Alabama Poultry, November/December 2015

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

November / December 2015 – Vol. 10 No. 6

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Board of Directors

Officers Tim Esslinger, President,Huntsville* Harold Hunt, Vice President, Gadsden* Kenneth Sanders, Treasurer, Brundidge* Mitchell Pate, Secretary, Auburn* Dale Gambrill, Immediate Past President, Snead*

Directors Johnny Adcock, Woodland Lou Ayers, Jasper Sam Black, Cullman Richard Curvin, Ashland Cory Early, Albertville Dennis Gordon, Montgomery Ben Gore, Cullman Brian Hanna,Russellville Lane Holladay, Tyler Tim Holmes, Decatur Casey Jones, Hoover David Massey, Enterprise Kevin McDaniel, Huntsville Todd McMahen, Dothan Dr. Shannon Morgan, Huntsville Mike Pigg, Cullman John Pittard, Guntersville John Roberts, Cullman Keith Rhodarmer, Collinsville Roddy Sanders, Gordo Jason Shell, Huntsville* Steve Smith, Hanceville Jason Spann, Hanceville* Ryan Turner, Guntersville Stanley Usery, Athens Ricky Walker, Snead Brad Williams, Troy Len Windham, Ariton

Advisors Dr. Don Conner, Auburn University James Donald, Auburn University Dr. Joe Hess, Auburn University Jacob Davis, Montgomery Dr. Tony Frazier, Montgomery Ben Malone, Auburn *Executive Committee Members

AP&EA STAFF

Johnny Adams – Chief Executive Officer Wanda H. Linker – Administrative Director Ray Hilburn – Associate 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.

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President’s Message

As we begin 2016, we count our blessings once again to be able to be a part of an industry that continues to experience positive growth and profitability across the state. Our continued vigilance and education regarding the threat of a potential AI outbreak remains our top priority as an association. We continue to foster collaboration between the public, private, governmental, and regulatory sectors to insure that poultry remains a strong and vibrant presence moving forward. Looking back on the holiday season and the conclusion of 2015, we want to share several stories in this issue that are examples of how much our industry means to the state or Alabama.

We celebrated the induction into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame of a true leader and icon in our industry, Fred Cespedes. Fred has touched all of our lives over the years and has worked tirelessly for the association and our industry, while representing us with unmatched class and professionalism. He has led by example and inspires those around him to continue and expand his efforts regarding the promotion of the agricultural presence in our state. We have supported an ambitious project to relocate the Auburn University poultry farm, thereby enabling the construction of state-of-the- art facilities for research and education. The project will also include processing plants, laboratories, and other facilities and will be a great addition to the recently completed feed mill complex, making AU the gold standard of poultry programs in the country. Past AP&EA President Randall Ennis and current Executive Committee member Mitchell Pate have led the charge on this project, along with the assistance of many others across the state. The financial support from the integrators that operate poultry complexes in our state coupled with our allied industry members have provided outstanding financial support to help make this project a reality.

We are also honored to present the inspirational story of Eli Sims, the 22month-old son of one of our poultry growers, Jason Sims of Lineville. Eli is battling Stage 4 cancer and his moving story allows us to pause and consider what is really important in today’s hectic world while reinforcing our belief in the strength of the human spirit.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our industry, from our outstanding growers to our hourly production workers to the educators of future leaders and the thousands of individuals in between, that make the poultry industry in Alabama and AP&EA second to none!!!”

Featuring This Issue

Governmental Affairs Association News Clyde Gets a Free Ride Meetings Fred Cespedes: A Hall of Fame Career Christmas Open House Winter Board Meeting Eli Sims Has Cancer Industry News Auburn News Practical Applications Calendar of Events

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Governmental Affairs

Southeast Regional State Animal Health Official Poultry Summit

MONTGOMERY – On Dec. 16, state veterinarian from seven southeastern states, along with other animal health professionals, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s poultry field staff, met at the office of the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association to discuss movement of poultry or poultry products in a potential high path avian influenza crisis. The meeting was organized by Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier.

The purpose of the meeting was to come to an agreement among states Miss. State Veterinarian Dr. Jim Watson

on what would be required for movement of poultry and poultry products, if high path avian influenza is detected in any of the southeast states, so as to maintain continuity of business. This involved discussion of how poultry/poultry products would be moved from within the control zone or outside the control zones of an affected state.

USDA’s Dr. Martin Smeltzer opened the meeting with an overview of the federal perspective, including testing requirements for movement from the control area and overall movement control.

A number of scenarios were brought before the group and each state discussed their idea of what would be required. Dr. Jim Watson, Mississippi State Veterinarian, led the

discussion on the different scenarios and compiled a spreadsheet of what each state would require.

A general consensus was reached so that requirements would be uniform from state to state. Of course, some of these requirements could change on a case by case basis and these are still being worked through and discussed.

This was an important meeting and was much needed to ensure that movement of poultry and poultry products can continue safely even if high path avian influenza is detected in any of the southeastern states.

Dr. Frazier is to be highly commended for his leadership in organizing and leading this meeting. A follow up meeting will be planned in the near future.

Clarification on Propane Sales Tax Exemption Certification for Growers A number of growers have recently been told by their propane distributors that they need an annual certification of exemption to make tax-exempt purchases Ginger Buchanan, CPM manager with the Alabama Sales and Use Tax Division, recently clarified some issues involving tax exemptions on propane for Alabama poultry growers.

