to be honored by the Alabama 4-H Club Foundation Board. The 4-H Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations that have had a signifiReese Stanley Bass

Ella Jewel Cumbie

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cant effect on the 4-H Youth Development program, its members and leaders.

The Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc. and Alabama 4-H honors and pays tribute to those who influence the lives of Alabama youth by their commitment “To Make the Best Better.”

Dan Smalley, a full-time poultry grower, served as a Gold Kist director from 1985 through 2000. He also served as a board member of the Alabama 4-H Club Foundation from 1994 until he retired in 2008. During those years, he worked tirelessly to promote 4-H around the state.

Though retired from the foundation board, Dan is still committed to 4-H. He believes in Alabama’s youth and their potential to serve the state and nation.

The Alabama Poultry & Egg Association has long supported 4-H through sponsorship of various activities, such as the annual 4-H “Chickenque.”

Accepting the plaque for AP&EA were Association President Fred Cespedes and Association Executive Director Johnny Adams. The ceremony was held at the Alabama 4-H Headquarters in Columbiana on Nov. 12, 2009.

New Baby Chicks For the Flock AP&EA welcomes two new members to the flock. First we have young Reese Stanley Bass. Reese was born on Nov. 16, 2009. He is the son of Stanley and Paola Bass.

Stanley is the hatchery manager for Perdue Farms in Dothan.

Our next chick is a chick in-

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

deed. She is Miss Ella Jewel Cumbie.

Ella, born Feb. 15, 2010, is the daughter of Wes and Emily Cumbie of Auburn. Wes was membership director for AP&EA before going to work for Auburn University as a fund-raiser for the College of Agriculture. Congratulations all!

Alabama Poultry Magazine

There is probably no one better equipped to launch the hillbilly worldview into the age of cyberspace than Blake Shelton. An outspoken champion of the land, the honky-tonk and the off-road vehicle, he has found a way to bring those passions into the realm of downloads and instant messaging.

It started as he hit Twitter, a move as invigorating to Blake and his fans as it was unexpected.

"A year ago," he says, "Twitter sounded like something that couldn't be any more opposite of me, but I love being able to say something and get an instant reaction from people, because at heart that's why I got into this business. Twitter is in a small way like being on stage all day long. It's tons of fun for me."

It comes to full expression in Hillbilly Bone, a six-song album that is pure hillbilly energy. In a world where people are looking increasingly for real-time interaction with their musical idols, it is a project that lets Blake plug his traditionalist leanings into the 21st century.

"I talk to my fans every day," he says, "and the first question they ask me is, 'When are you going to release a new record?' I want to give my fans new music more often at a lower price. This SIX PAK is a way to take our relationship to the next level."

The project's first single is the wildly successful "Hillbilly Bone," a shot of pure adrenaline featuring Blake's long-time friend Trace Adkins.

"I wouldn't have wanted to try this project with any other leadoff single than 'Hillbilly Bone'," he says, "and that song would not have been the force that it is without Trace on it. He brings it. If I deliver the song pretty well, Trace is the reason it's over the top."

The new SIX PAK is a model Blake wants to continue to pursue as he develops albums.

"This way," he says, "I'm constantly able to get new music out to country music fans and I can constantly be reinventing what I do. What's exciting for me is you never have to stop to refuel.

I'll always be looking for and releasing good music."

His ability to do just that is the latest manifestation of musical promise that has shown itself since Blake was a boy in Ada, Okla.

"I walked on stage one time when I was a kid and sang," he says. "I saw an instant reaction from people and I never got over that feeling." His family recognized both You g otta be t his talent and his love for the music, and his mother sent here ! a tape to a local live country music show in his hometown of Ada, Okla., when he was 12.

(Read more about Blake Shelton in our next issue, or visit www. blakeshelton.com)

Alabama Poultry Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

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Grower Profile

On Sunday night, Jan. 18, 2009, Berry, Ala., poultry grower, Don Davis, went to bed. There was nothing unusual about the day. He and his wife, Bernieda, had gone to church that morning, he had worked in his four chicken houses and they had played with their two cats.

The only thing different was that Bernieda, after supper, had left to spend the night with a sick friend.

About 2:30 a.m., Don was awakened by a loud thump. He thought that the cats had been playing and had knocked over a chair. He got up to investigate. As he opened the bedroom door, an impenetrable wall of smoke and intense heat hit him. Coughing and gagging from the smoke, he grabbed his cell phone from the nightstand and crawled through his bathroom to the back hall. He found his work boots and stumbled through the back door, burning his hand on the doorknob, out into the cold January night.

Wearing only a sweat suit that he had been sleeping in, the boots that he had picked up on his way out the back door and a jacket that he had left in his truck, he called the Samantha Volunteer Fire Department. His cell

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phone told him that it was 2:45 Monday morning.

In the 11 minutes that it took for the first responders to arrive, Don watched the home on the farm that he had inherited from his grandparents and where he had spent his entire married life go up in flames. Six miles away, members of the volunteer fire department, rushing to the scene, reported seeing flames rising up more than 150 feet in the cold clear air, as the house, built in 1926 of heart pine, was a raging inferno. All the firefighters could do was water the flames to keep them from spreading.

With the morning came the realization that they had lost everything in the fire, including their beloved cats.

Bernieda believes that if she had been at home, she would have died trying to rescue them. They are both glad to have each other.

A year later, it is still difficult for them to talk about.

On the coffee table of their comfortable new modular home, that they personally designed, are two tiny figurines, one is an orange tabby and the other is a black cat with white feet. They are there as a constant re-

Alabama Poultry Magazine

minder of what they have lost.

They are grateful for the outpouring of support they have received from their family, community and church.

Married for 14 years, both have had challenges in their lives. Don was born with no sweat glands and a rough skin condition. His parents carried him to New Orleans to see specialists, but little could be done. He endured some teasing in school, but his positive attitude overcame that.

What bothered him the most was having to stay inside during the day. For a kid whose lifelong ambition was to be a farmer, this was hard. His family raised cattle and row cropped on the land that they had lived on for many generations, and he wanted to be a part of all that.

After graduating from Northside High School in Samantha in 1979, he took a job at the Arvin Muffler plant, but continued working on the farm.

Over the years, he learned how to better take care of himself. He spends little time in direct sunlight, always wearing a hat and long sleeve shirt. He stays well hydrated and always has water close by. That, and he knows how to pace himself He and Berneida started dating in 1995. They had met in 1992, when she, recently divorced and the mother of two grown daughters, started working at the plant. They dated for a year and a half before getting married.

