May / June – VOL. 5 NO. 3
AP&EA P.O. Box 240 Montgomery, AL 36101 Address Service Requested
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American Proteins, Inc., Hanceville, AL
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D & F Equipment Sales, Inc., Crossville, AL First South Farm Credit, NA, Cullman, AL
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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
This year’s “Evening of Fun” was a wonderful success. Attendance was up from last year, and, from what I’ve been hearing, everyone enjoyed Blake Shelton. I also saw a lot of dancing going on in the Sheraton Ballroom after the concert. As you know, the “Evening of Fun” is our primary fund-raising event for the year, so thanks to all of you who bought tickets and came to Birmingham. Though the announcement was made during the preliminaries at the “Evening of Fun,” we are proud to acknowledge the selection of our two newest members of the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame, Dr. Mike Eckman (posthumous) and Davis Lee. These two men, though in separate vocations, have done much to advance the poultry industry in Alabama. Congratulations go out to Association President Fred Cespedes for guiding American Proteins, Hanceville Division to a second prestigious U.S. Poultry & Egg Association Clean Water Award. American Proteins, for many years, has been a great role model of environmental responsibility for our industry, and Fred Cespedes has led the way. Congratulations also to the Bradford family of Cullman for being selected as the AP&EA 2010 Alabama Poultry Fam Family of the Year. Sonny and Pam, along with their two daughters, Tara and Tammy, are great ambassadors for our industry. Their hard work and efficiency are exemplary of most of the outstanding growers in Alabama. As an industry, we are fortunate to have such fine families in our family. Many thanks to our friends in the Alabama Legislature for passage of HB561, the Farm Animal Protection Act. It will go a long way to protect Alabama farmers from the meddling of the animal rights’ crowd. Special thanks to Rep. Ralph Howard of Greensboro, himself a cattle farmer, for spearheading passage through the House and to Sen. Wendell Mitchell for his work in the Senate.
FEATURING
Governmental Affairs The Passing of Friends Association News Evening of Fun Golf Grower Seminar Concert Dance AP&EA Farm Family of the Year Recipes Practical Applications Calendar of Events
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THIS ISSUE
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G over nment al Affairs
USDA and DOJ Doubleteam the Poultry Industry
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsac
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder
Peco Foods’ Benny Bishop
Shane Wootten
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NORMAL, Ala. – On May 21, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Justice held a joint “workshop” at Alabama A&M University. The stated purpose of the workshop was to look into allegations of monopolistic practices in the poultry industry. To underscore the serious nature of the proceedings, the Department of Agriculture was represented by United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and the Justice Department by Attorney General Eric Holder. In his opening remarks, Sec. Vilsack, stated that they were there to discuss competition and contract practices in the poultry industry. Invoking the name of his boss, President Obama, Vilsack called for an open and transparent discussion. He announced that the USDA and DOJ, in order to maintain a viable, fair and competitive marketplace, had formed the Agricultural Competition Joint Task Force to combat unfair and deceptive trade practices under the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). As part of that task force, the 2011 Obama Farm Bill would include additional funding to hire attorneys, legal specialists and field investigators to conduct over 500 investigations of suspected violations of fair trade practices. He also announced a new set of proposed regulations, regarding the poultry industry to be added to the 2011 Farm Bill. Vilsack, concluded his remarks by introducing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. He pointed out that the attorney general could be other places, but saw this issue as being of a serious nature and requiring his
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presence. In his remarks, Holder stated, “Our goal is to develop a clear picture of what competitive issues participants in the poultry market face.” He went on to add, “The Obama administration is committed to protecting competition in a very vigorous manner. It is a top priority of the Justice Department. A series of panel discussions was held, with each being followed by audience comments. It soon became apparent that the poultry industry was under attack. On the first panel, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks was the only panelist to portray the poultry industry in a positive light. Those audience members lined up in the aisles to make comments were largely disgruntled growers from a number of Southern states who complained of cancelled contracts; of being coerced into making constant upgrades to their facilities even while previous upgrades were still being paid for; of receiving unhealthy chicks or contaminated feed; and of intimidation and threats of reprisals from their integrators if they went public with their complaints. One panelist, Garry Staples, vice president of the Alabama Contract Growers Association and a grower for Koch Foods, expressed concern over reprisals for his outspoken criticism of the integrator system. U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Christine Varney, another panelist, quickly flourished a business card and told him that if he had any trouble, he should call her. That action, plus every other critical comment was
met with wild applause. Staples also added that most integrators now prohibited their personnel from also being growers. Because of this, he added, “Integrators don’t understand the financial strain on growers.” Other complainants leveled charges at large retailers, specifically at Walmart, for keeping the price of poultry artificially low. One ponytailed gentleman expressed his belief that low poultry prices contributed to the obesity problem. It was not until the afternoon session that views positive to the integrator system were sounded. One panel featured Benny Bishop, an executive with Peco Foods, and Shane Wootten, a grower with Tyson Foods. Bishop, after listening to a number of unhappy growers, defended his organization vigorously. He told the panel that Peco Foods offers contracts from flock-to-flock to 15 years for new houses, depending on the age and condition of the houses, and of the 1,570 houses under contract, the average house age is 15 years. He also stated that over the 73 year lifespan of the company only 4 to 6 percent of contracts had ever been terminated. His comments, and those later, of Shane Wootten, were met with a stony silence. Wootten, in fact, seemed to be the only satisfied grower in the auditorium. During his panel discussion, Wootten, who has been growing broilers for Tyson since 1998, acknowledged some communications problems over the years, but maintained his satisfaction with the system. He expressed concerns about governmental regulation of the “tournament” system of compensation, which ranks growers with the same house type and age, and pays them accordingly. This allows grow-
ers with older houses to continue growing without having to meet the standards set by growers with more modern facilities. Wootten says that he is fearful that new rules requiring integrators to pay all growers the same rate per pound, will eventually lead to more contract cancellations among growers with older houses, which are less efficient and with lower feed conversion rates than the modern houses. Wootten was asked what his Tyson representative had told him before his appearance at the workshop. Wootten’s response was straightforward, “He told me to tell the truth.” Unfortunately, it was a truth that came too late to make much of a difference. Eighteen days after the workshop, USDA released new proposed rules for the animal agriculture industry under GIPSA. GIPSA Proposed Rules
