Alabama Poultry, September/October 2014

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

“Like Family”

Dale and Melissa Gambrill

Board of Directors

Officers Dale Gambrill, President, Snead* Tim Esslinger, Vice President, Eufaula* Harold Hunt, Treasurer, Gadsden* Kenneth Sanders, Secretary, Brundidge* Randall Ennis, Immediate Past President, Huntsville*

Directors Johnny Adcock, Woodland George Attwood, Anniston Richard Curvin, Ashland Cory Early, Albertville Dennis Gordon, Montgomery Ben Gore, Cullman Lane Holladay, Tyler Casey Jones, Hoover Heath Loyd, Decatur David Massey, Enterprise Dennis Maze, Horton Todd McMahen, Dothan Dr. Shannon Morgan, Huntsville Mitchell Pate, Auburn* Mike Pigg, Cullman John Pittard, Guntersville John Roberts, Cullman Keith Rhodarmer, Collinsville Roddy Sanders, Gordo Jason Shell, Huntsville Jason Spann, Hanceville* Jon Strange, Guntersville Ken Taylor, Anniston Ben Thompson, Huntsville Stanley Usery, Athens Ricky Walker, Snead Brad Williams, Troy David White, Russellville

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

Executive Director’s Message We are now well into fall, and, with temperatures moving lower, I hope that all growers have locked in contracts for their winter propane. Prices may be low now, but don’t forget the volatility of supply last year.

The bottom line: be ready!

Pre-commitents for our Alabama Poultry License Tag are moving well, however the sooner we reach the magic number of 1,000 commitments, the sooner the state will start issuing the tags.

The proceeds from these tags will go a long way to help deserving poultry science students with enhanced scholarships at Auburn and at our participating 2+2 program schools. To hear students talk about the importance of these scholarships, visit our Facebook page or our website.

We are pleased with the announcement of the extension of the 2+2 program to Gadsden State Community College. The original 2+2 program at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, started in 2013, has already sent students into the Auburn poultry science department.

Congratulations to our most recent inductees into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame. Both men, Pyron Keener (deceased) and Staley Fincher, have left a continuing legacy of selfless service to our industry.

Many thanks to AP&EA President Dale Gambrill and Past President Randall Ennis for their leadership of the Auburn poultry farm relocation committee. They are working actively to facilitate relocating the farm to the site of the new feed mill.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a warm and wonderful holiday season.

AP&EA STAFF

Johnny Adams – Executive Director

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.

w w w. a l a b a m a p o u l t r y. o r g www.facebook.com/BamaChicken

Featuring This Issue

Governmental Affairs Alabama Poultry Car Tag Alabama Poultry Industry Best Management Practices Association News Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame Meetings Allied Golf Presidential Profile: Dale and Melissa Gambrill Industry News Educational News Practical Applications Calendar of Events

Alabama Poultry Magazine

pg. 4 pg. 6

pg.

8

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

10 12 14 16 19 21 24 30

September / October 2014

3

Governmental Affairs

Spotlight on Antibiotics in Poultry Production

WASHINGTON — An extensive report by Reuters claims that antibiotic use in poultry production is posing a threat to consumer health because antibiotic use in poultry production is more widespread — and in lower doses — than originally believed.

Feed tickets issued to poultry growers by feed mills served as the basis of the report titled “Farmeceuticals.”

Reuters said its reporters reviewed 320 documents generated by Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods, Inc.; Pilgrim’s Pride, Greeley, Colo.; Perdue Farms, Salisbury, Md., George’s, Springdale and Park Ridge, Illinoisbased Koch Foods.

In its response to Reuters article, Perdue said in a statement to Meat&Poultry: “Ninety-five percent of our chickens never receive antibiotics that are used in human medicine. We believe that demonstrates a responsible use of antibiotics, and responsible animal husbandry programs, in which consumers can have confidence.

“We found it unfortunate that the article failed to clearly distinguish between those antibiotics that have no use in human medicine— and therefore are not associated with concerns over antibiotic resistant bacteria in human health — and antibiotics used in both human and animal medicine. The article did not make clear that our company never uses human antibiotics in our

feed, nor did it reflect our belief that antibiotics should not be used for growth promotion, to increase production or as a substitute for responsible animal husbandry.”

When asked about the source of the information mentioned in the Reuters story, a Tyson spokesman deferred to the NCC. The article casts a critical eye on the poultry industry’s use of antibiotics to treat sick birds and to promote growth, suggesting that the practice (which is legal) raises the risk of promoting superbugs.

“Veterinary use of antibiotics is legal and has been rising for decades.

But US regulators don’t monitor how the drugs are administered on the farm — in what doses, for what purposes, or for how long. Made public here for the first time, the feed documents thus provide unique insight into how some major players use antibiotics,” the article states.

The National Chicken Council used publication of the article as an opportunity to reinforce the industry’s position on antibiotics use. NCC iterated that the majority of antibiotics approved for chicken production are not used in human medicine, and those that are will be phased out by December 2016.

“We understand the concern about the use of antibiotics in farm animals and recognize our responsibility to en-

by Meat&Poultry Staff

sure they are properly used for the right reasons to protect the health of animals, humans and the food supply,” said Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., NCC vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs.

All antibiotics used to prevent and treat disease in chickens are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration [FDA],” Peterson added. “The majority of these antibiotics are never used in human medicine and therefore represent no threat of creating resistance in humans.”

Additionally, Perdue Foods recently announced plans to limit use of antibiotics in its poultry in response to growing concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

“By no longer using any antibiotics in our hatcheries or any human antibiotics in feed, we’ve reached the point where 95 percent of our chickens never receive any human antibiotics, and the remainder receive them only for a few days when prescribed by a veterinarian,” said Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown, senior vice president of food safety, quality and live operations, at the time of Perdue’s announcement.

Reuters also reported that Pilgrim’s Pride, a unit of Sao Paulo-based JBS SA, threatened legal action against the news agency. Pilgrim’s wanted access to the company’s feed tickets that the reporters reviewed.

Reuters declined Pilgrim’s request.

What Processors Need to do to Improve Food Security

Defined as ensuring the availability of nutritious and wholesome food for all people, food security has become an essential consideration for USDA and federal, state and local governments.

