Alabama Poultry, November/December 2011

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

November/ December 2011 – Vol. 6 No. 6

Board of Directors Officers Spence Jarnagin, President, Huntsville* Johnny Adcock, Vice President, Woodland* Randall Ennis, Treasurer, Huntsville* Dale Gambrill, Secretary, Snead* John Pittard, Immediate Past President, Guntersville* Directors Ronnie Adrian, Collinsville George Attwood, Anniston Fred Cespedes, Hanceville Cory Early, Decatur Tim Esslinger, Eufaula* Billy Gilley, Cullman Harold Hunt, Gadsden* Heath Loyd, Boaz David Massey, Montgomery Dennis Maze, Horton Todd McMahen, Dothan Dr. Shannon Morgan, Birmingham John Pastrana, Russellville Mitchell Pate, Auburn Mike Pigg, Cullman John Roberts, Cullman Kenneth Sanders, Brundidge Roddy Sanders, Gordo Jason Shell, Gadsden Jack Sherwood, Troy Jason Spann, Hanceville Ken Taylor, Anniston Ben Thompson, Huntsville David Thompson, Ashland Stanley Usery, Athens Ricky Walker, Snead Craig Williams, Enterprise Advisors Dr. Don Conner, Auburn University James Donald, Auburn University Dr. Joe Hess, Auburn University Jacob Davis, Montgomery Dr. Tony Frazier, Montgomery Perry Oakes, Auburn *Executive Committee Members

AP&EA STAFF Johnny Adams – Executive Director Wanda H. Linker – Administrative Director Ray Hilburn - Membership Director Huck Carroll – Communications Director/Editor Jennifer Shell – Support Director Alabama Poultry Magazine 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 Magazine 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

MES S AG E

PRESIDENT’S Dear Friends,

It has been a tough year in our industry and everybody knows it. And not just in our industry but state government as well.

Earlier this year, Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan announced that he was going to shut down the state the state diagnostic lab in Hanceville. However, thanks to AP&EA Executive Director Johnny Adams’ leadership and lobbying efforts plus Fred Cespedes’ efforts in working with Wallace State Community College in Hanceville and the community there, the lab will stay open. In fact a five-year contract has been signed for the college to continue housing the lab and providing support services.

ADEM budgets were also cut. The CAFO registration fees were slated to be implemented from $200 to as much as $1,000. However, once again, because of Association’s lobbying efforts, the help of Sen. Arthur Orr and with the cooperation of ADEM leadership, those fee increases will be put on hold for the next year. This should be very good news for growers.

Immigration has been a major concern for employers. AP&EA has been active in working with legislators to amend the current legislation to something that is more business friendly, and much more advantageous to the citizens of Alabama.

The Association continues to offer exceptional educational opportunities, both for growers and industry personnel. The recent combined poultry industry workshop in Auburn was well-attended and the comments that I have heard are encouraging. Couple this with the outstanding series of grower seminars in October and you have a winning formula for success.

It is my pleasure to announce that we have just secured a commitment from a dynamic young country music star, Josh Turner, for our 2012 AP&EA “Evening of Fun.” So start making plans to attend on June 9, 2012.

2012 is looking up already.

Featuring This Issue Governmental Affairs Association News Grower Profile: Randall McIntosh Recipes Auburn News Member News Strange – But True: Featherless Chickens Practical Applications Calendar of Events

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Governmental Affairs

A Losing Battle?

Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton

The recent food safety and welfare issues with a supplier to McDonald’s, points out the need to be absolutely certain that you are using the very best practices available for your operation.

We face the loss of practices that are perfectly acceptable as a result of abuses of these methods. The end result will be the loss of production and a significant increase in the cost of the food.

While this issue was still hot news, I received a link to a story titled USDA brings HSUS to the table.* This story clearly demonstrates that we must stay ever vigilant to ensure that the voice of reason be heard even in the face of incidents like the one at McDonald’s. I suggest you not only read the report, but listen to the accompanying commentary.

“Agri-Pulse obtained a copy of an internal USDA memo that recommends HSUS and other welfare advocacy groups be allowed to set the agenda for a proposed animal welfare scientific forum. No mention is made of asking any agricultural organization or ag scientist for assistance in planning the meeting. The omission has angered animal ag stakeholders.

“We know that HSUS is an activist organization that we think is being given a little bit of an undue preference here with this announcement,” Colin Woodall, vice president of government affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says. “And we think the administration really needs to make sure that true stakeholders in this game are the one who are able to provide this type of counsel and input.”

I have no problem with the activists

groups being heard, but I think it horrifying that even one person at USDA thinks it would be acceptable to omit the industry from such discussions. There is so much talk about sustainability these days, especially among those setting research grant initiatives at USDA, that this is particularly troublesome.

For a system to be sustainable, it must be viable and for any agricultural enterprise, that means profitable. Thus discussions that only consider one side are obviously designed to limit sustainability and thus food production. In this case the target is meat since the organization listed has a well-established vegan agenda.

We need not only to educate our legislative branch, we need to double our efforts to ensure the systems we are promoting are suitable for the animals whether confined or not.

*www.hoosieragtoday.com/index.php/2011/11/14/usda-brings-hsus-to-the-table/

This article is a follow-up to an article that was printed in our last edition.

Maryland Governor Takes Farm’s Side in Waterkeeper Lawsuit Delmarvanow.com

ANNAPOLIS – Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley says he thinks it’s an “injustice” and “a misuse of state resources” for the U-Md. student law clinic to aid an environmental group that’s taking a Berlin farm to court over water pollution allegations.

In a two-page letter to the dean of the University of Maryland School of Law, O’Malley suggested the dean review whether the Maryland Environmental Law Clinic should be participating in the lawsuit, set for a March trial in federal court.

“It is my strong belief that this case, at this juncture, is a misuse of state resources. This case, at this juncture, perpetrates an injustice,” O’Malley wrote in the Nov. 14 letter.

The Democratic governor’s position on the matter matches sentiments voiced by several Eastern Shore Republican lawmakers, who’ve said they’re incensed a public Maryland university is suing Maryland farmers Alan and Kristin Hudson.

The lawsuit stems from allegations

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by the Waterkeeper Alliance that the case, it seems that this purpose would Hudson’s poultry farm was illegally have been better served by the Clinic putting pollutants into nearby water- representing the Hudsons.”

The Waterkeeper Alliance has said ways, which drain to the Pocomoke River. The Hudsons have denied the it has documented the Hudson farm “discharged significant amounts of polclaims.

A Maryland Department of the En- lutants from chicken waste into farm vironment investigation of the Water- ditches that drain ... into the Pocomoke keeper accusations ended in a $4,000 River.”

