Alabama Poultry, November/December 2016

November/December 2016 Vol. 11 No. 6

The Dream is Accomplished (Almost) Buddy Miller and his wife, Pinney Allen, stand at the gate of the world-class facility named to honor his father and his contributions to the Alabama poultry industry.

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

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November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Board of Directors

Officers Harold Hunt, President, Gadsden* Kenneth Sanders, Vice President, Brundidge* Mitchell Pate, Treasurer, Auburn* Jason Spann, Secretary, Hanceville* Tim Esslinger, Immediate Past President, Huntsville*

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

Advisors Vernon Abney, Auburn Dr. Don Conner, Auburn University James Donald, Auburn University Dr. Joe Hess, Auburn University Jacob Davis, Montgomery Dr. Tony Frazier, Montgomery *Executive Committee Members Johnny Adams – Chief Executive Officer Wanda H. Linker – Administrative Director Ray Hilburn – Associate Director Huck Carroll – Communications Director/Editor Jennifer Shell – Support Director

AP&EA STAFF

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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Presidents’s Message

It has been an honor to serve as your Alabama Poultry & Egg Association president for the past few months. I’d like to thank our great association staff of Johnny, Wanda, Ray, Jennifer and Huck. They are very efficient and effective. No one who has served as association president can deny that the association could not function without them. They certainly make my job easier.

This has been a successful year, so far, since July.

We have gotten through a special legislative session and had a very successful allied scholarship golf tournament, raising more than $10,000. The 2+2 Program has gotten a lot of attention with a number of very positive articles published and even some television spots. I was able to speak recently to some students and faculty at Gadsden State Community College Cherokee about the program. The interest is growing.

Part of the reason for this interest is because of Ray and Huck attending career fairs around the state, getting the poultry industry message to thousands of high school students.

Our Alabama Poultry Industry Workshop was well attended with service techs from all of the poultry companies in the state participating. They heard excellent presentations from an outstanding line up of knowledgeable speakers. Our complex sent all of our service techs, and they all were impressed.

We also participated in the ribbon cutting at the new Charles C. Miller, Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center at Auburn University. Thanks to the outstanding work of Randall Ennis, Mitchell Pate, Jim Donald and Dr. Don Conner more that $5,000,000 has been raised. Thanks also to the generosity of Buddy Miller and his wife, Pinney Allen; this will put Auburn on the cutting edge of poultry education and research.

Featuring This Issue Government Affairs Association News Meeting Alabama Poultry Industry Workshop Christmas Open House Winter Board Meeting Auburn Happenings Charles C. Miller, Jr. Poultry Education and Research Center Opens Ag Graduation Breakfast Poultry Housing Courses Industry News Practical Applications Calendar of Events

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Alabama Poultry Magazine November / December 2016

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Governmental Affairs

MONTGOMERY – On Nov. 9, 2016, for the 67th time, Bates Turkey Farm of Ft. Deposit presented the governor of Alabama with a prime turkey named Clyde and asked for clemency for the rambunctious fowl. And, for the 67th time, the governor graciously granted a full pardon for the “delicious looking” bird and his female companion, Henrietta.

On the bright November day, Gov. Robert Bentley, in issuing Clyde’s pardon, took the opportunity to praise Alabama’s farming families for their contribution in feeding the world and bringing needed revenue into the state.

Becky Bates Sloane presented Gov. Bentley with one of Clyde’s siblings, in a much less featherful condition, but more suitable for his holiday table.

Children from Riverchase United Methodist Day School were on hand to serenade the governor and Clyde with songs of Thanksgiving cheer. Clyde and Henrietta fairly gobbled with appreciation. Gov. Bentley was smiling also.

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November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Association News

SEAP&EA Enjoys On Farm Education at Jeff Dunn’s Farm in Skipperville SKIPPERVILLE – On Monday, Nov. 7, the Southeast Alabama Poultry & Egg Association met at the Keystone Foods farm owned by Jeff Dunn in Skipperville, near Ozark. A large group of growers from Keystone Foods and Wayne Farms enjoyed the program conducted by the National Poultry Technology team, and included: generator maintenance; house tightness testing; cool cell care; airflow monitoring to eliminate cold spots and eliminate amonia; and the lastest in lighting technology.

Many thanks to Keystone Foods and Jeff and Angela Dunn for allowing us to hold the event at this farm. Thanks also to our sponsors NipCam, First South Farm Credit, Alabama Ag Credit, FFB Ag Finance and Randy Jones Insurance.