Across the United States, locations have been identified as being food-insecure.

Minorities typically live in these areas, found in both remote rural regions or in urban areas with limited access to larger food markets. One of the major issues associated with access to fresh meat is the nature of the product

4

September / October 2014

itself: All meat has a short shelf life, and distribution of meat products to food-insecure populations is difficult logistically.

The ultimate question that faces meat processors is: “Why should we care about food security?”

It’s a philosophical question about the responsibilities of private industry to help less fortunate people. Decisions about how meat processors can work to improve food security should happen at the highest levels of management.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Robert Maddock, Ph.D Meatingplace.com

There may not be a tangible cost to processors involved in ensuring that more people have access to quality meat products – but processors need to determine what they are willing to do to distribute the food supply to food-insecure populations.

It’s about community Meat processors instituting policy or a mission to improve food security can receive benefits that are difficult to measure economically.

The argument can be made that by working to provide high-quality meat to food-insecure people public goodwill can be increased, the profile of the company can be raised, and other good publicity can be used to drive sales and potentially increase profits.

On the other hand, it’s simply a moral imperative for companies to assist people with access to safe, highquality food.

From a practical standpoint, processors should follow several steps to improve food security – particularly in the area of processing and distribution: Know your product. What is the actual shelf life? For fresh and processed meat, optimizing shelf life allows for longer distribution times, which allows product to reach food-insecure areas and still be a viable food source. Most importantly, increased shelf life directly corresponds to improved profitability. There are several resources available to meat processors with information about how to increase shelf life, but the primary methods are

proper sanitation (keep the meat clean) and cold chain management (keep the meat cold).

Know what to do with product that is not suitable for sales. Know the USDA regulations concerning your ability to donate mislabeled product after correcting the problem. It may be possible to turn the embarrassment of a potential recall or market withdrawal into a positive by donating the product to local food banks. By working with local and regional USDA-FSIS officials you may be able to salvage still-safe recalled product.

Think about rework. Rework can be a difficult problem to address. Develop a plan to redirect rework into a product that can be donated or sold at a discount. For example, frozen hamburger patties that are misshapen or contain incorrect fat content can be provided to food insecure areas rather than reworked.

Partner with a non-profit. Many food banks would gladly work with processors to distribute product to food-

Alabama Poultry Magazine

insecure areas. There are food banks that work on a national level, but working locally always is preferable. However, much of the food-insecure public is located in remote areas, so processors should consider offering transportation of meat products to areas where food can reach people who do not otherwise have access.

Work with government aid services. Develop a plan for the supply and distribution of product to food-insecure people. Governments at all levels have an interest in providing high quality food.

The issue of food security should be a topic of concern to your management, and all meat processors – both large and small – should develop a program to address this issue.

The payback may be greater than you think, and satisfaction of providing needy people with high-quality meat products has a value that is beyond measure.

September / October 2014

5

Look for a video interview with poultry science scholarship student, Morgan Short, as she talks about how important her scholarship is. You can see the interview with her and other students on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BamaChicken

6

September / October 2014

Alabama Poultry Magazine

It has been a few years since we published this list of best management practices, but, from time to time, we all need a refresher course in how to relate to each other. These simple, yet important, practices can lead to more trust between grower and company. This mutual trust can only lead to stronger relationships and a stronger poultry industry for Alabama.

ALABAMA POULTRY INDUSTRY 2014 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

It is important for the poultry industry to have a strong relationship between companies and producers for continued industry growth in Alabama. In an effort to help insure a positive relationship between companies and producers, the following recommended best management practices list has been developed by the industry.

The Alabama poultry industry is proud to be a national leader in developing programs that address possible future concerns in a way that protects the industry and public interest without the need for unnecessary government regulations. In Alabama, we developed best management practices for the environmentally-safe disposal of dead birds, and we are now proud to implement this program which will help to maintain a strong and prosperous relationship between companies and producers.

5. Companies will have employee/producer meetings on a regular basis to share information and create a better dialogue of communication between the company and producers.

6. The industry has developed a program to better educate producers about the various facets of the poultry business, including poultry production, processing, hatchery operations, feed mill operations and how they affect each other and the entire process. In addition, the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association will place a renewed emphasis on grower education through the annual grower meeting and the Grower Committee. Producers are encouraged to attend educational seminars and meetings.

7. Companies will set up tours of the poultry complex to better inform and educate producers about the var-

1. All live birds are weighed at the plant by a bonded weighmaster on certified scales. Scales are checked daily by weighmaster and routinely by state Weights and Measures as required by law. Producers are allowed to personally watch live birds being weighed.

2. All feed is weighed at the feed mill by a bonded weighmaster on certified scales. Scales are checked daily by weighmaster and routinely by state Weights and Measures as required by law. Producers are allowed to personally watch feed being weighed.

3. Companies provide to producers a written chain of command to use in addressing questions or concerns with their company. Producers are encouraged to work through the chain of command until their question or concern is adequately addressed.

4. Companies provide all documentation that impacts a producer’s settlement check in a timely manner.

This is also required by the federal Packers and Stockyard Act. Producers are encouraged to work through the provided chain of command if they have any questions concerning documentation that affects their settlement check.

8

September / October 2014

Alabama Poultry Magazine

ious facets of the industry.

8. All efforts will be made to insure proper handling of birds from farm to plant, including the removal of birds killed by catching crews. Damage by catching crews of producer’s equipment or facilities will be reimbursed by the company.

9. Producers can pass on or sell their poultry farm as long as the building facility is acceptable to their company and the new owners are capable of operating the facility in a way that will produce a quality product.

10. The producer makes the final decision in purchasing new equipment. Minimum standards may be required by the company.

11. Companies will work with the producer on an individual basis to address chick quality concerns whenever they may arise.

12. Even though final bird condemnation is controlled by the USDA inspectors, companies will work with USDA to improve the inspection process.

13. Auburn University, in cooperation with the AP&EA Grower Committee and poultry companies, will develop general information to help potential producers better estimate expected income and expenses from a poultry operation.

14. Companies provide prompt payment to producers in accordance with the federal Packers and Stockyard Act. 15. Companies will employ a system to insure that company employees who also grow chickens will not be shown any favoritism.