She writes, “we have had several calls from poultry farmers asking about a new requirement for them to obtain an annual certificate of exemption to purchase propane for their poultry houses. Act 2015-534 passed during this past legislative season requiring statutorily exempt entities to obtain an annual certificate of exemption to make their tax-exempt purchases. In addition to the certificate, the law requires them to make an annual report of their purchases. This law applies to agencies like volunteer fire departments, United Way agencies, private

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schools, etc. The law does not require persons entitled to product-based or use-based exemptions to obtain a certificate. Poultry farmers are not exempt from tax on everything they purchase, all of their propane purchases are not exempt (propane for uses other than in poultry houses).

The law exempts propane for use in poultry houses, not poultry farmers in general.

Many of our retailers are confused by the change in the law and think it applies to all persons making tax-free purchases. According to information we received, at least one propane dealer has issued letters to its poultry customers stating that they are now required to obtain a sales tax certificate of exemption under this new act.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

However, as stated above, they are not subject to the requirements of the new law. Anything you can do to help get this information out will be greatly appreciated. I’m sure Lisa Fountain will also be able to get the information out to the propane companies.

We do have a few poultry farmers who obtain certificates of exemption for their propane purchases but it is not required. They may use a copy of the law that exempts the propane for their specific use. However, if the seller is adamant that the poultry farmer present a certificate of exemption, they may apply for one. We just want them to understand that it is business as usual for them.”

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H7N8 Avian Influenza has been found in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Dubois County, Indiana

Montgomery, AL - The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Dubois County, Indiana.

This is a different strain of HPAI than the strains that caused the 2015 outbreak. There are no known cases of H7N8 infections in humans. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including HPAI. Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillian, said, “I want to assure all Alabama citizens that our department staff, specifically, our State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier, is in constant contact with USDA as the details of this case of the virus unfold.

Our HPAI Preparedness and Response Plan is in place and every flock of chickens in Alabama is tested for avian influenza before it is processed for human consumption.”

Samples from the turkey flock in Indiana, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Purdue University, which is a part of USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed by USDA. APHIS is working closely with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health on a joint incident response.

State officials quarantined the affected premises and depopulation of birds on the premises has already begun. Depopulation prevents the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in the nearby area. The rapid testing and response in this incident is the result of months of

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planning with local, state, federal and industry partners to ensure the most efficient and effective coordination. Since the previous HPAI detections in 2015, APHIS and its state and industry partners have learned valuable lessons to help implement stronger preparedness and response capabilities. In September, APHIS published a HPAI Fall Preparedness and Response Plan that captures the results of this planning effort, organizing information on preparatory activities, policy decisions and updated strategy documents.

The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

Anyone involved with poultry pro-

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duction, from the small backyard to the large commercial producer, should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. To facilitate such a review, a biosecurity self-assessment and educational materials can be found at http://www.uspoultry.org/animal_husbandry/intro.cfm In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s tollfree number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Dr. Frazier also recommends if your birds show unusual signs of disease (flu-like symptoms) or your flock experiences unexplained mortality, that you call the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Poultry Division at 334-240-6584.

Association News

Thomas Bates holds Clyde’s less fortunate brother, while Becky Bates Sloane pleads Clyde’s case before Gov. Bentley. Sherriff “Big John” Williams keeps everything on the up-and-up, while Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan and AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams serve as co-conspirators.

Once Again, Clyde Gets a Free Ride – The Fix is In (or is that fixin’s?)

MONTGOMERY – On a downright balmy Nov. 17, Clyde LXVI (66) strutted his stuff for Gov. Robert Bentely, just as every other Clyde before him. And like every other Clyde, he suckered the governor into pardoning him. It was all in a days work for the plump poseur and his equally delicious diva, Henrietta. It was another Thanksgiving miracle for Clyde.

Becky Bates Sloane and her brother Thomas Bates were there to present Gov. Bentley with one of Clyde’s less fortunate brothers for his holiday table, in return for his pardoning of the cappering Clyde. It’s not a bribe, it’s just a token of, shall we say, appreciation for a kindness rendered. Lowndes County Sherriff “Big John” Williams was there to make sure it was all legit (gotta keep the ethics folks happy). And, who’s gonna question “Big John?”

The crowd in attendance was overjoyed. Especially happy were the school children who had traveled to the event to see clemency granted. They were so happy that they serenaded Clyde and Henrietta with their best Thanksgiving songs.

It was a fun way to open the holiday season. Even Clyde seemed happy.

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N E P E IN THPossible

Becky Bates Sloane gives Clyde and Henrietta the news. They are planning an appeal.

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Life

It’s the Peggy Vardaro Traveling Road Show

Peggy Vardaro, senior member of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ poultry team, thought that she would be able to slow down after the team’s July trip to Minnesota to observe the effects of high path avian influenza. Boy, was she wrong.

Since then she has been reliving the experience and sharing it at poultry association meeting in south Alabama, but always with her unique perspective and sense of humor.

The first meeting was held on Nov. 10, at the Wiregrass Poultry & Egg Association meeting at El Bethel Baptist Church in Chancellor; the second on Dec. 3, at the Ariton Baptist Church for the Southeast Alabama Poultry & Egg Association meeting; and the third and final meeting at the Central Alabama Poultry & Egg Association meeting at

Beeland Park in Greenville on Dec. 8.

At each venue she had the same message. This strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza is highly virulent, 100 percent fatal, carried by migratory waterfowl, and it is preventable with proper biosecurity.