Ken Edwards, live production manager of Keystone Foods, Eufaula, welcomed all to the open house and educational program.

Jess Campbell discussed cool cell care and proper air flow using stir fans for eliminating cold spots in brooding .

Gene Simpson discussed the latest technology in poultry house tightness.

Jim Donald of the National Poultry Technology Center briefed the growers about what they would see.

The event was well attended, and lunch was a very popular part of the get-togther.

NPTC’s Dennis Brothers stressed proper generator maintenance, both do-it-yourself and when to call in a professional.

As lunch was being finished, Peggy Vardaro, poultry specialist with the Alabama Department of Agriculture, gave an update on AI.

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November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Al Miller of Miller Alarm & Electronics, Inc. in Enterprise is no stranger to the poultry industry

At just three weeks old, little Adley Smith attended her first poultry meeting in Wedowee.

She is the daughter of Ethan and Ashley Smith of Heflin.

Jess Campbell of the NPTC always gives a dynamic and energetic presentation. As the son of a chicken grower, Dr. Campbell knows the poultry business.

Security Concerns and Generator Maintenance Highlight Grower Meetings

With a growing number of incidents of unauthorized intrusions onto poultry farms, security was the topic at several producer association meetings.

At both the Wiregrass Poultry & Egg Association meeting on Nov. 10, and the Central Alabama Poultry & Egg Association meeting on Nov. 29, Al Miller and Lee Holland of Miller Alarm & Electronics spoke on installation and functional effectiveness of on-farm electronic surveillance systems in preventing theft and intrusion by unauthorized individuals. They used an example of someone apprehended stealing diesel fuel from a local grower. It can also be a useful and effective tool in monitoring for biosecurity.

Following their presentations, representatives of law enforcement discussed what you should do if an unauthorized person comes on your property. Both stressed avoiding confrontation, but recommended calling local law enforcement and getting photographs of the individuals and vehicles, to include automobile license plates.

The Wiregrass meeting, held at El Bethel Baptist Church in Chancellor, was sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit of Enterprise, First South Farm Credit of Andalusia and Enterprise, Randy Jones Insurance, and FFB Ag Finance of Enterprise.

The Cental Alabama meeting was

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held at the Tom Harbin Ag Center in Luverne and was sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit of Montgomery, First South Farm Credit of Luverne, Randy Jones Insurance, and FFB Ag Finance of Enterprise.

The meetings of the Clay and Randolph County associations featured a presentation on generator maintenance and failure experienced lately from Jess Campbell of the Auburn University National Poultry Technology Center.

The Clay County meeting, held at the Farmers Market in Lineville on Dec. 1, was wellattended by growers from Clay and Tallapoosa Counties.

Sponsoring the event was First State Bank of Lineville.

The Randolph County meeting was held at the ALFA Building in Wedowee on Dec. 6. It was also well-attended. It was spon-

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

sored by First South Farm Credit of Oxford and Alabama Farm Credit of Talladega.

At each meeting maintaining proper biosecurity was stressed.

Harold Hunt Talks to Gadsden State Cherokee

CENTRE – On Nov. 3, AP&EA President Harold Hunt addressed the administration, staff, faculty, high school ag teachers and a number of students at Gadsden State Community College Cherokee to promote the 2+2 Poultry Science Program, a cooperative program, with the Auburn University department of poultry science.

The program allows students at Gadsden State to complete the two-year academic program at Gadsden State, along with a beginning poultry science course taught by Auburn professor, Dr. Wallace Berry. Upon completion of the Gadsden State program they can then enroll at Auburn in the poultry science degree program as juniors. They are then on a path to graduation with a degree in poultry science.

Hunt, the complex manager at Koch Foods, Gadsden, talked about his background and how his education had given him a pathway to success. “You can write your own ticket if you go into poultry science,” he said. “The sky is the limit.”

Other guest speakers included Sen. Clay Scofield, Rep. Richard Lindsey as well as Dr. Wallace Berry from Auburn University’s department of poultry science.

“The poultry industry can be lucrative but jobs are hard to fill,” Berry said.

“Every poultry science graduate we have at Auburn gets an average of five job offers each. We have 100 percent in job placement among our graduates.”

Berry went on to say, “Starting salary for a poultry science graduate is between $42,000 and $47,500.”

To attract qualified students to the 2+2 Poultry Science Program, Gadsden State is offering scholarship awards in the amount of 13 credit hours each for Fall 2017. The scholarship is open to all students enrolled in Gadsden State’s Poultry Science Program, with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

Dr. Leslie Worthington, dean of academic programs and services, with Harold Hunt.