16. Producers are required to dispose of dead birds daily using a method of disposal approved by the Department of Agriculture and their company. Disposal methods may be inspected by company personnel for compliance. Birds may not be placed on a farm with inadequate bird disposal. The Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Auburn University, will provide to producers a list of the proper bird disposal alternatives.

17. Companies are encouraged to develop long-term contracts.

18. Producers can join any organization or association. A producer’s mem-

bership in any organization will not affect his settlement in any way.

19. The industry will develop educational opportunities for service people to attend that will enhance their communication skills. The Alabama Poultry & Egg Association will also incorporate more communication/ inter-personal programs in their workshops and seminars.

20. Companies and producers will be mindful of the changing economic needs of each other.

21. DOA’s will not be charged to producers.

We believe that this recommended best management practices list will be helpful in improving the important relationship between companies and producers. This list was developed in part by a prioritized list of concerns developed by a company/grower committee which included a producer for each company in the state and a company official from each company in the state. We want to take this opportunity to thank those company employees and producers who volunteered their time to make this effort a success. As an industry, we see this process continuing and constantly changing so that we can always meet the needs of those who make up this great industry.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

September / October 2014

9

Association News

Pyron Keener Inducted Into Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame

On Monday, Sept. 29, at the offices of the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association in Montgomery, Ala., Pyron Keener was inducted posthumously into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame.

Born in 1922, Keener, longtime director of the poultry division of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, was a 1945 agricultural science graduate from Auburn University, He started his career with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries that same year as a poultry inspector. He was promoted to senior poultry inspector, chief poultry inspector, poultry inspection supervisor and he served as director of the poultry division until his retirement on January 31, 1986. He died March 12, 2012.

During his 41-year career with the poultry division, he helped write the Alabama Baby Chick Law and served on the committee that drafted the Alabama

10

September / October 2014

Suzanne Keener Vargas and Carol Keener Bush stand beside their father’s official Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame portrait.

Shell Egg Law. He also served on the committee that founded the Alabama Poultry Industry Association, now known as the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association. He served as an advisor from 1952 until 1986.

Keener was so well respected in the American poultry industry, that in 1963, he received the U.S. Poultry & Egg As-

Alabama Poultry Magazine

sociation’s Blue Rooster Award.

Keener’s daughters, Suzanne Keener Vargas and Carol Keener Bush, received the honor on behalf of their father. Attending the ceremony were Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame members, Gerald F. Bailey, Dr. Bob Brewer and Dr. J. Lee Alley.

Long Time Auburn Poultry Farm Manager, Staley Fincher, Inducted Into Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame

AP&EA Executive Director Johnny Adams officially inducts Staley Fincher into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame, as his wife, Leona Fincher, looks on.

AUBURN – The Terrace Room at the Auburn University Hotel and DixonConference Center was the scene on Oct. 22, for the induction ceremony of Staley Fincher into the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame. Fincher, the longtime manager of the Auburn University poultry research farm, was present, along with his wife, Leona, and his family. Also present were many of the former students whose lives he touched during his tenure at the poultry farm. Many of those former students shared anecdotes of how Fincher had helped them during their time at Auburn, both on and off campus.

A Korean War era veteran, he earned his poultry science degree from Auburn in 1955, and went to work on the Auburn University poultry farm, becoming assistant foreman a year later. With the retirement of farm superintendent James Belcher in 1958, Fincher was named to replace him in that position. He served in that capacity until his retirement in January of 1993. During that time he served as a valued member of the research, teaching, and extension team. He assisted with many of the research projects that have had a significant impact on the poultry industry.

Mitchell Pate, the current director of the Poultry Research Unit/Extension Center wrote in his nominating letter, “During the time I spent working for him, he instilled in me the values of hard work and dedication that still has an impact on me to this day. His influence helped to mold the lives of many other students as well.”

Asked for his reaction on being selected for the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame, Fincher said humbly, “It puts me up there with some great fellows.”

AP&EA President Dale Gambrill presents Staley Fincher with his Lifetime Membership Certificate of Membership in the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association.

Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame members present: Dr. J. Lee Alley, Dr. Bob Brewer, Staley Fincher, Gerald F. Bailey and Jan Powell.

The Fincher Family: Jake Fincher, George Fincher, Staley and Leona Fincher, Ed and Cathy Fincher.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

September / October 2014

11

Wiregrass Association President Elaine Reeves

Fried chicken is one of Granny’s specialties.

Wiregrass Poultry & Egg Association Meets

KINSTON – Granny’s Restaurant was the scene of the Sept. 23, meeting of the Wiregrass Poultry & Egg Association.

Association President Elaine Reeves opened the meeting by welcoming everyone.

After a delicious fried chicken meal, Dr. Joel Cline, director of the J. B.

12

September / October 2014

Taylor Diagnostic Lab in Elba, spoke on “Why Biosecurity Talks are So Boring.”

Cline’s tongue-in-cheek title enlivened his serious presentation. He used his mother’s old 4-H Club record book, compiled in the 1950s, to impart a humorous common sense approach to maintaining proper biosecurity.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

After Dr. Cline’s presentation, AP&EA Associate Director Ray Hilburn gave a review of the 2014 “Evening of Fun,” and the new Alabama Poultry License Tag was previewed.

The meeting was sponsored by First South Farm Credit of Andalusia, First South Farm Credit of Enterprise and Alabama Ag Credit of Enterprise, Dr. Joel Cline talked about biosecurity.

The Central Alabama Poultry & Egg Association Celebrates 25 Years

GREENVILLE – The Central Alabama Poultry & Egg Association celebrated their 25th anniversary on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Beeland Park in Greenville. Many of the organizing members of the Association, some retired from the poultry industry, came out to enjoy the camaraderie of old friends, and enjoy a great meal.

Founded as the Butler County Poultry & Egg Association in Sep., 1989, the Association expanded to include Cren-

Charter members of the first Butler County Poultry & Egg Association.

shaw, Lowndes, Conecuh, Monroe, Montgomery and Wilcox Counties, and was renamed.

Dr. Ken Macklin of Auburn University department of poultry science presented a program titled “Biosecurity and You.” Sponsors for the meal and the meeting were First South Farm Credit, Luverne; and Alabama Ag Credit, Montgomery.

Dr. Ken Macklin talks biosecurity.

