Iowa Governor Terry Branstad declared a state of emergency Friday as new confirmed and probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been announced on an almost daily basis in the last two weeks. Yet another four probable cases were announced Monday, bringing the total now to over 20 million birds at 25 sites in 11 counties. Iowa is …
The Science Behind Food Safety
Food safety is on the hearts and minds of all throughout the agriculture community. So, there is no doubt it was a hot topic during the recent Chicken Media Summit held on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and sponsored by the National Chicken Council and US Poultry & Egg Association. Dr. Ashley Peterson, VP of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the National …
Chicken Litter – A Hot Commodity
Jenny Rhodes, Extension Educator for University of Maryland in Queen Anne’s County and local poultry farmer, was asked to attend the 2015 Chicken Media Summit to talk about chicken manure. For her first 10 years in extension, Jenny wrote nutrient management plans. These plans are state mandated and any farmer meeting it’s requirements must have one for their operation. “In …
Chicken Summit Tackles Industry Myths
The 2015 Chicken Media Summit is a wrap, but the dialogue will continue. A panel titled “Chicken Myths & Facts” answered questions many not directly involved in the poultry community simple don’t understand. Panelist discussed hormones, antibiotics, chicken litter, environmental issues and other hot button issues on the minds of consumers. Tom Super, VP of Communications for the National Chicken …
High Path Avian Flu Topic at Chicken Summit
The 2015 Chicken Media Summit is being held this week in Maryland, organized by the National Chicken Council and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. Among those in attendance is our own Jamie Johansen, along with bloggers, journalists, dietitians and leaders in the poultry industry from all over the country. Yesterday the event featured tours of a hatchery, broiler barn and …
Salmonella Testing at Roka BioScience
Salmonella threshold testing was the hot topic in the Roka BioScience booth at the 2015 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). I stopped by to talk with Ted Andrew, Director of Marketing and Product Development about their new approach to bacteria detection and other new opportunities they are offering the industry. “It’s a different way to look at pathogen testing. …
The Novus Enzyme Portfolio
Ajay Bhoyar is the Global Poultry Marketing Manager for Novus International and I got to chat with him during last week’s International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta. Enzymes were at the forefront of the Novus experience when you walked through their booth on the expo floor. Ajay talked about the importance of their presence at the event and …
Poultry Industry Urges Congress to Grant TPA
As U-S trade representative Michael Froman appeared before congressional committees this week to stress the need for the president to be granted Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), poultry producers were talking trade issues in Atlanta at the IPPE. USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) President Jim Sumner says TPA is critical to getting major trade agreements with Asia and Europe …
Novus Strives for Solutions, Service & Sustainability
Novus International’s CEO, Francois Fraudeau, has been in the drivers seat about a year now and I caught up with him in their booth at the 2015 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, GA. Looking into the future, Francois hit on some very important strategic goals for the company. “The strategy for Novus will be to keep investing in …
The Chicken Wing & Football Bond
The Super Bowl is just days away. The game is very important to many, but we want to focus on another aspect of the game…and no, I don’t mean the commercials. Those are great, but lets talk about Super Bowl food. Our current ZimmPoll asks you to name your favorite Super Bowl party food and one of those choices is …