Alabama Poultry Magazine November / December 2016

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A Day of Fun Before the AP&EA Alabama Poultry Industry Workshop

Who knew that Tony Frazier was such a guitar hero? The man can hit some licks, and his family is talented as well.

AUBURN – Even as the bluegrass sounds of Tony Frazier and the Frazier Family bounced off the walls of the Alfa Ag Pavillion, poultry pros from around the state gathered in celebration of a day of fun, before the annual AP&EA Alabama Poultry Industry Workshop the next day.

Part of the fun took place at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club in Montgomery. After a lunch, sponsored by Ecodrum, Klarion, Merial Select and Ziggity Systems, the group split into teams of four and took on the 100-round course. By the time the evening arrived, there were some sore shoulders among the competitors, mine included. The sponsors also provided the prizes.

The golfers took to the links at the Auburn University Club, after a lunch sponsored by Cobb-Vantress Inc. None of them looked very sore. Anyway, these guys only get sore when they miss a putt or shank a drive. Well, shank you very much, that was just a cheap shot, or a mulligan.

Anyway, both groups had a good time, even those of us who didn’t win anything. Prizes were passed out at the get-togerther, and dinner was served, courtesy of K Supply Company, and it made getting sore seem really worthwhile, it was so tasty.

There was lots of laughter and fun as chicken men and a few chicken ladies swapped stories of great shots and missed shots. It put all in the right frame of mind to settle down to the workshop to follow.

Top Shot – Breck Helms

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First Place Shooters – Adam Scarborough, Michael McCraney and Lee Childers

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

First place golfers – David Padgett, Daily Thomas and Hunter Grimes.

Second place golfers – Dale Outlaw, David Pruett and Mike Pigg

Second Place Shooters – Breck Helms.

Christopher Kerce, Bryan Simmons and Jody Harper.

AP&EA Poultry Science Sholarship Winners Dr. Don Conner and AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams flank some of the Auburn University department of poultry science students who have won AP&EA scholarships.

According to Dr. Conner, enrollment is at an all time high in the department, with 83 enrolled for the fall semester.

Mark Waller (center) of Ingram Farms took advantage of the fun occasion to present Dr. Don Conner with a student recruitment check from U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. The check will help recruit students like the ones on the next page to Auburn University’s department of poultry science.

Alabama Poultry Magazine November / December 2016

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Johnny Adams

Ray Hilburn

Dr. Charles Starkey

Dr. Francene Van Sambeek

Dr. Louise DufourZavala

Leasea Butler

AP&EA Holds Annual Alabama Poultry Industry Workshop

AUBURN – On Wednesday, Nov. 2, the 2016 AP&EA Alabama Poultry Industry Workshop kicked off at the Auburn University Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. After a continental breakfast, sponsored by Merial Select, the large audience settled in for the presentations.

David Pruett, breeder manager for Tyson Foods, Inc., Snead, presided over the morning session. He introduced AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams, who welcomed all participants and gave a brief overview of the coming legislative session.

The first speaker was AP&EA Associate Director Ray Hilburn, who spoke on the importance of building relationships between service techs and growers. Drawing on his years of experience, his home-spun presentation was instructive and enlightening.

Hilburn was followed by Dr. Charles Starkey, assistant professor in the Auburn University department of poultry science. He spoke on recent changes in the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act. He was followed by Dr. Francene Van Sambeek, Elanco Animal Health associate technical advisor, who provided an in-depth look at blackhead (histomoniasis) control. Her presentation led into the morning break, sponsored by MWI Animal Health and Reeves Supply.

Following the break, Dr. Louise DufourZavala, executive director of the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network, presented a very timely discussion on strategies to control LT. Leasea Butler, Cobb-Vantress, Inc.’s technical service representative, followed Dufour-Zavala, with a presentation entitled Life Without Antibiotics, which stressed ways to manage bacteria in the poultry house. Her presentation set-up the next presentation by Dr. Chad Malinak. Malinak is the director of veterinary technical services for Peco Foods, Inc. He ran the audience through all of the confusing acronyms associated with the antibiotic free (ABF) movement. His presentation ended the morning session, with lunch, sponsored by Amer-

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ican Proteins and D&F Equipment Sales, being served in the adjacent ballroom.

The afternoon session began with Dr. Joe Hess, professor and extension specialist at Auburn University’s department of poultry science, presiding. He introduced the first speaker, Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier.