Bernieda was born in Yreka, Calif., but moved with her family to Kentucky, where her family originated. In Kentucky, she got to experience farm life. Her grandfather raised tobacco and cattle. The family eventually moved to Ohio, but she continued to spend her summers with her grandparents in Kentucky.

In early 1998, with uncertainty about the muffler plant’s long-term viability, Don began to explore other income opportunities, particularly those involving the farm. He was aware of the growth poultry industry, and through the grapevine, he heard that Peco Farms was expanding. So he called, but was told that they weren’t bringing in any new growers at that time.

One morning a few months later, a neighbor, Larry Sweeny, who had been in the poultry business, called to tell Don that Peco was ready to bring in some new growers. Don called Peco again. They took his information and promised to call back. True to their word, a week later they called him with the news he had been wanting to hear. If he was really interested, he was told, he should start getting bids. To be certain that it was what he wanted to do, he worked with Sweeny for a month,

Berneida is disabled, but she crochets, oil paints and does stained glass. She hasn’t been able to paint for a while since her art supplies were destroyed in the fire. (Above) She holds a survivor of the fire. The porcelain figurine was a gift from her mother. Near her left hand is a soot stain from the fire.

then he said, “yes.” By October, he had built two 40’ x 420’ houses and had his first batch of chicks.

When they went to the bank to sign the note, Bernieda almost refused because the numbers were so large, but with Don’s urging, she signed the papers. Two years later, when they were getting ready to build two more houses, it was Don’s turn to get cold feet. This time Bernieda had to do the urging.

With just two houses, Don had continued to work at the muffler plant. Now, with four houses and the muffler plant about to close, he went full time into the poultry business.

Over the years, he has continued to upgrade his houses. They are all tunnel ventilated, but with curtain sides. He prefers the curtain sided houses because he is fearful of power failures coupled with generator failures. He remembers a recent event with one of his neighbors in the middle of the summer.

The power failed and the backup generator malfunctioned with a house full of birds scheduled for catching within a few days. With Don’s help, the neighbor was able to save all but approximately 1,000 birds, because he had curtain sided houses.

Don currently grows a bird with a target weight of

Alabama Poultry Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

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Don has most recently changed his lighting to dimmable fluorescent bulbs, realizing a savings in all four houses of approximately $300 to $400 per flock. He has also added thermostatically controlled brooder heaters.

seven pounds, with a growout of 50 to 55 days, depending on Peco’s needs. With downtimes averaging three weeks, he consistently gets five flocks a year.

Don takes a real hands-on approach, spending a good deal of time in his houses, especially as the birds get closer to growout. During his downtime he runs a pulverizer several times through each house and then skims. He lets the houses dry out for a week.

He usually gets five to seven loads of litter out of each house. He stores the used liter in a special litter barn. From there, he sells it to vendors and to some small local farms.

Don and Bernieda have made great strides in rebuilding their lives following the fire. Friends and family have even helped in restoring photo albums that were lost in the blaze. Much of that involves Don’s family.

His older sister lives just across the road and his younger brother lives behind his farm. Don’s parents’ home is across the road and up the hill. Sadly, Don’s mother passed away in December after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Since the fire, Don has joined the Samantha Volunteer Fire Department. He wants to be able to give back to the community that was there for Bernieda and him in their time of need. They are also very involved with their church, New Hope Baptist.

Don and Bernieda have had some real challenges thrown at them. But through it all, they have grown

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stronger in their faith and in their love for each other.

Their story of perseverance through hardship is as inspirational as it is remarkable.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

CLEANEAST Management Plan Help Available in Alabama The CLEANEAST Program provides confidential, no cost technical support to owners and operators of beef, dairy, swine, and poultry operations located in the eastern United States to help them identify and implement farm management practices that protect the environment. Owners/operators who apply and are selected by the program receive on-site support services from a qualified Technical Assistance Professional (TAP).

Program Services The technical services offered by the CLEANEAST Program are: • Environmental Assessment (EA). The TAP conducts a confidential on-site environmental review of the owner/operator’s livestock or poultry operation and prepares recommendations that can be implemented to address any identified environmental issues.

• Existing Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) Review and Update. The TAP reviews the owner/operator’s existing NMP, then identifies and prepares necessary NMP documentation to update the plan for the current livestock or poultry operation.

• New NMP Development. The TAP collects the needed information and performs the required analyses to prepare an NMP for implementation at the owner/operator’s livestock or poultry operation.

North Carolina State University (NCSU). Funding support for the program is provided under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. TAPs are independent subcontractors to RTI with certifications and expertise specific to the states where they are assigned to work for the CLEANEAST Program.

Benefits to Program Participants • Provide owner/operator with an objective, confidential review of site operations, identify any environmental issues and suggest potential remedies.

• Determine if a livestock or poultry operation is in an impaired watershed and whether manure management practices can be implemented to contribute to improving water quality.

• Help owner/operator formulate long-term nutrient management strategies.

• Improve manure management efficiency.

How the Program Works 1. Owner/operator applies for program services and is selected.

2. Qualified TAP is assigned to complete requested service for livestock or poultry operation.

3. TAP contacts owner/operator and schedules date for on-site visit.

4. TAP conducts site visit to meet with owner/operator to collect information about the site, livestock, poultry and crop operations.

5. TAP uses collected information to perform site-specific calculations and prepare documentation for requested service.

6. Owner/operator receives final EA report, NMP amendment, or new NMP as appropriate for the requested service.

More Information To learn more about the CLEANEAST Program including the program services, how eligible owners/operators apply to participate in the program, and the qualifications of RTI, NCSU, and the TAPs, visit the CLEANEAST Program web site: http://livestock.rti.org For additional information or to request an enrollment form call 1Costs to Program Participants The services of the TAP are pro- 866-881-1191 (toll free). vided at no cost to the owner/operator. The owner/operator fills out an Program Administration Contacts operation profile for the TAP and Mark Rice meets with the TAP at the owner/op- North Carolina State University E-mail: mark_rice@ncsu.edu erator’s site.

