January 22, 2010
New From Around the Southeast
Poultry growers deal with frigid conditions
Arkansas poultry growers are running heaters and ventilators in their chicken houses as temperatures have fallen into the single digits, a University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture poultry expert said.
Government News
USDA LAUNCHES TOLL-FREE HELP DESK FOR SMALL MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSORS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced the opening of its new small plant help-desk, which will provide for operators of small and very small meat, poultry and processed egg products establishments seeking help with agency requirements with direct access to knowledgeable staff specialists. The help-desk also will provide assistance to state and local food regulatory agencies – FSIS' partners in keeping meat, poultry and egg products safe for consumers
Industry News
Analysts bullish on chicken industry in 2010
(USA) Encouraged by improving chicken prices and margins, Wall Street analysts are ratcheting up expectations for Tyson Foods and Sanderson Farms in the new year. "Chicken fundamentals have reached an inflection point," said BMO Capital Markets' Kenneth Zaslow in a note to clients Friday.
Tyson agrees to settle lawsuit over antibiotics
BALTIMORE (AP) - Tyson Foods Inc. has agreed to settle a lawsuit that accused the poultry giant of falsely claiming its chickens were "raised without antibiotics.
Pilgrim’s Pride to move headquarters
The layoff of 160 employees at Pilgrim’s Pride headquarters and 70 administrative and corporate employees at 12 other locations is one of the latest steps in the restructuring of the company as part of JBS USA, the Dallas Business Journal reported.
Pilgrim’s Pride board shaken up (free registration required)
Wesley Mendonca Batista, chief operating officer of JBS S.A., has replaced 81-year-old Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim as chair on the board of directors of Pilgrim's Pride Corp., according to a filing at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Pilgrim's Pride Completes Reorganization; New Stock to Trade on New York Stock Exchange
PITTSBURG, Texas, Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (Pink Sheets: PGPDQ) today announced that the company and six of its subsidiaries have emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a 13-month restructuring
Other Organizations' News
2010 IPE/IFE Guide now available online
Turn to the 2010 International Expo Guide to plan and maximize your time at the International Poultry/International Feed Expo, January 27-29, in Atlanta, Ga.
Poultry News
Top 11 list for the decade - with emphasis on Latin America
Making lists of the most significant events of the year and decade is very popular right now, so I decided to prepare my own list of the most significant events and tecnologies of the last decade: the 2000's. This is a poultry industry perspective, with particular emphasis on Latin America (which explains many of my choices). (There are 11 items because I'd left a very important issue - ethanol - out of my original list)
University News
New leader for University of Arkansas poultry science programs (free registration required)
Michael T. Kidd has been appointed director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and Head of the Department of Poultry Science at the University of Arkansas, the school announced
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December 18. 2009
News From Around the Southeast
Townsends expands business southward
Delaware-based poultry company Townsends Inc. has announced the opening of its Atlanta business unit, Townsend Specialty Foods.
Industry News
Chickens outpace horses in Kentucky
Kentucky’s revenue from poultry is projected to hit $930M this year, significantly higher than the horse industry’s predicted revenue of $750M, University of Kentucky agricultural economist Lee Meyer told the Associated Press. The poultry industry has grown rapidly in the past decade, with revenue increasing from $260M in 2001 to $918M in 2008, the APreports.
Tyson names execs for poultry, pork and beef units
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods Inc. has promoted two executives to lead the company's poultry and beef and pork units, filling leadership positions created when the company named a new CEO and chief operating officer last month.
University News
Texas A&M poultry team repeats as national champion
For the seventh time in the last eight competitions, the Texas A&M University Poultry Judging Team has won a national
championship.
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December 4, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
PINYAN NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
MONTGOMERY, Ala., Dec. 3 -- Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry A. Newby today announced the appointment of current Governmental Affairs Director Paul Pinyan to the position of executive director.
Indictment poultry plant wouldn't slow wastewater
RALEIGH, N.C. — A poultry plant facing federal charges of discharging water containing untreated turkey waste wouldn't slow its processes after its output of polluted water overwhelmed its onsite treatment capacity, a federal indictment released Tuesday said.
USDA final rule to improve transparency and equity in poultry market
Poultry Growing Contracts - The USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has issued a Final Rule that amends the regulations " ... regarding the records that live poultry dealers must furnish poultry growers, including requirements for the timing and contents of poultry growing arrangements. The amendments to the regulations will require that live poultry dealers timely deliver a copy of an offered poultry growing arrangement to growers; include information about any Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) in poultry growing arrangements; include provisions for written termination notices in poultry growing arrangements; and notwithstanding a confidentiality provision, allow growers to discuss the terms of poultry growing arrangements with designated individuals ..."
Avian Influenza News
H1N1 found in US turkey flock
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the pandemic H1N1 flu virus was confirmed in a flock of breeder turkeys in Virginia. It is the first case involving turkeys in the U.S.
Egg News
Egg yolks help reduce sight loss
Researchers from Massachusetts University in the US have proven that by eating egg yolks regularly, people over 60 may be able to reduce the risk of age related sight loss caused by macular degeneration.
Poultry News
National Chicken Council Comment on Consumer Reports article: "Chicken is Safe"
"Chicken is safe. Like all fresh foods, raw chicken may have some microorganisms present, but these are destroyed by the heat of normal cooking. Consumers are encouraged to follow the safe handling and cooking instructions printed on every package of fresh meat and poultry sold in this country.
Behind the numbers
At 14 percent, the overall salmonella incidence is within the range we've seen in the past 12 years. In previous tests, the incidence ranged from 9 percent to 16 percent overall. Campylobacter incidence has varied more. Now it's 62 percent overall; in our previous tests it ranged from 42 percent to 81 percent.
US: Poultry sustainability at work
The US meat and poultry industries are increasingly turning their attention to creating renewable products (such as adhesives and plastics) from the animal by-products that can't be sold in supermarkets.
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November 24, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
Atlanta backyard chicken group tops 800 local members
Last week, the Atlanta Backyard Poultry Meetup Group topped the 800-member mark. Andy Schneider, aka the Chicken Whisperer started the group just 19 months ago to bring together local Atlanta residents that keep backyard chickens. In the beginning, the group met just once a month, but now meets several times a month throughout the Atlanta area.
Maryland poultry farmers to see tougher pollution standards
Stricter pollution regulations for Maryland poultry farmers may be implemented within five to 10 years, according to reports.
Avian Influenza News
Researchers Suggest Avian Flu Pandemic Prevented Because Virus Needs to Undergo Two Simultaneous Mutations
The requirement for at least two simultaneous genetic mutations to occur before avian strains of flu readily transmit between people could explain why viruses such as H5N1 haven’t yet caused a human pandemic, according to research by scientists in the U.K. and U.S.
Government News
Vilsack spent millions for US food, ag exports
US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that 70 US trade organizations received more than $234 mln in Fiscal Year 2009 to help promote American food and agricultural products overseas.
Industry News
Tyson names new c.e.o., c.o.o.
SPRINGDALE, ARK. — John Tyson, chairman of the board of Tyson Foods, Inc. announced on Nov. 19 that Donnie Smith, currently senior group vice-president of Poultry and Prepared Foods, will be the company’s president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Additionally, Jim Lochner, currently senior group vice-president of Fresh Meats, has been named the company’s chief operating officer.
Court rules Tyson to pay $250,000 in labor suit
A jury in federal court found that Tyson Foods Inc. violated federal labor standards at its Blountsville, Ala., processing plant by not paying production line employees for certain pre- and post-shift and meal period activities, such as putting on and taking off sanitary and protective clothing. The jury's verdict in federal court in Birmingham resulted from a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Labor against the company.