The Department of Agriculture (USDA), Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is proposing to add several new sections to the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as amended and supplemented (P&S Act). The new regulations that GIPSA is proposing would describe and clarify conduct that violates the P&S Act and allow for more effective and efficient enforcement by GIPSA. The proposed regulations would clarify conditions for industry compliance with the P&S Act and provide for a fairer market place. Proposed new Sec. 201.210(a) would first provide a statement of the broad coverage of section 202(a). It would then provide the following specific examples of conduct deemed unfair: • An unjustified material breach
Alabama Poultry Magazine
of a contractual duty, express or implied, or an action or omission that a reasonable person would consider unscrupulous, deceitful or in bad faith in connection with any transaction in or contract involving the production, maintenance, marketing or sale of livestock or poultry. • A retaliatory action or omission by a packer, swine contractor, or live poultry dealer in response to the lawful expression, spoken or written, association, or action of a poultry grower, livestock producer or swine production contract grower; a retaliatory action includes but is not limited to coercion, intimidation, or disadvantage to any producer or grower in an execution, termination, extension or renewal of a contract involving livestock or poultry; a refusal to provide to a contract poultry grower or swine production contract grower, upon request, the statistical information and data used to determine compensation paid to the contract grower or producer under a production contract, including, but not limited to, feed conversion rates, feed analysis, origination and breeder history; •An action or attempt to limit by contract a poultry grower’s, swine production contract grower’s, or livestock producer’s legal rights and remedies afforded by law, including, but not limited to the following: i. The right of a trial by jury (except when arbitration has been voluntarily agreed to); ii. The right to all damages available under the law; iii. Rights available under bankruptcy law; iv. The authority of the judge or jury to award attorney fees to the appropriate party; or v. A requirement that a trial or arbitration be held in a location other than the location
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G over nment al Affairs where the principal part of the performance of the arrangement or contract occurs; paying a premium or applying a discount on the swine production contract grower’s payment or the purchase price received by the livestock producer from the sale of livestock without documenting the reason(s) and substantiating the revenue and cost justification associated with the premium or discount; • Termination of a poultry growing arrangement or swine production contract with no basis other than the allegation by the packer, swine contractor, live poultry dealer or other person that the poultry grower or swine production contract grower failed to comply with an applicable law, rule or regulation. If the live poultry dealer or swine contractor believes that a poultry grower or swine producer is in violation, the live poultry dealer or swine contractor must immediately report the alleged violation to the relevant law enforcement authorities if they wish to use this alleged violation as grounds for termination. • A representation, omission, or practice that is fraudulent or likely to mislead a reasonable poultry grower, swine production contract grower,
swine contract producer or livestock producer regarding a material condition or a term in a contract or business transaction. Any act that causes competitive injury or creates a likelihood of competitive injury. New Rules
1. Integrators would be required to provide notice of any suspension of delivery of birds at least 90 days prior to the suspension taking effect. 2. A contract must be of sufficient length to allow the poultry growers to recoup 80 percent of investment costs related to the capital investment. 3. Integrators that pay poultry growers on a tournament system would be required to pay all poultry growers raising and caring for the same type of poultry the same base pay, and would prohibit paying poultry growers less than the base pay amount. 4. It would require that poultry growers be ranked in settlement groups with other poultry growers that raise and care for poultry in the same type of houses. 5. Integrators would be required to maintain records that justify their treatment of poultry growers. 6. Integrators would be required
to submit copies of sample types of contracts to GIPSA and GIPSA to make those samples available for public viewing on its Web site. 7. Integrators would be required to ensure that the poultry grower has a meaningful opportunity to participate in the arbitration process. The USDA invites you to make comments on the proposed rules. The period for comments has been extended from August 23 to November 22, 2010. You may submit comments by any of the following methods: E-mail: Comments.gipsa@usda.gov. Mail: Tess Butler, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1643-S, Washington, DC 20250-3604. Fax: (202) 690-2173. Hand Delivery or Courier: Tess Butler, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1643-S, Washington, DC 20250-3604. Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulation.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. To read the full version of the proposal go to www.alabamapoultry.org/GIPSA/rules.
GIPSA Proposed Rule Is One-Sided and Unrealistic Says NCC The National Chicken Council will review the draft regulation carefully and make appropriate comments. However, the regulation appears to be one-sided, unrealistic, and not in accordance with court rulings. The likely result will be years of litigation and uncertainty as companies, growers and the government try to sort out the impact on what has been an efficient system for producing an agricultural commodity.
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USDA’s statement that the average chicken company “makes $3.23 a bird” is grossly misleading since that figure is an approximate wholesale value and not the profit, which is only a small percentage of that amount. The regulation was clearly drafted to satisfy a small number of activist growers and will do nothing to enhance the business of the great majority of broiler producers who
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are satisfied with the current system. Eight different U.S. circuit courts of appeal have ruled that the Packers and Stockyard Act requires a showing of harm to competition. USDA’s outline of the new rule specifically welcomes yet more litigation by calling for “judicial reexamination of this issue.” This proposed regulation is not in the best interests of poultry producers, companies, or consumers.
Russia Lifts Ban on U.S. Poultry Imports By Tom Johnston on 6/25/2010 Prime Equipment Group Inc
President Obama has announced that Russia has agreed to lift its ban on imports of U.S. poultry. “We have reached an agreement that will allow the United States to begin exporting our poultry products to Russia once again,” Obama was quoted as saying in a report by Bloomberg. Obama made the announcement during a joint press conference with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Washington. The news drew applause from industry groups including the National Turkey Federation. “The poultry industry has long emphasized that internationally recognized scientific methodology has proven U.S.
must be tested and registered in Russia, Bloomberg quoted Sergei Danvert, head of the country’s food safety watchdog, as saying. Analysts said they expect shipments to begin fairly immediately and support dark meat prices, especially for leg quarters. Leg-quarter prices have fallen nearly 26 percent this year, JP Morgan’s Ken Goldman said, citing Urner Barry data. “The end of the ban should, when stocks of frozen supply are worked through, bring prices for leg quarters back to a normal range,” he said. Shares of Tyson Ready to go Foods ($17.86, up 15 cents), PilU.S. poultry processors are pre- grim’s Pride Corp. ($7.22, up 36 pared to use other antimicrobials to cents) and Sanderson Farms disinfect product in compliance with ($52.60, up $2.04) traded higher in Russia’s rules. Those substances afternoon trading Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange.
poultry processing practices are safe and that the trade restrictions are unwarranted,” the group said in a statement. Russia, formerly the largest foreign market for U.S. chicken, imposed a ban Jan. 1 on all imports of poultry treated with chlorine, effectively barring those shipped by U.S. exporters. The action slashed U.S. exports by 84 percent in the four months ended April 30, compared with the same period last year, the most recent USDA data show.