USDA Rural Development was represented at two of the meetings with Ronnie Davis, director of USDA Rural Development in Alabama speaking at the Wiregrass meeting and Allen Bowen of USDA speaking at the CAP&EA meeting. Both spoke on the availability of rural development funds for energy efficiency projects.

At the CAP&EA meeting, General Manager Terry Moseley of Pioneer Electric spoke about the costs and advantages of converting to LED lighting.

Peggy Vardaro

USDA’s Ronnie Davis

Auburn Poultry Science Receives USPOULTRY Recruiting Grant

The USPOULTRY Foundation has awarded Auburn University’s department of poultry science a student recruiting grant for $21,481 as part of a program by the foundation to benefit colleges and universities with poultry science programs or with industry related studies.

The Foundation provides annual recruiting funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs. The grants were made possible by gifts to the Foundation from companies, individuals and families.

Established by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association in 1994, the USPOULTRY Foundation has provided recruiting funds to universities with poultry science departments. In 2004, the Poultry Science Education Funding Program, now named the Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program, was added to the Foundation’s umbrella so other colleges and universities that offer industry-related studies are eligible to apply for recruiting grants.

This year, the USPOULTRY Foundation has awarded student recruiting grants totaling approximately $230,600 to six universities with poultry science departments and 20 other institutions with industry related programs.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Dr. Don Conner, head of Auburn University department of poultry science, receives a check from Mark Waller, Ingram Farms, representing the USPOULTRY Foundation, as AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams, AP&EA President Tim Esslinger and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association President John Starkey look on.

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Fred Cespedes: A Hall of Fame Worthy Career BIRMINGHAM – Since beginning with American Proteins in 1979, until his retirement in 2013, Fred Cespedes has been an important part of the Alabama poultry industry. Always giving freely of his resources, both financially and time wise, he has invested immeasurably in the future and profitability of Alabama’s number one agricultural industry.

On Nov. 20, Fred was recognized for his dynamic leadership and contributions to the Alabama poultry industry by induction into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame, in a ceremony at Birmingham’s prestigious Ross Bridge Golf Resort.

Originally, Fred had no intention of getting involved in the poultry industry, he wanted to be an accountant. That’s what he was studying in Miami. He was going to school during the day, but with a wife, Holly, and a small child, he had to work a night job at a rendering plant.

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

American Proteins – Hanceville Division His job was to log in trucks that were coming into the plant and log out those leaving. Nights were very slow at the plant and Fred found himself with little to do. One night he heard some of the workers talking about a mechanical problem that they were having in the plant. Since there were no more trucks scheduled to come in that night, Fred left his position and went in to help. He was able to analyze the problem and correct it.

The next day, when he came in to work, he was surprised when his boss called him into his office. He was even more surprised to hear the words “You’re fired.” But compounding his astonishment, in the next breath, his boss offered him a position in the plant.

Fred accepted and has never looked back.

Two years later, he and Holly were in Amarillo, Texas, where he was the plant manager for Amarillo By Products, a division of Beatrice Foods.

In 1979, Fred moved his family, now including three young children, to Cullman County. There he took over management of a plant that had just been purchased by American Proteins, Inc. of Cumming, Ga. In that same year he began his involvement with the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association.

Beginning in 1949 as the North Georgia Rendering Company, a small family owned business, American Proteins, Inc. has grown to three plants: the largest in Hanceville; one in Cuthbert, Ga., and the original plant in Cumming, Ga. Through Fred’s leadership, the Hanceville division, which supplies premium pet food manufacturers with

protein, has grown to be the largest poultry rendering operation in the United States. The plant has also won numerous environmental awards.

In 2009, after years of leadership in the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, Fred was elected association president. His year of service was marked by energetic direction and involvement.

Fred, who is actively involved in his community, was named Cullman County Distinguished Citizen of 2007.

Currently, he serves on the Alabama State Board of Agriculture.

One of Fred’s greatest contributions to the Alabama poultry industry came about after his retirement. Working closely with Auburn University department of poultry science and Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, he helped set up the 2+2 Program. This program allows a poultry science student to complete two years at Wallace State, taking several basic poultry science courses, taught

by Auburn professors via teleconferencing, as well as completing required academic courses before entering Auburn department of poultry science as juniors. This is a great cost savings to the student as well as helping students without the high ACT scores, now required for freshman admission, gain admission to Auburn.

Fred has also personally funded scholarships for the program, and is currently working, along with Tim Esslinger, to get the 2+2 Program in a community college in south Alabama.

Congratulations, Fred! Job well done – and still going strong.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Fred was born in Cuba. His father, a successful architect, brought the family to the United States in the early ‘60s to escape the Communist takeover. He insisted that only English be spoken in their new home.

At Miami’s Immaculata/La Salle High School, Fred enjoyed sports, competing in football, playing guard and linebacker, and track, throwing the discus and shot put. Upon graduation in 1966, he enrolled in Miami-Dade Junior College with a track scholarship, and studied drafting.

Fred must have been a very good athlete because, after graduation from Miami-Dade Junior College, he was offered a track scholarship to the University of South Carolina. He gladly accepted the scholarship and moved to Columbia, S.C. He had been on campus only a few days when he realized that there was a language barrier; Fred couldn’t understand the thick Southern accent of many of the South Carolinians. Instead, he accepted a scholarship to the University of Texas in El Paso.