Poultry News
The Ultimate Turkey Cooking Guide
The holiday season can be a busy time. We hope these links help you in the preparation of holiday meals and celebration
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November 6, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry firm fined $1.5 million after immigration raid, monitoring
CHARLOTTE, N.C. House of Raeford Farms must pay a $1.5 million fine and overhaul its hiring practices under an agreement that will allow a subsidiary to avoid prosecution on federal immigration charges.
Tyson to pay $250,000 in Ala. donning-doffing suit (free registration required)
The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday said a federal court jury sided with the government in a wage and hour lawsuit the agency filed in 2002 against Tyson Foods Inc.
Egg News
Study: Cage-free eggs would cost consumers
WASHINGTON -- Consumers would spend $2.66 billion more for eggs each year if U.S. egg farmers could no longer produce eggs in modern cage systems, according to a recent study.
Poultry News
U.S. troops help restart Iraqi poultry plant (free registration required)
BAGHDAD — On Oct. 31, U.S. soldiers used their agriculture and engineering expertise to help bring an idle chicken processing plant near Mahmudiyah back into operation; one that will provide food and jobs, according to Sgt. Jon Soles of the Multi-National Division Baghdad.
Code of Practice for Salmonella control
In the UK, the revised Code of Practice for the Control of Salmonella in Animal Feeds has been published in partnership with the Food Standards Agency.
Ohio passes livestock standards board initiative
Following a campaign with strong support from the agricultural community led by the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio's State Issue #2 passed with support from nearly two-thirds of voters.
Chicken and egg report is good news for poultry companies (free registration required)
September declines in pullets and broiler-type hatching layers spell good news for companies like Tyson Foods and Sanderson Farms, according to an analysis of USDA's Chicken and Eggs Report, which was released on Friday.
Conservation Reserve Program Letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, October 19, 2009.
American Egg Board October 09 Newsletter
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October 23, 2009 None
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October 12, 2009
Egg News
World Egg Day celebrated on 9 Oct
World Egg Day on 9 October brings together consumers to health professionals to celebrate the big benefits that come from such a unique package - the egg.
Government News
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK LAUNCHES NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, ANNOUNCES VISION FOR SCIENCE AND RESEARCH AT USDA
WASHINGTON, October 8, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today launched the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) with a major speech regarding the role of science and research at USDA. At an event at the National Press Club with John Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Vilsack outlined his vision for addressing the some of the world's major challenges over the coming decades:
Industry News
Pilgrim's Pride plant may re-open
DOUGLAS, GA (WALB) - There's some potential good news for an area devastated by the closing of a major chicken plant earlier this year.
Tyson may expand N.C. poultry plant (free registration is required)
Tyson Foods officials on Monday will consider approval of an expansion at the company's Wilkesboro, N.C., poultry complex, the Wilkes Journal Patriot reported.
Ceva invests $15 mln in poultry vaccine facility
Ceva Santé Animale, involved in the animal health industry, is investing $15 mln in a new world-class poultry vaccine production plant for its US subsidiary, Ceva Biomune, Lenexa, Kan.
Turkeys raised in U.S. down 8% from year-ago total
WASHINGTON — So far in 2009, turkeys raised in the U.S. total 250 million, down 8% from the number raised during the same time in 2008, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Poultry News
National Chicken Council installs new leadership (free registration required)
Thomas Hensley Jr., president of Fieldale Farms Corp. was installed Thursday as chairman of the National Chicken Council, while Bernard Leonard, group vice president/food service for Tyson Foods Inc. took office as vice chairman and Lampkin Butts, president of Sanderson Farms, became secretary-treasurer, NCC announced.
GROUPS URGE TRADE REPRESENTATIVE TO CHALLENGE E.U. BARRIER TO U.S. POULTRY
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is being jointly urged by four concerned groups to have the World Trade Organization (WTO) determine if a major barrier to U.S. poultry exports to the European Union is a violation of WTO’s rules. In a September 24 letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk the National Chicken Council, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, National Turkey Federation, and the National Association of Manufacturers re-confirmed their strong support for U.S. Trade Representative action that would result in a WTO dispute settlement panel that addresses the EU’s blocking action against four antimicrobials that reduce pathogens during poultry processing.
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September 25, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
Georgia officials monitor China's poultry threat
ATLANTA -- Georgia officials are keeping a close eye on trade tensions with China and threats that could mean losses for the state's poultry industry.
Cassville poultry plant pays fine
A Cassville poultry-processing plant where 136 illegal immigrant workers were arrested in 2007 has paid a $450,000 administrative fine.
Timberville Residents Seek Relief From ‘Fowl' Smell
TIMBERVILLE - A foul odor from a local poultry plant circulating through Timberville over the summer has drawn ire from residents and some town officials.
Government News
Slaughter seeks new study on animal antibiotic
New York Rep. Louise Slaughter, has asked the Government Accountability Office to conduct a new study on the federal government’s tracking and monitoring antibiotic use in animals and the government’s efforts to assess and mitigate "human health risk related to antibiotic use in animals".
FDA: new rules to reduce Salmonella from eggs
New federal regulations require most egg producers to take steps to prevent the spread of Salmonella enteritidis, reports the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Industry News
Pilgrim's Pride files plan of reorganisation
Pilgrim's Pride and 6 of its subsidiaries that are debtors and debtors in possession in the chapter 11 cases pending in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas have announced they have filed a joint plan of reorganisation and disclosure statement under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.
JBS S.A. explains rationale behind Bertin deal
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL — After several weeks of rumors circulating in the media about an impending JBS S.A. acquisition of Pilgrim’s Pride, JBS announced on Sept. 16 it was set to acquire a majority stake in Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. through its U.S. subsidiary JBS USA Holdings Inc.
JBS, Pilgrim's Pride work out a deal (free registration required)
Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on Wednesday announced that under a reorganization plan filed under Chapter 11 bankruptcy the company will sell 64 percent of its new common stock to JBS S.A. for $800 million in cash.
Poultry News
Two Virus Types Found to Cause RSS in Broilers
Novel reoviruses and chicken astroviruses are confirmed as the infectious agents in runting-stunting syndrome (RSS) in broilers, according to research by Dr Holly Sellers of the University of Georgia.
--- September 11, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
NCPF elects officers
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Walter (Gator) Pelletier of Goldsboro Milling Co., has been elected as president of the North Carolina Poultry Federation to serve for the 2009-2010 term.
Industry News
Broiler chick placements down 2%
WASHINGTON – During the week ending Sept. 5, broiler growers in the 19-state weekly program placed 167 million chicks for meat production. Placements were down 2% from the comparable week a year earlier, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Meat and poultry industry significant for US economy
America's meat and poultry industry, comprised of packers and processors, wholesalers and retailers, directly and indirectly contributes $832.4 billion dollars annually to the US economy, roughly 5% of total GDP, according to a new Economic Impact Study from the American Meat Institute (AMI).
JBS S.A. addresses Pilgrim's Pride acquisition rumor
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – In the aftermath of rumors about an impending sale of Pilgrim’s Pride to JBS S.A. that began circulating in the media in recent days, JBS e-mailed a news release to MEATPOULTRY.com on Sept. 2 addressing the rumor—although it never mentioned Pilgrim’s Pride. The company statement said it routinely and constantly analyzes investment opportunities for expansion and growth.
--- August 28, 2009
Avian Influenza News
Chile confirms H1N1 spread from humans to turkeys
Chile's health ministry has confirmed the first reports of the H1N1 virus spreading from people to turkeys on two farms, as reported by the Associated Press. The farms are located outside the city of Valparaiso.
Industry News
UGA researchers aim to skew chickens’ sex ratio (free membership required)
A University of Georgia researcher is working on ways to skew avian sex ratios to help the chicken industry streamline production and improve profitability, the university's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences reported.
Production down for US turkeys
Turkey production in the U.S. for the first six months of 2009 is down 9.4%, totaling 2.8 billion pounds, compared to the same period in 2008, according to the most recent Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook from USDA's Economic Research Service.