Randolph County Meeting at Lakeside Marina

WEDOWEE – The quarterly meeting of the Randolph County Poultry & Egg Association was held on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Lakeside Marina.

Larry Raughton of Ecodrum, Woodland, Ala., and Glen Prince of Georgia Poultry Equipment, Bowdon, Ga., sponsored the meal and presented the program.

Raughton had brought along one of his newest units, already sold and headed for installation, so that growers could get a first-hand look at his product.

Prince talked about the many product offerings available through Georgia Poultry Equipment.

After their presentations, the association members saw a brief video from Auburn poultry science student, Morgan Short, on the importance of the new Alabama Poultry License Tags for scholarships.

(Above) Larry Raughton stands proudly next to one of his Ecodrum units. The unit is on its way to a new buyer. (Right) Glen Prince of Georgia Poultry Equipment.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

September / October 2014

13

Allied Golf Tournament

Allied Scholarship Golf Tournament Just lipped the cup.

Some celebrations just weren’t meant to be.

CHESLEY OAKS GOLF COURSE – It was a day that proved again that golf is a fickle mistress. There were some great shots and some shots that could have been great, but just couldn’t quite cut the mustard. Fortunately, everybody had a day job to fall back on. But, it was a great day to be outside with friends.

Poultry pros, and some wanna be golf pros, got together at the 23rd annual Alabama Poultry Allied Industry Scholarship Golf Tournament to raise scholarship money for poultry science students in Alabama. The tournament was held on Oct. 23, at the Chesley Oaks Golf Course, near Cullman.

At the awards dinner there were numerous door prizes given, as well as cash prizes for the tournament winners. Also there was a raffle drawing to see who would win a12 gauge pump shotgun that had been donated. The winner was John Nunley.

Special Thanks To:

Raffle Prize Sponsor:

Lee Energy Solutions Drink Sponsor:

Aviagen

14

September / October 2014

Box Lunch Sponsor:

First South Farm Credit Post Tournament Meal

IVESCO LLC

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Prize Sponsors

First Place – American Proteins Second Place – Cobb-Vantress Third Place – Lee Energy Solutions Fourth Place – Keystone Foods-Eufaula Putting Contest Prize – Casey Jones/L. B. White Longest Drive – Meyn America Closest to Pin – Alltech

Scholarship Sponsors

Alabama Farm Credit AlaTrade Foods, LLC Alltech American Proteins, Inc. Animal Health International Aviagen Inc. Bob Cryar Consulting/PeroxyChem Ceva Cobb-Vantress Inc. Cumberland/Hired-Hand D & F Equipment Sales Farmers Poultry First South Farm Credit, NA First South Farm Credit, SA Fitco Georgia Poultry Equipment Hubbard LLC

International Paper Kuhl Corp.

J & R/Farms Systems Jones Hamilton Co. Keystone Foods, LLC Keystone Foods - Eufaula Lee Energy Solutions Lhoist Liphatech, Inc. Marel Stork Poultry Processing Meyn America LLC Adam Langley/Randy Jones Ins. Reeves Supply Sunbelt Rentals Terra Renewal The Vincit Group Zoetis

Alabama Farm Credit AlaTrade Foods, LLC Alltech American Proteins, Inc. Bob Cryar Consulting/PeroxyChem Ceva Cobb-Vantress Inc. Cumberland/Hired-Hand Farmers Poultry First South Farm Credit, NA First South Farm Credit, SA

Fitco Hubbard LLC International Paper J & R/Farm Systems Keystone Foods, LLC Lee Energy Solutions Liphatech, Inc. Reeves Supply Adam Langley/Randy Jones Ins. Terra Renewal The Vincit Group

1st Place Winners: John Davis, Paul Holmes, Mike Walker and Greg Allred.

Hole Sponsors

2nd Place Winner: Frank Loftis, Daily Thomas, and Jeff Sims (not shown – Drew Wood)

Casey Jones (left) congratulates Mark Wilton (right) for winning the putting contest

3rd Place Winners: Russ Harper, Eric Sebok and Jason Spann.

Closest to the hole winners: Mitchell Pate, Russ Harper, Randy Young and Bart Smith. Longest Drive winners: Raven Walker and Mike Walker.

4th Place Winners: Ryan Haley, Adam Langley, David Watts and Gary Sadler.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

September / October 2014

15

Presidential Profile

“Like Family;” It’s the Gambrill Way

The Gambrill Family

For new Alabama Poultry & Egg Association President Dale Gambrill, it’s all about love of family. And, it’s not just about his family. It’s about his growers and team at Tyson, it’s about the kids in his children’s church class, his daughter Abby’s basketball team and the special needs basketball and baseball team that he coaches. To Dale Gambrill, they’re all “like family.”

Family for Dale and Melissa (Missy) is an interesting conglomeration. They have three biological daughters and three adopted daughters, plus an adopted son.

Then, there are the 19 or so foster kids who have rotated through the Gambrill household over the years. Oh, there are also two grandchildren.

Dale Gambrill and his wife, Melissa, have a life that far transcends his job as live production manager for Tyson Foods in Snead or his presidency of the Association. In fact, it’s a testimony to his dedication that he has time to fit it all in.

Dale’s grandfather worked for Swift, in Fresno, Calif., but in the 1950s, the family moved to Cullman and he began work as plant manager and sales manager for Ingram Foods. He also bought a poultry farm.

Dale’s dad met and married a local girl. They raised three boys. The family attended Mount Zion Baptist

16

September / October 2014

Church in Welti. There 7-year-old Dale met 5-year-old Melissa.

They attended Welti Elementary School together, but when it came time for high school, Dale went to Cullman and Missy went to Holly Pond. It wasn’t until 1979 that they got back together and started dating. Dale remembers that their first date was to a rodeo.

After high school, he started attending Wallace State Community College’s poultry program, graduating with an associate’s degree in 1984. It was the same year that he and Missy were married.

He worked on his grandfather’s poultry farm for about a year, and then went with Marshall Durbin servicing broilers. He worked at Durbin until December of 1988, when he started with Tyson Foods.

At Tyson, over the years, he has done most everything from servicing broilers, servicing breeders, working in the hatchery to his current position as liveproduction manager for the Snead complex. He loves his work especially being around the family farms.