Fred Cespedes has served as president of the Alabama Feed & Grain Association three times. He has served on the boards of the Tennessee Poultry & Egg Association and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. He has served on the advisory board of Wallace State Community College and was vice president of the Wallace Community College Futures Foundation.

He is also very active with the Cullman Rotary Club.

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It was a celebration worthy of Fred Cespedes

ROSS BRIDGE GOLF RESORT – After spending the day out on the Ross Bridge Golf Course, Fred was ready to celebrate his induction into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame – so too were his friends and family, who gathered to celebrate with him. There were folks with whom he had worked since 1979, allied industry friends, Alabama Cooperative Extension System friends, Auburn poultry science friends, AP&EA friends, and most cherished of all, his family.

All had come to honor the man who has contributed so much to the poultry industry. It was quite a celebration, well worthy of Fred Cespedes. Just no cigars – inside, that is,

The whole Cespedes family was celebrating.

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

DECEMBER 2, 2015 – Alabama poultry pros gathered with friends of Alabama poultry in government, education, extension and the private sector to share the warm fellowship of the holidays at AP&EA headquarters.

The room, as in years past, was tastefully decorated by Kim Adams, wife of AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams. The holiday food was plentiful and delicious.

Notable elected officials included State Treasurer Young Boozer; Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh; Alabama Supreme Court Justices Jim Main, Tom Parker, Tommy Bryant, and Kelli Wise. Also present were a number of state senators and representatives, as well as representatives of regulatory agencies.

It was a great opportunity for old friends to reconnect and a time to make new friends as well.

It was a perfect time to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

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Tim Esslinger

Dr. Don Conner

Mike Pigg and Stan Usery

AP&EA Holds Winter Board Meeting

Dr .Joe Hess

Jonathon Roberts

Jim Donald

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Association President Tim Esslinger welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for coming.

He introduced new board member Ryan Turner of Pilgrim’s in Guntersville and Auburn Poultry Science Club vice president and student advisor to the board, Jonathan Roberts.

Esslinger’s opening remarks were brief, saying, hopefully, that the Association was looking forward to a year without tornados or avian influenza.

Barry Fuller, subbing for Casey Jones, presented the Allied Committee report. He reported that it had been a good year for raising money for scholarships, through the smoked chicken sale and the Allied Golf Tournament.

He announced that the “Big Bass” fishing tournament would be held on May 13, at Lake Guntersville and that the EOF Golf Tournament would be held at Limestone Springs on June 3.

Grower Committee Chairman Kenneth Sanders reported the growth of county and multi-county poultry associations, He also reported that two multi-county associations were being formed in north Alabama. He said that he was encouraged by the way growers were taking the AI threat seriously.

Dr. Don Conner presented the report for the AU Poultry Facilities Committee. He said that things were going well and that Randall Ennis was doing an outstanding job in fund-raising and pushing things along. He quipped humorously that Randall wanted to proceed faster than the university wants to

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proceed. Calling the feed mill phase one, he said that phase two would be building two four-pen facilities to do broiler nutrition and other management trials, along with a house to support the NPTC in modeling and evaluating equipment for the growers. He thanked many of the companies represented around the table for their generosity in helping with the project.

Jim Donald of the National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC) thanked Dr. Conner and Poultry Research Facilities Manager Mitchell Pate for including them in the plans. He reported that the pad for the NPTC house had just been built. He talked enthusiastically about the different schools that they could teach from the facility. He finished by saying that there will not be another college in the world with these capabilities.

President Esslinger commended these efforts saying, ”It is a tremendous effort and a lot of hard work that has gone into this. I think that we are blessed to be where we are, based on where we thought we’d be when we started this process.” He continued,“ It’s because of financial support and all of the energy and efforts by people in this room. It is something that we can be proud of for Auburn and also as an industry.”

Dr. Joe Hess reported for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

He remarked on doing numerous training sessions for commercial poultry growers and backyard growers concerning avian influenza preparedness

Kenneth Sanders

and.prevention.. He reported that the commercial growers were very receptive, while the backyard growers were mostly disinterested.

Hess reported that Dr. Wilmer Pacheco, Dr. Ken Macklin, and himself had several practical projects in the works including field trials on pellet burning stoves for poultry houses; alternate litter sources; feed mill enzyme tests; and litter treatment tests.

Representing the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Dr. Tony Frazier reported on the Alabama Avian Influenza Response Plan. Commenting that it was still undergoing review and revision, he passed out copies of the plan as it currently stands. He announced a planned summit of southeast regional state animal health officers on Dec. 16, to hammer out a secure broiler supply plan, agreed on by all states, to set ground rules for transport of poultry and poultry related products across state lines out of and into designated control zones around outbreak areas.

He also reported that Federal Fish and Game officials have reported finding AI in a number of Blue Winged Teal recently caught in Alabama waters. The strain of AI, however, does not affect chickens.

Jim Donald gave the department of biosystems engineering report. He related the NPTC’s efforts to improve profitability through conducting poultry housing courses. He also reported on new lighting advances for breeder houses and success in the rainwater col-

Dr. Gary Lemme

Dr. Tony Frazier

lection project.

Dr. Don Conner reported that the Auburn University department of poultry science had awarded $120,000 in scholarships to more than 60 students.

The department, having listened to industry, is developing a new curriculum and adding an advanced production course, a feed milling course and more business related courses. There will also be a crossover course with biosystems engineering on poultry housing.