Broiler industry not yet on board for SIP
FSIS's Salmonella Initiative Program has encountered resistance from the U.S. broiler industry.
--- August 14, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
FACT Petitions to End Poultry Litter as Cattle Feed
US - Animal welfare organisation, Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT), is petitioning the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to ban the use of poultry litter as a cattle feed because of the health risks.
Alabama leaders meet to tackle TB fears
Albertville, Ala., Mayor Lindsey Lyons met with Alabama State Department of Public Health representatives and city leaders of Albertville, Boaz and Guntersville to ease fears raised by reports of a tuberculosis outbreak at the Wayne Farms poultry plant
Merial: Buyout won’t alter plant
A medicine manufacturer will gain full control of animal pharmaceutical company Merial, but the Gainesville plant will see little change.
Industry News
Economist more optimistic than USDA on chicken cutbacks (free registration required)
The U.S. poultry industry has slashed production in response to high corn prices and weak demand. This year, the sector is expected to post its first year-over-year decline in output in more than three decades. In an interview with Meatingplace, Bill Roenigk, economist and senior vice president at the National Chicken Council, gives a frank assessment of what lies ahead.
--- July 31, 2009
New From Around the Southeast
Poultry workers to transfer?
After The News Courier broke the story that Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. plans to close its Athens chicken processing facility in October, a corporate spokesman released a statement Friday morning saying “many” of the 640 employees here will be offered positions at other company locations. Spokesman Ray Atkinson said these workers will be offered a choice of locations.
Pilgrim's Pride idles chicken processing plants
Pilgrim's Pride has announced plans to idle its chicken processing plant in Athens, Ala., and one of its two plants in Athens, Ga., within 60-75 days as part of its continuing effort to improve capacity utilization and reduce costs.
Sanderson proceeds with new poultry complex
Sanderson Farms has announced that its Board of Directors has approved plans to proceed with the construction and start-up of the company's Kinston, North Carolina, poultry complex.
Foster Farms officially takes over Farmerville poultry plant
Met with a hero’s welcome, Gov. Bobby Jindal and Foster Farms CEO Ron Foster joined area officials last Saturday in marking a new beginning for the Farmerville poultry processing facility.
Foster Farms cuts contracted growers
Foster Farms, which took over the shuttered Pilgrim's Pride poultry processing plant in a deal involving $50 mln from the state, has announced that it will not extend contracts to all chicken growers who previously sold to Pilgrim's Pride in the region.
Avian Influenza News
Mexico wins praise for swine flu response
CANCUN, Mexico (AP) — As swine flu runs rampant in the Southern Hemisphere winter, world health experts are concerned that some hard-hit countries have been reluctant to take forceful measures to protect public health.
Government News
USDA: Aging poultry lab to receive stimulus money
Athens' Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory will get a slice of federal stimulus money, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced.
USDA forecasts increase in broiler production
The latest USDA forecast shows the prices for broiler products are on the rise.
Industry News
U.S. chicken feet are being booted out of China
CHICAGO, July 7 (Reuters) - China and the United States are kicking up a trade war over chicken in which Beijing effectively has given the boot to millions of dollars worth of U.S. chicken, about half of which is chicken feet.
Poultry News
New biofuel from chicken meal
Researchers at the University of Nevada have published a paper in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry describing a new process to produce biodiesel from feather meal.
US may restrict antibiotics in livestock
The Obama administration will seek to ban many routine uses of antibiotics in farm animals with the aim of reducing the spread of dangerous bacteria in humans.
Attractive male chickens release fewer sperm
Attractive male chickens release fewer sperm per mating to maximise their chances of producing offspring across a range of females, according to a new paper on the evolution of ejaculation strategies.
Bacteria worse in stressed chickens
Food poisoning bacteria become more invasive in animals that are stressed, according to new research from the University of Bristol in collaboration with the UK poultry industry.
Chicken feathers put to use – hydrogen storage
Researchers have discovered that carbonised chicken feathers could provide an inexpensive, environmentally friendly way to store hydrogen fuel for future motor vehicles.
--- June 12, 2009
Avian Influenza News
Bird flu can survive 150 days in water
New data has allowed a team of University of Georgia researchers to create the first model that takes into account both direct and indirect transmission of the viruses among birds. The model has the potential to shed new light on how outbreaks begin in wild bird populations.
Industry News
City of Clinton, Ark. sues Pilgrim's over closed plant
LITTLE ROCK, ARK — On June 1, the city of Clinton, Ark. sued Pilgrim's Pride Corp. for $28.5 million in federal court charging the company of potentially turning the city into a ghost town by idling its plant there, according to The Associated Press. Clinton filed a complaint against Pilgrim's Pride in federal bankruptcy court in Fort Worth, Texas, and accused the company of trying to manipulate the price of chicken by idling some of its processing plants.
Tyson, Pilgrim’s Pride get part of stimulus package
The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service signed four contracts worth $1.8 million with Tyson and Pilgrim's Pride to purchase chickens and eggs for local school lunch programs and food banks, according to CNN.
Tyson sees chicken business improving in 3Q
Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat producer, said Tuesday that structural changes and better market conditions are helping its chicken business.
--- May 29, 2009
News from Around the Southeast
Foster Farms eventually to restore all jobs lost at Farmerville plant (free registration required)
Foster Farms plans to eventually restore all 1,300 jobs at the former Pilgrim's Pride chicken processing plant in Farmerville, La., the company said in an e-mail, according to published reports.
Poultry News
Tight Poultry Houses Key To Energy Savings
DAUPHIN, Pa. — The take-home message at Tuesday’s Poultry Animal Health Seminar was simple: if the practice is not economically feasible, farmers are not going to embrace it. However, in light of rising energy bills, poultry producers are interested in cutting heating costs.
Industry News
Pilgrim's Pride rejects bid for El Dorado plant
EL DORADO, Ark. -- Pilgrim's Pride has rejected a bid by a poultry company that wanted to buy Pilgrim's shuttered chicken processing plant in El Dorado, Ark.
Pullet inventory sees steep decline (free registration required)
The number of broiler-type pullets (young breeder hens) hatched in April fell 13.5 percent from the same month a year earlier, according to USDA reports. That's the biggest decline in that number since May 1992.
Perdigão Acquires Sadia
Bloomberg reports that Perdigão SA, Brazil's largest food company, agreed to take over rival Sadia SA in a share-swap transaction that will form the world’s biggest poultry processor by market value, overtaking Tyson Foods Inc. of the US.
Broiler companies show profits this year
The average U.S. broiler company returned to profitability in January 2009 and profits strengthened in February and March, said Dana Weatherford, vice president, Agri Stats.
--- May 15, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
Wayne Farms to close Ga. poultry plant (free membership required)
Wayne Farms LLC said it will phase out its poultry further -processing facility in Douglas, Ga., by the end of July due to the end of a long-standing and highly specialized customer contract and as a necessary next step in the company's ongoing efforts to increase operating efficiencies.
Industry News
Broiler companies show profits this year
The average U.S. broiler company returned to profitability in January 2009 and profits strengthened in February and March, said Dana Weatherford, vice president, Agri Stats.
Poultry News
Poultry Industry Squawks About Litter Rules
HARRISONBURG, VA – A plan to more closely monitor agricultural use of poultry litter is ruffling feathers in the state's poultry trade.
Grand opening of the National Poultry Museum
The National Poultry Museum, an endeavor over 15 years in the making, opens today, May 8, 2009.
--- May 4, 2009
News from Around the Southeast
Chicken Litter Project Gains Fans
DAYTON, Va. — Do not try to tell Oren Heatwole that chicken poop smells.
New poultry processing plant in Georgia
A former carpet yarn plant in Dahlonega, Georgia, US, is being sold as a poultry further-processing plant.
A Chicken Heating Every Pot?