“This cause is not about ending anfine for putting fertilizer too close to a ditch, but said there was no strong evi- imal agriculture, but about limiting the dence that the farm was responsible for damage to the Chesapeake Bay caused bacterial pollution in local waterways. by having too many chickens concen“I strongly and respectfully urge trated on the Eastern Shore,” the group you to review this matter,” O’Malley said in a fact sheet about the lawsuit. wrote to the dean, Phoebe Haddon, saying it bothered him that the Hudsons have reportedly incurred substantial We are in the process of updating all of our grower legal costs. “With lists, and, after this edition of the magazine, only curvigor and determirent paid members will receive the magazine. If you nation our clinics should represent do not receive the magazine and feel as though you those who cannot should be receiving it, please contact us at 334-265afford representa- 2732 or you can email us at ray@alabamapoultry.org tion. And in this

November / December 2011

NOTICE

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Alabama Poultry Magazine

November / December 2011

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Association News

Gov. Bentley Pardons Clyde 62 Clyde’s Brother – Not So Lucky

Could this be one of Clyde’s brothers?

We’ll never know, but there does seem to be a strong family resemblence.

First Lady Diane Bentley takes a very discriminating look at the crystal egg.

MONTGOMERY – Once again, in a pre-Thanksgiving tradition, Clyde, the turkey, was spared the roasting pan, as Gov. Robert Bentley pardoned the big white “delicious looking” bird. Clyde, the 62nd turkey so pardoned, was very respectful during the solemn ceremony, giving no reaction to the presentation of his carefully prepared and attractively packaged brother, destined for the Bentley’s holiday table. The stoic bird uttered barely a gobble.

Alabama Poultry Hall of Famer, Bill Bates, presented Clyde to the first family. It’s something that he has been doing for the last 62 years. Mr. Bill seemed almost as spry as Clyde himself.

AP&EA Executive Director Johnny Adams presented First Lady Diane Bentley with a Waterford Crystal Egg to thank her for the good work that she is doing as first lady. Administrative Director Wanda Linker presented Mrs. Bentley with warm blankets for her blanket drive to help homeless families, and now, including victims of the April tornados.

“Not now, girls!,” says Clyde 62, who is Thank you Gov. Bentley for your continued support of Alabama’s num- slightly hen-pecked. “Henrietta is waiting ber one agricultural industry! in the van.”

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

Membership Director Ray Hilburn Weds LUVERNE – In a quiet family ceremony on Nov. 11, 2011, AP&EA Membership Director Ray Hilburn and Liz Campbell were married at Rutledge United Methodist Church.

Liz, formerly of Luverne, has resided for the last 32 years in Panama

City, Fla., where she has a retirement plan administration business. She and Ray knew each other in Luverne in school and reestablished their friendship when she met him while attending church with her family in Luverne.

The couple will reside in Luverne.

Alabama Girls Win National 4-H Poultry Contest Awards

Rachel Sarro and McCall Barnett

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference awarded McCall Barrnett of Marion County first place in the Egg Demonstration contest and Rachel Sarro of Calhoun County won second place in the Chicken Que contest.

The National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference recognizes 4-H

members who have excelled in their states in poultry learning experience activities. The activities and contests are designed to introduce participants to poultry and the poultry industry.

Life skills are also learned through preparation for the various contests.

The conference is used to make participants aware of careers in poultry and allied industries.

The poultry judging contests teaches participants to make decisions in an orderly manner, use reasoning skills and to communicate decisions. They also learn to use USDA grading criteria to determine quality of ready to cook poultry and eggs. In the egg preparation demonstration contest, contestants must prepare an egg dish, demonstrate presentation skills and incorporate

knowledge of the egg industry, egg quality, and nutrition. The avian bowl is a double elimination contest for state teams patterned after other knowledge bowls. Contestants must have a comprehensive knowledge of subject matter for several species of poultry, food safety, physiology, nutrition, eggs, and other subjects. The chicken and turkey barbeque contests involve skills in barbecuing, preparation of a product, and a presentation that demonstrates knowledge of the subject industry, food safety and product attributes.

Life skills learned are: becoming an informed consumer, food safety, leadership, communication skills, problem solving and decision making.

Congratulations, ladies!

Limestone County Poultry Farmer Wins Discussion Meet

(L to R) finalist Tyler Dunn of Dale County, Usery, second-place winner Kirk Smith of Blount County and finalist Colin Wilson of Jackson County.

MOBILE – Poultry grower Stan Usery of Limestone County won first place in the Young Farmers’ Discussion Meet contest during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 90th Annual Meeting in Mobile, Dec. 5.

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Discussion Meet finalists, who were named earlier this year during the Commodity Producers Conference in Huntsville, explored how farmers could capitalize on the growing world demand for agricultural products. Usery contended that the key to capitalizing first begins by addressing three domestic issues — adequate research funding, a focus on infrastructure and foreign policy.

“These issues can begin at the grassroots level with strong organizations that increase public awareness,” Usery said.

As this year’s winner, Usery re-

November / December 2011

Alabama Poultry Magazine

ceived $500 from the Alabama Farmers Federation and $500 from First South Farm Credit. He will represent Alabama at the 2012 American Farm Bureau (AFBF) Annual Meeting in Hawaii, Jan. 8-11.

The Discussion Meet contest provides ALFA’s Young Farmers Division the opportunity to practice advocacy skills by combining public speaking, problem-solving and consensus-building abilities in a committee-style setting. Contestants were given a topic based on issues affecting agriculture and engaged one another in a panel discussion.

Montgomery County Couple Named Outsdanding Young Farm Family MOBILE – Jeremy and Lindsey Brown of Montgomery County were named Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 90th annual meeting in Mobile. The Browns, who are poultry farmers, were selected to compete for the award earlier this year after being named the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) in the Poultry Division. They have two daughters: Ansley, 2, and Lydia Grace, 2 months.

The OYFF program, now in its 54th year, seeks to recognize young farm families and farmers between the ages of 18 and 35 who are doing an outstanding job in their farm, home and community activities, and promote a better understanding of agriculture with the urban populace.

As this year’s winner, the Browns will participate in many activities promoting Alabama agriculture during 2012. They will also receive a John Deere Gator courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; a personal computer package courtesy of Valcom/CCS Wireless; a lease of a John Deere tractor courtesy of Tri-Green, SunSouth and

Snead Ag; the use of a new Chevrolet Traverse from the Alabama Farmers Federation; and an expense-paid trip to the 2012 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in January, where they will compete for the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award.

In addition to raising their daughters and maintaining a sixhouse, 132,000-bird poultry farm, Jeremy and Lindsey see it as their duty to serve on several committees within the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Jeremy serves as the youngest member of the Federation’s State Poultry Committee, has been the Montgomery County Poultry Committee chairman, served on the county Farm-City Committee and is the county Young Farmers chairman.

Lindsey serves on the Montgomery County Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee, the county Poultry Committee and is involved with the county Young Farmers program. Their enthusiasm for agriculture helped secure their place as this year’s overall winner.

Jeremy and Lindsey Brown, with their daughter, Ansley, grow for Koch Foods.

“Farming in a seven-day-a-week job, but it’s not a set time every day,” said Jeremy, a third-generation poultry farmer. “That allows us to give back on a local level, a county level and state level, but I still feel like I haven’t contributed as much to it as I’ve received from it.”

Lindsay, who has a bachelor’s degree in education from Troy University, credits the Farmers Federation for helping them understand how important agriculture is to Alabama. “Before we joined the Farmers Federation, we didn’t know the significance of our role within agriculture,” said Lindsey. “We knew we wanted to farm, but we didn’t know how significant our part was until we got behind an organization that pushed us to be better.”