He announced that Mitchell Pate had won the Alumni Service Award for the College of Agriculture. He also announced that the Poultry Science Club had established the Bob Brewer Service Award, in honor of Dr. Bob Brewer, for a student who excels in giving service,.

Dr. Gary Lemme, director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System presented the ACES 2014 Annual Report. It showed that it had helped 1,247,135 people, or one in four Alabamians in that year.

In AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams’ closing remarks, he thanked the committee chairmen, advisors, and board members for their support. He gave special thanks to Dr. Tony Frazier, Dr. Joe Hess, and Ray Hilburn for their work in preparing the state for AI. He also thanked Mitchell Pate and Randall Ennis for their efforts on behalf of the poultry farm relocation. The goal is to make Auburn the premier poultry school in the world.

Mitchell Pate

Ray Hilburn

Johnny Adams

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AP&EA President Tim Esslinger presents Wanda Linker with her award

Wanda wipes a tear from her eye as she looks at her award.

Association President Tim Esslinger, Wanda, her husband of 45-years, Mike, and AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams

Wanda Linker Recognized For 40 Years of Service to AP&EA

Wanda says that she was only a child when she started with the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association in Cullman, 40 years ago. David Ozment was the association director. Since then, she has worked under three others, including the last 20 years with current Chief Executive Officer Johnny Adams.

She got her start in the poultry industry at Gold Kist in Cullman, where she worked for three years before coming to AP&EA. In 1993, she and husband, Mike,

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even moved their family from Cullman to Montgomery when the board decided that the association headquarters needed to be closer to the Capitol.

Over the years she has worked with a new association president each year, and gotten to know many of the movers and shakers in the poultry industry, from company presidents to numerous poultry growers and everyone in between. Besides faithfully running the office, she has organized all of the many events and fund-raisers that benefit the

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association.

On December 3, at the winter board meeting, she was recognized for her service to the Association by President Tim Esslinger. In presenting the surprise award, Esslinger called Wanda, “the one person who was the rock and guiding force for us all.”

Wanda responded, wiping a tear from her eye, “It’s been a fast 40 years.”

Then she added, “When you have the best job in the world, time flies.”

Eli’s grandmother, Deborah Pless, holds him as he undergoes a chemo treatment.

About three weeks before Christmas Kelcey Sims noticed that her 21-monthold son, Eli, wasn’t feeling well and was running a fever. She took him to the doctor, where Eli was diagnosed with pneumonia. He was put on antibiotics.

Several days later he seemed to be getting worse, so he was taken to the hospital in Anniston, where he was put on intravenous antibiotics. That didn’t help.

He seemed to be getting progressively worse. That’s when Kelcey, the wife of Lineville poultry grower, Jason Sims, noticed a strange protruding on the right side of Eli’s little belly. She pointed it out to the doctor. A CT scan was performed and spots were observed on Eli’s liver and in his lungs.

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Kelcey and Jason with their sons, Collin, Eli, and Noah.

They were sent to Childeren’s Hospital in Birmingham for more diagnostic tests. A biopsy was performed, and on Dec. 23, they got the devastating news.

Eli was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, stage 4 liver cancer that has metastasized to his lungs.

The family was allowed to take Eli home for Christmas with his two rambunctious older brothers, Collin, 6, and Noah, 4.

I visited with them in their home on Jan. 4. Kelcey’s mother, Deborah Pless, was feeding Eli. He ate hungrily, but with each bite he would cry with pain.

Jason grows big birds for Koch Foods – Pine Mountain. He has three mega houses build in 2011, and like many growers, he has individually purchased health insurance for his young

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family. Still, the expenses are very high.

On Jan. 5, Eli began his first round of chemotherapy, as a part of a study on two new additional drugs that are supposed to prevent cancers from reoccurring. had received chemo on Tuesday afternoon. He tolerated it well, in fact, according to Jason, Eli ate well and had no nausea from the treatment. He slept well until 2:00 a.m., when he woke up screaming. He had turned deathly pale and his little belly was distended. At 3:30 a.m. he was taken into surgery. There they discovered that the cancerous tumors on his liver had started to hemorrhage. They were able to staunch the flow of blood. He was placed on a ventilator and has remained on the ventilator. Jason told me that Eli is conscious and responsive. They hope to be able to remove the ventilator Friday, Jan 8. On Saturday, they will administer the second dose of chemo. Kelcey has remained with Eli, although Jason has returned to the farm to prepare to receive new chickens. He will rejoin them on Saturday.

On Saturday, Jan. 9, my wife, Helen and I visited with Eli, Kelcey and her mother, Deborah, at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. We arrived as Eli, held

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

in his grandmother's loving arms, was undergoing his second dose of chemotherapy.

He will undergo three more treatments in the next three days. Then, they will skip a day and begin a series of five more treatments. If, at the end of those treatments, he has tolerated everything well, they will send him home for two weeks. After that he will begin round two of treatments. The oncologist is encouraged by the bleeding, because it is an indication that the new chemo is having the desired effect.

Should chemo not be effective, a liver transplant would be needed.

Jason thanks everyone for their prayers and support. He requests that you continue to pray for Eli's healing and strength for Kelcey and him.

To contribute financially online go to: https://www.youcaring.com/jasonand-kelcey-sims-for-the-their-son-eli494158#.VoL-MGAIO7e.facebook or there is a link on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BamaChicken.

Please send checks C/O Barfield Baptist Church, 74 East Mill Road, Lineville, AL 36266.