Manure-to-Energy Project Gains Attention of Va. Candidate in 'Green' Election Year
Tyson case ruled as mistrial
An Alabama judge declared a mistrial in a civil case against Tyson Foods when a juror disagreed with the verdict after Tyson seemingly lost the case, according to an article from The Birmingham News.
Avian Influenza News
H1N1 “Swine Flu” Not a Food Safety Concern, Government Confirms
The U.S. government has stated that the current outbreak of H1N1 "swine flu" in humans is not a food safety concern.
Industry News
Pilgrim’s Pride can cancel grower contracts, judge says (free registration required)
A federal bankruptcy judge has ruled that Pilgrim's Pride can cancel some contracts with local poultry producers who supply the company's Live Oak, Fla., poultry plant, according to the Suwannee Democrat.
Foster Farms' purchase of Pilgrim's plant 'on track'
LIVINGSTON, CALIF. — Foster Farms purchase agreement for Pilgrim's Pride’s Farmerville, La. complex is almost complete and transition plans are in place, according to the purchaser. The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including government approval and bankruptcy court approval, and is anticipated to close within 30 days after signing.
Sanderson Farms: lower production in 2009
US poultry processor Sanderson Farms expects its production to decrease 2% in 2009.
Tyson earns environmental awards
The American Meat Institute Foundation (AMIF) recognised 32 Tyson Foods operations with environmental awards at its annual Conference on Worker Safety, Health, Human Resources and the Environment.
Brazil to bail out poultry industry: report
The Brazilian government said it is considering extending a line of credit of up to $1.38 billion to bailout the country's struggling poultry industry, Trade and Industry Minister Miguel Jorge told Reuters.
First quarter U.S. poultry slaughter down 7%
The total pounds of poultry slaughtered in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2009 were 7% lower than the slaughter volume in the first quarter of 2008, according to USDA data.
Poultry News
Poultry industry organizations, joint councils
US Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council, and National Turkey Federation have formed joint councils on human resources and safety.
News from AEB
The Chicken Industry Is Committed to Environmental Protection
The broiler chicken industry in the United States is firmly committed to the protection of the environment – the air, land, and water. The industry spends millions of dollars per year on all aspects of environmental protection and works closely with the farmers who raise chickens to assist them in proper environmental management.
--- April 19, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
Pilgrim's Pride to close Georgia plant
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation announced April 13 plans to close its chicken processing plant in Dalton, Ga., within 60 days and consolidate production at the company's processing facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., according to a press release from the company.
Recession closes in on chicken farmers
Nationally, 800 to 900 chicken farmers have lost contracts since last fall, almost all of them in the South.
University of Georgia lab animals remain healthy, well-fed despite budget cuts
Research budgets are tightening with increasing competition for grants, but the University is keeping its lab animals healthy and well-fed.
Avian influenza found on Kentucky poultry farm
Kentucky State Veterinarian Robert Stout has quarantined a western Kentucky poultry farm that produces hatching eggs for Perdue Farms Inc. following the detection of a non-pathogenic or low-pathogenic form of avian influenza was discovered in the birds.
Avian Influenza News
In Brief: United States approves rapid avian flu test
DAKAR, 10 April 2009 (IRIN) - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a test that can detect the deadly H5N1 virus in humans through throat or nose swabs in 40 minutes. Current laboratory analyses that detect the avian flu strain can take up to four hours for confirmation.
Industry News
Poults placed for 2009 slaughter down 10% year-to-date
Turkey producers have continued to respond to relatively poor returns by placing fewer poults than in the prior year in the month of March. According to USDA data, 9% fewer poults were hatched in March 2009 than were hatched in the same month last year
USDA lowers broiler production estimate
USDA Economic Research Service lowered its production estimates for U.S. broiler meat production in 2009 in a report released April 16. The revised forecast expects 35.5 billion pounds to be produced in 2009, down 4% from last year. This estimate was reduced a total of 300 million pounds from the prior forecast
Poultry News
Poultry groups challenge EPA CAFO regulation (free registration required)
The National Chicken Council and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association have filed suit in the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans to challenge certain aspects of the Environmental Protection Agency's new regulation on water pollution discharges from so-called confined animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, the groups said in a news release.
University News
Texas A&M poultry judging team repeats as national champions
COLLEGE STATION - The Texas A&M University Poultry Judging Team repeated as national champions at the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest.
--- April 3, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
Peco Foods names COO, restructures marketing group (free subscription required)
Tuscaloosa, Ala.-based Peco Foods announced it has named Benny Bishop its chief operating officer.
Pilgrim's Pride cut growers based on production factors
FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Pilgrim's Pride decided to end contracts with some Florida chicken growers before filing for bankruptcy late last year based on production factors — not race, a company official testified March 10 at a hearing, according to The Associated Press.
Ga. poultry counties more economically efficient than others‚ finds study
A recent comparative study of farm incomes in southern Georgia concludes that counties that have poultry production facilities have, on average, total net farm income of almost three times that of comparable but non-poultry-producing counties, according to a Poultry Science Association (PSA) press release.
Egg News
Thinkegg.com has been launched
Designed to promote eggs through interesting egg facts and tasty recipes from around the world, ThinkEgg.com, the International Egg Commission's consumer website, is now live.
Government News
WEEKLY ADDRESS: President Barack Obama Announces Key FDA Appointments and Tougher Food Safety Measures
WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Barack Obama announced the appointments of Dr. Margaret Hamburg as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and Dr. Joshua Sharfstein as the Principal Deputy Commissioner, as well as the creation of a new Food Safety Working Group. This Food Safety Working Group will be chaired by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture and it will coordinate with other agencies and senior officials to advise the President on improving coordination throughout the government, examining and upgrading food safety laws, and enforcing laws that will keep the American people safe.
Industry News
Pilgrim's Pride sells chicken complex for $80 mln
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation announced that it has agreed to sell its chicken complex in Farmerville, La., to Foster Farms for $80 mln.
Broiler group questions government’s 2009 poultry production forecast
THE GOVERNMENT expects poultry production to grow faster this year, even as at least one industry group sees dampened demand amid the economic slowdown.
Schering-Plough and Merck announce merger
Merck & Co., Inc. and Schering-Plough Corp have announced a definitive merger agreement under which the companies Merck and Schering-Plough will combine, under the nameMerck, in a stock and cash transaction.
Poultry News
More than 1 million infected chickens culled in Texas
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS Last week, more than 1.4 million chickens were culled in Robertson County after infectious laryngotracheitis (I.L.T.) a rare respiratory infection wasdetected in some of the birds, according to TheEagle.com. Texas Animal Health Commission officials emphasized I.L.T. isn't dangerous for people, even if they eat meat infected with the disease,
GET CRACKING THIS EASTER HOLIDAY
American Egg Board Challenges Moms to Hard COOK (not BOIL) Their Eggs
WATT announces online community for poultry industry
WATT has announced the beta launch of AnimalAgNet.com, an online social networking community for those involved in animal agriculture. The site is created for producers, processors and marketers and others working in any phase of animal agriculture, including poultry.
--- March 6, 2009
Government News
'Restructuring' sought for food safety
WASHINGTON — Although the Food and Drug Administration bears the brunt of the nation’s food-safety oversight, at least 15 government agencies have a hand in making sure food is safe under at least 30 different laws, some of which date back to the early 1900s. It's a convoluted system, according to The Associated Press.
US: One food safety agency
The functions of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service that regulate meat, poultry and egg safety may be merged with the part of the US Food and Drug Administration that regulates the rest of the food supply.
Industry News
Pilgrim’s Pride closes 3 chicken plant
Pilgrim's Pride has announced that it will idle 3 US chicken processing plants and lay off approx. 3,000 workers. The poultry processor, which is currently reorganizing under bankruptcy protection, says these measures will reduce production by as much as 10%.