His current responsibilities include 290 growers, two hatcheries, live production, broiler and breeder departments, two feed mills, two truck shops and two live haul operations. Another part of his job description is

Alabama Poultry Magazine

long range planning. He says, “What happens today, was planned five years ago.”

As president of AP&EA, he is looking forward to being a closer on a number of projects started by others.

He is particularly interested in the Alabama Poultry Car Tag scholarship program and the expansion of the successful 2 + 2 program with Auburn poultry science.

Dale and Missy have three biological children.

Shae, their oldest, who is married to Caleb Elrod. They have two children, Ellie, 2, and Easton, 4 months. Second daughter, Alana is married to Adam Thompson.

Their third daughter, Abby, is a senior at Holly Pond High School.

Tara, of Indian birth, was adopted at age 10. She was living in an orphanage in Calcutta. Dale and Missy had been thinking about adoption for a while, and had been to several adoption meetings. Missy’s sister and her husband had already adopted a little girl from China and were in the process of adopting a little boy from India, when their social worker came by with a picture of Tara, trying to find someone who would be willing to adopt her. This was somewhat urgent because in

India, children cannot be adopted once they turn 12 years old. Dale and Missy started the adoption paperwork in September and in March they went to pick her up in Memphis.

What they found was a small, frightened young girl who spoke no English and had no idea about how to do things that most American children take for granted.

Having only ridden in a car once in her life, the journey to America was a difficult one. The long plane ride, coupled with the fact that she could understand no one around her made the trip exhausting. The transition took time, but Tara has adjusted well. Today, at 24, she works for a local daycare and wants to go to school to continue her education in the childcare field.

For their second adopted daughter, Desiree, 17, things have been difficult, but in a much different way.

Missy first saw Desiree in Cullman while attending one of Abby’s volleyball games. Desiree walked past Missy and Shae and Missy commented on how beautiful she was. She jokingly said, “I’d take her!”

Shae replied with a laugh, “Mother, you just can’t go around taking people’s children!” She left for a few

The Gambrill family: (Left to right) Dale, holding Bella; Melissa, Tara, Desiree, Abby holding Braxton; Shae Elrod, holding Easton; and Caleb Elrod, holding Ellie.

Inset: Adam and Alanna Thompson

Alabama Poultry Magazine

September / October 2014

17

moments, and when she returned, she said ironically, “Well, maybe you can pick them.” She explained that the little girl was in the custody of the Department of Human Resources, having been taken away from her parents. She was in need of a forever home.

Adopting Desiree turned out to be a lengthier process than adopting internationally. They had to be licensed as foster parents and take approved parenting classes. After everything was approved, they were able to adopt Desiree. They were set now, or so they thought.

Two months after the adoption was final, the phone rang. The social worker told Dale, “I’m in your brother’s office and I have an 8-year-old little boy to place. Your brother said you would take him.” It just so happened that Dale’s brother was the child’s principal and had a special bond with him. There was no hesitation, they said, “Yes.” That little boy was the first of 19 foster children who have come to them. Some have stayed only a short time, and some have stayed much longer. Several of Abby’s championship Holly Pond basketball team

Bella and Braxton as Mary and Joseph, watch over granddaughter Ellie, as baby Jesus.

18

September / October 2014

those children and their families have become like extended family to the Gambrills. They share holidays, birthdays, and other special events, just like your average family.

Others have come and taken on a permanent role.

The two newest members of the Gambrill family are Braxton, 3, and Bella, 3. They got Bella when she was 3-months-old and Braxton when he was 10-months-old.

Both are now adopted.

Some of their stories are heartbreaking. Missy says that there have been times when she and Dale look at each other and say, “No more,” but then the phone rings, sometimes in the middle of the night, and they just have to say “yes.”

Dale and Missy teach Children’s Church at their church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Welti. They are not shy about sharing their Christian faith with their children or their foster kids. They also teach a special needs Vacation Bible School class.

Dale coaches the junior varsity girls’ basketball team at Holly Pond High School and helps with the varsity girls’ basketball team. He also coaches a Challenger League basketball and baseball team. This league was developed for mentally and physically challenged individuals and allows them to participate in sports while accommodating their various limitations.

Some players are in wheelchairs. Others are blind. On the first team Dale coached, his youngest player was 8 and his oldest was 52. Most of the adults live in group homes in the Cullman area.

Asked why they do all of this, Missy replies with something that she heard her great-uncle say, “Any time you are doing something for someone else, it’s time well spent.”

Dale and his Challenger League basketball team.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Industry News

The AP&EA Big Chicken always attracts a crowd.

Lori Wheeler of ACES and Dr. Mike Kennamer, director of workplace development at Northeast Alabama Community College.

AP&EA Participates in “Made In DeKalb” Expo

RAINSVILLE – On Oct. 30, the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association participated in DeKalb County’s third-annual “Made in DeKalb” expo, along with a number of our allied industries, including Lee Energy Solutions and D & F Equipment Sales, both of Crossville and EIS of Rainsville. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System was well represented also.

The event, held at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center, showcased manufacturing, transportation/warehousing/distribution/logistics, engineering/industrial and commercial construction, education, healthcare, tourism/hospitality and media organizations from around the county.

More than 1,800 high school students attended the expo.

They had the opportunity to talk with representatives from various industries and organizations about career availability.

Each student was given a “passport” that had to be signed by a representative of each booth that was visited in order to compete for prizes.

Many of the students stopping by the AP&EA booth were already somewhat familiar with the poultry industry.

Some had even experienced working in poultry houses.

There were many serious inquiries into careers in the poultry industry.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

September / October 2014

19

Koch Foods Holds Open House in Kilpatrick

KILPATRICK – On Oct. 24, Koch Foods held an open house on the farm of Thomas and Emily Brown to showcase their two newest mega-houses.

These two 66’ x 600’ houses feature the latest in modern technology, including new turbo-grow chick feeders. They also feature a unique porch design that will facilitate chick dumps and catching, especially in rainy weather.

Koch also took the opportunity to show off their newly designed live-haul transport and low profile feed delivery transports, both designed for greater safety.

Hundreds of growers and potential growers from the area gathered to see the new houses, visit vendors and enjoy a barbecue chicken luncheon.