Sure Shots Win Workshop Tournaments NOVEMBER 8 – As a prelude to the AP&EA Poultry Industry Workshop, a reception was held at the Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center the evening before the workshop. With attendees already grazing on delicious finger food, AP&EA President Spence Jarnagin officially opened the event by warmly welcoming everyone.

Along with the fellowship, there were prizes awarded for the golf and sporting clay tournaments conducted earlier in the day.

Winners of the golf tournament, held at the Auburn Links Golf Course, were Mitchell Pate, Randall Ennis, Johnny Adams and Mark Wilton.

The sporting clays tournament took place at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports club. First place among the big bangers went to the foursome from Tyson Foods, Snead: Barry Smith, Chad Wiggs, Tyler Dutton and Will Harding.

It was a fun evening and a great way to kick off the workshop.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Golfers

Gunners

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Ennis Keynotes AP&EA Poultry Industry Workshop NOVEMBER 9 – In his far ranging world is changing at warp speed. and visionary keynote address at the Kids starting out in college in techopening of the annual AP&EA Ala- nology and communications, what bama Poultry Industry Workshop in they learn as freshmen will probably the Auburn University Hotel & Con- be outdated by their junior year.” ference Center ballroom, Randall “Email,” he added, “was cutting Ennis, chief executive officer of Avi- edge a decade ago, now it’s texting.” agen Group, outlined his “5Cs” of “The seven billionth person was Is this man a catfish? leadership and success in the indus- born this month, and, chances are, try. After naming the usual list of that child’s child will be the nine bil- Gale, PC, of Birmingham. He exvirtues such as competence, com- lionth. The challenge is how are we plained Alabama’s new immigration mitment to excellence, charisma and going to feed these people?” law. communications, he illustrated his After the lunch break the breakHe quoted Charles Darwin in fifth “C” with a story. saying, ‘“It is not the strongest of the out sessions began. The Production “It seems,” he said, “that the ori- species that survives, but the one Session, in Ballroom A, heard the ental people love fresh fish, espe- most responsive to change.”‘ National Poultry Technology Center cially King Salmon. Someone present two programs: Dennis got the idea of outfitting “It has been calculated that there are Brothers and Jess Campbell freighters with fresh water tanks more people living today than have ever made a presentation titled Lesand shipping live King Salmon died. The challenge is how are we going sons Learned from the Tornato Singapore for sale in the Far to feed these people?” Randall Ennis * dos and Gene Simpson and Jim East. However, when the fish Donald presented Energy Savwere in transit, they became quite He was followed by Dr. Ben ings for the Winter. That was follethargic, thus making the meat Johnson, veterinary director NPIP lowed by Robert Rowland of Ivesco. mushy and totally unacceptable. for the Georgia Poultry Laboratory His presentation was titled Beetle, It was suggested that catfish be Network. He spoke on industrywide Fly and Rodent Control. Dr. Fred placed in the tanks with the salmon. animal welfare practices and the Hoerr, director of the ThompsonThe catfish, with their constant nib- need for external auditing to main- Bishop-Sparks State Diagnostic bling at the salmon, kept the larger tain credibility.

Lab, concluded the session with an fish stirred up and swimming. ConAfter a short break, the irrepress- Alabama Disease Control Update. sequently, when they arrived in Sin- ible Dr. Jim Witte, associate profesThe Processing Session in Semgapore, the meat was firm and the sor – adult education, department of inar Room I, heard a presentation on customers were pleased.” educational foundations, leadership Next Generation Sensing for In other words, the fifth “C” is – and technology, Auburn University, Process Control in Poultry Processbe a Catfish. Stir the pot, in a re- brought us a spirited discussion on ing by Wayne Daley, associate direcspectful way, of course, by question- communications. It even included a tor of food processing technology ing things and finding new and demonstration using a thumb war division of Georgia Tech. He was creative ways of doing things. It’s all with Peggy Vardaro as an illustration followed by Ginger Ford, senior about positive change. of proper communication tech- quality assurance director, Koch Change was the overriding niques.

Foods, with a presentation Food theme of his illustration filled presFollowing Dr. Witte, the conver- Safety – Fresh Processing and one entation titled Adapting to Change sation took on a more serious tone by Pat Sigler, food safety director for and Accepting the Challenges. with Ted Hosp, a noted immigration Keystone Foods with Food Safety – “Change,” he said, “is a given. The lawyer with Maynard, Cooper & Further Processing. A Salmonella *Download audio of Randall Ennis’ presentation at www.alabamapoultry.org

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

Continued on pg. 30

AP&EA Christmas Open-House DECEMBER 8 – With high spirits, good food and only a little shop talk, the poultry pros from both industry, academia and farm gathered with friends of the industry to celebrate the season at the annual AP&EA Christmas Open House. The gathering was graced by some notable political office holders and several incumbent candidates seeking higher office. There was also representation from government regulatory agencies to offer well wishes.

Many old friendships were renewed amid much laughter and good cheer. It was a fitting way to kick off the season and get everyone in a convivial mood for the board of directors meeting the following day.

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

AP&EA Holds Winter Board Meeting

AP&EA President Spence Jarnagin

NRCS Director Dr. Bill Puckett

DECEMBER 9 – Association President Spence Jarnagin opened the meeting by acknowledging that 2011 has been a tough year for the industry and even for state government. He followed that with some good news.

Thanks to the lobbying efforts of Association Executive Director Johnny Adams and the efforts of Fred Cespedes working with Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, the Hanceville diagnostic lab, which is housed at the college and had been slated for closure because of budget cuts, will remain open. A five-year contract has been signed with the college to continue housing the lab.

In other good news, it was announced that the expected CAFO operator fees would be postponed for at least a year and that QCP inspection fees will be reimbursed.

Dr. Bill Puckett, of the NRCS, told the group that following the April tornados NRCS had been able to secure an additional $3.8 million in EQIP funds to help growers. He reported that all of these funds were now in contracts. He also announced plans to expand the rainwater harvesting pilot program to Franklin and Cullman counties.

Grower Committee Chairman Johnny Adcock turned over his committee chairmanship over to Kenneth Sanders.

Ray Hillburn, reporting for Auburn Relations Committee Chairman Roddy Sanders, passed out a proposed questionnaire developed

Codi Plaster and Dr. Don Conner

with Auburn department of poultry science to be sent out to poultry industry employers to rate the performance of recent Auburn poultry science graduates over the past five to ten years.

State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier, in his advisory report, sited several cases of LT in Cullman around Thanksgiving, but he believes that the source has been found. He also reported that there had been several mycoplasma cases reported and that a mycoplasma newsletter had been sent out. He also stated that his department was currently reviewing the Georgia avian influenza response plan, with hope of updating Alabama’s existing plan, saying that such an updated plan was needed for growers to get an indemnity on lowpath or highpath AI outbreaks.

He concluded by thanking the Association for its sponsorship of the “Feeding the World Symposium” held in Birmingham.