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Greg Graham Vice-President 2201G Gault Avenue North Fort Payne, AL 35967 877-245-4271
The Pas sing of Friends Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame member and Cullman native, E. O. Creel passed away on April 13, in a Huntsville hospital. He had a 35-year career in the poultry industry, starting in 1950 with the Alabama Flour Company, which later became ConAgra. He also worked for Ingram Farms from 1972 until he retired in 1985. In 1983, he was inducted into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame. He was 91. A 1941 Auburn University graduate in agricultural education, he served for five years in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific theatre, rising to the rank of captain. After the war, he taught vocational education in Hartselle before going to work with Alabama Flour.
Poultry Pioneer and Professor Pass Away
Dr. Robert Voitle, retired poultry science professor and former dean of Auburn University’s College of Agriculture, passed away on May 21, at 72. A native of Parkersburg, W. Va., he held bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. in poultry science from the University of Tennessee, The University of Florida marked the beginning of Dr. Voitle’s professional career as a professor. From there, he moved to California where he worked as the head of the poultry science department for California Polytechnic Institute in San Luis Obispo, Calif. In 1981, Dr. Voitle brought his family to Auburn, Ala. where he became dean of Auburn University’s College of Agriculture (Ag Hill). Over the next 18 years, Dr. Voitle played a key role in the development of now well-established Ag Hill Continued on pg. 30
Alabama Poultry Magazine
E. O. Creel
Dr. Robert Voitle
MAY / JUNE 2010
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Association News
We extend our congratulations to American Proteins, Hanceville Division, the worlds largest poultry rendering facility, for winning the 2010 Clean Water Award in the fulltreatment category. It is the second time that they have won this prestigious award sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. In 1997, under the leadership of Group Vice President Fred Cespedes, the Hanceville division added their state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility as a part of its environmental department. The facility is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by certified operators, who undergo extensive and regular training. Testing is carried on wherever water is present in the plant. More than 135 in-house analyses are performed during a normal day Since its establishment, the facility has won numerous awards. Most recently, it won the Alabama’s Water Environment Association 2008 Excellence in Industrial Wastewater Treatment Category 4 Biological (Advance Treatment) Award. The plant is also actively in-
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volved in utilizing collected biogas combined with natural gas as a fuel for the plant’s boilers. The Hanceville division receives as much as 45 million pounds of poultry processing by-product: the feathers, guts, blood and whatever else is left over from poultry processing plants across north Alabama. The facility then converts this “offal” into useable, high quality protein meal which supplies pet food manufacturers such as IAM’s, Heinz, Hills and Nestle’s Purina. The company continues to reinvest resources in improving the facility. Recently there has been a major expansion of the wastewater treatment system to remove additional nutrients. The installation of additional anoxic and oxic tanks made the waste-water system a fourstage treatment process. Again, hearty congratulations to Fred Cespedes and his dedicated team of environmentally conscious employees at American Proteins in Hanceville. Fred Cespedes is also president of AP&EA.
Alabama Poultry Magazine
Left to right: Frankie Daniel, manager of the pet food plant, Fred Cespedes, group vice president, and Alan Vogt, environmental manager, look at a computer screen showing data from the anoxic and oxic reactors that reduce nitrates in the effluent.
More than 135 wastewater samples collected from around the plant are analysed in the lab throughout the day.
Governor Riley Signs Livestock Care Act
MONTGOMERY – June 25, 2010 – Gov. Bob Riley, surrounded by supporters of HB561, formally signed the bill into law. The law, known as the Livestock Care Act was supported by all elements of animal agriculture through-
out the state in an attempt to preempt animal rights’ groups from attempting to pass legislation interfering with accepted animal agricultural practices in the state. The bill enlarges the authority of the state veterinarian, while also pro-
Alabama Poultry Magazine
hibiting local authorities from creating rules that would contravene state law. AP&EA President Fred Cespedes attended the bill signing ceremony (far right above).
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Cullman County Holds Annual Meeting
CULLMAN – May 21, 2010 – The Cullman County Poultry & Egg Association held its annual meeting at the Cullman Civic Center. Welcomed by Association President Nancy Garrison, more than three hundred poultry professionals feasted on barbecued chicken and fixin’s as keyboardist Scott Miller entertained. After the meal, the program began with the recognition of directors and Nancy Garrison and Charles Pinkston sponsors by Pres. Garrison. That was followed by the Nominating Committee report by Jerry Eddleman. The following individuals were nominated: Chad Federer – president, Julie Barck – vice president and Danny Farr – secretary/treasurer. In what has become a tradition, checks were given out to selected charities in the Cullman area. This year, checks went to Cullman Autism Society, Cullman Caring for Kids, Good Samaritan Health Clinic, Pilot Light Home and Project Lifesaver. Each organization received a check for $500. Charles Pinkston, ACES, presented Robert Crumbley a plaque for his Charitable check recipiants outstanding leadership and service as Association secretary/treasurer. He also presented Association President Nancy Garrison with a plaque honoring her outstanding service and leadership. Featured speaker, Ray Hilburn, the poultry program manager of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, spoke on the need to have a proper mortality disposal plan in case of catastrophic loss. The highlight of the evening came in honoring another Hilburn. Huey Hilburn was honored for his years of contribution to the poultry industry in Huey Hilburn with his wife, Sheila (left) Cullman, with induction into the Cullman County Poultry Hall of Fame. and his mother, Melba (right).
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Alabama Poultry Magazine
LAKE GUNTERSVILLE – May 15, 2010 – The water was as smooth as a Frank Sinatra tune and the air was still cool waiting the sunrise. At 5:30 a.m., all that changed. The peace was shattered when the signal to start was flashed and 48 sleek bass boats gunned engines and headed out into the pink dawn. By the weigh-in at 12:30 p.m., the weather had gotten a good bit warmer, as had the competition. The winning team of Colby Bendall and Marty Graham brought in a total of 21.42 lbs. of bass. They each received trophies and a prize of for $500 to split. The second place team of Kevin Stubblefield and Zack Iffland brought in a total of 19.76 lbs. They also received trophies and a prize of $250. Third place finishers, Jamie Smith and Jim Smith, brought in a respectable 19.34 lbs., and took home trophies and a prize of $150. Rusty Nelson caught the Big Fish. For his efforts, he also snagged a trophy and a prize of $100. It was a great tournament with more boats registered than last year. All fish were released in form to fight another day. The tournament was sponsored by AP&EA VIP sponsoring members. James Sanford of American Proteins, once again, did a great job as the event chairman and organizer. American Proteins also sponsored the lunch from Chick-fil-A. Proceeds from the tournament go to the Alabama Poultry Trust.