Dr. Frazier is probably the only person in the world who can make a presentation on avian influenza entertaining, as well as informative. After Frazier, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s manager food safety & production programs Rafael Rivera, discussed how to secure farms against the activities of animal rights activists.

Dr. Don Conner, head of the Auburn University department of poultry science was the next speaker. He discussed the opening of the new Charles C. Miller, Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center, and how it would make Auburn University the world leader in poultry science education and research.

Following Conner, with a discussion of Marek’s Disease was Dr. Enrique Montiel, senior veterinarian in the United States for Merial Select Inc. Included in the discussion was diagnosis, prevention and vaccination.

Dr. Gene Simpson and Dr. Jess Campbell of the National Poultry Tecnology Center at Auburn University filled the remainder of the time. Simpson’s topic was Example Broiler Cost & Returns, in which he gave a historic breakdown of the significant advances in poultry house design and construction from the late 1980s until today. He related that to grower costs for maintaining up-todate technology with returns on investment. Dr. Campbell spoke on the need to properly maintain electrical circuitry and other components, such as generators, in the hostile environment of the broiler house.

With the completion of Campbell’s presentation, the workshop was adjourned. Most found the presentations informative and helpful.

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Dr. Chad Malinak

Dr. Tony Frazier

Rafael Rivera

Dr. Don Conner

Dr. Enrique Montiel

DECEMBER 14, 2016 – 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 last year, was tastefully decorated by Kim Adams, wife of AP&EA CEO Johnny Adams. The holiday food was plentiful and delicious.

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

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November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Harold Hunt

Casey Jones

Kenneth Sanders

AP&EA Holds Winter Board Meeting

MONTGOMERY – On Dec. 15, 2016, AP&EA President Harold Hunt opened the association’s winter board meeting by welcoming everyone and wishing them a Merry Christmas. He thanked everyone for their attendance. His complete comments can be read in his letter to the association on page 3 of this magazine.

The first order of business was committee reports. Casey Jones, reporting for the Allied Committee, said that the year had been very good. He cited approximately $14,000 raised for scholarships through the Allied Golf Tournament, the “Evening of Fun” Golf Tournament, the shotgun raffle and the “Big Bass” Fishing Tournament. He also announced dates for the 2017 fishing tournament at Lake Guntersville (May 12,) and the “Evening of Fun” Golf Tournament (May 19) to be held at Silver Lakes Golf Club in Glencoe, Ala. Grower Committee Chairman Kenneth Sanders reported a number of successful regional meetings since July. He highlighted the recent Southeast Alabama Poultry & Egg Association meeting at Jeff and Angela Dunn’s farm in Coffee County. He thanked Keystone Foods for allowing the use of the farm.

He further reported that the committee would be meeting shortly to develop the agenda for the grower meeting at the 2017 “Evening of Fun.” Mitchell Pate, director of the Auburn University poultry research fa-

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cility, reported that three houses of the new Charles C. Miller, Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center had been completed, and that they were hoping to have birds in the houses in February. He also stated that Phase 2 of the project would begin in March with construction of the new administration building getting underway.

Dr. Gary Lemme, head of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, discussed a new Extension Service project to develop a statistical model of popultion shifts in Alabama counties.

Dr. Joe Hess, professor and Extension System specialist with the department of poultry science, reported that a replacement for Sarge Bilgilli had been hired. She is Dr. Dianna Bourassa. She is a processing extension specialist who has worked in processing plants. According to Dr. Don Conner, head of the Auburn department of poultry science, who, was not in attendance at the mmeting, but submitted a written report, “She will be available to work with processors on a multitude of issues ranging from yield to welfare to food saftey.”

He went on to report, “We hope to have a new avian disease faculty member on board in early 2017. This position will be split between our department and the College of Veterinary Medicine.”

Hess also announced the hiring of Bridget McCray to work in 4-H programs, including Chick-Chain. He mentioned also that He and Dr. Ken

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Macklin were developing a presentation on “how to make more money” for grower meetings, as well as new enzyme products for feed mills, and other projects.

State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier reported several new confermed cases of LT across north Alabama. Ray Hilburn pointed out a shortage of vacine on hand. Frazier responded that several companies already had vaccine on hand if it was needed. Frazier went on to say if vaccine usage continues into the spring, the Alabama Avian Health Advisory Board has agreed on a litter management policy. Frazier said that company veterinarians from the affected areas are scheduled to meet with him soon to discuss what the companies could do to better control the situation.