2008 a record year for US poultry exports
Exports of US broiler meat, excluding chicken paws, rose 18% in 2008 from 2007 to a record quantity of 3.2 mln mt.
--- February 20, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
Sanderson: chicken supply cuts necessary
According to Sanderson Farms Chairman and CEO Joe. F Sanderson Jr., chicken market improvements will have to come from supply cuts.
PETA targets Laurel-based poultry firm
A representative of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals today will present a resolution to change how Sanderson Farms kills its animals during the company’s shareholders meeting.
Butterball to cut 150 positions at Ark. plant (free membership required)
Garner, N.C.-based Butterball LLC has announced it will cut about 150 positions at its Huntsville, Ark., facility.
Cagle's loss widens in third quarter
ATLANTA — For the third quarter ended Jan. 3, Cagle’s, Inc. sustained a loss of $2,520,000, which compared with a loss of $1,769,000 during the same quarter of the previous year.
Poultry power coming to N.C.
A company that generates electricity by burning poultry litter plans to build a $150 million plant that will employ 100 workers in Montgomery County.
Pilgrim’s Pride poultry producer cuts 500 jobs
Pilgrim's Pride has reported a wider first-quarter loss and will consequently cut an additional 505 positions at one of their production facilities.
Government News
US: One food safety agency
The functions of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service that regulate meat, poultry and egg safety may be merged with the part of the US Food and Drug Administration that regulates the rest of the food supply.
Industry News
Tyson to aggressively grow poultry business
Tyson's chicken business experienced a tough time in 2008, but signs of improvement are breaking through, says senior group vice president Poultry & Prepared Foods, Donnie Smith.
Europe's largest PS hatchery open
Aviagen has opened Europe’s largest Parent Stock (PS) hatchery at Hilbersdorf, near Dresden, in Germany.
Poultry News
Scientists See No Advantage to Gas Killing For Chickens Over Conventional Stunning
According to scientists, there is no advantage in terms of animal welfare for gas killing systems for poultry compared to the conventional stunning systems used by the United States chicken industry. The industry feels that while gas systems are worthy of further study, there is no proven reason yet to move away from conventional stunning systems
--- February 6, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
Georgia's Poultry Industry Regroups After "Worst Year Ever"
Mary DeLong and 11 others carry on a third-generation family tradition. In this noisy workshop just outside of Macon, they make equipment the poultry industry uses to remove gizzards.
Cockfighting raid in N.C. nets 73 arrests
RALEIGH, N.C. -- More than 70 people have been arrested in a cockfighting ring that secretly gathered in central North Carolina to watch a $40,000 tournament.
Government News
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE VILSACK LAYS OUT PRIORITIES, EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR PAYMENT LIMITATIONS RULE
WASHINGTON, Monday, January 26, 2009-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced he will extend the comment period for the 2008 Farm Bill Farm Program Payment Limitation and Payment Eligibility rulemaking process.
USDA issues final rule on COOL labeling
WASHINGTON -- USDA on Jan. 12 announced details of the final regulation for the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program required by the 2002 and 2008 farm bills. The full text of the final rule was published in the Jan. 15, 2009, Federal Register. The rule becomes effective on March 16, 2009, 60 days after the date of publication. Copies of the final rule and additional information are on display online at http://www.ams.usda.gov/COOL.
Industry News
Tyson Brazil boosting chicken exports
Tyson Foods' Brazilian unit receives export licenses for all its plants in the country. The processor plans to generate between 60 and 70% of its Brazilian revenues from exports by the end of 2009.
Meetings
IPE 2009
Poultry News
Europe: welfare rules for meat chickens
Plans to implement Europe’s first comprehensive welfare rules on chickens raised for meat have been released for consultation by UK Farming Minister Jane Kennedy.
STATEMENT BY THE EGG NUTRITION CENTER AND AMERICAN EGG BOARD ON DIABETES CARE STUDY ON EGG CONSUMPTION
Park Ridge, Ill. (February 4, 2009) – A large body of science supports the beneficial role eggs play in a healthful diet. Eggs provide high-quality protein for growth, muscle strength and energy and promote weight management. Key nutrients found in eggs have also been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects and promote eye health. An article published in the November 2008 issue of Diabetes Care that examined data collected in the Physicians’ Health Study I and the Women’s Health Study found an association between egg intake and increased incidence of type 2 diabetes.i Given the large body of research supporting the health and nutritional benefits of egg consumption, this finding is unexpected. However, in light of the importance of this research and its implications, further research is warranted to replicate the finding and to identify potential physiological mechanisms.
AMERICA’S EGG FARMERS LAUNCH NEW INCREDIBLE EDIBLE EGG™ ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN FOCUSING ON “BODY AND MIND”
Park Ridge, Ill. (Feb. 3, 2009) – America’s egg producers are unveiling “Incredible People,” a new integrated advertising campaign in support of the incredible edible egg™. The campaign reminds Americans that the all‐natural, high‐quality protein in the eggs they love provides them with the energy they need for both body and mind.
National Chicken Council and Other Groups Oppose Boost in Ethanol Content of Gasoline
The National Chicken Council and other food and agribusiness groups are opposing a drive by the ethanol industry to raise the percentage of ethanol that can legally be added to motor gasoline, a limit now set at 10 percent to protect engine performance and fuel mileage.
--- January 23, 2009
News From Around the Southeast
ALABAMA: Third workshop on campylobacter isolation and identification from foods
Microbiologists working for the food industry, federal agencies, state departments of public health, academia, or research institutions will benefit from this workshop. The classes are organized to provide hands-on experience on the most successful techniques for the isolation and identification of Campylobacter spp. from foods. Participants will also learn the basics of molecular techniques used for rapid identification and DNA typing of Campylobacter strains. For more information, please visit http://www.campylobacterworkshop.org
Industry News
United States-Pilgrims Pride poultry problems.
Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., the country’s largest poultry producer in the United States, wants to sell its stake a grain elevator business to joint venture partner Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM).
Tyson expands in Brazil with processor, grower agreements (free registration required)
Tyson Foods' Tyson do Brasil unit has contracted with Brazilian poultry company Globoaves to produce and slaughter chickens, and is setting agreements with 670 new growers with a goal of becoming one of the five main poultry producers in Brazil.
Tyson acquires poultry rendering company
Tyson Foods has reportedly completed the acquisition of Central Industries, a poultry by-products rendering company in Forest, Miss., US.
Pilgrim's laying off 450 in east Texas
PITTSBURG, TEXAS — Pilgrim's Pride announced that 450 positions will be eliminated from its Nacogdoches, Texas branch Jan. 24, according to The Daily Sentinel. The layoffs will account for about 27% of the plant's staff. Pilgrim's Pride is the largest employer in Nacogdoches County.
Pilgrim’s Pride stock to be de-listed from NYSE (free registration required)
Suspended since the company's Dec. 1 bankruptcy filing, Pilgrim's Pride Corp. stock will be removed from listing and registration on the New York Stock Exchange Jan. 22, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
Pilgrim’s Pride to cut jobs at Athens, Ga., plant (free registration required)
About 80 to 100 workers will be laid off from Pilgrim's Pride's Athens, Ga., poultry plant Feb. 9 when the Pittsburg, Texas-based company eliminates the second shift there to cut costs, the Athens Banner-Herald reported.
EU restrictions on U.S. poultry challenged through WTO (free registration required)
The United States has filed a case with the World Trade Organization regarding the European Union's ban on the import and marketing of U.S. poultry processed with pathogen reduction treatments judged safe by both U.S. and European food safety authorities, the U.S. Trade Representative announced.
USDA issues naturally raised marketing claim standard (free registration required)
USDA on Friday issued a voluntary standard for naturally raised livestock and meat marketing claims.