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Closest to the hole: Cypress Hathorne, Chuck Walters, Brandon Crissady, Michael Lee
Psychedelic Shorts
BENTBROOK GOLF CLUB –June 4 The poultry pros ran into some sultry temperatures on the links, but the competition was equally as hot in the annual AP&EA “Evening of Fun” Golf Classic. Still, for some golfers, not even great body english and a cheering team could get the putts to fall. It was a great morning of golf on a fun course. Maybe you should think about trying your hand at it next year.
Southwestern Sales Golf Clubs raffle winner: Jason Spann, Pilgrim’s Pride
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lli f Bore dy, Jef a s s i r C andon ng, Br u o Y y , Rand utnam Mike P
Will S im
As well as our more seasoned players fared, this day belonged to a team of “young guns,” who blistered the course.
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s, Tre vor S im
Alabama Poultry Magazine
s, Cla y
Allen , Tayl or Sim s
Before the Fun – There’s Some Work to Do
BIRMINGHAM – June 5, 2010 Johnny Adcock, chairman of AP&EA Grower Committee, opened the grower seminar portion of the 2010 “Evening of Fun” with the acknowledgement that the last couple of years had been challenging for the poultry industry, but the future was looking much brighter. The first item on the agenda was the election of two directors. Fred Cespedes gave the Nominating Committee report. The Committee recommended that Billy Gilley of Holly Pond and Stan Usery from Athens be elected to serve two-year terms as AP&EA directors. Adcock asked if there were any other nominations. there were none and both were elected without opposition. Next on the agenda was introduction of the 2010 Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year. This year’s winner was Sonny and Pam Bradford. Sonny and Pam live in Cullman with their two daughters, Tara, 25, and Tammy,19. The girls started work on the farm at an early age and continue to work on the farm today. Tara is a recent Auburn graduate in ag economics and Tammy is a senior in high school. (Read more about the Bradfords on page 19) They were brought on stage and presented a plaque in recognition of their accomplishment by Association President Fred Cespedes. The seminar featured a panel discussion moderated by Dennis Maze, a poultry grower from Horton. Featured on the panel were Joe Roberts of Fayette, J. J. Watson of Pineapple and Ray Hilburn from Luverne. The panel discussion was titled “How Do You Manage It?” refering, obviously, to litter. Joe Roberts talked about marketing your litter; J. J. Watson talked about windrow composting litter; and Ray Hilburn talked about the importance of crusting/tilling your litter. By the end of the discussion, if you didn’t know what to do with your litter, you were probably asleep. One hour of CAFO credit was available for the seminar. Five new and crisp one hundred dollar bills were given out to five lucky attendees as door prizes. Their “Evening of Fun” got an early start. Then the seminar participants were invited to enjoy a hot dog and hamburger supper in an adjoining room. Then it was time to head over to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena for the fun part of the “Evening of Fun” to get started. (Below) Left to right: Johnny Adcock, Tammy, Tara, Pam and Sonny Bradford accepting their Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year plaque from Fred Cespedes.
Johnny Adcock
Fred Cespedes
Dennis Maze
The Panel
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With the opening of the gates of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena at 7:00 p.m., the entertainment began. As the audience was finding their seats, the FFA singers from Oak Grove High School serenaded them with old time gospel music. They also performed a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Dorman Grace provided the invocation. Alabama Poultry & Egg Association Executive Director Johnny Adams, the evening’s emcee, introduced Association President Fred Cespedes, who welcomed everyone and introduced AP&EA’s officers and executive committee. He then announced that Davis Lee and the late Dr. Mike Eckman had been selected for induction into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame. Johnny next introduced some of our governmental friends in the audience: Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Glen Zorn; State Auditor Samantha Shaw; PSC Commissioner Susan Parker; Justice Mike Bolin, Alabama Supreme Court; Judge Tommy Bryan, Court of Civil Appeals; Rep. Greg Canfield, Vestavia Hills; Rep. Mike Curtis, Florence and Rep. James Fields, Hanceville. Next on the agenda was the introduction of our 2010 Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year, Sonny and Pam Bradford of Cullman, with their daughters Tara and Tammy. They operate three breeder-hen houses for Pilgrim’s Pride.
Then it was time to draw for two 46 inch Sony televisions. Folks dug deep into their pockets to find their ticket stubbs, and the winners were found. Congratulation to Jan Sexton of Cullman and to Robert Hicks of Spruce Pine. Then it was time for the main event!
“Wow, I can’t believe you all know who I am!” That was what Blake Shelton said when he came on stage. By the time he left, everybody knew who he was. From the wild and crazy rockabilly “Some Beach” and his new “Hillbilly Bone” to the poignant “Home” to a finishing encore, with his chart topping single “The Baby,” it was an hour of full tilt great entertainment. He used the time to spotlight his new album Hillbilly Bone, while also featuring material from previous albums. He just needs to lay off the chicken jokes. The musicianship was excellent, and Blake’s rapport with the crowd was outstanding. He handled the emotional range of the music well and left the audience wanting more. Many thanks to all who came to Birmingham for the AP&EA “Evening of Fun.” Attendance numbers were much higher than last year. So start making your plans for next year. Just remember – You Gott’a Be There!
You can find all of the pictures of the “Evening of Fun” online at www.alabamapoultry.org. Download them for free.
Blake Shelton had hardly put his guitar down before the Mobile showband, Hotwire, started sparking. The music was so hot, some folks just had to dance, even without partners. Wow! The band’s mix of rock’n’roll and funky Motown was irresistable for young and old alike. And then they’d hit you with a slow, romantic number. What guy wouldn’t just love to grab his lady by the hand and say, “Honey, they’re playing our song, let’s dance.” Folks were dancing all over the place. If there wasn’t room on the dance floor, they just danced on the carpet. When the band took a break, folks kept on dancing to the break music. They were two stepping and line dancing. They just wouldn’t quit. Now and again somebody would get tired and sit out a couple of numbers, but then they would be right back at it. Don’t let anybody tell you that poultry folks can’t dance. This wasn’t one of those hold on tight and shuffle your feet kind of nights. There was even some dipping going on. If you weren’t there, you should have been. It was a great way to end a great “Evening of Fun.”