Jim Donald, of the NPTC, presented the biosystems engineering advisory report with a rundown of the research and presentations that the group had made during the year.

Dr. Don Conner, head of the Auburn poultry science department, introduced the new student recruiter, Codi Plaster. He also discussed his departments plan to establish a formal “2+2” program with Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, by which a student would spend the first two years at Wallace State and then finish at

Alabama Poultry Magazine

State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier

Auburn. He also stated that a long term goal was to reestablish the program at Snead and begin one at Enterprise/Ozark Community College in Enterprise.

Dr. Joe Hess announced that Dr. Gary Lemme had been named as the new director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Hess also talked about a new sulfur feed product, currently being tested in laying hens, that would greatly reduce ammonia in litter.

The Environmental Science report was given by Perry Oakes. He reported on NRCS’s new emphasis on reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This is the first time that NRCS has adopted a conservation practice standard.

Jacob Davis, our new advisor from the Alabama Department of Education, reported that there were 303 ag teachers in 66 Alabama counties, with 35,910 students and 278 FFA chapters.

Executive Director Johnny Adams thanked Dr. Tony Frazier for his help with the Hanceville lab and QCP reimbursements; he also gave credit to Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sen. Arthur Orr and ADEM Director Lance LaFleur for CAFO funding for this year.

Addressing the immigration issue, he said that he believed that the Legislature was now listening to voices of reason and, given the current bill’s impact on Alabama’s image and business climate, would amend the bill shortly.

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AP&EA Past President Jack Sherwood had a vision of getting the Association on an even stronger financial footing than it was.

He proposed to the Executive Comittee, and they agreed, to pay off the note on the Association office building and property in Montgomery at an accelerated rate.

That vision was realized on December 9, 2011, in a note burning ceremony following the board of directors meeting. Unfortunately, Jack could not attend (he was missed). Thanks, Jack!

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AP&EA Note Goes Up in Flames

November / December 2011

Following the board of directors meeting, and with board members looking on, Investment Committee Chairman Roger Chappell and AP&EA President Spence Jarnagin ignited the note on the Association’s Montgomery headquarters.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Grower Profile

Randall McIntosh – Poultryman – Company Man Randall McIntosh is a big guy with a face reminiscent of folk singer and actor Burl Ives. Looking at his big smile and checked shirt, you almost expect him to burst out into a chorus of “Jimmy Cracked Corn.”

I met with Randall and his wife, Kathy, in their beautiful home in Level Plains, near Daleville, a few weeks before Christmas.

Randall has been associated with the poultry business since his father built his first poultry house in 1967 in Chancellor. The next year he built a second house and installed bucket feeders rather than automatic feeders.

It was 15-year-old Randall’s job to fill the buckets. That continued for the next few years until Randall entered the U.S. Air Force. Kathy, jokingly, says that’s the reason he went into the Air Force.

In November of 1971, after basic training and advanced training as a flight-line firefighter at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Ill., he was stationed at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.

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His firefighting duties called for him to be on for 24 hours and off for the next 24 hours. At times, he would be off for five days in a row. He got a part-time job working at the BX (Base Exchange), an on base department store, pumping gas. Kathy, who lived at home with her parents in Tampa, was already working at the BX in the automotive department when they met.

It wasn’t long before they started dating, and in 1973, they were married.

In 1974, just before he left the Air Force, he went through a training program and received a Florida state certification as a firefighter. This led to a job with the Tampa Fire Department when he left the Air Force.

But Tampa wasn’t where he wanted to be. After four years away, he wanted to come home. So he moved a reluctant, but willing, wife from Tampa to live with his parents in Chancellor, with hopes of landing a job at nearby Fort Rucker as a firefighter.

In August they bought a mobile home to put on his

Alabama Poultry Magazine

At Pilgrim’s Enterprise, animal welfare is a prime concern, especially for live haul manager, Randall McIntosh. Cages are covered to keep the birds protected in the colder months and a special cooling trailer, designed by Randall, is used in hotter months.

parents property, but it rained for the next three weeks and the ground was too wet to bring the mobile home in. Finally, in late August, they were able to move into their new home. Unfortunately, there were issues with the mobile home – it leaked. Fortunately, they had moved into a rented house in Coffee Springs, when, on September 23, the mobile home was destroyed as Hurricane Eloise came roaring through.

The area had been devastated, so Randall, who had not found the expected job with the Fort Rucker Fire Department, set to work helping ConAgra growers, whose chicken houses had been destroyed, pick up dead birds. He also ran a water tanker out to farms to water the birds.

ConAgra General Manager Dr. Dwight Bond offered Randall the job of service tech Jimmy Bowden.

Bowden had left to take a position with Production Credit. Randall accepted.

For the next seven-and-a-half years he serviced broilers for ConAgra. In 1983, he became live haul manager and in 1988 he was promoted to the position of fleet director for all of ConAgra’s operations, traveling to all of their locations, including the company headquarters in Omaha, Neb., and later to Duluth, Ga. He continued as live haul manager after Pilgrim’s Pride purchased ConAgra in 2003.

As live haul manager for Pilgrim’s Enterprise, Randal works with a team of approximately 50 people, 18 of whom are company employees. The others are part of four contract catching crews. Each crew will catch approximately 65,000 birds per day.

Processing starts at 9 p.m. on Sunday and ends at 3 p.m. on Friday, with approximately 1.2 million birds processed.

Their radius of operation is about 60 miles, with an

average haul being 38 miles.

Animal welfare is a constant concern. “Live haul is the last frontier of the chicken business,” Randall says.

“We have hens in environmentally controlled areas, we take the eggs out of the nests and put them in coolers and bring them to the hatchery in heated or cooled trailers. Then we hatch the baby chicks and put them in controlled environment trucks and take them to the farm where they are raised in a controlled environment. We need to do all that we can to transport them from this

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controlled environment to the processing plant as nontraumatically as possible,” he adds.

He envisions a future when conveyor systems will carry birds into enclosed environmentally controlled trailers for their trip to the plant. But with resources scarce for R&D, that will have to wait. Until that time, he has been creative in his approach to protecting his vulnerable cargos.

To combat heat stress in the brutal south Alabama summer, in 1999 Randall designed and had fabricated a special cooling trailer on the bed of an old live haul flatbed, to be towed to the farm and parked alongside the live haul trailer being loaded. The trailer features hydrated cool pads and large capacity fans to blow cool air on to the caged chickens on the live haul trailers as they are waiting for transport to the plant.

Since they grow a smaller bird, winter is the most problematic time. The smaller birds are more vulnerable to the cold so they cover the cages with plastic panels for transport. This protection reduces bird mortality.

He sees other improvements in the live haul operations. Three-door cages are a great improvement over the older two-door cages. Three-wheel loaders have also improved loading the cages on the trailers.

Once at the plant, high capacity fans are used in the summer to circulate air while the cages are unloaded in a covered area.

Animal wel1-866-751-LAND or 256-825-4331 8 house broiler farm w. 3 bedroom, 1 bath fare audits are home, pond with a cabin on 116 acres. conducted at $2,200,000. least twice a year 2 40 x 400 breeder houses with 15 acres of by an outside aumostly pasture land. $389,000. ditor.