Industry News Aviagen Appoints Dr. Benton P. Hudson to Global Nutrition Team Dr. Hudson will provide expert nutrition support to the U.S. and Canada

HUNTSVILLE – Aviagen, the world’s leading poultry breeding company, announced this month that it has appointed Dr. Benton P. Hudson as a nutritionist on its Global Nutrition Team (GNT). Beginning Jan. 11, Dr. Hudson will join a team of eight nutritionists on the GNT, which currently supports customer worldwide. Serving mainly the U.S. and Canada, Dr. Hudson will be located in Alabama, and will report directly to Dr. Alex Corzo, Global Head of Nutrition Services. He will be responsible for the nutrition of

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U.S. pedigree, great grandparent (GGP) and grandparent (GP) stock. He will also provide parent stock (PS) and broiler nutritional support to U.S. and Canadian customers.

Dr. Hudson brings to Aviagen a rich 13-year history of poultry nutrition experience. He comes to Aviagen from Zinpro Corporation, where he served as research nutritionist. Before that, he worked for 11 years as senior nutritionist for Tyson Foods, responsible for breeder feed formulation and technical service. He holds a Ph.D. in Poultry Science from the University of Georgia.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to benefit from Dr. Hudson’s ex-

Alabama Poultry Magazine

tensive education, experience and insight into poultry nutrition,” says Dr. Corzo. “Dr. Hudson will be an invaluable asset to the GNT. Dr. Benton Hudson

Auburn News

Ray Hilburn

Auburn Holds 105th Ag Grad Breakfast

AUBURN – Auburn University College of Agriculture held its 105th Student Recognition & Graduation Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Auburn University Alumni Center, sponsored by the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association.

Department of poultry science faculty and students took turns flipping omelets for graduates and their families for the first time in the beautiful facility. More than 300 omelets were enjoyed by the hungry guests.

Interim Dean Dr. Arthur Appel welcomed everyone and AP&EA Associate Director Ray Hilburn expressed pride in all of the graduates. Associate Dean for Instruction Dr. Paul Patterson also spoke briefly.

Present at the event was new poultry science graduate Sarah Stephenson and her mother and father from Danville. Congratulations, Sarah. We know you have a great future ahead of you.

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Alabama Poultry Magazine

Dr. Paul Patterson

Sarah Stevenson and Dr. Don Conner

Pilgrim’s Donates $100K to Auburn University

GREELEY, Colo. – Pil(Left to right)Mitchell Pate, Poultry Research grim’s Pride Corp. has Unit director; Jayson Penn, executive vice donated $100,000 to president of sales and operations for Pilgrim’s; Auburn University to Dr. Art Appel, interim dean, Auburn Univerhelp fund the relocation sity College of Agriculture; Dr. Don Conner, and modernization of a head of Auburn department of poultry scinew state-of-the-art poul- ence; and, Mark Wilton, development mantry research facility. ager, AU Development Office “We see this as an opportunity to invest in the future inno- Sep. 23.

The new Auburn revators of the poultry industry, who will search facilities will be able to assist us as we work to feed a growing world population,” said Bill allow for increased conLovette, Pilgrim’s CEO. “If we can trol, precision and replibroaden the knowledge base by attract- cation to meet research ing students with fresh ideas about poul- needs well int othe futry production, that’s a win-win for our ture, as well as the abilbusiness and for the long-term viability ity to generate new knowledge and technolof this insdustry.”

Jayson Penn, executive vice presi- ogy to sustain commercial poultry dent of sales and operations for Pil- production.

“Auburn University’s department grim’s, presented the donation to Auburn University representatives on of poultry science is extremely grate-

ful for the longstanding relationship we have had with Pilgrim’s and for this generous gift,” said Dr. Don Conner, head of the Auburn department of poultry science.

A P & E A A u t o m o b i l e L i c e n s e Ta g N o w A v a i l a b l e The AP&EA poultry license tag is now available at your local probate office. The cost is $50 and is tax deductible. The Alabama Poultry Foundation gets $41.25, of which $10 of this is sent to the local county or regional poultry association from which counties the tag was purchased for their own scholarship program. This could help the children and grandchildren of all poultry producers in the future no matter where they decide to further their education.

The remaining $31.25 will be used for poultry science scholarships at Auburn University, the 2+2 program with community colleges that

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participate, or for other grower and member educational programs. How much is put into each of these will be decided on a year to year basis.

The poultry license tags can also be personalized if you desire at no additional cost. For those of you that did prepurchase tags, you should have received an e-mail from the Alabama Department of Revenue at the end of October that was a pre-commitment redemption voucher. You can take this voucher to your county probate office to obtain your tag now or you can wait until the month that your tag renews and do it then. If you do decide to get the tag now, you would have to pay

Alabama Poultry Magazine

another $50 to get the tag renewed at your usual month of renewal.

We appreciate everyone’s participation in this program and it is going to make a huge impact on the future of not only the poultry industry, but for all of our families as well. This is a program that you can invest in and help your own families at the same time.

AUBURN – A charitable corporate

training its future leaders and developing new knowledge that will help ensure that our poultry industry remains strong and competitive. This gift definitely will help us achieve our education and research missions.”