He also mentioned that because of the drought, he had fielded a number of questions on where it was permissable to feed chicken litter to cows. He stated, without equivocation, that there were no restrictions on feeding chicken litter to cattle.

Jim Donald presented the biosystems engineering report. He informed the group that Steve Taylor, the head of the department of biosystems engineering at Auburn, has taken a new position and that there was now a search underway for his replacement. He reported that the individuals under consideration had strong poultry backgrounds. He also reported on a new course being

team taught by Jeremiah Davis and Jess Campbell on environmental livestock housing. It is a non-engineering course for anyone in the College of Agriculture, with an emphasis on basic principles of air and water flow. Currently most of the students are from the department of poultry science.

Donald went on to report that the National Poultry Technology Center had, over the last five years, saved the poultry industry $150,000,000 because of the innovations in design and efficiencies realized in modern poultry housing coming out of the NPTC. He expressed excitement over the further research discoveries that can be made with the new facilities of the Charles C. Miller, Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center.

The education report was presented

by Jacob Davis, state supervisor-agriscience education. Davis reported outstanding participation in a Poultry Career Development Event by state FFA members. There were 73 teams represented, with 276 FFA members participating. The event was won by the Thorsby FFA team. That team represented Alabama at the National Poultry DCE in Indianapolis, Ind., in October, placing Gold (9th) in the competition.

Davis also reported a continuing shortage of ag teachers is significantly hindering ag program expansion. According to Davis, several schools have expressed an interest in opening or reopening agriscience programs next year, if teachers are available.

Mitchell Pate

Currently Auburn University has the only in-state agriscience education education teacher prep program. However, a partnership between Auburn University and Tuskegee University is currently in the works to offer agricultural education, similar to the partnership already in place with the Auburn University School of Forestry.

AP&EA CEO Johnny Adamshad the final presentation. He than Association President Harold Hunt for his outstanding leadership over the first five months of his term. He also thanked the staff, and gave special thanks to Randall Ennis, Mitchell Pate and Jim Donald for their hard work in bringing the Charles C. Miller, Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center into being.

With the new legislative session scheduled to begin on Feb. 2, he adressed some of the issues facing the industry. The primary issue will be a budget review taskfore that is looking at un-earmarking money going into specific funds and combining budgets.

“Our concern,” he related, “is a subcommittee that will be looking at taxexemptions.”

Many of these exemptions are at the grower level.

“Preserving those exemptions will be a top priority,” he said. “We have met with several members of that sub-committe to tell our story,” he added. While the industry returns more money to the state in revenue and taxes, the elimination of these exemptions would add little to state revenue.

Dr. Gary Lemme

Dr. Joe Hess

Dr. Tony Frazier

Jacob Davis

Johnny Adams

Alabama Poultry Magazine November / December 2016

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Auburn Happenings

Buddy Miller

Auburn University President Jay Gogue

The Dream is Almost Accomplished

AUBURN – On a balmy Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, the ribbon was cut on a facility that had been just a dream two short years ago. There were a number of speakers, all excited about what this new education and research facility would mean to Auburn University and to the Alabama poultry industry, but there was one voice that stood out from all the others. That voice belonged to Buddy Miller, the benefactor, along with his wife, Pinney Allen, of the project. Buddy talked about his father in a personal and poignant way. Read what he had to say about Charlie Miller.

“We are very proud of what Charlie Miller accomplished. Starting with a good Auburn education, he was a pioneer in the poultry industry, helping to envision, create and grow an industry that helps feed an expanding world population and provides meaningful employment for many people in this state and across America.

His intelligence and vision were keen (you didn’t need to be around him long to see that); his entrepreneurial spirit was impressive (though occasionally annoying to those who worked with him – he always wanted to find a better way); and his practicality and hard work made him successful. (The hard work started early on the farm where he grew up, but the discipline to harness all that intelligence and vision probably came from his military service, starting with ROTC at Auburn and continuing as an artillery captain in Patton’s Third Army in World War II.) But as proud as we are of what my father accomplished, we are even more proud of what he and my mother were. The values they lived and instilled in us were remarkably similar to those set forth in the Auburn Creed – hard work, honesty, human touch, and an entrepreneurial spirit (among others). That makes this day truly spiritual for me. In an alternate life I might have returned to Piedmont and taken over our poultry business. That was not right for me, certainly not at the time (I guess I had a little too much of him in me to follow in anybody’s footsteps), but in a sense the Miller Center provides an alternate way for Pinney and me to continue what he started.