Randall got 2 40 x 500 broiler houses with 3 older houses used for barns, tractor, clean out into the poultry machine and mobile home and a 3000 sq.ft business as a home on 39 acres of land. $539,000. grower in 1976.

2 40 x 400 breeder houses on 22 acres with Jimmy Bowden, water and septic. $479,000. whom he had replaced at ConAFranklin County–10 40 x 500 broiler class gra three years A houses on 153 acres of pasture and timberland. There is a 4 bedrooms, 2 bath earlier, led Ranhome. $1,900,000. dall and Kathy to the farm in Level 7 40 x 500 broiler houses w/ some equipPlains which is ment w/a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on now their home.

147+/- acres of land. $1,490,000.

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The four original poultry houses were destroyed in 1995

by Hurricane Opal and rebuilt later that year.

He, like other Pilgrim growers in the area, grows a small bird with a target weight of 3.85 lbs., with a growout of 34 to 37 days.

Kathy and Randall have raised their two children there on the farm. Chase, the eldest, is a career soldier with three tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. He is currently stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., with an airborne unit. Chase is married with one son. Randall jokes, “I knew he would have never made it in the chicken business.” Then he adds proudly, “the Army has been good for him.”

Stormi, their daughter is a respiratory therapist in Montgomery. She is married and has two daughters.

“Stormi,” Randall says, “was a good worker in the poultry house.”

Although he is often required to work late, Randall enjoys the poultry business and hopes to continue in it for years. Fortunately, he has a good helper on the farm in Earl Massey, who has worked with him for the last 22 years.

With little time for recreation, the only activities that Randall and Kathy regularly participate in revolve around their grandchildren.

They enjoy where they live. Being close to Fort Rucker, the local economy hasn’t suffered the way other areas have, and the constant sound of helicopters doesn’t seem to bother them.

One thing that Randall enjoys is talking politics. He describes himself as being very conservative, but takes a very common sense aproach.

“The poultry industry has required a lot of hard work over the years but has been very rewarding for me and my family. Every day I look forward to just one more day.” Randall McIntosh

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Recipes

Chicken Dishes for Flavorful Winter Meals It’s a busy time of year, but one that is perfect for cooking. Colder weather, combined with holiday entertaining, lure many of us back to the kitchen. If you’re short on time but need a tasty, healthful and economical recipe, chicken is the solution.

Southern-Style Chicken Stew Serves 4 1½ 4 ½ ¼ 3 1 1 2 1 ½

pounds chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless, cut into 2-inch pieces tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided teaspoon salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper tablespoons olive oil, divided medium onion, chopped (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks bunch (about ½ pound) collard greens, rough-chopped into 2-inch pieces pound cooked smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds

Place 3 tablespoons flour in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, add chicken pieces and toss gently to coat.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken, reduce heat to medium and cook until browned, 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Add remaining tablespoon oil to pot over medium heat. Add onions to pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and just beginning to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Turn heat to high and add chicken broth and 3/4 cups water to pot. Scrape up any browned bits. Return chicken to pot and add sweet potatoes and smoked sausage. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Make a paste with the remaining 1 tablespoon flour and 3 tablespoons water. Uncover, whisk in flour and water mixture and continue to simmer until chicken is cooked through, potatoes are tender and liquid has thickened, 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir in collard leaves and simmer 2 minutes more. Serve immediately, with cornbread and hot sauce on the side.

Chicken-Citrus Salad Serves 4 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (such as rotisserie) 4 cups arugula 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1 orange, zested and sectioned 1 grapefruit, sectioned 1 kiwi, peeled and thinly sliced 4 tablespoons shelled salted pistachio nuts Place the arugula in a medium sized bowl. Pour olive oil over and toss until all leaves are coated. Sprinkle with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined.

Place chicken in a small bowl, add orange zest and combine well.

Place 1 cup of arugula on each of four dinner plates. Top with one fourth of the orange sections, one fourth of the grapefruit sections and one fourth of the kiwi slices. Top with chicken. Sprinkle each salad with 1 tablespoon pistachio nuts and serve.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

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19

Auburn News

Auburn Poultry Pros Win Awards

Poultry Technology Center Wins Team Award – College of Ag Dean Bill Batchelor, left, and John Liu, right, associate dean for reasearch in the college, pose with team members, from left, Gene Simpson, Jess Campbell, Dennis Brothers and Jim Donald

Mitchell Pate, director of the Poultry Science Research and Education Center (above center), along with three other recipients, was recognized for outstanding performance and professionalism.

AUBURN – The awards have been coming in to Auburn University agricultural faculty, particularly to those involved with poultry.

Four college of agriculture faculty members were part of a nationally recognized team chosen to the receive the 2011 National Experiment Station Section Excellence in Multistate Research Award. Their project, which is aimed at improving the sustainability of livestock and poultry production, was nominated by the Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors and won the award in November. Team members included agronomy and soils professor Wes Woods, animal sciences professor Tom McCaskey, John Lui, associate dean for research in the college and AAES assistant director and Frank Owsley, professor of animal sciences.

The National Poultry Technology Center team was honored with the College of Agriculture Project Team Award. The award recognizes significant accomplishments in one or more of the college’s primary mission areas (research, teaching and extension/outreach) realized through the collaborative efforts of faculty and staff members. Included in the team are Gene Simpson, pro-

fessor of agricultural economics and rural sociology; Jess Campbell, manager of the tech center’s agricultural and natural resources program; Dennis Brothers, Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialist from Blount Country; and Jim Donald, professor of biosystems engineering.

Also receiving honors were four outstanding staff members in the College of Agriculture and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station in recognition of outstanding performance, professionalism, service and collegiality in the workplace. One of these honors went to Mitchell Pate, director of the Poultry Science Research and Education Center. Others receiving awards were Hannah Dixon, art design specialist for the college and AAEA; Charles Ledbetter, agricultural technician at the E.V. Smith Research Center; and Donn Rodekohr, natural resources program adviser in the department of agronomy and soils.

All awards were presented by Dr. Bill Batchelor, dean of the College of Agriculture.

USPOULTRY Awards Grant to Auburn plex controller for Koch Foods and USPOULTRY board member, presented the check to Dr. Don Connor, head of the poultry science department at Auburn University. Johnny Adams, executive director of the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, (L to R) Johnny Adams, Lyman Campand Codi Plaster, Auburn University bell, Dr. Don Connor, and Codi Plaster department of poultry science stuMONTGOMERY– The USPOUL- dent recruiter, assisted in the check TRY Foundation recently presented presentation.

“The Auburn poultry science dea $17,580 student recruiting grant to Auburn University’s poultry science partment is extremely grateful for department. Lyman Campbell, com- the support provided by the US-

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

POULTRY Foundation. These funds will help us to promote the outstanding education and career opportunities that poultry science majors experience at Auburn. Our graduates are well prepared for and easily placed in a wide range of rewarding careers in the poultry industry,” remarked Dr. Connor.

The USPOULTRY Foundation board has approved student recruiting grants totaling more than $180,000 to the six U.S. universities with poultry science departments.