Tyson Foods’ philanthropic partnership will From left to right: Mark Wilton, development manager, AU Denot only enhance the Col- velopment Office; Mitchell Pate, Poultry Research Unit direclege of Agriculture’s re- tor; Johnny Adams, CEO, Alabama Poultry & Egg Association; search facilities and Sarah Stephenson, senior in poultry science and former Tyson capacity, but will posi- intern in Washington D.C.; Charles Penry, vice president, Tyson tively impact the quality Foods, governmental affairs; and Wally Taylor, Tyson Foods, complex manager. of its instruction and extension abilities. These enhanced facil- dents alike to answer the needs of conities will strengthen Auburn’s poultry sumers and commercial poultry growprograms by improving precision, ers, while providing students with biosecurity, and quality control within hands-on experiences necessary for facilities. Its design will foster innova- success in their post-graduate careers. tive ideas and empower faculty and stu-

Tyson Foods Contributes $250,000 to Auburn Poultry Research Farm Relocation Project

contribution of $250,000 from Tyson Foods — the largest contribution to date to benefit Auburn University’s department of poultry science’s new research farm unit — will further the department’s academic and research initiatives.

With Tyson Foods’ support, the department will begin construction in 2016 of new instructional and research farm facilities. Dr. Donald Conner, professor and head of the department of poultry science, noted that with support from the industry, Auburn poultry scientists are able to conduct solid research that addresses the needs of commercial growers.

“We are sincerely grateful to Tyson Foods for this generous gift,” said Conner. “We value our continued partnership with Tyson Foods and the entire poultry industry and are committed to

Wayne Farms Donates $175,000 to Auburn Poultry Research Unit Relocation Initiative

OAKWOOD, Ga. — Wayne Farms LLC, the sixth-largest vertically integrated poultry producer in the U.S., has pledged $175,000 to the construction of a state-of-the-art poultry research unit at Auburn University.

“We’re happy to invest in a new farm facility that will thrive, not only now, but for the next several decades,” Wayne Farms President and CEO Elton Maddox said in presenting the gift to Auburn College of Agriculture and department of poultry science administrators. “The ability to support innovative ideas and research is an opportunity Wayne Farms proudly stands behind.”

The new facilities will replace Auburn’s existing Poultry Research Farm, which was built more than 40 years ago.

“We’re very appreciative of this gift to help improve our capabilities within the poultry research field,” said Don Conner, head of the poultry science de-

partment at Auburn. “Because we strive to integrate all aspects of the poultry industry’s ‘farm-to-fork’ process, we know investments in this farm facility positively impact both food and poultry science instruction, research and extension.”

Wayne Farms has long been involved with Auburn’s poultry science program and has hired numerous Auburn students through its summer internship program in recent years. This past summer, three Auburn University poultry science students and one food science major interned with Wayne Farms LLC, and it was a win-win situation for both students and company.

From Left to right: Auburn University junior and poultry science major, Jessica Haverkampf (Wayne Farms Summer 2015 Live Production Unit Intern); associate dean of the College of Agriculture & professor, Dr. Paul Patterson; interim dean of the College of Agriculture and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Dr. Arthur Appel; department of poultry science head, Dr. Donald Conner; Auburn University alumnus and director of nutrition and research at Wayne Farms LLC, Dr. Tom Frost; South Alabama area complex manager, Brad Williams; Auburn University senior and food science major, Kayla Fromhold (Wayne Farms Summer 2015 Food Quality & Assurance Intern); Dothan/Union Springs live manager and Auburn University alumnus, Kris Torbert; Union Springs broiler manager, Michael Simmons; and Union Springs plant operations manager Larry Parker.

We will be featuring more Auburn Poultry Research Unit contributors in our next issue Alabama Poultry Magazine

November / December 2015

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Practical Applications

Curtain side house – two rows of lights

Curtain side house – three rows of lights

Curtain side house – four rows of lights

LED Lighting For Hen Houses Jess Campbell, Jeremiah Davis, Dennis Brothers, Gene Simpson & Jim Donald National Poultry Technology Center, Auburn University

Broiler breeder growers have traditionally relied on high pressure sodium vapor lights (HPS) to provide all lighting for their hen houses. However, with the doubling of electricity rates over the past decade and the availability of more energy efficient lighting technologies, we have seen a rapid move to LEDs in hen houses over the past 2 years. This move significantly reduces the power bill, yet, when installed correctly, does not harm performance. In fact, we have received many reports of slightly improved performance. We can now provide adequate intensity and improved lighting uniformity of breeder hen flocks at a much lower cost using LEDs. Most growers have seen annual power bill savings in the $2,000-$3000 range per house (see tables below). We have also seen a reduction in floor eggs in most installations.

While very bright, each 150 watt HPS consumes about 185-190 watts.

We have monitored dozens of LED hen houses the past two years and typically find three common lighting layout arrangements, all using the same LED

Figure #1 2 Row Curtain

Figure #3 4 Row Curtain

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bulb. We have found that a 10 watt, wider beam angled (1400) A19 shaped non-dimming LED in 2700-30000K with five year warranty works best, and that the ideal spacing is approximately10 feet on center (10’OC). Ideally all keyless sockets should be mounted on truss bottoms. With 5’ truss spacing this is not a problem. With 4’ truss spacing, sockets can be spaced at 8’ or alternated 8’-12’, or 8’- 8’-12’.

This will result in similar lighting uniformity as 10’-10’ spacing.

For curtain-sided houses, two layouts seem to be preferred. The first layout uses two main rows of 10 watt, wide beam LEDs from end to end, directly above the front edge of the nest boxes 10’OC, and uses supplemental LEDs in the cool cell end and possibly in the fan end corners, also 10’OC (see Figure 1).