The optional new porch design should make delivering chicks and catching chickens easier in inclement weather.

Koch Foods’ new live-haul trailer.

Growers and vendors enjoy the spaciousness.

Thomas and Emily Brown hold granddaughter, Raelyn, as daughters, Halee and Danielle, look on.

20

September / October 2014

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Educational News

On hand for the announcement of a new partnership between Gadsden State Community College and Auburn University were, from left, state Sen. Phil Williams, Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, Gadsden State Interim President Dr. Martha Lavender, Gadsden State Cherokee Campus Director Luanne Hayes, Auburn College of Agriculture Associate Dean Dr. Paul Patterson and state Rep. Richard Lindsey.

Auburn, Gadsden State Partner on Poultry Degree Program

CENTRE — Young people in Alabama’s northeast corner now have a fast track to careers in poultry science, thanks to a partnership announced recently between Auburn University and Gadsden State Community College.

A new 2+2 program between the two schools will allow Gadsden State students to complete their freshman and sophomore years at the Cherokee campus and their junior and senior years at Auburn, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in poultry science from Auburn University. During their years at Gadsden State Cherokee, students in the program will complete core coursework, including introductory poultry science classes broadcast from the Auburn campus.

Working with officials from Auburn and Gadsden State since 2012, state Sen. Phil Williams, R-Rainbow City, was instrumental in the program’s establishment, pointing to its potential to provide new job training and educa-

tional opportunities for the residents of Cherokee County. He said he is pleased with the efforts of leaders on both campuses to turn a “rough idea” he proposed two years ago into a reality that will benefit people not only in his district, but throughout the state.

“With an educated and well-trained workforce, Alabama will continue to move forward,” Williams said. “The Auburn/Gadsden State partnership is a part of that forward movement.”

A similar partnership with Wallace State Community College in Hanceville was announced in 2013 and has been a success, according to Don Conner, head of Auburn’s department of poultry science.

“We wanted to build on the success of that partnership by expanding within an area of the state where poultry production plays a key economic role,” Conner said, adding that demand for poultry science graduates is high, as evidenced by the department’s 100 per-

Alabama Poultry Magazine

cent job placement rate of graduates for the past several years.

“We are pleased to be working with the Auburn poultry science faculty to bring an innovative program to the students at Gadsden State Cherokee,” said Martha Lavender, interim president of the school. “I believe this type of collaboration benefits both institutions, but more importantly, it expands learning opportunities for our students.”

Attending the announcement today in Centre were Williams, Lavender, Alabama Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, state Rep. Richard Lindsey of Centre, Auburn College of Agriculture Associate Dean for Instruction Paul Patterson and other local officials.

A $15 billion-a-year industry in Alabama, poultry sales account for 65 percent of annual agricultural revenue in the state. The Gadsden State Cherokee campus lies in the heart of northeast Alabama, the state’s most productive poultry region.

September / October 2014

21

EIS Holds Open-House at New Rainsville Facility

RAINSVILLE – EIS, a member of the Vincit Group, recently held an open house at its new metal fabricating and design facility in Rainsville.

Eric Killen, director of sales – national accounts, for the Vincit Group, reported that the new facility is approximately 40,000 sq. ft. Their original facility in Crossville was less than half as large. EIS’s mission is the design and fabrication of specialized processing equipment for the food processing industry, which accounts for more than 70 percent of its business. They also provide complete installations services.

Killen said that approximately 90 percent of their work requires design and engineering work before the fabri-

cation begins. He said, “We take a client’s concept, design it and build it.”

The fabrication shop employs sophisticated laser cutting equipment, as well as the latest in welding technologies. They have a dedicated painting and glass blasting department. They specialize in fabricating stainless steel.

The company currently employs 50, but wants to put on and additional 20 employees over the next few months.

Auburn Hosts Feed Mill Training Conference

On Oct. 7. U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and Auburn University department of poultry science co-sponsored a training for future feed mill managers on conditioning and pelleting in the meeting room at the new Animal Nutrition and Research Center at Auburn University.

The day-and-a-half event was opened by welcoming remarks from Alabama Poultry & Egg Association Executive Director Johnny Adams. He was followed by Dr. Bill Dozier of the Auburn University department of poultry science who laid out the agenda for the workshop.

The 25 attendees, who came from all across the south and as far north as Indiana and Maryland, heard presentations on topics such as: The Importance of Cost Centers, taught by Mark Daniel of Evonic Corp.; Importance of Conditioning and Its Impact on Meat Bird Performance, by Dr. Kelley Wamsley of Mississippi State University; and Problems in Steam Production with Christopher Bailey of ADCO Boiler Company. That was all before the first break.

The workshop also featured several “hands on” demonstrations for the participants.

Meals and break times provided ample opportunities for questions and networking for attendees and instructors.

Dr. Bill Dozier

22

September / October 2014

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Practical Applications

Vegetative buffers (windbreaks, vegetative environmental buffers), have been used extensively as a best management practice to mitigate odor and dust issues from poultry houses in several areas. Since this technique has received less press in Alabama and the Southeast than in other regions of the country, it may be useful to review what is being used elsewhere and what benefits these buffers may have to a poultry producer. Advantages seen with installations of a vegetative buffer include; visual screening (neighbor problems are reduced if you are less visible); filtration (dust, odor and ammonia are trapped and significantly reduced in a properly designed buffer); storm water runoff (vegetative buffers can add to a storm water control program); biomass for bedding (several types of bedding biomass are being grown in buffers to serve a dual purpose).

The relative merit of each of these benefits depends on what issues are hot buttons in your area and on your farm. Each can be a benefit, however, at some level if growers are willing to invest the time and effort to establish buffers using the correct plant species, placement and preparation. Vegetative buffers adjacent to poultry house exhaust fans have been shown to reduce ammonia by 30 to 50 percent through the screen, reducing odor issues with neighbors. Particulate dust is reduced as well, with reductions across a properly-conducted buffer of 40 to 50 percent at a reasonable distance from the fans. Plantings can also help to control storm water runoff around poultry facilities and keep unwanted nutrients from entering waterways (reduce sedimentation).