Member News To bring those carbon savings Aviagen’s Energy-Smart Poultry Feed Mill down to earth, a 615-ton reduction Goes Very Green in CO2 is like pulling 126 passenger cars (or 92 pickups and SUVs) off the road for a year, according to EPA estimates.

“Our Athens mill expansion is achieving all our goals,” said Richard Obermeyer, Aviagen’s director of feed production. “We grew capacity, ensured biosecurity, and cut costs. But the added benefit is that we enhanced the sustainability of our feed mill operation HUNTSVILLE – A newly-expanded Aviagen poultry by reducing energy consumption across the board.” feed mill in Athens, Ala., is producing 30 percent more Electric savings. Electricity powers nearly everyfeed while consuming far less energy, reducing its car- thing at the Athens facility, which requires more than 2 bon emissions by hundreds of tons, and cutting its an- million kilowatt hours (KWH) of electricity a year. After nual utility expenses by more than $160,000. The the upgrade, consumption dropped 15 percent, cutting experience of the Aviagen mill offers an example of how the mill’s overall electrical costs by $31,126. Factoring new technology and sustainable practices can benefit in U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estiboth the environment and the bottom line. mates that generating a KWH of electricity in Alabama Aviagen, the world’s leading poultry breeding com- produces 1.31 pounds of CO2, Aviagen’s carbon footpany, completed a print on electricity multi-million dollar “Minimizing the environmental impact of our feed produc- use alone plummeted expansion of its feed tion demonstrates that Aviagen takes sustainability seriously,” by 238.7 tons during mill in June of 2010.

Richard Overmeyer, Aviagen director of feed production the first year of operThe expansion added ation. production capacity with new equipment and procedures Natural gas savings. Aviagen has reduced its natthat ensure the biosecurity of pelletized and crumbled feed ural gas consumption in large part by making innovative for Aviagen’s pedigree operation in Tennessee and to 115 use of the 360-degree exhaust from a natural gas-powAviagen poultry farms in Alabama. ered steam generator. By redirecting the exhaust from Now with a full year of operation behind it, the mill the steam generator, Aviagen avoids having to pay for is reporting its results: Even though the facility has in- heat needed to drive up temperatures during the condicreased feed production by more than 30 percent, Avi- tioning stage, an essential phase in feed production that agen’s more efficient processing equipment has allowed kills pathogens and creates starch bonds needed to proit to reduce its electric, natural gas and diesel costs by duce a sturdy pellet. As a result, the mill uses 12 percent $169,836 and cut its overall carbon dioxide (CO2) emis- less steam and has cut its natural gas consumption by sions by 615 tons. an impressive 28 percent – resulting in $75,510 in sav-

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

ings annually. Because Aviagen reduced its gas consumption by 54,665 hundred cubic feet (CCF) over the year, the company in turn reduced its carbon emissions by 333 tons, according to metrics established by the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Diesel fuel savings. The Athens mill today produces pellets that are denser, by about 12 percent, than they were prior to the upgrade. Denser pellets allow Aviagen trucks to deliver more feed per load – 2.22 tons more, in fact. And that means fewer trips in Aviagen’s dieselpowered semi-trailer trucks. During the mill’s first year after the upgrade, the company reduced its total truck load count by 236, resulting in a total fuel savings of $63,200. And by driving 17,313 fewer miles, Aviagen reduced its carbon emissions by another 43 tons, based on EIA estimates.

“Minimizing the environmental impact of our feed production demonstrates that Aviagen takes sustainability seriously,” added Obermeyer. “Certainly, we’re saving money compared to our energy expenses from last year. Also by reducing our carbon emissions so dramatically, we’re helping to save something even more important.”

Alabama Poultry Magazine

November / December 2011

23

Strange – But True

Weird, Strange, Bizarre, Obscene, Extra-Terrestrial, Unbelievable, Unimaginable, Outlandish ...

Not in my back yard!

Yes, chickens without feathers…How could this be possible? In fact, featherless or “bare-skinned” chickens could be the future of poultry farming, especially in warmer regions of the world, according to the Israeli geneticist Avigdor Cahaner of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel. The new chicken would be lower in calories (less fat deposition in the skin), environmentally friendly (less energy input during rearing and processing), more likely to grow efficiently with better survivability in warmer conditions, claims Prof.

Cahaner.

Modern-day broiler chickens are characterized by rapid growth to increasingly heavier market weights with high rate of feed intake, metabolism, and internal heat production. Chickens, like all homeothermic animals, must maintain a constant body temperature over a wide range of ambient temperatures. This is accomplished by balancing internally-produced heat and the rate of heat dissipation. In birds, heat loss is limited by feather cover and by the lack of sweat glands on the skin. Feathers provide insulation to the body; an advantage for slow growing chickens with low metabolic rates as well as for all chickens reared in cold conditions. Efficiency of heat dissipation is determined by the difference (i.e., gradient) in temperatures between the ambience and body surface; the surface temperature is lower than the body temperature in the parts that are covered by feathers. In hot conditions, the high ambient temperatures are hardly lower than those of the feathercovered body surface. Unless convective heat loss is facilitated (i.e., tunnel ventilation), the low

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temperature-difference hinders heat dissipation, thus leading to elevated body temperatures, depressed appetite, poorer feed conversion and even mortality. According to Prof. Cahaner, all these negative effects can be alleviated by housing and management practices that compromise sustainability: costly climate-controlled housing or lower production efficiency (low stocking density, low marketing weight).

Prof. Cahaner is using a genetic approach to mitigate the negative effects of heat on broilers. His goal is to simply reduce feather coverage in order to enhance heat dissipation. Feather development is controlled by many genes, including those that affect feather number or shape. The naked-neck chickens, which are commonly encountered among the rural flocks in hot regions of the world, exhibit about 20 percent to 40 percent reduced feather coverage.

Research during the 1990s demonstrated that reduced feather coverage in naked neck broilers can provide partial tolerance to heat stress. In 2000, Prof.

Cahaner initiated his selection program to develop a new line of featherless broilers. He used a natural mutation called Scaleless chicken in a New Hampshire breed, first identified in 1957 at the University of California, Davis. This mutation was due to a recessive gene that blocked the formation of feathers. By crossing original Scaleless mutants with modern-day broilers, followed by successive backcrossing and intensive selection on body weight, Prof. Cahaner produced his featherless line of broilers. Currently, the growth rates and genetic potential of this experimental line is still

Alabama Poultry Magazine

slightly lower than that of contemporary broiler lines.

However, the featherless broilers show high breast meat yield, suggesting that the “saved” feather-building nutrients are diverted to breast muscle development. Skin weight is determined to be lower in the featherless broilers due to lack of feather follicles and low levels of skin fat. The results confirmed that being featherless improves the performance of modern broilers at hot conditions and suggest that introduction of the featherless trait into modern stocks may facilitate highly-efficient yet low-cost production of broiler meat at hot conditions.

Although featherless birds look “odd,” there are obvious potential benefits of not having feathers. First, nutrients would be spared from being used in producing feathers. Second, there would be no feathers to get rid

of during processing (energy and water savings). This is a big plus for kosher slaughter which requires cold water scalding and consequently difficult defeathering process to maintain skin quality.