The second layout, a three row approach (Figure 2), uses two main rows of 10 watt, wide beam LEDs, directly above the front edge of the nest boxes 10’OC, and a third row, also 10’OC, in the peak directly above the male feeder.

No cool cell or fan end supplements are

used. For solid wall houses, four rows of these same 10 watt, wide beam LEDs must be installed 10’OC to provide adequate intensity and uniformity (Figure 3). Several integrators are moving toward solid wall hen houses to maintain better temperature control during periods of extreme weather.

Individual breeder managers must be consulted to approve the layout chosen. We suggest that nickel plated screw shell keyless sockets be used, since nickel is much less prone to corrosion in this harsh environment.

After installation, if any dark or dingy areas need additional light, as evidenced by repeated floor eggs, a Yshaped socket splitter can be used with 2 LEDs. In a few curtain house installations, rolled burlap has been stapled on the outside of the curtain to diffuse sunlight and help reduce glare.

Typical rewiring cost for a 40’ X 400’ hen house will be $1,500-$2,000. including LED bulb cost, paybacks are well within 2 flocks.

Figure #2 3 Row Curtain

Y-shaped socket splitter

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Burlap diffuser

Practical Applications for Energy Savings National Poultry Technology Center – poultryhouse.com

Practical Application #1: Reduce Temperature Stratifications Hot air rises, cold air falls. Smoke emitters are used in this picture to illustrate what happens to residual heat from brooders during preheating and brooding. While the goal is to heat the floor, many growers don’t realize how much valuable heat rises to the ceiling in the process. All of the heat from brooders rises to the top of the house eventually. Recirculation fans can repurpose this residual heat that comes from the heaters in the house and puts it to use near the floor where it is needed.

One of the single most effective tools that can be used to improve in-house conditions and save gas in an older house, aside from house tightness and insulation, is the use of recirculation fans. Most recirculation fans designed for poultry cost about $100 each. They are a great

way to improve the efficiency of your heating and ventilation systems in winter. The payback for the typical system is less than one year in an older house and less than 4 years in a modern house. If you are experiencing high fuel bills and wet floors and seem to have trouble keeping up during winter growouts, a new recirculation fan system should be considered. Contact your company representative for approved fan designs, suggested layouts and methods of operation that might work best for your specific operation. Good luck saving energy this winter from the National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC) team. Visit poultryhouse.com for more information on recirculation fans and other energy saving tips.

Practical Application #2: Good Incoming Air Here is an example of good air flow through sidewall inlets on a cold day using thermal imagery. Notice all the cool air is entering the house and being kept along the ceiling. No cold air is hitting the walls or floor. The air is moving with sufficient velocity that it reaches the peak where only then does it lose momentum, mixing with the heat gathered there and falling slowly as tempered, warm air. This is accomplished by combining needed fan power with proper opening to create sufficient static pressure to throw the air into the center of the house. Any insufficiency in these three points and cold air can impact the floor and the birds causing many difficulties. See NPTC Newsletter #86 on poultryhouse.com for more details on improving winter ventilation air flow.

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Basket Fan (low ceiling) vs. Paddle Fan (high ceiling) Here are two examples of the most common and cost effective recirculation fan types used in poultry houses today. Basket fans with a more open wire cage design are common in dropped ceiling houses. These are low

powered fans blowing air parallel to the ceiling. Paddle fans are used in high ceiling houses in the up-blowing mode to help reduce temperature stratification and repurposing valuable hot air.

High Ceiling House with Tunnel Curtain Baffles – Paddle Type Fans

54x600 - 66x600 Dropped Ceiling House - Basket Fans

54x600 - 66x600 Dropped Ceiling House - Basket Fans Center Brood (Turned In)

40x500 - 50x500 Dropped Ceiling House - Basket Fans

54x600 - 66x600 Dropped Ceiling House - Basket Fans Center Brood

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Example layouts (left) are for recirculation fans. Dimensions are for educational purposes only. Actual dimensions and layouts should be coordinated with your live production service representative or housing coordinator. Alternate layouts, fan directions, and operation may be necessary.

Growers with 66’ wide houses have some unique problems to deal with when it comes to winter ventilation. The width of these houses often makes conventional ideas of ventilation and airflow used in older style houses less effective. This fact makes innovation a necessity and trial and error is often where that starts. As you can see in this photo, this grower has made a very simple adjustment to his stir fans in his 66’ wide house. He has turned them at 45 degree angles to the length of the house. This causes his stir fans to “wipe” the peak of his ceilings, more effectively mixing the hot air found there than the straight line “race-track” manner they were originally installed at. He has two lines of stir fans in his houses, located approximately between the outside and inside feel lines. He kept the general “race-track” direction but turned every fan toward the center 45 degrees, so each adjacent fan’s stream is passing each other along the center of the house. This method may not be for every grower or every house, but it has proven effective for this farm keeping his sidewalls noticeably drier.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

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Annual Legislative Omelet Breakfast Wednesday, April 13, 2016 Capitol Lawn, Montgomery

AP&EA Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, April 13, 2016 AP&EA Office

AP&EA “Big Bass” Fishing Tournament Friday, May 13, 2016 Lake Guntersville

“Evening of Fun” Golf Tournament Friday, June 3, 2016 Limestone Springs Golf Course

“2016 Evening of Fun” Saturday, June 4, 2016 Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Birmingham

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