Poultry News
Chicken Wings Are Hot Items As Football Finale Nears
Whether you are rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL championship on February 1, chances are you will be within reach of a platter of delectable, golden-brown chicken wings. The National Chicken Council estimates that more than one billion wing portions will be served during the last football weekend.
--- January 9, 2009
News from Around the Southeast
Pilgrim’s cuts jobs at Georgia plant
Approximately 100 workers at the Pilgrim's Pride poultry plant in Athens, Ga., will lose their jobs Feb. 9, when the company eliminates its nighttime chicken processing shift. According to published reports, the cutback will affect 227 employees at the plant, but the company will move more than 50 of those people into the daytime processing shift and 70 to 90 others into the company's supply division, said company spokesman Ray Atkinson.
New year brings changes at GPF
GAINESVILLE - Mike Giles became President of the Georgia Poultry Federation (GPF) New Year's Day, and Abit Massey became President Emeritus while remaining on the staff of the Gainesville-based organization.
Tyson Layoffs
Friday will be the last day at work for a number of Tyson employees at the Liberty plant in Harrisonburg.
Pilgrim’s Pride to eliminate plant shift, cut 505 jobs (free registration required)
Pilgrim's Pride notified employees at its Live Oak, Fla., plant on Dec. 19 that it will end second-shift processing operations at the plant within the next 60 to 90 days, eliminating about 505 of the plant's 1,400 positions.
Tyson to convert N.C. plant to process only large birds
Tyson Foods Inc. will temporarily lay off 75 workers at its Wilkesboro, N.C., plant as it prepares the facility to process only larger birds, according to the Winston-Salem Journal. The plant currently produces smaller chickens for fast-food restaurants as well as larger birds for retail. Tyson plans to shift the production of the smaller chickens to another plant to improve the efficiency of operations at the facility.
Industry News
USDA makes bonus purchase of chicken
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) this week purchased approximately 60.5 million pounds of chicken products at a cost of about $42 million to assist the broiler industry, which has experienced significant financial losses.
CEO Quits at Meat Giant Tyson
Richard L. Bond quit Monday as chief executive officer of Tyson Foods Inc. amid internal tensions over how to navigate the meat industry's worst slump in decades.
Broiler chick placements, egg sets decline (free registration required)
Broiler growers in the 19-State weekly program placed 168 million chicks for meat production during the week ending Dec. 20, 2008, according to USDA statistics.
Tyson cutting chicken production: analyst (free registration required)
In order to better match supply with shrinking demand, Tyson Foods Inc. is cutting both beef and chicken production, the latter of which marks a significant development in the poultry industry, according to Stephens Inc. analyst Farha Aslam.
U.S. poultry industry 'in a contraction phase': L.M.I.C.
WASHINGTON Higher feed costs, an over supply of broiler meat as well as economic slowdowns in the domestic and foreign markets have pressured poultry prices and left the industry struggling to maintain any type of profitability. As a result, the U.S. poultry industry is clearly in a contraction phase at this point in time, according to the Livestock Marketing Information Center
Poultry News
Top 10 poultry stories chronicle wild 2008
The poultry industry’s No. 1 news story in 2008 was the bankruptcy of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, the world’s largest poultry company.
7 poultry trade issues for the Obama administration
Here are the top seven trade policy recommendations that U.S. poultry and egg exporters have for the Obama administration. – by Gary Thornton
Poultry industry and USDA urge farm registration (free registration required)
The National Turkey Federation, National Chicken Council and United Egg Producers are urging farmers to register their premises with the National Animal Identification System to help protect their flocks in the event of an outbreak of disease.
Europe keeps US poultry off the Xmas menu over chlorine use
BRUSSELS (AFP) — European Union farm ministers rejected Thursday attempts to lift a ban on US poultry which is washed in chlorine, ensuring that American turkeys will not grace Europe's Christmas dinner tables.
--- December 19, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Keystone Foods to build new Ala. processing facility
Construction is under way on Keystone Foods LLC’s new processing plant in Gadsden, Ala., which will produce fully-cooked chicken for foodservice customers.
Government News
Vilsack named to lead U.S.D.A.
CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama held a press conference today to nominate former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture.
FDA retracts ban on poultry antibiotic
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will continue to allow the widespread use of a class of powerful antibiotics in food-producing animals, including chickens and other poultry.
Industry News
The fall of Pilgrim’s Pride: Special news feature
Highly leveraged after the Gold Kist acquisition, the company needed a run of favorable markets and shrewd decisions. Both ran out.
Tyson Foods Signs New Lender Agreement
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat company, said Wednesday it has signed a new agreement with its creditors that puts up just about the entire company as collateral for its loans.
Chicken sales increase over 2008
Chicken sales increased 6.7% in 2008, according to "The Fresh Meat Market in the U.S.: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Turkey and Lamb in Retail and Foodservice", from Packaged Facts.
Poultry News
Oklahoma appeals decision on poultry littering
TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma’s attorney general has hardly given up on the state’s pollution case targeting 13 Arkansas-based poultry companies. In a case droning on for years, the state alleges the companies are polluting the Illinois River watershed with bird waste. The state's 61-page appeal of an earlier judge's ruling was filed late in the day on Dec. 15 with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, according to The Associated Press.
Poultry Groups Welcome EPA Final Rule On Air Release Reporting
The National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association issued a joint statement welcoming today’s announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granting an exemption for poultry farms from having to report naturally occurring air releases of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide as an "emergency release" under the CERCLA and EPCRA emergency reporting framework. The exemption affects a majority of the family farmers engaged in poultry live production that operate in the United States.
Report: Delaware poultry farms are major polluters of ammonia
Delaware’s poultry farms sent 93 times more ammonir a national toxic pollution tracking program, a coalition of national environmental groups reported today.
Poultry consumption lowest in 7 years
The supply of poultry and red meat was sufficient throughout most of 2008, however, per capita is reportedly the lowest in 7 years, says the Livestock Marketing Information Centre.
--- December 5, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Georgia Poultry Farmers Face Russian Cutbacks
Georgia’s poultry industry is bracing for a 20 percent cut in exports to its largest overseas customer, Russia.
Industry News
Gold'n Plump debuts chickens with farm-of-origin label
Ever wonder where your chicken came from? Gold’n Plump Poultry is now selling chickens that provide answers.
Pilgrim's Pride files for bankruptcy
PITTSBURG, TEXAS — Facing financial challenges, Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., one of the nation’s leading chicken processors, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas.
Prospects for Expanding Egg Consumption
While total egg consumption and the uptake of eggs/person will continue to grow long term virtually everywhere, in developing countries the gains will be via purchases of shell eggs. In contrast, the rise for many developed economies will reflect an increase in eggs eaten in egg products,which in some instances will be at the expense of the uptake in shell. Indeed, as can be seen by reference to the table, in the USA, the proportion of eggs broken for further processing and consumed in product forms now exceeds 30% of total production, and some industry observers consider that this figure will rise to 50% by 2020
Turkey meat gaining popularity year-round
Turkey meat and cuts are proving to be popular consumer products year-round in the US, according to the National Turkey Federation’s 2008 Marketplace Survey
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Poultry prices
ATLANTA -- The Georgia f.o.b. dock-quoted price on broilers and fryers for this week's trading is 86.75 cents based on full truck load lots of ice pack USDA grade "A" sized 2 to 3 pound birds.
Other Organizations' News
http://www.aeb.org/pdfs/aboutAEB/news/aeb_news_nov_08.pdf
Poultry News
Transporting Broiler Chickens Could Spread Antibiotic-resistant Organisms
ScienceDaily (Nov. 25, 2008) — Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have found evidence of a novel pathway for potential human exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria from intensively raised poultry — driving behind the trucks transporting broiler chickens from farm to slaughterhouse.