Telephone: 919-515-6794 Participant Eligibility Owners/operators of livestock Marion Deerhake Program Administration and poultry operations located in RTI International The CLEANEAST Program is any of the 27 eastern states are eligi- E-mail: med@rti.org developed and administered jointly ble to apply for technical services Telephone: 919-316-3410

by RTI International (RTI) and from the CLEANEAST Program.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

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International Poultry Expo

International Poultry Expo 2010

The Intervet booth was always crowded.

Dr. Pearse Lyons of Alltech seems to have AP&EA Executive Director Johnny Adams’ attention.

(Above) Howard Helmer of the American Egg Board was all smiles, while (below) Travis Lucas and Nicole Ballard of Kemin seemed to be having a good time. too.

ATLANTA — On the Saturday before the beginning of the 2010 International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo began, the equipment began arriving. The giant shipping bays of the Georgia World Congress Center were buzzing as huge 18- wheelers were offloading the great machines from around the world that would be on display. Heavy forklifts hustled the palletized materials from dockside to point of assemblage, in what one observer called “a display of heavy metal choreography.”

On Wednesday, walking the halls early, I spoke to Mike Donohue of Agri-Stats, remarking that the numbers seemed lower than last year. He told me that the economy had curtailed some of the attendance, but the buyers were there.

In fact, the 2010 International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo attracted 18,896 poultry and feed industry leaders from around the world. Sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the American Feed Industry Association, the annual event is the world’s largest poultry and feed industry gathering.

This year’s attendance surpassed the 2009 figure of 17,646.

International visitors totaled 3,866, from 109 nations. Other than the United States, the largest group from a single country was from Canada, with 619. The largest region represented was Latin America and the Caribbean, with 1,684 visitors.

There was also a sizeable representation from Africa, including a three-man trade group from the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter.

“What we’re excited about is that attendee density on the exhibit floor was significantly higher this year,” said 2010 USPOULTRY chairman Steve Willardsen, Cargill Value Added Meats, Wichita, Kan. “Due to current economic conditions, we were down slightly on the number of exhibitors from last year, so we had fewer exhibitor personnel. But the number of attendees – customers – was up, and the exhibitors seemed well-pleased,” he said.

The big exhibit floor was the main attraction. More than 800 companies displayed the latest innovations in equipment, supplies, and services used by industry firms in the production and processing of poultry, eggs, and feed products. Many firms take (Left) D&F Equipment Sales, like many of the other booths, had some deal making going on.

Deals were being made everywhere, even the tops of trash receptacles in the centers of the aisles caught some of the action. It was exciting to see so much capitalism in one place.

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WINTER 2009

Alabama Poultry Magazine

advantage of the annual event to introduce their new products.

All phases of the poultry and feed industry were represented, from live production and processing to further processing and packaging.

The Expo is the complete event. Complementing the exhibits, educational sessions keep industry management informed on current issues. Renewed from 2009, the Animal Agriculture Environmental Sustainability Summit examined the challenges and solutions of environmental stewardship. Industry keynote speaker, Larry Pope, CEO of Smithfield Foods, shared his firm’s sustainability program and explained that... “now, customers want to know about sustainability even before discussing price.”

A special USPOULTRY educational program, Animal Agriculture Under Attack, examined the ongoing campaign by animal rights activists targeting animal agriculture. Dr. Wes Jamison, associate professor of communication at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Blake Hurst, a Missouri farmer, author, and vice president of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, discussed counter strategies for animal agriculture to reach consumers with accurate information about the industry’s animal care practices based on good science.

Another popular program from 2009, the Market Intelligence Forum, was also renewed this year. Prominent economist Dr. Donald Ratajczak presented his outlook on the domestic and international economy. Mike Donohue, Agri-Stats, and Dr. Paul Aho, Poultry Perspective, looked at what is ahead in 2010 for the poultry industry.

The College Student Career Program attracted almost 300 students from 24 universities throughout the United States. The graduating students interview for jobs and internships with industry and allied firms. And they visit the exhibit floor to see the real-time technology used in today’s poultry industry. Auburn poultry science students took advantage of many of the programs.

Organization meetings, company gatherings, Infomarts, publisher-sponsored programs, the Pet Food Conference, technical sessions on a variety of industry-specific topics, and once-a-year networking opportunities made the International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo the crossroads of the global poultry and feed industry.

Steve Smith of American Proteins delivers a great sales pitch.

Randall Ennis and customer enjoy a little (what else?) chicken snack.

(Above) The Auburn booth was a great place to rest weary feet. (Below) The Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter.

(Right) The Alltech booth was a flurry of activity. Each evening at 4:00, Irish dancers entertained the crowd with their fancy footwork. Even the Col. Sanders impersonator in the background seems pleased.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

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International Poultry Expo

Poultry Industry and Economy Set to Rebound in 2010

ATLANTA – The coming year will be a profitable one for U.S. broiler producers, and the U.S. economy will continue its recovery from recession this year, according to a panel of economists who spoke at the 2010 Poultry Market Intelligence Forum held during the International Poultry Expo. The Forum is a joint effort of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the National Poultry & Food Distributors Association.

Dr. Donald Ratajczak, a prominent economic consultant, said that restraints on the availability of financing have had a major impact on economic activity. As the restraints have eased, economic activity has picked up.

One example cited by Ratajczak was the impact that falling used car values had on the availability of new car leases, which in turn hurt new car sales. He said that the “Cash for Clunkers Program” actually has helped correct this problem. Cash for Clunkers put new cars on the road without adding used cars to the market. This gave a boost to used car prices, which in turn encouraged lease availability, and boosted new car leases late in 2009.

Restraints on credit forced many companies to reduce inventories of finished goods to improve their cash positions, according to Ratajczak.

As inventories fell toward the end of 2009, companies began to increase production. Ratajczak said that this inventory effect helped lead to a 5.7 percent increase in GDP in the fourth quarter of 2009.

However, U.S. consumers are still not enthusiastic about the economy. They have suffered a real loss of wealth because of declines in the

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stock market and home prices. Consumers are increasing savings levels to help offset their loss in wealth, and this will dampen growth in consumer spending. He said that he expects consumer spending in the United States to increase by 2-2.5 percent in 2010.

Ratajczak added that he thinks that stocks are still somewhat undervalued based on the levels that he expects corporate earnings will rebound to this year. He predicted that the Dow Jones Industrial average will exceed 12,000 at the end of this year.

