Gemperle Family Farms has launched an online video series to showcase egg-related crafts, recipes and science experiments, and to provide a behind-the-scenes look at farm life. “At our Gemperle Chicken Ranch, we think it’s important to educate customers on what makes Gemperle Eggs special while having fun at the same time,” explained Gemperle Family Farms President Steve Gemperle. “These videos …
EPA Hearing on Biofuels to Draw Big Crowd
A huge turnout is expected Thursday at a public hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations for 2014. Literally busloads of stakeholders, both opposed to and in favor of cutting the requirements, are attending the hearing at the Hyatt in Crystal City, Virginia. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will be attending with several Iowa livestock producers, …
Fresh Turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner
When I saw this gaggle of plump turkeys in their pen on Monday morning, I wondered if they knew they were going to become very friendly with my mom, the turkey dresser, later that day. It was doomsday for these critters as they were pre-sold to friends and family of the hobby farmer, who also happens to be my best …
Update from Animal Ag Alliance at NAFB
The Animal Agriculture Alliance has been busy over the course of the last year staying up-to-date on animal ag issues, researching current activist campaigns and advocating farm policy. At the 2013 NAFB Convention I met up with Kay Johnson Smith, President and CEO, and Emily Meredith, Director of Communications during the events Trade Talk. Hot topics of discussion included the …
Raising Chickens, A Family Business
Brooks Edmundson is a row crop farmer from North Eastern North Carolina and to help supplement his family farming operation he started raising broilers for Sanderson Farms. Brooks is setting the farm up in hopes that one day his boys will come back to the family farm to raise their own families. His farm was one stop on the tour …
How Modernization Protects Flocks
Society today wouldn’t be where it is if it wasn’t for modern medicine. The same thing applies for poultry production. The modernization of the poultry industry keeps the birds safe and ensures a safe food supply. I talked with Dr. John Glisson, Director of Research Programs for US Poultry & Egg Association after he served on one of the panels …
Chicken Issues in the News
The US Poultry & Egg Association served as another sponsor of the Chicken Media Summit, held in north eastern North Carolina last week. Members of the media were welcomed with warm, sunny skies as members of the poultry industry took us under their wings to share a little of their passion for the chicken community. After a wonderful meal at …
What Consumers Want
The National Chicken Council was one of the sponsors for the recent Chicken Media Summit held in New Bern, North Carolina. The event opened the doors for media to tour the complete life of a broiler and ask questions from experts from the poultry community. I sat down with Senior Vice President of the National Chicken Council, Bill Roenigk, after …
Chicken Media Summit Panelists
Day three of the Chicken Media Summit gave attendees the opportunity to listen and get their questions answered. The National Chicken Council and US Poultry & Egg Association brought together executives, researchers, vets and other experts to serve on panels to address industry trends, challenges and other hot topics. Bill Roenigk, Senior Vice President for the National Chicken Council, served …
Embracing Transparency in the Poultry Industry
The second day of Chicken Media Summit was all about transparency. Members of the press were invited to tour a hatchery, grower barn, processing plant and waste water treatment facility. This allowed for them to see with their own eyes the complete life of a chicken from egg to plate. And most importantly, get all questions answered. Sanderson Farms was …