Sonny and Pam had known each other for a good while, in fact they had The Bradfords, from left to right: Tammy, become acquainted through 4-H Club. But it wasn’t until one summer night, Pam, Tara and Sonny. cruising the Cullman shopping mall that it all happened. Sonny Bradford had just “invested” his college savings in a new 1982 blue and silver GMC “Through good times and bad, the pickup truck with a matching toolbox. Pam, from nearby Jones Chapel, took Bradfords have always stuck together as a family. Tornadoes, along with ice one look, and the friendship took a turn for the better. They had both been in love with farming from the very beginning. Pam damage, have hit the hen houses sevsays that she learned to write her name scribbling on wooden feed bins in eral times and they’ve always repaired her grandpa “Boots” West’s poultry farm. Sonny started working with his or rebuilt and kept pressing on. With father, Oscar Bradford, on the Bradfords’ poultry farm at an early age. He the rising costs of health insurance, cost loved the work and decided that it was what he wanted to do for the rest of of living and cost of production, the Bradfords refuse to give up. They stand his life. The Bradford farm was very successful, so successful in fact, that Oscar together, lean on each other and have and his wife, Norma, were recognized as the Cullman Farm-City Farm Fam- faith in the lord to make the Bradford ily of the Year. Sonny asked Pam to go to the banquet with him to hear Jerry Farm successful today.” Pilgrim’s Pride Clower, the featured speaker and famous comedic storyteller. She accepted nominating letter. and they went on their first and only date. They did spend time together on the tailgate of his pickup truck at the Cullman mall. Pam didn’t want Sonny to have to spend his money dating her. In July of 1984, at a well know swimming hole on her uncle’s farm at Crane Hill, he proposed. In September, they married. And, the following year, they were blessed with their first child, Tara. Sonny continued working on his father’s poultry farm and Pam worked at Oneita Industries. In 1988, eager to build for their future, Sonny and Pam leased two breeder houses from Sonny’s dad. The next year, they leased the third house.
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It had always been Pam’s dream to be a full-time mother and farmer, so in 1991, with the birth of the couple’s second daughter, Tammy, Pam left Oneita. She and Sonny purchased the three hen houses that they had been leasing from Sonny’s dad. With three 400’ breeder-hen houses in operation, farming became a full-time business, and all able hands were pressed into service. Tara, at age 7, helped her mother and father sort eggs, while Tammy played in the egg room in a playpen with a zippered fly screen. Later when the weather got warm, Sonny bought a small air-conditioned travel trailer and parked it next to the hen houses. It was a great Tara curently lives in Jones Chapel, but place for the children to play and take naps. her parents have just purchased a parcel Their upbringing instilled in them an abiding love for agriculture, esof land adjoining the family farm. It has a pecially animal agriculture. Both girls have always been active in 4-H, doublewide mobile home that they are showing steers, heifers, goats and lambs. In addition, Tammy showed renovating so that Tara can be closer. horses, rabbits and dogs. Tara competed in livestock judging, agriknowledge competitions, public speaking and woodworking. Both girls excelled in school, belonging to the Honor Society and Leo Club. After high school graduation, Tara went on to earn a B.S. in agricultural business and economics at Auburn University, where she was a charter member of Sigma Alpha Professional Ag Sorority, Auburn Ag Ambassadors and Auburn Block and Bridle. She is now employed by the Alabama Tammy and her Haflinger gelding Char- Farmers’ Cooperative. lie. Charlie won “Best of Show” at the Tammy, who graduated from high school in 2010, was involved in the Morgan County Fair in 2009. Spanish Club, Math Team and Science Team, plans to attend Wallace State Community College and continue working on the farm. She breeds miniature horses and also raises rabbits, goats and sheep on the family’s 125 acre farm. The Bradfords’ get their birds in early April at 20 to 22 weeks old. They get approximately 8,700 hens and 1,000 roosters per house. At approximately 32 weeks, the hens reach their peak output, laying around 7,000 eggs per day. They will stay at this peak for six to eight weeks. The eggs are picked up twice a week and taken to the Pilgrim’s Pride hatchery in Moulton. The Bradford’s have consistently been in the top ten percent in grower
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Alabama Poultry Magazine
efficiency and received Grower of the Year Awards several times. By the last of February or the first week in March, the old birds are picked up. This gives Sonny several weeks to prepare his houses for the new crop of birds. It’s also the time that the family can get in some recreation. They like to camp, fish and ride four-wheelers; Sonny and Tara are avid deer and turkey hunters. In addition to the poultry operation, the Bradfords also run an average of 70 brood cows. Commercial cows are bred with registered Angus bulls and steer calves are pooled with Sonny’s dad’s and brother-in-law’s herds to sell directly to feedlots. The heifers are either kept or sold. They also have a herd of approximately 30 goats that they sell at the local sale barn or directly off the farm. Their hard work and success was recognized when they were awarded Cullman County Young Farm Family of the Year. Also, in 2004, the Bradfords were chosen to represent their district in the Alabama Farmer’s Federation Farm of Distinction Competition. They are active members of Sharon Grove United Methodist Church. Sonny and Pam currently serve as youth leaders and Tara is the lay leader and serves on the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and the Nominating Committee. The Bradfords are also active in their community. They are all members of the Cullman County Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Association and Pam and Sonny serve as directors on the board. They are also members of the Cullman County Farmers Federation. Pam is a member of the Woman’s Committee and has served as chairman of the Cotton Division. Sonny currently serves as chairman of the Sheep and Goat Committee. Tara and Tammy are active members of the Cullman County Young Farmers. For the last 31 years Sonny has volunteered as a firefighter and first responder with the Trimble Fire Department. Pam has also served on the Cullman County Farm-City Committee. These days she serves as a special care giver for her aunt who suffers with dementia. The Bradfords are also members of the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association. With all that they do, we’re just glad they could take the time to come to Birmingham and be recognized as the 2010 Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year. Congratulations on a job well done!
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Pam is passionate about family photography. In fact, she takes so many pictures, she says that when her family see her getting out her camera, they all groan. Pam also loves animals, including Tammy’s miniature horses.