National Chicken Council Criticizes Study Based on Tailgating Chicken Trucks
The National Chicken Council has criticized a study of bacteria allegedly flying off chicken trucks as unfocused, unrealistic, and rather unsafe.
University News
Texas A&M Poultry Judging Team wins fifth national championship
COLLEGE STATION—The Texas A&M University Poultry Judging Team won its fifth national championship in the National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest.
Nicholas Sallas Named First Recipient of Thaxton Animal Welfare Assistantship; Dr. Wayne Kuenzel Named to KFC Animal Welfare Advisory Council
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec 01, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nicholas Joseph Sallas of Columbiana, Ala., has been named the first recipient of the J. Paul Thaxton Graduate Assistantship for the study of Animal Welfare. The assistantship at Mississippi State University's Poultry Science Department is funded by KFC and the Yum! Brands Foundation.
Government News
USDA-NASS Poultry Slaughter
Released November 28, 2008, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA-NASS Egg Products
Released November 28, 2008, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA-ERS Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook: Tables
November outlooks
--- November 21, 2008
News from Around the Southeast
Poultry producer Pilgrim's Pride to cut 335 jobs
PITTSBURG, Texas — Pilgrim's Pride Corp. plans to cut about 335 jobs by the end of the month, as the nation's largest chicken producer looks to reduce costs amid a slumping operating environment.
Poultry News
Poultry industry must remain focused
November 11, 2008—The poultry industry must remain disciplined and focused in the face of the current economic turmoil, says Richard Greubel, international president of Tyson Foods.
--- November 7, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Victory for Obama - consequence for agriculture
Following Barack Obama's election night victory and promises of change, those in the agriculture industry are waiting to see what changes are expected with in agriculture. Some of his stances are highlighted on his official website and include:
Industry News
EPA finalizes CAFO rule for manure‚ wastewater
October 31, 2008—The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a rule requiring concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to safely manage manure and wastewater.
Poultry News
Birds of a Feather: Commercial Producers Play Chicken with Avian Flu
In the late 1980s thousands of chickens died from a cancer caused by a virus known as avian leukosis virus J because they were all descended from a few roosters susceptible to the disease.
University News
Poultry science expert honored for contributions to field
Daniel Fletcher, professor and head of the Department of Animal Science, has been inducted into the International Poultry Hall of Fame.
--- October 25, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Economy Blamed For Delay In Opening Arkansas Chicken Processing Plant
Pine Bluff, AR (AHN) - A new chicken processing plant that would employ 300 people in Pine Bluff, AR, has been delayed because of the economy.
Poultry plant closing; employs 600
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — A suburban Atlanta poultry processing plant will be phased out early next year, affecting 600 workers.
Avian Influenza News
World ill-prepared for next flu pandemic: UN
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — Despite widespread awareness of the risks of the next flu pandemic, the world needs to drastically improve cooperation in preparing for what would be a major global crisis, a UN report said Tuesday.
Government News
World broiler production to increase 3.5% in 2009‚ predicts FAS
October 21, 2008—Broiler production in major countries is estimated to total 74,237,000 metric tons in 2009, 3.5% more than the 71,733,000 tons expected this year, according to data from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
Industry News
Petaluma Poultry plans to cut emissions by 20%
October 21, 2008—Petaluma Poultry, one of the largest U.S. organic and free-range broiler producers, takes sustainability seriously. “Our target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20% over the next five years,” says vice president Dave Martinelli. This spring, Petaluma Poultry, headquartered about an hour north of San Francisco, began the process of setting a baseline for greenhouse gas emissions and joined the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders Program.
Food prices get no help from cheaper grains, oil
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. food prices are still headed for their largest increase in two decades this year despite the recent slide in oil and grain markets, the Agriculture Department said on Tuesday.
Poultry industry hopes for better times ahead
SALISBURY -- After going through what some experts call the worst market in decades, poultry companies are hopeful their industry will rebound after a year of skyrocketing production costs and dwindling profits.
--- October 10, 2008
Avian Influenza News
Double Flu Jab Needed Against Bird Flu Pandemic
ScienceDaily (Oct. 8, 2008) — An international study led by University of Leicester researchers has determined that vaccination will be the best way to protect people in the event of the next influenza pandemic – but that each person would need two doses.
Poultry News
Chicken droppings cheap fertilizer for U.S. wheat
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Reuters) - For Kansas farmer Jeff Fowler, planting and fertilizing a new wheat crop this fall is a fowl job.Literally.
$10 mln DNA technology selection project in poultry breeding
The USDA has partnered with Hendrix Genetics and Cobb-Vantress on a US$10 mln DNA technology selection project in poultry breeding.
New Members Elected to National Chicken Council Executive Committee and Board of Directors
Newly elected members of the National Chicken Council’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors were announced at the trade association’s Annual Conference here today.
Poultry Veterinarian Documents the Benefits Of Antibiotic Use in Animals
Improvements in animal health management, including the judicious use of antibiotics, have led to healthier broiler flocks producing more meat for the consuming public, according to Dr. Spangler Klopp, testifying for the National Chicken Council at a congressional hearing.
News from AEB
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September 26, 2008
Avian Influenza News
Watch out for the other bird flu
WHATEVER happened to bird flu? The H5N1 virus has been storming across Eurasia and Africa since 2004, destroying birds and killing 245 people, according to official figures. But while it has faded from the headlines, governments and scientists are as concerned as ever about the dangers it poses.
Feed News
US Feed Outlook
A fall in US feed grain production this month largely caused by dry weather has only partially been offset by increases in foreign production, according to the US Feed Outlook by the Economic Research Service of the USDA.
Industry News
Pilgrim's Pride warns of 'significant loss' in Q4
PITTSBURG, TEXAS — Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., the world’s largest chicken processor, warned shareholders and the investment community early Thursday morning it will face a "significant loss" in its fiscal fourth quarter ended Sept. 27. The company attributed the pending loss to high feed-ingredient costs, continued weak pricing and demand for chicken breast meat, and "the significant negative impact of hedged grain positions during the quarter." Adding pressure to the company’s financial position is more than $1 billion in debt it took on with the acquisition of Gold Kist, Inc. in January 2007.
Tyson enters Brazilian poultry industry with 3 transactions
Tyson Foods is continuing the strategic expansion of its international business by investing in the Brazilian poultry industry, the company has announced.
Poultry News
UK breeders to sell slow-growing birds
Slower growing breeds of chickens are being introduced by the British poultry industry following consumers' demands for more welfare-friendly farming.
--- September 12, 2008
Avian Influenza News
The Effects of Avian Influenza News on Consumer Purchasing Behavior: A Case Study of Italian Consumers’ Retail Purchase
To better understand how information about potential health hazards influences food demand, this case study examines consumers’ responses to newspaper articles on avian influenza, informally referred to as bird flu.
Industry News
Consumer confidence rebounds despite economic uncertainties
NEW YORK – Despite concerns about rising costs and a sputtering economy, among other things, it appears consumer confidence may be improving, according to recent results of the RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index, which advanced for the second consecutive month.
Sanderson Farms named POULTRY magazine’s 2008 Industry Innovator Award winner (free registration required)
POULTRY magazine has chosen Sanderson Farms as its 2008 Industry Innovator Award winner for the company's demonstrated excellence in the U.S. poultry industry in the areas of business success, philanthropy and leadership.
Tyson Foods offers common stock, convertible notes
SPRINGDALE, ARK. -- Tyson Foods Inc. intends to offer 20 million shares of its Class A common stock in a registered underwritten public offering. The company intends to grant the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 3-million shares of its Class A common stock to cover over-allotments, if any.
Russia to Ban Imports of Some U.S. Poultry
MOSCOW (Reuters) — Russia, the biggest market for American poultry exporters, will ban imports from 19 producers in the United States and warned on Friday that an additional 29 suppliers face a possible ban on health and safety grounds.