However, featherless birds would be very susceptible to parasites, mosquito attacks, sunburn, and temperature variations – especially during brooding. Hey, there are those with naturally yellow and black skin color too…

Prof. Cahaner is currently collaborating with Dr. Roger Lien and Dr. Sarge Bilgili at the department of poultry science, and Dr. Kellye Joiner at the department of pathobiology, Auburn University on a joint BARDfunded project evaluating the breast muscle development and vascularity in broiler chickens under heat stress.

Dr. Sarge Bilgili provided this article

Alabama Poultry Magazine

November / December 2011

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Practical Applications

Will Your Standby Generator Stand Up?

By Jess Campbell, Dennis Brothers, Jim Donald and Gene Simpson National Poultry Technology Center, Auburn University

Most Alabama growers are confident in their generator’s ability to run for 30 minutes to an hour without problems because they are typically cycled once a week.

But what if they needed to run for a week or more? The tornado devastation that occurred in April of this year in Alabama caused power outages for a large number of poultry farms lasting from two to 10 days or more. For growers who had chickens, this meant running on generator power until utility power was restored. Many growers were able to keep their generators working flawlessly to maintain power throughout the outage; but others were not so fortunate.

Our investigation of the standby power failures that occurred in Alabama last April has shown that most of the failures were caused by fuel shortages, inadequate maintenance, inadequate equipment, or improper installation of the equipment. Since most of these failures occurred on farms where growers were dutifully test-running their generators once a week, the major lesson learned here is that maintenance and preparations required to make sure generators will run a weekly halfhour WILL NOT ensure that they will do what they are intended to do and what the grower paid for, which is to supply power throughout an extended utility outage.

The weekly test run is important and must be maintained, but growers must be aware of and take the additional steps needed to make sure their generators will stand up to the challenge of a prolonged utility outage.

The devastation we experienced in Alabama was certainly out of the ordinary; but severe weather and power outages can occur anywhere and any time. Now is the time to take the lessons learned last spring seriously and get ready to survive the next challenge when it comes your way. This article explains the steps we recommend.

Keep adequate diesel fuel on hand The typical 100 kw generator can burn 3-5 gallons of diesel fuel per hour, depending on the load. It’s a good idea to have at least enough fuel to run your generator through the first 24 hours of an outage. That would typically require having 72-120 gallons on hand.

It’s probably an even better idea to be able to run the generator through the first 48 hours, which would require 144-240 gallons on hand. You should of course consult your generator manual or the manufacturer to

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get a closer idea of how much fuel your particular model burns per hour.

The reason for having a fairly large fuel cushion is that during a utility outage the local fueling stations are also likely to be without power and unable to pump fuel, which means you may have to drive some distance to find available fuel. Planning for an extended outage should include mapping the known fueling stations at different distances from your farm, say at 5 miles, 10 miles, 20 miles or more. Keep in mind also that even if fairly nearby stations get power back before it is restored at your farm, long lines are likely to be forming, so actually getting the fuel may take hours instead of minutes. Having a 100-gallon tank on a trailer is handy when you need to transport fuel on short notice. Don’t forget that you will want to keep an adequate supply of fuel for your truck as well.

Keep extra fuel filters and other replacement parts on hand In the Alabama experience, fuel filters especially were found to clog up and need to be replaced. Many growers found that their generators worked flawlessly until about an hour after refueling the storage tank. Refilling a near empty or empty tank stirs any sediment in the bottom of the tank into the new fuel. This can eventually clog the fuel filter and starve the engine of fuel.

It is not possible to adequately clean and clear a clogged fuel filter. Those growers who had extra fuel filters on hand could simply replace the fuel filter and restart the generator. The lesson here is to keep extra fuel filters in stock in the generator shed. When a major catastrophe hits and local automotive stores and poultry equipment shops might not be open for business, you don’t want to be caught without spare fuel filters on hand.

Note: Some growers found even their second and third replacement fuel filters quickly becoming clogged.

This problem typically occurred on farms with older fuel storage tanks, and is the subject of our next recommendation.

Maintain quality of stored fuel and tanks When diesel fuel is allowed to stand in a tank for years without any conditioning or little mixing, sediment forms in the fuel and settles to the bottom of the tank.

This layer of sediment continues to build over the years

Alabama Poultry Magazine

These photos show large rat nests inside generators that were not discovered until the metal covers were removed. Standby generators and equipment must be kept free from rodents, birds and insects. The pests and their homes can cause serious damage to generator control systems, wires, and belts resulting in generator failure.This is one of the kinds of problems not likely to show up in weekly test-runs.

and goes undisturbed because the tanks are kept full (or close to full) throughout the year. As explained above, when during a utility outage a tank is almost completely drained and the owner refills the tank, the addition of fuel to the near empty tank disturbs this sediment layer at the bottom of the tank and puts it in into suspension in the rest of the tank. When this occurs, the sediment is sucked into the fuel filter and stops the filter up. This typically happens to fuel tanks around eight years and older. Tanks eight years or older must be checked for sediment deposits in the bottom of the tank. If significant sediment deposits are found, the tank either needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Another precaution is to install fuel pick-up tubes so they are at least 4-6 inches from the bottom of the tank so as not to pull sediment in the fuel pickup-tube from the bottom of the tank. A practice that can help minimize fuel filter clogging is to whenever possible refill the tank before it has reached the half-full level.

Another fuel storage issue is water contamination, usually caused by condensation. Bacteria, particulate matter, and a variety of other fuel problems are caused by the presence of water in diesel fuel. It is recommend that fuel be checked twice a year for water using a water-finding paste called Kolor Cut (or equivalent).

Storage tanks must be protected from the weather and especially the rain. The lesson here is to make sure diesel storage tanks are kept clean by checking for water and sediment in fuel. Fuel conditioners may work on clean fuel but cannot be used to dissolve the sediment in a fouled tank. Consult your generator service technician for help.

Protect Generator and Transfer Switch Electronics Modern standby power systems use electronic controls to sense power or the loss of power, tell the generator to start, and also to keep it running. To ensure smooth operation of the system, the circuit boards and

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Kolor Kut (or equivalent) paste can be added to the end of a rod or wooden dowel and submerged into the bottom of the fuel tank to test for water contaminated diesel fuel. If it changes color then your fuel is contaminated with water, the culprit behind many fuel problems.

If your generator is five or more years old and the junction box has never been cleaned or inspected for loose wire connections, insect or rodent damage, then now is the time to do so. A simple mud dauber nest on a circuit board could prevent your generator from running. We recommend inspecting and cleaning junction boxes once each year.

control wires in the generator junction box and the power transfer switch must be kept clean and free from damage. It is common for wasps, yellow jackets, mud (dirt) daubers and even rats to get into this equipment and build their homes on major electronic circuit boards and controls, causing major problems when wires are chewed or circuit boards are damaged. CAUTION: While regular inspection of this equipment is a good practice, a service technician should be called in if any problems are found. Generator electronic controls are fairly expensive and most growers don’t have the training to service the electronic controls themselves. Especially, if you do find a wasp nest please don’t spray wasp killer on any electronic controls or circuit boards. This can do serious damage to the electronic circuits. The lesson here is to have a trained professional inspect and test the transfer switch and electronic controls on the generator every year. As always, make sure all power is locked in the off position during work.

from catastrophe after the storm and other random power failure events. The lesson here is if you don’t know what a bypass key switch does, you need to get one and learn how to use it.