Better poultry meat prices in 2010

Dr. Paul Aho, Poultry Perspective, said that he expects U.S. bulk leg quarter prices will be lower in the first half of 2010 than they were in the same period in 2009. In the second half of the year, he expects leg quarter prices will exceed year before levels and will end the year around $0.10 per pound higher than at the end of 2009. He said that trade difficulties with Russia will create a drag on leg quarters early in 2009, but he expects some resolution to the dispute and that Russia will buy U.S. leg quarters in 2010.

Boneless skinless breast meat prices should be higher in the United States throughout 2010 than in 2009, according to Aho. Outstanding live performance continues for industry

Mike Donohue, Agri Stats, said that because of higher grain and energy prices, live production performance is more important than it

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

has been in 20 years. Fortunately, 2009 was an outstanding year for the U.S. industry in terms of live performance.

Donohue credited a number of factors for the long-term trend of improvement, including improvements in bird genetics and in on-farm equipment and housing. Average livability for the industry was over 96 percent in 2009, up 1.5 percent from 20 years ago. Improved flock health has also resulted in a roughly two thirds reduction in the rate of field condemnations at the processing plant from the levels of 20 years ago.

Donohue also explained that some of 2009s outstanding live broiler performance can be attributed to increased downtime between broiler flocks which was a result of production cutbacks.

The range between the best and poorest performing companies in terms of feed cost per live pound of broiler has increased from around $0.05 per pound in 2005 to $0.11 per pound in 2009. Donohue said that this increased spread results from the costs of grain purchasing positions, logistics of moving grain and differences in bird performance.

Subsidized corn-based ethanol production in the United States continues to cost the U.S. broiler, turkey and egg industries billions of dollars, according to Donohue. Over the last 2.5 years he estimated that based on Agri Stats data, U.S. poultry producers have spent $18.5 billion more for corn because of the ethanol mandates, subsidies and tariffs.

Commenting on projected profitability of the U.S. poultry industry, Donohue said, “2010 should be a good year for the industry.”

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Cathy: Create Value . . . A Building Block for Success

ATLANTA – In business it is essential for employees to create value and establish a good name for themselves, according to Dan T. Cathy, president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A. Cathy was the keynote speaker at the College Student Career Program during the 2010 International Poultry Expo sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. He addressed nearly 300 students from 24 universities throughout the nation.

Cathy encouraged students to become valuable within the business world by developing a vision, understanding history, and evolving.

“My father, Truett Cathy, had a vision. He created the chicken sandwich in 1946 at the Dwarf House Grill in Hapeville, Ga.,” said Cathy.

“To thrive in business, it is important

to understand history and learn the principles and importance of good choices and decisions from other people and companies.

“Individuals need to brand their names, just as companies brand their products, so that it stands for something. Have enthusiasm, make valuable decisions, and create substance.

Stay current by embracing change while conducting business with honor, integrity and respect,” said Cathy.

Cathy’s inspiration and enthusiasm for the industry is derived from many years of Chick-fil-A’s dedication to quality, customer service, and product innovation. As president of one of the nation’s largest familyowned restaurant businesses, Dan Cathy represents the second generation of leadership for the Atlanta-

Alabama Poultry Magazine

based quick-service chicken restaurant chain founded by his father, S. Truett Cathy.

The College Student Career Program is part of USPOULTRY’s extensive student outreach efforts.

Held annually during the Expo, graduating students interview for jobs and internships with industry and allied firms. They also visit the exhibit floor to complement their studies by seeing the latest technology and new innovations in today’s poultry and egg production and processing operations.

Cathy was welcomed by Jim Perdue, president and CEO of Perdue Farms, Salisbury, Md. Perdue participated in the student awards program, including presenting the annual Frank Perdue Scholarship to Student of the Year, Hannah Atkins, Pennsylvania State University.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

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Recipes

These light-as-a-feather spring treats will have your guests asking for the recipe. It’s up to you if you want to let them know your secret. The eggs make the difference in these delectible concoctions, just in time to add some sweetness to your Easter table. Anyone ready for seconds?

CREAM CREAM OF OF COCONUT COCONUT CAKE CAKE 1 1/2 3/4 1 2 tsp 6 2 1/2 1 1 1 1

cups sugar cup vegetable shortening cup skim or low-fat milk vanilla extract egg whites cups self-rising flour cup fresh frozen coconut (8-ounce) can cream of coconut cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted* (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Grease and flour a 9- x 13-inch baking pan; set aside. In a large bowl, beat together sugar and shortening. Slowly add milk and vanilla, continue beating until blended. Add egg whites, two at a time, beating well after each addition. Slowly add flour gradually, beating well. Stir in fresh frozen coconut just until mixed. Pour batter into prepared pan; bake at 350ºF until cake tests done when knife inserted in center comes out clean, or about 35 minutes.. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes.

Punch 6 to 10 holes in cake (the handle end of a wooden spoon works well), slowly pour cream of coconut on top of cake, letting it absorb completely. Finish cooling completely. Stir in 1/2 cup of the toasted coconut into whipped topping. Spread whipped topping on cake as frosting. Sprinkle remaining toasted coconut on top of cake. Refrigerate for several hours. *To toast coconut, preheat oven to 350ºF. Spread sweetened shredded or flaked coconut on a rimmed baking sheet and bake, stirring once or twice, until golden, about 5 to 10 minutes. If toasting sweetened coconut, check and stir more frequently because the added sugars can cause irregular browning.

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

NOT YOUR AVERAGE POUND CAKE 1/2 1/2 1 3 6 1 tsp 1 tsp 3 1/2 tsp 2 1/2

cup butter, softened cup shortening (8-oz) package cream cheese cups sugar eggs coconut extract vanilla extract cups all-purpose flour baking powder cups fresh frozen coconut, thawed cup sweetened flaked coconut for garnish or fresh berries or fresh fruit slices

Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan; set aside. In a large bowl, beat together butter, shortening and cream cheese until blended. Add sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add coconut and vanilla extracts; mix well. Gradually add flour and baking powder; beat until smooth. Stir in thawed coconut flakes. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in a preheated 325ยบF oven until a knife inserted into cake comes out clean or about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Allow cake to cool on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes before removing cake from pan. Sprinkle with sweetened flaked coconut and/or fresh fruit for garnish.