And so, Don (and Paul) (and Mitchell), I hand the Miller Poultry torch to you.

Take good care of it. (I will be watching!) Make it worthy of Auburn and of my father. With the help of generations of Auburn students and faculty, make it into – and keep it – the world’s best poultry research and education center.”

Randall Ennis, chief fund-raiser and a key catalyst in moving the project forward.

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Dr. Don Conner presented Buddy Miller with a certificate naming the facility.

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Auburn University department of poultry science head Dr. Don Conner

Chairman Auburn University Board of Trustees Jimmy Sanford

Alabama Poultry & Egg Association CEO Johnny Adams

Auburn University College of Agriculture Dean Dr. Paul Patterson

The Miller family

AP&EA Sponsors 108th Ag Graduation Breakfast

AUBURN – On Saturday, Dec. 10, the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association once again feted the soon-to-be Auburn University College of Ag graduates and their families to omelets, sausage, grits and more at the Ham Wilson Livestock Arena.

There were lots of smiles and good cheer as poultry science faculty and undergraduates flipped eggs, stirred grits and kept the coffee coming.

AP&EA Associate Director Ray Hilburn congratulated the graduates and their parents for all of the hard work that had gone into preparation for this day.

Now comes the work of getting out into the real world and using that education in a real job.

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Poultry science graduates: Sarah Jackson (poultry science minor); Cheyenne Brouillette (food science); Suryo Gandasasmita (master of agriculture/ poultry science); Seth Blair; Karri Gene Fievet; Ruben Kriseldi (master of science/poultry science) and AP&EA Associate Director Ray Hilburn.

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Commercial Poultry and Livestock Housing Course in Full Swing Jeremiah Davis, Associate Director for Research, National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC)

Each teaching toolbox is assembled with common equipment needed to perform tests and analysis on commercial broiler houses. In addition to the laboratory financial commitment, it has cost approximately $20,000 to assemble the initial 16 teaching toolboxes.

Last spring, we began creating a Commercial Poultry and Livestock Housing course that is housed in Biosystems Engineering and taught by NPTC faculty and guest lecturers from industry. The course was developed to support undergraduate students from the departments of poultry science, biosystems engineering, and others interested in applied engineering and management concepts in commercial housing design. Our mission for the course was this: “A year from now when you have graduated and have begun your first career assignment, we would like you to have the basic knowledge, tools, and problem-solving skill sets to navigate the responsibilities as well as a framework to continue life-long learning in the field of commercial poultry and livestock housing systems.”

Specific student learning competencies included the following: • Demonstrate the ability to find, read, and digest important concepts from poultry and livestock housing extension materials • Perform an analysis of the thermal envelope of the housing system: building materials; insulation; measure house pressure; perform an infiltration leak test • Performance test a broiler ventilation system: meter calibration; determine wind speeds; measure fan RPMs; perform smoke flow tracing exercises • Perform an analysis of the evaporative cooling system: max windspeed; determine water quality and quantity; perform proper cleaning techniques • Determine heating needs of a housing system: use an infrared camera; take measurements with IR gun; clean a radiant heater • Measure lighting uniformity in a broiler house: meter calibration; bulb types; measure light output • Measure humidity and ammonia levels: meter calibration; pull ammonia samples

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Jess Campbell is demonstrating the use of a thermal infrared camera in a commercial broiler house to two graduate students, Carson Edge and Geoffrey Lein, who are participating in the course.

• Design a commercial livestock farm using the basic building blocks developed through this course To support these learning competencies, we created an initial set of 16 teaching toolboxes (fig. 1) that included most of the tools needed to perform the tests and analyses above.

Each toolbox included a pressure gauge, windspeed/temperature/relative humidity meter, wind meter tripod, fan tachometer, infrared temperature gun, pH meter, light meter, smoke emitters, ammonia gas meter, electrical multimeter, and clipboard with calculator. The NPTC has also made available more expensive equipment like thermal infrared cameras and calibration meters to compare their meters against.

In addition to the toolboxes, biosystems engineering and the NPTC have made a large financial commitment to a newly renovated laboratory space in the Corley Building.

The laboratory space houses 14 work stations that accommodate two students each for a total of 28 students. The NPTC team is continuing to develop hands-on teaching stations that will be permanently housed at the new NPTC building at the Charles C. Miller, Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center.