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Recipes
Grilled Chicken and Peach Kabobs Serves 4 4 2 16 3
boneless, skinless chicken breast halves small zucchini, cut into ½-inch rounds cremini mushrooms ripe peaches, cut into eighths (may use frozen if fresh not available) 8 wooden or metal skewers Marinade: 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup coarse grainy mustard 2 tbls red wine vinegar 2 tsps chopped fresh thyme 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper 1 tsp orange zest
If using wooden skewers, place in water and soak for at least one hour. • Cut chicken into 1-inch dice. In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, thyme, salt, pepper, and zest. Slowly whisk in olive oil to combine. • Thread chicken, zucchini rounds, mushrooms, and peach slices onto skewers, alternating ingredients. Be sure to leave enough space at bottom of skewer to hold and turn. • Place skewers in a single layer on a sheet pan or baking dish and pour marinade over, turning skewers to distribute marinade. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. Marinate, turning skewers occasionally, for at least 30 minutes or overnight. • Heat grill on high heat. Place skewers on grill and cook, turning, for about 10 minutes. • Serve over rice.
Apricot Glazed Grilled Chicken Wings Serves 4 4
pounds chicken wings, tips removed, and cut at the joint 1 tsp kosher salt 3/4 cup apricot preserves 2 garlic cloves, mashed 1 tsp chopped fresh ginger 1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes juice from one lime, about 2 tbls 1 tbls balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp cumin 2 tsps chopped chives fresh lime wedges for garnish
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•
Season wings with salt. Heat grill to medium high.
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In the bowl of a food processor (small if available), combine preserves, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, lime juice, vinegar, and cumin process until smooth. Add chives.
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Place wings on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes. Turn, and grill for another 5-6 minutes. With a pastry brush or spoon, brush the sauce on the wings. Cook for about 1 minute, and turn. Repeat on other side of wings. Cook for another minute. Wings should register 170º F when tested with an instant read thermometer.
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Practical Applications
Broiler breeder eggshell quality is an important factor in the production of quality chicks that must be managed for the life of a breeder flock. Both the integrator and the grower have a hand in maintaining eggshell quality, and both have an economic stake in maintaining good egg shells. Shell quality decreases with age due to a number of factors including; increasing egg size, depletion of calcium stored in the hen’s skeleton due to laying a large number of eggs, and an aging of the hens uterus making her less efficient at forming an egg (even though she is laying fewer eggs per sequence in late lay). Egg size increases as the hen ages, making it more difficult to maintain eggshell quality as a flock progresses through the stages of production. In general, a hen will lay down only a certain amount of calcium carbonate for a shell. As egg size increases, that finite amount of shell gets spread over more egg, making the shell thinner and hence weaker and less of a barrier to moisture loss and bacterial invasion. Feeding programs put together by the integrator are designed to attain good egg size early, curb increases in egg size once the hens get going and maintain shell quality throughout the production period. Thin egg shells make it difficult to get eggs through storage, transport, incubation, transfer and hatching without losing eggs to breakage. Eggs are fragile enough to start with, so any decrease in shell integrity makes it difficult to handle the eggs as many times as we must to get them through the process of producing dayold chicks for broiler growers. Incubation and hatching equipment is set up to handle mass numbers of eggs at one time. We expect a certain amount of moisture loss from eggs (no more or less) to get optimum hatch. Thin shelled eggs will lose excessive amounts of moisture during incubation and are more prone to allowing bacteria to enter the egg shell. Hot Weather: Hot weather affects hens in a number of ways that don’t bode well for best production. Our meat produc-
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ing strains are stout birds and are not as efficient at getting rid of heat as some of the scrawnier breeds of chicken. For that reason, breeder hens suffer during the hot summer months. Hens will back off of feed to reduce their body heat, and will drink a lot more water to flush heat from their bodies (cool water in, hot water out). Most animals will sacrifice reproduction if conditions are not optimum for them, and chickens are no exception. For this reason, egg numbers are often the first thing to go when conditions are not where we want them to be for hen comfort. In addition, there are several reasons why summer heat makes it difficult for hens to keep good shell quality. One major problem leading to decreases in shell quality in hot weather concerns the hen’s maintenance of body pH. Birds cool themselves naturally by gular fluttering or panting, which rapidly evaporates water from their respiratory system. When hens gular flutter or pant, they blow off too much CO2, increasing blood pH to the extent that the transport of calcium in the blood to the uterus for shell formation becomes difficult. Since the shell is made up mostly of calcium carbonate, shell quality suffers. In older flocks, where shell quality is declining anyway, the combined effects of these two forces can make handling and transporting thin-shelled eggs a nightmare and decrease hatchability due to excessive moisture loss during incubation. As expected, a combination of negative effects will decrease the profitability of the grower and the integrator. Although integrators do a number of things in the feed to improve shell quality in the summer, the main avenue we have to minimize the drop in shell quality (and in production) seen with hot weather is through improving the environment. Major strides have been made in the last decade regarding house environmental control for both broilers and breeders in Alabama. A combination of increased fan ventilation and evaporative cooling can keep hens within their comfort zone for a much larger portion of a hot day than was formerly possible.
Alabama Poultry Magazine
Although, higher humidity caused by evaporative cooling reduces some of this benefit, the overall improvement in comfort is still a major step forward. Growers can help to keep their hatching egg numbers and hatch up by paying careful attention to cooling system management during the hot portion of the year (half of the year in Alabama). As well as evaporatively cooling with tunnel ventilation during the hot part of each day, growers can also improve breeder comfort and performance by remembering to set fans to run an adequate amount and evaporatively cool some if necessary at night. Birds commonly will use “heat loading” to cope with extreme heat. In this physiological process, they actually allow their body temperature to increase a degree or two more than normal during hot days and then get rid or “unload” this heat at night when it is cooler. However, with the warm humid nights we often have in the Southeast, this process will not be effective unless in-house temperatures and air movement are adequate at night. Some growers spread oystershell in the scratch area in the afternoon or evening of each day later in the production cycle to aid shell quality. Oystershell has essentially the same composition as eggshell and is therefore a great source of calcium. The benefit of this practice is that it provides sustained calcium release throughout the night as these large particles of calcium carbonate are gradually broken down by the gizzard and calcium is released. Since much of the eggshell is formed at night in chickens, shell quality can be improved. Transport of calcium to the uterus to be laid down as eggshell should also be more efficient at this time of day, as the birds are not as likely to be gular fluttering or panting. This should be of particular benefit in hot weather.