TASTE OF THE TROPICS CHEESECAKE 2 1/4 1/4 3 1/2 6 1 1 1/2 1/2

Cooking spray cups crushed coconut cookies cup sugar cup butter, melted (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened cup sugar eggs (15-ounce) can cream of coconut cups fresh frozen coconut, thawed cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted*

Evenly coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray, set aside. Combine crumbs, sugar and butter in a small bowl, mix completely. Firmly press into the bottom and 1-inch up sides of prepared pan. Bake crust in a preheated 350ยบF for 8-10 minutes; let cool in pan. Reduce oven temperature to 325ยบF. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer, gradually adding sugar. Add eggs, 2 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in cream of coconut and thawed coconut. Pour batter into prepared crust. Bake at 325ยบ F until cheesecake looks almost set, but still shakes slightly in center or about 50-60 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Sprinkle toasted coconut around rim of cheesecake or in center if desired. Cool and chill for 8 hours or overnight. Carefully run a thin bladed knife around the rim of the cheesecake; loosen the outside of the pan. Carefully run a long, sharp knife under the crust of the pan to loosen. Carefully transfer cheesecake to serving plate.

If desired, serve with a strawberry, raspberry or chocolate sauce or just garnish with toasted coconut and fresh fruit.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

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Member News

Alltech Bounce Back 2010 Comes to Auburn Dr. Don Conner, head of the Auburn University poultry science department, talks with Alltech’s President Dr. Pearse Lyons. One of the topics was Auburn’s feed mill project.

AUBURN – Jan. 15, 2010 – Alltech brought their traveling road show titled Bounce Back 2010 to the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center. This is one stop on a North American lecture tour.

Speakers, including Alltech President Dr. Pearse Lyons, presented nutritional and business strategies that companies can employ to ensure strong earnings and to

increase profitability in 2010. Industry concerns such as an ever-increasing demand for traceability and the inability to secure consistent raw materials were addressed.

The Bounce Back program is based on a model that Alltech has successfully implemented across its global offices and facilities.

Alltech, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., has offices worldwide. They manufacture yeast and yeast based nutritional products for the animal agricultural industry.

As part of its commitment to furthering scientific education, Alltech has created the Young Scientist Program. It provides a forum for undergraduate and graduate students throughout the world to interact with one of the leading players in the animal feed industry while strengthening their academic portfolios.

Interested students should visit www.alltechyoungscientist.com to register, review a list of suggested paper topics and submit their paper.

Discovery Channel Features Perdue's Environmental Initiatives Perdue Farms was one of seven companies from around the world featured on the premiere of a new Discovery Channel program about environmental leaders.

The 90-year-old U.S. poultry firm appeared in the opening episode of "The Green Room," which debuted on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 a.m. The program highlighted innovative ways the private sector is meeting environmental challenges, from saving energy at the Empire State Building to reusing nuclear fuel in France.

The show features Perdue's first-in-the-nation poultry litter processing plant, along with its unique agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help farmers keep waterways clean. The segment included interviews with Jim Perdue, chairman and chief executive officer of Perdue Incorporated, and Terri Wolf-King, an independent poultry producer who raises chickens for Perdue on her family farm in Hurlock, Md. “We are delighted that Perdue's

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

long-standing commitment to good stewardship, dating from the company's beginnings in 1920, got such recognition,” said Jim Perdue. “Our associates work hard to be good environmental stewards, both through the company and with our farm family partners who actually grow the poultry. It's great to see their efforts spotlighted.”

“The Green Room” will initially consist of 13 original episodes that will be rebroadcast. Check local listings for further information.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Good Egg Project Goes International to Help Haiti PARK RIDGE, Ill. – Feb. 17, 2010 – America’s egg farmers donated more than 275,000 dozen shell eggs (3.3 million eggs) to Feed The Children in an effort to help feed the hundreds of thousands of families affected by the earthquake disaster in Haiti. The donation, which amounts to more than $275,000, is part of the America’s egg farmers’ “Eggs for Haitian Relief” initiative, an effort on behalf of the organization’s ongoing “Good Egg Project” to fight hunger.

The donation of dried whole eggs is made possible

by Feed The Children, one of the few organizations that will accept food, rather than monetary donations, to assist in the recovery process. “We are proud to work with Feed The Children to deliver high-quality protein eggs to Haitians recovering in the wake of devastation,” says Joanne Ivy, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “We thank our egg farmers across the country for making this effort possible.” For the hundreds of thousands of Haitians struggling to find safe and healthy

food sources in their communities, eggs will fill a critical void. The high-quality protein in eggs provides the building blocks bodies need to maintain mind and body energy, not to mention allowing people to feel less hungry and stay nourished.

Each year America’s egg farmers donate more than 12 million eggs to U.S. food banks and charities. While the Good Egg Project was originated in 2009 to focus on domestic hunger and feeding issues, America’s egg farmers have provided international help in the past.

The American Egg Board partnered with Feed The Children most recently in 2005 when they provided egg products to survivors of the world’s deadliest tsunami.

Feed The Children’s role in delivering food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to families in need speaks to the American Egg Board’s commitment to eat well and do good.

For more information about the Good Egg Project, visit www.GoodEggProject.org

Craftmaster

Alabama Poultry Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

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Practical Applications

The amount of downtime a grower has between broiler flocks, and the steps that a grower can take during that period to prepare for the next flock, make a big difference on the health and productivity of the next flock of birds and the flocks that follow. Currently, cutbacks in broiler production by most integrators have increased downtimes for growers beyond that with which they are comfortable. Although, from an economic standpoint, this may not be the most advantageous situation for most growers, there are flock health benefits with increased downtimes.

Allowing the house to cool down and dry out between flocks helps maintain flock health by delaying the time when young birds are exposed to large numbers of detrimental organisms. The rule of thumb for decades has indicated that a 10-14 day downtime is required to sufficiently cool down the house, which in turn will reduce the levels of bacteria and more sensitive viruses in the house and litter. Research at Auburn University has shown that litter temperature bottoms out after 3-4 days (in moderate weather) and remains about 15ยบF above room temperature thereafter. Under most conditions, a 10-14 day down time will allow for 7-10 days reduction in microbes once the litter cools.

One important concept to remember in removing moisture and ammonia during the production break is to run minimum ventilation. Profit margins are tight for growers and long downtimes do not help, but running a single fan 45 seconds out of five minutes during this period will remove both moisture and ammonia, making it much easier to ventilate the house when it is heated up for brooding. Having removed a portion of the ammonia during this period also helps protect the growers investment in litter treatments and helps to reduce ventilation needs during the first few weeks for the next flock.