As we near the end of the Fall semester, 16 students will have completed the inaugural offering of the course. Nine poultry science and seven biosystems engineering students will be finalizing their individual term projects where they are developing the basic design of the major components of a modern commercial broiler farm. Although there were some technical and learning hurdles during the development of the course, it was an extremely fun experience to get to share learning concepts developed by the NPTC and others in this new 15-week course format. For more information about the course or how you can assist with these teaching efforts, contact Jeremiah Davis at j.davis@auburn.edu or any of the other NPTC faculty.

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Industry News

New Controller Gives Alabama Producer Enhanced Management and Convenience

When he opened a second poultry farm in December 2015, Kenneth Golden of Eva, Ala. determined that he wanted to also upgrade his environmental control functions, including having remote access to help manage and administer both locations when he is away.

Golden installed the new EDGE™ controller from Cumberland Poultry in both facilities. It is a single, versatile platform that handles the environmental control applications for breeder, broiler, and virtually any other poultry house.

Producers have the ability to adjust ventilation and temperature, manage lights and bird scales, and control multiple houses or farms, all from a single controller per farm, saving time while in-

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creasing efficiency and productivity.

The system’s remote access proved its benefit when a ventilation problem occurred. Golden received a text notification while away from the farm that the ventilation in one house was not functioning properly due to a mechanical failure in a tunnel machine.

“I was able to remotely open inlet doors using my cell phone and activate my cool cell pumps to help cool the house to keep the chickens from smothering until I could get back and fix the problem,” he recalled. “Without EDGE, it would have taken me 30 minutes to drive to the farm and then manually open the doors, which probably would have resulted in a complete loss of the 42,000 birds in that house.”

He also likes the convenience and time-savings the system offers. “The single controller at each farm enables me to set up and monitor all the functions without going house to house or comparing the conditions in each,” he noted. “The whole system is also very

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

user friendly, including easy set-up and configuration.”

Report generation is another feature Golden values. “With EDGE, you can receive daily or weekly reports emailed to you using graphics from the data in the controller, such as water consumption, average temperature and other functions,” he said. “This is a great tool to detect and respond to potential issues before they become larger problems.

“I feel that this system helps me significantly improve my operation compared to my older controller,” Golden said. “The ability to better manage the production environment will lead to greater productivity and performance.”

For further information visit www.cumberlandpoultry.com, contact your Cumberland dealer, or visit Cumberland at the 2017 International Production & Processing Expo (Exhibit #B6129) Jan. 31-Feb. 2 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Practical Applications

Backup Generator Winterization Tips National Poultry Technology Center – Auburn University – poultryhouse.com – December 2016

Corroded Battery Connector There are many things on the modern poultry farm that should be done to prepare for cold weather. Simple things like battery connections and rodent control might seem minor until they cause a bad experience. The two pictures above are examples of those bad experiences that caused unexpected problems. Below is a short-list of items that deserve a second look to verify the backup generator will be ready when needed this winter. Many more items could be added to this list.

Battery: Most experts suggest replacing the generator battery every two years regardless of condition. The used battery can be transferred to other equipment that will not result in a catastrophic loss of birds if it fails. Make sure both battery connections and cables are in good shape and corrosion free. Battery conditioners are a great way to keep your battery ready for action. Don’t forget to change the batteries in the alarm and communication systems too. Don’t let a bad connection keep the generator from starting.

Fuel: The condition of the fuel and level of the fuel in the tank are extremely important. Many generator failures that result in bird losses are the direct result of fuel problems. Most diesel fuel problems are moisture related. Take the time to test the condition of the fuel and level to make sure you are covered here. If your tank has a bottom drain take a fuel sample to check for water or sediment. Water indicating paste can also be used on the end of a clean dowel to detect moisture in the fuel tank if no drain is available. Keep extra fuel and several fuel filters on hand.

Anti-freeze: Make sure anti-freeze inside the radiator tests below the estimated freeze range for your location plus some margin for error for unexpected colder weather. Also check to make sure there are no signs of corrosion or sediment inside the radiator. Radiators

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Rat Nest in Generator Electronic Control Box should be flushed and cleaned out about every five years or earlier if the coolant doesn’t look right. All hoses should be carefully inspected for cracks and wear that might cause a leak. Keep an extra gallon or two of antifreeze on hand just in case you need it.

Block Heaters: Verify the heater is doing its job keeping the engine warm and there are no visible coolant leaks at heater or heater hoses. Hoses on block heaters can weaken from the inside-out and cause unexpected leaks that will cause the generator to shut down unexpectedly.

Don’t let a bad hose be the weak link in the backup power system.