Vegetative Buffers for Odor Control and More

Buffer Development:

Field experiences in Pennsylvania and on the Delmarva Peninsula have fine-tuned the techniques necessary to set up a vegetative buffer in association with the fan side(s) of a poultry facility. Successful vegetative buffers consist of multiple rows of plants. Three to five rows are suggested near any fan discharge while a minimum of two rows will work if a visual screen is all that is needed. Practical considerations of plant health and working space dictate that the buffer be placed 50 feet

24

September / October 2014

J.B. Hess1, P.H. Patterson2, R.M. Hulet2 and G.P. Martin3, 1Poultry Science Department, Auburn University, Alabama, 2Animal Science Department, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 3 Penn State Extension, Lancaster, PA

from the side wall fans of the poultry house and 80 feet from the ends to allow for truck traffic during load-out and cleaning.

Watering and weed control are important components in successfully establishing a buffer. In addition to picking the right species of plants for a vegetative buffer and siting the plants the right distance from the house/fan banks, water and weed control are most important considerations to the ultimate success of a buffer of this type. The plants and labor associated with a vegetative buffer represent a reasonable, if modest, cost to the grower.

Good preparation and maintenance is needed to insure the success of the initial investment. Site preparation is important for weed control, with thorough tilling and/or use of a broad-spectrum herbicide helping to reduce competition for new plants until they become established (about two years).

Mechanical weed control through mowing and mulching can also be effective in reducing weed competition in a windbreak. Black plastic or landscape cloth can provide continuous weed control down the length of the buffer, although more common mulch types such as pine needles or wood chips are often used as well.

Inconsistent water during the first two years can severely reduce the vigor of plants in a vegetative buffer.

Irrigation through a drip system can greatly increase the chances of a planting becoming established and growing well.

Buffers may take two years to establish

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Consistent watering will allow plants to grow to a useful size more quickly, decreasing the time it takes for a farm to reap full benefits from a planting program.

Manual watering can be effective if consistent, although most farmers are too busy to reliably maintain a watering program based on hand labor. Farmers may want to work with a landscape professional to maximize all aspects of a project of this type.

Other concerns in establishing a windbreak or vegetative buffer include property boundaries, county setback requirements, public right-of-ways and poultry company requirements for access to load-out areas, feed bin access and fuel tank access. These must be taken into account when planning a buffer. Prevailing winds are also a consideration in plans to efficiently remove ammonia and dust from fan exhaust.

Several staggered rows of plants work best

discussed with a local horticulturist before money is spent on a large number of plants for a windbreak in our area.

Hollies are evergreen and have sturdy leaves

Visual Screen:

Using a windbreak or vegetative buffer to screen poultry houses from neighbors and roads can be beneficial in reducing neighbor complaints (in addition to reductions in odors and dust). While odor control is accomplished down wind of the fans, visual screens can be used on down-wind or up wind sides of the poultry

Plant Selection:

In vegetative buffers for odor control, dust control and visual screening, three rows of plants should consist of a low-growing shrub in the first row, a mediumheight evergreen in the second row and a taller evergreen or deciduous tree in the third row. Plants that have worked well in Delmarva and the Mid-Atlantic states include: shrubs – euonymus, several hollies, waxmyrtle; evergreens – arborvitae, Norway spruce, red cedar, juniper; deciduous – hybrid willow, sycamore, bald cypress; dawn redwood, hybrid poplar, hackberry and honey locust. These plants may or may not be appropriate for Alabama, and species selection should be

26

September / October 2014

Elaeagnus is evergreen, grows rapidly and fixes nitrogen

Alabama Poultry Magazine

to help establish vegetative buffers (windbreaks and shelterbelts) on farms. Information can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.cov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcs144p2_027140

Resources: Vegetative Buffers, P. Patterson, Penn State Cooperative Extension, extension.psu.edu VEB Tool-Kit, J.D. Scott, Jr., Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. www.dpichicken.org.

house. While plant selection and number of rows is critical around the fans, plants used as a visual screen are subjected to less stress and can come from a large plant base. Evergreens (that are 4-season screens) or deciduous trees that maintain limbs at lower levels are good plants for visual screens as many plants (such as loblolly pine) shed lower limbs as they grow tall, losing their screening benefits. While three rows of plants are suggested for odor and dust reduction, two rows of plants (staggered to increase screen effectiveness) are more commonly used as a visual screen.

Some buffers are merely decorative.

Biomass Production:

An interesting twist in producing plants in a vegetative buffer is growing biomass in the form of miscanthus, hybrid poplar, willow or switchgrass. These plants provide benefits in odor and dust removal and can be harvested on a prescribed schedule (switchgrass and miscanthus – annually, biomass willows – every two years, hybrid poplar – every seven years), dried and used as a bedding material in poultry houses. Each of these plants is quick growing, reaching a height that can trap dust and odors rapidly and produces enough biomass to be used as a bedding source if planted in sufficient quantities.

Finally, there are USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentive Programs (EQIP) cost share programs

Alabama Poultry Magazine

September / October 2014

27

Dennis Brothers and the NPTC Team

Repairing Corroded Lower Sidewall Metal –

Metal along the lower sidewall of poultry houses is exposed to many corrosive forces. If not addressed, this corrosion can become severe, causing multiple problems. Air leakage is the most common detrimental effect. Compromised structural integrity and vermin entry can occur in the worst cases.

As cooler weather approaches, it is time for poultry growers to turn their attention to issues that can both increase the heating costs and negatively affect bird performance due to cold air infiltration and heat leakage.

This newsletter addresses a common problem and a new solution that has been proven to be effective through field trials. Poultry house sidewalls have been under-

When using negative pressure to ventilate in the winter, damaged sidewalls allow the infiltration of cold, damp air directly onto the litter at chick level. This causes a multitude of problems to overcome. Wet litter, chilled chicks and increased fuel usage to combat these are the obvious. Increased difficulties ventilating such houses will impact overall flock performance, as well.

28

September / October 2014

going a slow transformation over the last several years from having large curtains to being solid, fully sealed and insulated. However, many houses that have made this transformation or are in the process, still suffer from issues at ground level that are hard to address, yet can cost great amounts of heating fuel to overcome. One such issue is exterior metal degradation along the lower sidewall at ground level. Not only can the resulting air leaks be detrimental, in the worst cases, structural integrity is compromised, providing entry points for rodents and vermin, and leading to possible sidewall post degradation. Fixes for this issue do exist and some have proven to last.