Egg Shell Color and Mottling: One shell quality issue that shows up at various times of the year is eggshell mottling. Since the shell appears to be compromised, it has been assumed that this condition reduces hatch. Field research at the University of Arkansas looked at moisture loss and hatch of eggs with mottled shells vs. normal appearing eggs across several seasons. Interestingly, there were no differences in moisture loss or hatch between the groups during any season, so it seems that eggshell mottling is not reducing hatch if it is not associated with very thin eggshells. There can also be quite a bit of difference between eggs in the tint (pigmentation) of the eggshell. Although the tint of the egg tends to fade some as the hen ages,
there is also a genetic component to variation in eggshell color, making it difficult to say that lighter colored eggs have poorer shell quality. In some cases, poorly-colored washed out (almost white) egg shells can occur, indicating that something drastic has happened in the production cycle. These occurrences often result in lower eggshell quality and hatch, but they are a special situation and are not associated with the normal variation we see in shell tint. In conclusion, hot weather is a difficult time of the year for broiler breeders and broiler breeder growers. Hens have a hard time making good egg shells if they are not cool, and keeping them cool is the primary way to avoid this problem. Thankfully, improvements in housing and environmental controls can come much closer to making this happen then we have been able to do in the past. Attention to detail in managing house temperature and providing oystershell each afternoon can both aid in maintaining eggshell quality and hatchability.
Has Your Farm Suffered Recent Storm Damage and Have You Been Denied an Insurance Claim? Maybe I Can Help Calls Returned In 24 Hours Free Consultation Da v id W. Sk id mo r e Attorney At Law 1725 Pleasant Valley Road Union Grove, AL 35175 256.498-3745 office 256.498-3964 fax Email: davidskidmore@otelco.net No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers
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Practical Applications
By Jess Campbell, Jim Donald, and Gene Simpson, National Poultry Technology Center, Auburn University
We often get questions like, What can I do to be ready for summer? How can I extend the life of my investment? When should I check my electrical system? What should I do first? Checklists are a great way to keep on track and set priorities on servicing equipment and houses. Preventive maintenance is a must to ensure houses are operating at full potential and everything has been done to avoid equipment failures that can cause catastrophic losses. This article provides handy checklists you can print and carry with you (or give to helpers), as well as post in convenient places in your office or your houses as reminders and as records to make sure your houses and equipment keep running smoothly.
pertinent environmental considerations. Growers are strongly encouraged to locate that site on their farms with the help of the NRCS and the state officials. Prior planning and approval if required helps streamline the process should the worst happen. To dispose of 70 tons of farm mortalities requires lots of back breaking work and it must be done in a short period of time for biosecurity reasons. There is no time to get approval! The Bottom Line
Let’s do the economics on the cost of a loss of a house of birds. If a 40 x 500 house loses 22,500 birds at 6.5 lbs the day before catch, that is 146,250 pounds of meat. This over 70 tons of mortality must be picked up, removed and disposed of immediately. The loss to the grower might be about $7,700 at .055 grower pay.
Photo at left shows clogged header holes on a cooling pad causing streaks of unwetted pad (grey) that allow hot outside air to go straight through the pad and into the house. Variations in color in the infrared photo at far left show cold air coming through wetted parts of the pad, and warmer air through the dry streaks.
What if the worst occurs?
Even the best preventive maintenance and loss prevention plans occasionally fail ... Stuff Happens. When the worst occurs and a massive mortality happens due to an electrical failure or other unexpected breakdown and mortalities must be properly disposed of immediately, a well thought out plan of action should be implemented. The key to a well thought out catastrophic loss disposal plan is to have a planned-out site on the farm to bury between 30 and 70 tons of mortalities immediately. NRCS and most state agriculture officials encourage pre-planning and some require pre-approval of a burial site that meets groundwater, drainage, and other
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Company losses might be in the $1.80 per bird range. The value of the loss to the company could approach $40,000. Catastrophic losses will cause the grower and his family to experience severe mental anguish. The grower had to pick up and quickly dispose of over 70 tons of mortalities, had to put other work aside in order to troubleshoot, repair, and test his backup systems, and face delays in getting the next flock in the house. Being ready for the catastrophe won’t eliminate all the economic losses, but it will help minimize both the losses and the degree of anguish involved.
Alabama Poultry Magazine
Using checklists and doing everything possible to help prevent losses is very important – and, according to this example, well worth the time. We hope these checklists help remind you of what needs to be done before the weather really turns hot.
Infrared photo of a circuit breaker panel reveals one breaker getting dangerously hot. Power failure in summer can quickly cause catastrophic bird losses. An infrared temperature gun is a useful and not too expensive tool to help spot electrical and other problems. Call a qualified electrician when you spot problems like this.
Fan blades, guards and shutters must be kept clean if you want to get the fan performance you paid for. Closeup photo shows how dust and feathers can build up to cause serious obstruction of airflow. All fans should be cleaned at the start of every growout; guards and shutters more often.
Water channels in evaporative cooling systems must be kept clean. Dirt accumulation, such as shown here in a recirculating trough, will quickly clog the system, causing loss of cooling.
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Generator Service Checklist
1. FUEL LEVEL – Check the fuel level in the tank to make sure that you have at least 20 gallons of fuel on reserve in case of an emergency power outage. Maintaining a fresh fuel supply is a must. Fuel filters should be changed each year. Newer fuel mixtures may not have the same “shelf life” as previous fuels so more frequent fuel changes might be necessary.
2. BATTERY – Batteries should be replaced every three years regardless of condition. Check all battery connections to ensure that there is no corrosion buildup and all connections are tight. Check the battery charge level to make sure there is a full charge on the battery. Many growers have installed inexpensive trickle chargers on batteries to ensure a full charge when needed.
3. FLUID LEVELS AND AIR FILTERS – All vital fluids must be kept at proper levels. Engine oil must be changed and fluids must be checked at least once per year. Oil, water/coolant, and fuel gauges should be double checked. Air filters must be inspected and replaced as needed. 4. GENERATOR SETTINGS – Make sure backup switch is set to automatically turn generator on or switch to ON when the power fails. Backup “key” switches may be installed so that if electronic or analog generator control board malfunctions occur, the generator can still be manually started.
5. TRANSFER SWITCH – Check transfer switching to make sure it is set to automatically transfer power when the grid power fails. Transfer switch testing must be done at least once a week when the generator cycles on. Most transfer switches have a backup means for transferring power installed in case electronic controls fail. Make sure all farm hands know how to manually transfer power in case of emergency.