Test Run: Many growers automatically cycle the generator on a weekly basis for around 30 minutes under load to keep things in condition. We strongly recommend periodically test running the generator under load for a couple of hours to make sure the entire backup system will handle a true emergency power outage. It is a good practice to have an emergency backup plan in place so everyone (of age and responsibility) on the farm knows how to start the generator manually and transfer power if needed. Now is a good time to update your list of emergency contacts.

Rodents: Maintaining a warm engine block on a generator in cold weather is important, however it can also attract rodents. They can do extensive damage to generators and transfer switches in short order without notice. Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire generator and shed for signs of rodent presence or damage to equipment. Install bait stations inside generator sheds and keep fresh bait out to protect the generator and equipment even if no signs of rodents are present.

Good luck this winter from the Auburn NPTC. For more information on generators and other poultry house related items visit poultryhouse.com.

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

Cut and tape to your control room wall

Cut and tape to your control room wall

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November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words NPTC – 12/6/16

Figure 1

Hurricane straps (H-straps), oftentimes called “hurricane ties,”are almost always an integral part of a professional engineer designed chain-wall poultry house. Since these houses most often have trusses that sit on a double 2x top plate, the hurricane strap is the primary attachment that connects the truss, through the post, to the chain-wall foundation.

If the correct size and type of hurricane strap is not installed firmly to the wall post with the correct number and type of fasteners, the truss can then be easily pulled up off the wall in a wind event, possibly resulting in significant roof system damage and contributing to the overall weakening of the structure. One of the more common mistakes seen in poultry house construction is the insufficient number and/or improper type of fasteners used for H-straps. Below is an excerpt concerning H-straps from a construction hardware manufacturer: “Simpson Strong-Tie – General Instructions for the Installer”

nail hole that is firmly in solid wood on the post should be filled with the appropriate fastener – as in H-strap B. The truss connection is just as important. Figure 2, Hstrap A, shows what we find far too often – not nearly enough fasteners in the truss. H-straps B show both screws and nails used correctly with all usable nail holes filled. If both ends of the hurricane strap are not properly installed and fastened, from truss to post, the strap becomes useless and will not maintain the truss/wall connection in a wind event. This could lead to a major structural failure.

It is one thing to find such mistakes during the construction phase, when they are relatively easily addressed. It is quite another to learn about them after the job is finished.

The worst possible time is to find out after a structural failure has occurred. As seen in figure 3, once the sheathing has been installed, either interior or exterior depending on which side of the wall the H-strap is on, correcting such a mistake becomes much more difficult. The fact of the matter is these mistakes are often never found by the grower. That is why it is important for growers building new houses to make regular checks all along during the construction process to hopefully catch some of these common mistakes while correction is still as simple as adding a few more fasteners to a fully exposed H-strap.

For more information about proper construction of modern poultry houses, please go to www.poultryhouse.com and inquire about purchasing the “NPTC - Poultry House Construction Guidelines” publication.

a. All specified fasteners must be installed according to the instructions in this catalog. Incorrect fastener quantity, size, type, material, or finish may cause the connection to fail … b. Fill all fastener holes as specified in the installation instructions for that product …”

Unfortunately, we find far too many hurricane straps that do not meet these simple guide lines. In figure 1 you can see the difference in H-strap A and H-strap B. Every

Figure 3 (Full installation instructions for Simpson Strong-tie Fasteners can be found at: https://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/wood-construction-connectors/technicalnotes/instructions-for-the-installer)

Figure 2

Alabama Poultry Magazine November / December 2016

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After 40+ Years in the Poultry Industry Perry Norris Retires

Perry Norris made it official on Dec. 3, at a retirement party in his honor at Collier’s On Main Restaurant in Brundidge.

Perry was honored for his 40 years of service to the poultry industry, the last 16 years being with Keystone Foods Eufaula Division. AP&EA Associate Director Ray Hilburn presented him with a framed citation honoring his service.

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pg. 5 pg. 31 pg. 13 pg. 25 pg. 4 pg. 7 pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS International Production & Processing Expo Jan. 31 – Feb.2, 2017 Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, Ga.

AP&EA “Big Bass” Fishing Tournament Friday, May 12, 2017 Lake Guntersville

AP&EA “Evening of Fun” Golf Tournament Friday, May 19, 2017 Silver Lakes Golf Club Glencoe

AP&EA “Evening of Fun” Concert Saturday, May 27, 2017 Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Birmingham

November / December 2016 Alabama Poultry Magazine