Crusting and Tilling: Removing the cake or crusting soon after the birds have gone to market not only smooths the litter bed for the next batch of birds, but it removes moisture from the house to speed the drying process of the litter. Bacteria thrive on warmth and moisture. Reducing the moisture content of the litter early in the downtime period helps

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to increase the portion of the downtime that puts the hurt on unwanted bugs. Also, working the litter during crusting helps to release ammonia and dry the litter further.

Recently, high-speed tillers have come on the market that allow growers to break up and mix the litter, which helps to remove both ammonia and moisture in addition to providing good litter consistency for brooding the next batch. This equipment can be used with many of the other techniques used between flocks (crusting or windrow composting) to enhance litter quality and improve flock health. One advantage of high-speed tillers is that each house can be tilled in a relatively short period of time, allowing the grower to improve litter quality without a large investment of time.

Windrow Composting: An increasing number of growers around the country are trying windrow composting in the house to recycle litter and reduce microbes. This technique has been helpful to many growers forced to reuse litter indefinitely due to high replacement bedding prices.

Windrow composting should only be used when a grower has the suggested 10-14 days of downtime, as a cooling/ammonia blow off period of four days is required after the litter is spread back out. Minimum ventilation should be continued during this period to remove moisture and ammonia. Small expenditures in electricity during this time and early brooding will pay dividends in performance and extend life of litter treatments. If minimum ventilation is not used to remove ammonia after spreading out compost piles, the remaining ammonia will use up any litter treatment applied prior to the next brooding period.

Windrow composting is a useful technique to reduce pathogen load, and can be used to break a disease cycle if a farm is not performing and health problems are suspected. It is not our opinion that windrow composting is necessary after each flock. The increased work load required and the increased litter management required to avoid ammonia problems in the next flock may not make this the best bet for use during each downtime.

Once or twice a year should keep microbes in check without being too cumbersome from a work load standpoint. High-speed tilling can be used one or two days

Alabama Poultry Magazine

after the litter has been spread back out from the windrows to remove more moisture and ammonia.

Litter Treatments: Many growers are using litter treatments to help in managing reused litter. Chemical, bacterial, enzymatic or a combination of bacterial and enzymatic litter treatments are currently being used in the field. In addition, the amounts of litter treatments used have increased to affect ammonia control for a longer period of time in the new flock. If one considers the granular litter treatments that acidify the litter to reduce ammonia (and bacterial activity), growers that once used 50 lb/1000 ft2 have begun applying 100, 125 or even 150 lb/1000 ft2 in order to reduce ammonia in built-up litter. Shorter downtimes may necessitate an increase in the amount of litter treatment if litter isn’t given sufficient time to cool and dry out. Again, running minimum ventilation

throughout the downtime (and possibly tilling once or twice) will increase the longevity of your litter treatment.

Summary: Downtime is an important tool in managing broiler health over time. It is important to make wise use of whatever downtime is available between flocks to break subclinical disease cycles and remove moisture and ammonia prior to arrival of the next batch of chicks. As of the writing of this article, downtimes are averaging 21 days for many growers across Alabama. Despite the obvious economic issues of fewer flocks per year, there is an upside in bird health that may allow growers to gain some income through healthier birds and improved growth and feed conversion. This is particularly true for those growers that use the extra time to manage their litter more effectively.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

25

of heart attacks, ascites, and other flock problems.

The goal is to provide intense, uniform light in the brood chamber, especially over the feed and water lines.

Recent developments in light bulb technology now After turnout to whole house, we need to fully satisfy make it a good business decision to replace incandes- dimming requirements for the remainder of the growout. cent bulbs with energy-efficient cold cathode (CC) and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, which are much more All Energy Efficient Bulbs Are Not Created Equal Lumen output per watt of power consumption is the cost-effective. When implemented correctly, a broiler grower’s lighting cost may be reduced by 70 to 85 per- biggest difference between CC and CFL bulbs. CFL cent while maintaining the same level of flock per- bulbs provide 65-75 lumens per watt, nearly twice the formance and using existing wiring circuits. Widespread light output per watt of CC bulbs, which give about 35replacement of incandescent bulbs with CC and CFL 40 lumens per watt. For comparison, incandescent bulbs bulbs is being seen in Alabama and across the U.S. provide only 12-17 lumens per watt.

Thus, we can replace incandescent bulbs with lower Broiler Belt. (For more detailed background informawattage CC and/or CFL bulbs to achieve equivalent light tion, check out Newsletter #59 for May 2009 at levels at much lower electric power costs. However, bewww.poultryhouse.com.)

In time, everybody will need to retrofit all their cause of the relatively low lumen output of CC bulbs, bulbs, as there will be no more incandescent bulbs sold higher wattage CFL brood lights usually must be used within about three years, and growers who do lighting as a supplement.

Table 1 compares wattage, light output, lumens per retrofits first will get the most economic benefit. This is no longer experimental; we are all doing it at our homes watt and approximate life for incandescent, cold cathode and compact fluorescent bulbs. and now we need to do it on our farms.

Experts recommend that broilers receive approximately 3 to 4 foot-candles (fc) of light (one foot candle Cold Cathode (CC) Cold cathode bulbs are dimmable and typically last equals 10.76 lux) during the brood phase. Brood lasts for 8 to 14 days, depending on the integrator company, twice as long as compact fluorescents but are more exand helps the chicks become acclimated to their new en- pensive and have much lower light output. Many poultry vironment by finding feed and water, while strengthen- growers are using 8 watt CC dimmable bulbs, which dim ing their skeletal structure and properly developing their very well, but only emit 325 lumens of light. Even the circulatory, digestive, nervous, and immune systems. new 15 watt CC bulbs generate only 525 lumens, comAfter the initial brood phase, birds are turned out, mi- pared to a 15W dimmable CFL that generates 1,100 lugration fences are installed, and light intensity is low- mens or a 23W dimmable CFL that emits 1,600 lumens. ered (dimmed), generally to around one-fourth Consequently, supplemental bright (high lumen) brood foot-candle or less, and alternated with short periods of lights are required when using CC bulbs.