Install a manual bypass key switch A manual bypass key switch allows you to manually start the generator if the electronic controls malfunction.

If your generator does not have a manual bypass key switch then getting one installed by a licensed electrician or trained generator service professional should be at the top of your list. These switches can be installed and used with almost any standby generator. The cost to do this is well under $1,000, depending on the generator make and model. Most of these switches also come with water temperature and oil pressure gauges that can be wired into the existing equipment. Many growers have told us these switches saved their farm

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Provide adequate ventilation for your generator Generators must be cooled during extended periods of running. If they are not, they will overheat and be shut down by the control system. A totally enclosed generator shed should be ventilated similar to tunnel ventilation.

The exhaust air from the radiator of the generator must exit the building through an opening 1.5 to 2 times the size of the radiator of the generator and installed directly

An emergency manual override bypass switch can be added to most generators for under $1,000. This switch allows the generator to be manually started in case the electronic controls malfunction and cause the generator to shut down. Many come with oil pressure and temperature gauges to monitor generator conditions.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Picture on the left shows a brand new filter (white filter on left) compared to one just one year old that was taken from a generator like the one at right, where exhaust air was allowed to recirculate through the generator air intake. Note how the generator exhaust is aimed directly at the generator instead of being aimed away from the generator air intake. In this installation, an extension ducting kit is needed on the muffler to direct the exhaust out of the shed. If the exhaust is allowed to be sucked into the generator air intake it will eventually clog the air filter, starving the generator of combustion air. It is very important to provide proper ventilation so that fresh outside air flows into the generator intake, while the hot exhaust is directed out of the shed.

Note also in the enlarged inset photo at right, a bird nest has been allowed to be built in the generator exhaust pipe. We recommend installing flaps on the generator exhaust to prevent bird, rat or insect entry.

in front of the radiator. The air inlet for the generator should be twice the size of the exhaust outlet and in-line with the generator. It is also important to make sure the generator exhaust is not directed toward or close to the generator air intake. If this is observed, ducting should be provided to direct hot exhaust away from the air intake and out of the building.

Exhaust louvers on generators are subject to failure to operate by being damaged or held shut by high winds.

It is recommended that these louvers be removed and replaced with 1-inch PVC coated bird wire or equivalent to ensure that when the generator runs for an extended period it will be sufficiently ventilated.

Provide proper and regular generator service Automatic transfer switches and generators are not intended to be installed and forgotten. This equipment must be serviced, tested and inspected on a yearly basis by a technician trained in both mechanics and electronics. A standby generator service is much more than an oil change and fluid check. It requires much more attention to detail, for example, than a routine automobile service. The checklist gives the minimum list of things that should be checked by a qualified service technician during the annual service. Growers should also check their service manuals and warranties for additional information on things that need to be done to keep the equipment in top shape. Generators should also be serviced immediately after any extended runtime period of

48 hours or longer. The lesson here is to make sure that your generator is getting fully serviced by a trained professional who knows what to check for and fully inspects the system.

Exhaust recirculating through a generator can also cause problems with the radiator. The radiator must be kept free of debris and exhaust fumes. The two pictures above are of a radiator that has become stopped up with dust, debris and exhaust fumes. This generator was running hot for an obvious reason. Notice the picture is taken from the fan side of the radiator. This problem will go unnoticed unless you look at the radiator from the fan side. The picture to the right shows how dirty the fan blades are on the generator with a clogged radiator.

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The Bottom Line The bottom line is that we need to have a thorough annual generator service program in place. Failure to plan is planning to fail. Get to know your generator service person. We often talk to growers who don’t even know their generator service person’s name. Have your generator service person’s name and number written down in the generator shed, as well as the number for a

backup generator service person. When storms hit, your generator technicians may be experiencing more calls than they can handle and might not be able to help you immediately. The cost of an annual generator service is money well spent on what is hard to see as the most important piece of equipment on the farm – until the real test comes.

Continued from pg. 10

Initiative Program was presented by Dr. Al Yancey, of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. The final presentation, Plant Energy Cost Efficiencies, was given by Dale Merritt, business development manager of Ener-

NOC, Inc., of Franklin, Tenn.

Many thanks to our sponsors, presenters and all in attendance for another successful Alabama Poultry Industry Workshop.

Industry Workshop VIP Sponsors

GOLF TOURNAMENT LUNCH AND PRIZES

Advanced Poultry Equipment and Supply, Inc. Alabama Ag Credit • Alabama Farm Credit AlaTrade Foods, LLC • Alltech American Proteins, Inc. • Animal Health International Aviagen Inc. • Burch Corporation CEVA Biomune Company • ChemStation of Alabama Cintas Corporation • Cobb-Vantress, Inc. D & F Equipment Sales, Inc. • Elanco Animal Health Evonik-Degussa Corp. • First South Farm Credit, N.A. Franklin Industries, Inc. GSM Steel and Mechanical Contractors Hubbard LLC • International Paper Company Intervet / Schering Plough Animal Health • Ivesco, LLC Jones-Hamilton Company • K Supply Company, Inc Liberty National Life Insurance Co. Marel / Stork Poultry Processing • Merial Select Pfizer Animal Health • Sand Mountain Electric Coop The Vincit Group

Cobb-Vantress Inc.

SPORTING CLAYS LUNCH AND PRIZES Aviagen Inc. • CEVA Biomune Cumberland / Hired-Hand • Elanco Animal Health Hubbard LLC • Lee Energy Solutions Merial Select • Reeves Supply Company Ziggity Systems

HOSPITALITY Animal Health International

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST Fitco • Liberty National Life Insurance

MORNING BREAK Randy Jones Insurance Agency

LUNCH American Proteins • D & F Equipment Sales

AFTERNOON BREAK Hubbard LLC

CALENDAR OF EVENTS International Poultry Expo January 24 - 26, 2012, Atlanta, Ga. COUNTY ASSOCIATION MEETINGS Randolph County Poultry and Egg Association Thursday February 9, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.

Lakeside Marina, Wedowee Clay County Poultry and Egg Association Tuesday March 13, 2012 – 6:30 p.m.

Miss Anita’s Café, Lineville

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ADVERTISING INDEX Agrifan AirTight Alabama Ag/ Alabama Farm Credit Ala Land Co Alltech American Proteins Aviagen Bobcat of Oxford

Alabama Poultry Magazine

pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg.

23 Central Energy Solutions 25 Daughtry Ins. Agency First South Farm Credit 7 Hayes Rasbury Ins. Agency 18 12 Jones-Hamilton PLT 31 Lee Energy Solutions 23 Randy Jones Ins. Agency 15

pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg.

27 14 5 11 21 2 32