Construction techniques using concrete footers in recent years have all but eliminated this issue in newer houses. However, we have all seen older style post-inground houses with rusted metal along the bottom of the sidewall after only a few short years. The metal siding was initially installed below grade to obtain an air tight seal along the sidewall. A vapor barrier is usually installed behind the metal and both are covering either 2x or 1x lumber walls. The lumber walls of these houses are often uninsulated and exposed directly to litter and moisture from the inside of the poultry house. It is this litter and moisture exposure that eventually combines with the moisture from the outside that starts the metal corrosion.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

Once the metal starts to rust, it isn’t long before large air leaks have formed. As the house is ventilated with negative pressure, cold air jets soon develop, bringing chilling air directly onto the floor of the house, causing condensation and chilling chicks in the process.

Additional heating fuel must be burned to overcome this chilling effect.

Many growers have recognized this problem and have taken steps to repair the lower sidewall area using the best option they had at the time – more metal siding.

The obvious problem with this method is that the new metal siding will eventually suffer the same fate as the original. Several years ago, plastic siding materials were introduced and tested as a remedy for this problem.

They worked fairly well; however, solar radiation caused some detrimental effects to some of the products.

Some products suffered excessive contraction and expansion when exposed to exterior temperature swings. This caused some loosening at the attachment points and caused leakage once again. These earlier plastics were also fairly expensive and some required special fasteners, further increasing cost.

In the fall of 2011, the NPTC undertook a test of a new UV-stabilized PVC siding material to repair this common metal siding failure on older post-in-ground houses. The product used is called AG-TUF UV Corrugated PVC from Palram, Inc. This product was designed to be used as livestock roofing, so it is available in the same corrugations and width as normal metal panels commonly used for broiler house siding in the U.S. This made it easy to integrate the PVC panels into the existing metal siding of the houses tested. This product was first tested using full sheet replacement of the

The addition of a ¼” washer as a backer to a typical 1” roofing screw helps holds the PVC panel in place and decreases potential problems with expansion/contraction down the road.

bottom 36” of an affected house. This method proved successful; however, the use of a full sheet was seen as unnecessary on most houses, since the corrosion is typically less than 2 feet above the deepest embedment of the wood siding. Instead, the PVC panel can be cut in half lengthwise, making one sheet go twice as far. Cutting the corroded metal off at a matching width, just below a rib, allows for the PVC panel’s matching rib to be installed underneath the existing metal.

The dirt backfill is pulled back away from the wall and a ditch or trench is dug along the wall to facilitate removal of the old metal and expose the lumber wall beneath. Any structural wood repairs should be done at this time.

Once all lumber repairs are complete, the PVC panel can then be installed. Although the PVC panels are water impervious and therefore vapor barriers themselves, it is recommend that some form of sheet vapor barrier be installed behind the PVC, between it and the wooden sidewall, to improve the air sealing along this vital area.

If the old vapor barrier is damaged, a new section should be installed in its place and run up under the edge of the metal, under the old existing vapor barrier, and extended down below the backfill line, in order to adequately combat air infiltration.

The initial test PVC panels were installed using common 1” roofing screws without pre-drilling. This proved successful; however, it was decided that to improve the long-term success, ¼” washers were installed as backers to the screws and care was taken to not overtorque the screws into the plastic. Just a gentle snug up is all that is needed. The neoprene washers on the screws should be only slightly compressed.

Screws should be installed in the flats as with normal metal siding at similar spacing of no more than 2’ on center. After installation, the dirt backfill is replaced against the new siding. Using this method, the PVC panels have proven to hold up over time with minimal contraction/expansion in all weather conditions.

Air leakage along the lower sidewalls of the repaired houses has been virtually eliminated, yielding noticeably drier litter along the sidewalls and lowering the amount of fuel required for litter management.

Brooding conditions immediately improved as well.

The cost of the PVC panels typically mirrors the cost of painted 29 gauge metal per running foot. At present, the panels are only available in white and in 20’ long sheets.

Alabama Poultry Magazine

September / October 2014

29

A corroded sidewall repair can be costly. The majority of the cost of a total house repair with this product is labor, which is highly variable, depending on the severity of the sidewall degradation, the lumber repairs required, and local labor costs. It is estimated that in the Broiler Belt this cost could range from $1,500 to $2,500 for both sidewalls of a 500 foot long house. However, a conservative estimated fuel savings of 8 percent, combined with improved brooding conditions, make this an improvement that will pay for itself in less than five

years on most farms spending an average per house of $4,000 for heating fuel per year, and even more quickly on the worst case houses.

After three years of field trials, the PVC panel repaired houses still look good and have maintained their tightness with no additional maintenance. The panels remain tightly installed to the lumber beneath with no signs of cracking or fasteners loosening. This house is ready for several more years of service.

There is a New Biddie in the Linker Nest

On Sept. 17, Wanda and Mike Linker welcomed a new granddaughter, Kira DeAnne Baker, into the Linker family.

Their daughter, Lindsey, and her husband, Jared Baker, of Clanton are the proud parents. Kira has two big brothers, Michael and Sean.

Jared is the son of James and Barbara Baker, Clanton.

Miss Kira was 7 lbs. 8 oz., and 20 inches long, and brings the number of Linker grandchildren to five.

Congratulations, to all the family.

ADVERTISING INDEX

Alabama Ag / Alabama Farm Credit Alfa Insurance American Proteins Aviagen Cumberland Hired-Hand Dreisilker Electic Motors Ecodrum First South Farm Credit Jones-Hamilton PLT Lee Energy Solutions Northwest Envirofan Randy Jones Ins. Agency Son Up Real Estate Southwest Agri-Plastics

30

September / October 2014

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

5 20 31 12 10 8 9 7 25 2 27 32 19 23

CALENDAR OF EVENTS International Production & Processing Expo January 27-29 2015 Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga.

AP&EA “Big Bass” Fishing Tournament Friday, May 8, 2015

“Evening of Fun” Golf Tournament Friday, June 5, 2015 Limestone Springs Golf Course

“Evening of Fun” Concert Saturday, June 6, 2015 Birmingham-Jefferson Convention ComplexBirmingham

Alabama Poultry Magazine