Many 8W CC bulbs have been installed in broiler complete darkness for the remainder of the growout. At this low light intensity, birds will be less active, but still houses in the dimming circuits to replace 60W or 100W eat and drink sufficiently to achieve desired weight incandescent bulbs. However, since the equivalent lumen gains. Low light intensities during growout also reduce output is still very low, it requires that either dual light aggression in the flock and tend to lower the incidence adapters be used to allow the installation of two bulbs in one fixture (see Dual Bulb Pull-Chain Adapters, below), *Forrest Tabor is president of The Tabor Group which specialor that supplemental brood lights be used to achieve minizes in agricultural lighting applications. All other authors are imum brood lighting levels. CC bulb life is considerably with the National Poultry Technology Center at Auburn Unihigher than incandescent bulbs at 18,000-25,000 hours.

By Jess Campbell, Gene Simpson, Jim Donald, and Forrest Tabor*

versity.

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

Compact Fluorescent (CFL) – Dimmable and NonDimmable There are two very different types of CFL bulbs, dimmable and non-dimmable. CFL bulbs are being widely adopted in broiler houses in the US and are the new bulb of choice for several reasons. These bulbs have an estimated lifespan of 8,000-12,000 hours, which is less than the CC but approximately 10 times longer than their incandescent equivalent, and their lumen output is 2 to 3 times that of CC bulbs. A variety of CFL bulbs are on the market in the US and pricing is very competitive.

Bulb prices are much lower than the CC equivalent and CFL dimming technology has progressed rapidly. The first generation dimmable CFL bulbs did not perform as well as expected in broiler houses and had problems in early field trials. However, newer generation dimmable CFL bulbs have been field tested with several broiler companies and they show much longer life and improved dimming capabilities.

Reliable dimming CFL bulbs are now available in two common sizes, a 15W (70W incandescent equivalent) and a 23W (100W incandescent equivalent). Both use less than 25 percent of the power of their incandescent equivalents. Bulb cost is approximately $5.50 per bulb with a lumen output of 1,100 and 1,600 lumens, respectively.

Non-dimmable CFL bulbs range in size from 8 or 9W (40W incandescent equivalent) up to 65W (300W incandescent equivalent). Sizes of non-dimmable CFL bulbs commonly found in broiler house applications are 15W (1100 lumens), 18W (1250 lumens), 23W (1600 lumens), 26W (1750 lumens), 40-42W (2700 lumens), 55W (3500 lumens), and 65W (3900 lumens). Minor variation among manufacturers is common. Since mass

Prac ti ca l Applications

Cold cathode bulbs (at left) last about twice as long as compact fluorescents (at right), but have only about half the light output per watt.

production of “household size” bulbs has resulted in much lower prices, non-dimmable CFL bulbs in the 15W to 26W range are by far the least expensive and most cost effective bulbs, typically ranging in cost from less than $1.50 to about $3. The 40-42W bulbs typically retail for about $8-$11, and the 55-65W bulbs typically range from $12 to $17.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) LED bulbs are quickly becoming available for many applications and LED technology offers excellent potential for development over the next several years.

However, currently LED technology has several attributes that make it poorly suited for use in poultry houses.

LED bulbs emit a cone-shaped light pattern similar to a floodlight which makes achieving Table 1. Lumens per Watt and Approximate Bulb Life by Bulb Type lighting uniformity very difficult.

LED bulbs all have finned heat sinks Bulb Type Wattage Lumens Lumens/Watt Approx. Life (Hr) surrounding their bases to dissipate Incandescent 25 190 7.6 800-1200 heat, and the space between these fins Incandescent 40 470 11.8 “ collects dirt, debris, and moisture Incandescent 60 870 14.5 “ Incandescent 75 1,190 15.9 “ quickly. This will require constant atIncandescent 100 1,710 17.1 “ tention by growers and may cause preCold Cathode 8 325 40.6 18,000-25,000 mature failure of these expensive Cold Cathode 15 525 35.0 “ bulbs. Currently the cost of LED Compact Fluorescent 15 1,100 73.3 8,000-12,000 bulbs is extremely high, and any ecoCompact Fluorescent 18 1,250 69.4 “ Compact Fluorescent 23 1,600 69.6 “ nomic analyses which compare the Compact Fluorescent 26 1,750 67.3 “ true costs of LED lighting against the Compact Fluorescent 42 2,700 67.5 “ other new technologies (CC and CFL) Compact Fluorescent 55 3,600 65.5 will yield economic paybacks of sev-

Alabama Poultry Magazine

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Dual pull-chain adapter

(Left) New dual bulb pull-chain adapters allow switching one bulb on or off at a time, as well as installing one dimmable and one non-dimmable bulb, as shown in photo above, without requiring additional wiring. Both bulbs are typically used during brooding; after turnout, when much lower light levels are required, the receptacle is switched to the dimmable bulb only.

“Jelly Jar”

(Right) “Jelly jar” fixtures for the “twirly” compact fluorescent bulbs do not collect as much dust and are much easier to clean than the bare CFLs. The result is that proper light levels are much more likely to be maintained, and with less labor involved.

eral years compared to economic paybacks of several flocks for the CC and CFL options.

While we believe the future holds promise for LED technologies in poultry housing, we feel that this technology has not currently been sufficiently developed for use in the harsh environment of the typical production house.

Dimming Considerations While we typically brood birds at 3 or more footcandles, it is imperative that we have the capability of dimming the lights in the broiler house to 0.10 fc to 0.25 fc measured at bird level along the feed lines. Exact target dimming levels depend on the integrator and should be determined by using a good light meter, not just by “eyeballing.” Thus, each house must be equipped with a compatible light dimmer wired into the dimming lighting circuits in the house.

High wattage dimmers designed to work with incandescent light bulbs typically do not operate in the same manner with CC and dimmable CFL bulbs. Some growers with older dimmers have had good dimming success by simply installing a single 75W or 100W incandescent bulb at the front-most socket of the dimming circuit when using CC and dimmable CFL bulbs. However, most of the manufacturers making dimmers have developed new dimming hardware and software that is available to field upgrade their existing incandescent dimmers, or they now sell dimmers specifically designed to operate with the lower wattage CC or dimmable CFL bulbs.

Dual Bulb Pull-Chain Adapters A new two-bulb adapter has been specifically designed for broiler houses by Retrolite Corporation that elevates socket splitters to another level by adding a pull-chain selectable switch and a ratcheting base. The

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grower simply unscrews the incandescent bulb and screws in the pull-chain adapter.