REMEMBER – Generators must be fully serviced one time every year! Fan Maintenance Checklist
1. DRIVES (PULLEYS AND BELTS) - The drives transmit power and provide the gear ratio between the motor speed and propeller speed. Anything that goes wrong with the drive system causes lost fan performance. Check belt tension – loose belts reduce the gear ratio, causing loss of airflow, and reduce belt life. Check belts for wear. Belts riding lower in the pulleys changes the gear ratio and lower fan performance. Check pulley alignment. Misaligned pulleys cause excessive belt wear and more drive losses. Check pulleys for wear: cupped out pulleys allow belt (even a new belt) to ride lower in the pulley, which changes gear ratio and lowers air flow. 2. SHUTTERS AND GUARDS - Anything that obstructs the airflow causes lost fan performance. Clean shutters once per week during tunnel ventilation. Dirty shutters require more energy from the airflow to open and reduce airflow and efficiency. Clean guards once a week because dirty guards present more surface area to obstruct airflow. 3. MOTORS - Most electric circuits and electrical devices run more efficiently and last longer at cooler temperatures. Clean motors once per flock. Dirty motors run hotter, lose efficiency and have reduced motor life.
6. FEEDER DISCONNECTS – Breakers or fuses must be inspected to ensure proper operation. Exact replacement breakers or fuses must be stored in generator shed in case of emergency.
7. KEEP UP-TO-DATE RECORDS – Keep records with your generator showing the last time it was tested and serviced, also record the number of hours on the engine. Keep emergency numbers handy.
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Loose or cracked fan belts, as shown in above photo, can cause lowered airflow as well as threaten complete loss of airflow when the belt breaks. Worn belts or motor pulleys are often overlooked, and will cause lowered fan rpm’s and reduced house air flow.
Alabama Poultry Magazine
early warning signs of trouble. At least one exact replacement main breaker should be stored on site preferably in a common location on the farm site.
2. CONTROLLER BACKUP – Check that controller backup system is set to turn on automatically if controller fails. Make sure that if controller fails, siren and dialer operate properly. Make sure backup batteries have been installed in dialer or backup controller box.
3. BACKUP THERMOSTATS – Test backup thermostats for proper operation and temperature setting. Placing backup thermostats near cooling systems is not recommended.
4. CIRCUIT BREAKERS – Check to make sure breakers are not overheating or tripping. Problem may be in the electrical system or the breaker itself. Make sure exact replacement circuit breakers are readily available. If replacing the breaker does not solve the problem, get a qualified electrician to troubleshoot the system.
5. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS – Electrical connections in transfer switches, generators, service disconnects, and main panels/subpanels should be checked and tightened every year. This should only be done by a qualified and/or licensed electrician. Damaged fan outlets, equipment outlets, light fixtures and junction boxes are fire hazards and must be repaired! Worn fan belts ride low in the motor pulley, as shown in top photo above. Result: blade rpms are greatly reduced, thus robbing cfms, air speed and wind chill cooling. Belts should be tight and ride high in the motor pulley, as in bottom photo, to achieve maximum fan rpms and best wind-chill and evaporative cooling. NOTE: The same effect is caused by a worn pulley, even if belt is new. Retensioning the belt will not cure either problem, worn belt or worn pulley.
4. BEARINGS - Lubricate bearings twice per year where applicable (spring and fall). Dry bearings require more power to turn, causing you to lose fan efficiency and shorten bearing life.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS CHECKLIST
1. MAIN PANEL – Main panel breaker must be checked on a weekly basis during the summertime to make sure it is not overheating. Breaker spots can be installed on both sides of each main breaker to help spot
6. GROUNDING LUG – Grounding lug on ground rod should be checked for tightness at every house and generator shed. This is done by moving wire at lug-to-rod connection. Solid acorn style grounding lugs are recommended to tie ground wire to ground rods.
7. LIGHTNING PROTECTION – Check to make sure lighting protection is in place and properly installed. Lightning protection works best when installed in layers to protect major electrical and electronic components. Protection systems must be sized to protect the equipment it is intended to protect. One size fits all is not the best way to go. Lightning protection must only be installed by a qualified or licensed electrician.
8. KEEP UP-TO-DATE EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR YOUR ELECTRICIAN
REMEMBER – Electrical inspections should be performed every year!
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EVAPORATIVE COOLING CHECKLIST
1. PADS – Blow debris from outside of pad system to dog house with backpack blower with pads dry. This will push all debris and cobwebs into dog house to be later removed. If pads are damaged they must be replaced.
2. DOG HOUSE – Sweep all cobwebs and other debris off of the back of the pads with a broom. Once everything is on the floor, remove it from the dog house.
3. PAD RINSE – Close inlet curtain or tunnel doors. Wash excess debris from pads with water hose and spray nozzle carefully. High pressure washer rinsing is not recommended. Wash anything left inside dog house out. (If pads require a chemical cleaning use only recommended chemicals and cleaning procedures.)
4. DRAIN SYSTEM – Drain the evaporative cooling system recirculation trough and sump tanks and clear all dirt/debris from the system. Leaving trash in the system causes premature fouling of filters pads and pumps. 5. FLUSH SYSTEM – Flush the top header system and the trough to the best of your ability.
6. FILTERS – Remove and clean or replace filters. Replacement filters must be stored on site and be readily available when needed. Filters must be checked once a week at times of high use. Do not operate system without filters and screens in place.
10. INLET OPENING - Inlet curtain opening must be at least a minimum of 80 percent of the area of the cooling pad system area. Six hundred square feet of 6-inch recirculating pad requires at least 480 square feet of free air unobstructed inlet opening minimum. Bunched up curtains or partially opened tunnel doors must not restrict the tunnel inlet opening!! 11. DOG HOUSE TIGHTNESS – The dog house on each side must be as air tight as possible. A little spray foam and carpentry work will go a very long way. All cracks, holes, and leaks must be sealed. Air that bypasses the recirculating pads is not cooled and works against the system.
Dr. Robert Voitle
continued from pg. 9
programs such as the intern program and the Ag Alumni Association. He also helped establish the successful Ag Ambassadors program and was fundamental to the construction of Auburn University’s first computer lab in 1982. In 1999, Dr. Voitle stepped down from the associate dean position, but continued to teach as a professor of Poultry Science until his retirement in March, 2010.
7. PUMPS, FLOATS & TANKS – Make sure pump intake screens are cleaned, floats are in place and adjusted and tanks are clean and free from debris. Pump screens must be checked at least once a week during periods of high use of cooling system or as often as system is drained and flushed.
8. WATER SUPPLY – Test run recirculation system to make sure the fill levels are adjusted properly and adequate water is available to fill system. Make sure the supply system fully wets the entire pad system and no dry streaks are left on pads. If water quality problems surface additional filtration or treatment may be necessary.
9. DISTRIBUTION HEADER – Flush distribution header. Loosen union at distribution header and carefully clean all distribution holes in header with screwdriver or soft bristle brush. Do not change the size of the hole in the header. Run water in system to ensure all holes are free from debris or clogs.
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