The ratchet allows flexibility in orienting the adapter and the pull-chain permits one bulb to be switched off when dimming is desired. One dimmable bulb and one non-dimmable bulb can be placed in the adapter and no additional wiring is required. The cost of the adapter (about $6.50) is much less than running additional electrical circuits. Both bulbs are used in the brood chamber when high light intensity is necessary during the brood phase and then the fixtures can be switched to turn off the non-dimmable bulb and operate only the dimmable bulb.

Houses that do not use these adapters typically must operate an additional electrical circuit in the brood chamber to achieve the required foot candle levels, so the adapter adds a great deal of flexibility toward achieving your lighting goals. Additionally, with the use of these adapters, a large number of bulbs can easily be turned off to provide the very low light requested by flock catch crews. These adapters can also be equipped with glass or plastic globe enclosures commonly called “jelly jars.”

Keyless Socket Fixtures Conversations with distributors and integrators, as well as countless field observations, have shown us that many keyless sockets have never been replaced. Usually, we find that there is major corrosion on these sockets, which is a contributing factor to higher bulb failures and erratic dimming performance. Additionally, the majority of keyless sockets in the field are found to be aluminum screw-shell models. We have seen many electrical contact issues using aluminum screw-shell keyless sockets over the past two years. Most bulb manufacturers are now recommending that when first installing a house of CCs or dimmable CFLs, the producer

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Dual Bulb Adapters Over Feed Lines With No Brood Lights

Properly designed and managed poultry lighting systems using modern compact fluorescent (CFL) and cold cathode (CC) lighting can reduce broiler house lighting costs by 70 to 85 percent over conventional incandescent lighting. Photo shows a house using CFL bulbs in dual adaptors over feed lines. This lighting layout does not require supplemental brood lights (see Lighting Layout Example 1).

use only nickel plated brass screw-shell keyless socket fixtures, which retail for about a dollar apiece.

Aluminum screw-shell fixtures should be avoided with CC and CFL bulbs. The aluminum screw-shell is subject to quickly becoming corroded, which causes high electrical resistance that affects bulb life and dimming performance. The aluminum screw-shell is a very thin and weak material and when used in an already corrosive environment is a key reason why some houses have much higher failure rates than others, since the inexpensive aluminum screw-shells were designed for use in non-corrosive environments. New bulb warranties will likely require using these nickel plated brass screwshell keyless socket fixtures with CC and dimmable CFL bulbs.

Implementation Installing CC and CFL bulbs in dropped ceiling houses with two feed lines is usually fairly simple, as ceiling height is the same for all sockets, and ceiling material helps reflect light without any shadowing effect.

White ceilings deliver higher intensities of light to the floor than black ceilings, typically 0.50 to 0.90 fc more.

High ceiling, open truss houses are more of a challenge.

These houses usually have lighting installed at a higher distance from the floor and generally require additional wiring work to deliver adequate brood lighting levels.

New wider houses with three or more feed lines and different ceiling heights require a mix of different wattage bulbs to achieve lighting uniformity. Many newer houses have installed dimmable and non-dimmable circuits over each feed line with alternating (dim, non-dim) sockets on 10-foot centers.

Cleaning Tips Cleaning spiral bulbs without a globe is a hard job.

However, between flocks, much of the dirt and debris can be removed from bulbs with a leaf blower and/or feather duster. It is also a good idea to wipe down the bulb surfaces with a damp cloth. Cleaner bulbs allow more light to reach bird level. “Jelly jars” may also be helpful in delivering adequate light levels.

Bottom Line The best way to accomplish a lighting retrofit across a broiler complex is for an integrator company to refine it in a few standard houses and then convey the final layout and the design to the growers. A grower should ask his company for help before trying to implement it on his own. Unfortunately, there are new broiler houses being built with incandescent bulbs specified, which is very short-sighted. In any case, be sure to use the nickelplated brass sockets when building; otherwise you will be switching them out soon.

Many problems encountered when installing an energy efficient lighting system can be avoided by following these three guidelines: • install nickel plated brass keyless sockets; • use an appropriate dimmer; and • use a light meter to accurately set dimming levels.

The net result is that lighting costs can be reduced between 70 percent and 85 percent. The typical breakeven payback is within two to three flocks, and the higher the rate a grower pays for electricity, the quicker his return on investment.

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Example #3 - Single dimmable CCs & high wattage CFL center brood lights. 8W dimmable CC and 55W non-dimmable CFL delivers 3.0-4.0 foot candles at each feed line.

Grower Seminars: Luverne New Brockton Russellville Cullman Boaz Anniston

Old keyless sockets are highly susceptible to corrosion in the broiler house, leading to higher bulb failures and dimming problems. For this reason, bulb manufacturers highly recommend using only nickel-plated brass sockets for both CC and CFL bulbs.

Example Lighting Layouts - 40 Foot Wide House

11:30 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

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6:00 p.m.

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AP&EA Big Bass Tournament (Lake Guntersville)

March 23 March 23 March 24 March 25 March 25 March 26

May 14

AP&EA “Evening of Fun” Golf Tournament Bent Brook Golf Club June 4

AP&EA “Evening of Fun”

You gotta gotta be be there! there!

You

Example #2 - Single dimmable CFLs & high wattage CFL center brood lights. 23W dimmable CFL and 40W non-dimmable CFL delivers 3.0-4.0 foot candles at each feed line.

King Realty

With the ever increasing demand for poultry farms and land (with or without a house), we are extremely short of farms to cover the demand.

Here are a few of our phone calls and emails.

• Buyer from Sarasota, FL is looking for a 4 to 6 house broiler farm with a home • and acreage.

• Buyer from Nashville is looking for a breeder farm.

• Buyer from Tifton, GA is looking for large tracts of pasture and timberland.

• Buyer from Tallahassee, FL is looking for a large poultry farm.

If you are interested in selling your farm give us a call.

United Country King Realty 334-566-8053 www.troy-al-real-estate.com

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June 5

Featuring Blake Shelton 5:00 p.m. Grower Seminar Birmingham Ballroom/Sheraton Hotel 7:00 p.m. Gates Open Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex 7:30 p.m. Concert 9:30 p.m. Dance Sheraton Ballroom – featuring Hotwire

Example #1 – Dual socket splitters in brood end using one 15W dimmable CFL bulb and one 18W non-dimmable CFL bulb. No supplemental center brood lights. Off end using single 15w dimmable CFL bulbs only. Delivers 4.5-5.5 foot candles at each feed line.

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

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