Poultry News
Poultry vaccines could improve human health
WASHINGTON -- Garnering annual profits of $50 billion, the United States is the leader in the global poultry industry. But scientists are concerned about Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli, which caused an estimated $80 million in losses in 2002. A.P.E.C. has the potential to be as harmful as E. coli O157:H7, the strain responsible forhuman illness and death after consumption of contaminated meat.
1,000 poultry sheds sold every week as urban families take to The Coop Life
Thousands of city dwellers are rearing chickens at home - thanks to celebrity chefs who have highlighted the plight of battery-farmed hens and championed locally grown food.
--- August 29, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Koch Foods cuts 35 jobs due to rising water costs (free membership required)
Koch Foods has reduced production and eliminated 35 positions from its poultry processing plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., due to rising water prices and feed expenses.
Government News
USDA Rural Development to Hold Public Meeting on Farm Bill Renewable Energy Provisions
WASHINGTON, August 20, 2008 - Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today announced that a public meeting will be held on Sept. 4, 2008-in conjunction with USDA's Farm Service Agency and Forest Service-on how to implement renewable energy programs authorized under the recently enacted farm bill.
Poultry News
First Biogas Plant Using 70 Percent Chicken Manure as Feedstock Inaugurated
The supposedly world's first biogas/biomethane plant that runs on 70 percent chicken manure as a feedstock was officially inaugurated in Baasdorf (Eastern Germany) in August 2008. Compared to a standard biogas plant that runs predominantly on corn silage, the Baasdorf plant needs a lot less acreage for the production of feedstock while simultaneously providing an environmentally friendly way of disposing chicken manure. If economically viable, biogas plants of these kinds could stir biogas production out of the line of fire in the food versus fuel debate.
--- August 15, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry firm to idle plant in Clinton, cut 360 jobs
LITTLE ROCK — Pilgrim’s Pride Inc. said Monday that it will cease production at its processing plant in Clinton, a town still recovering from tornadoes that struck in February and May, and at a further-processing plant in Bossier City, La.
Pilgrim's Pride cutting 600 more jobs as feed costs soar
Pilgrim's Pride Corp. said Monday it will add 600 job cuts to the 1,700 already announced as it struggles with higher feed costs and lower prices for some of its chicken products.
New Oakwood lab helps keep poultry flocks healthy
A new biosecure necropsy building opened last week at the Georgia Poultry Laboratory in Oakwood. The $100,000 facility allows post-mortem examination of chickens without the possibility of introducing disease into the main laboratory building.
Alabama claims economic development honor, still awaiting Solvay decision on influenza vaccine plant
Gov. Bob Riley said Wednesday he remains hopeful that a long-sought pharmaceutical company project is just days away from an official announcement that it will land in Birmingham.
After losing Tyson contract, poultry plant closing
BUFFALO, MO. ― By Oct. 4, the Petit Jean Poultry plant will no longer be in operation, eliminating about 465 jobs in Buffalo, a town of about 3,000. The plant is closing because Tyson Foods Inc. reportedly did not renew a contract with Petit Jean, according to the News-Leader newspaper.
Poultry dying in 100-plus weather
(AP) - The intense heat in Arkansas is taking its toll on the flocks of poultry farmers, costing them hundreds of birds a day.
Avian Influenza News
Researchers fear other bird flu virus may cause pandemic
WASHINGTON (AFP) — US scientists Wednesday raised fears that a different strain of the bird flu virus could mutate to become more easily transmissible among humans and trigger a pandemic.
POULTRY: UD gets grant for avian flu research
DOVER - Researchers at the University of Delaware and 17 other institutions received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue research and outreach programs related to avian flu
Government News
USDA Crop Production data
Corn production down 6 percent from 2007. Soybean production up 15 percent from last year. All wheat production virtually unchanged from July forecast.
Moody's gives negative outlook for food industry
NEW YORK — Moody’s Investors Service has rated the outlook for the U.S. food industry as "negative." The projection was made with the expectation commodity prices in 2009 will further surpass historical averages resulting in pressure on profit margins and putting cash flow at risk for most companies
Second half of 2008 still looks profitable
Virtually everyone in the egg business looked for 2008 to be a good one, and it still will end up being so, although adding up the year, profits won't be quite as rosy as they looked just months ago. The reason why: sky-high feed costs. Even so, egg production will end up being profitable in every month the second half of the year, or nearly so. The Urner Barry Midwest price quote for May looked likely to average $1.10, near break even, "and prices will likely move up 10 cents to 20 cents from there to November-December," says Bob Pike, vice president and general manager for Braswell Foods, Nashville, N.C.
Poultry News
Chicken Industry “Deeply Disappointed” by EPA Inaction On Ethanol Waiver, Urges Congress To Reform Program
The chicken industry is "deeply disappointed" by the Environmental Protection Agency's refusal to grant a waiver of the ethanol mandate that is diverting billions of bushels of corn from livestock and poultry feed into
motor fuel, according to the National Chicken Council.
News from AEB
Grain prices down, poultry processor stocks up
Traders have reacted positively to the prospect of lower feed prices as a result of falling prices of grains and soybeans
--- August 1, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Tyson plans to add 370 jobs at Green Forest plant
SPRINGDALE, ARK. ― Plans to add approximately 370 new jobs at Tyson Foods’ poultry processing plant in Green Forest, Ark. are proceeding, company officials announced July 11.
Pilgrim’s Pride eliminates 600 jobs
Pilgrim's Pride plans to cut 600 jobs at its tray-pack facility in El Dorado, Arkansas, as it consolidates the plant into six other case-ready facilities. President and CEO of Pilgrim's Pride, Clint Rivers, said that the decision to convert the El Dorado facility to a supply plant was made in response to serious challenges facing the company, as well as the poultry processing industry as a whole.
Keystone Foods to expand Gadsden, Ala., plant
West Conshohocken, Pa.-based food processing company Keystone Foods will expand its operations in Gadsden, Ala., investing $118 million in a new facility and adding 150 new jobs, the Gadsden Times reported.
Feed News
Poultry groups lament rising feed costs
HINTON, Va. - Virginia's poultry industry complains that too much of the nation's corn crop is being diverted to biofuel.
Government News
Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook
This monthly report, presented in a newsletter format, provides current intelligence and forecasts the effects of changing conditions in the U.S. livestock, dairy, and poultry sectors. Topics include current production, consumption, trade, prices received, and more. Periodically, special reports on specific commodity issues also are released in this series.
Industry News
Tyson to buy 60 percent of Chinese poultry producer (free registration required)
Tyson Foods Inc. has signed a preliminary agreement to buy 60 percent of Xinchang Group, the fifth largest poultry producer in China.
Tyson fuel plant approved (free registration required)
Tyson Foods and Syntroleum Corp. have approved plans to build and fund Dynamic Fuels' first renewable synthetic fuels facility in Geismar, La., clearing the way for construction to begin.
Foster Farms pulls plug on new Colorado plant
LIVINGSTON, CALIF. – Citing the state’s "higher-than-anticipated cost structure" and the impact of rising feed and fuel costs, executives with Foster Farms announced this past week it would not pursue plans to build a processing plant in northeastern Colorado.
Poultry News
KFC is National Chicken Council’s First Partner in New Showcase of Chicken
The National Chicken Council (NCC) announced today that KFC is the first company to partner with NCC in the Council's newly-launched Showcase of Chicken. The showcase, on a quarterly basis, will recognize outstanding foodservice companies by featuring these partners on eatchicken.com, the consumer-oriented Web site maintained by NCC. Highlighted on a special section on eatchicken.com are KFC recipes, KFC's newest menu items, and insights into how company chefs at KFC dream up new ideas to meet consumer demand.
Brazil to be world’s second-largest chicken producer
At the end of 2008, it is expected thatBrazil will overtake China in terms of chicken production, becoming the world's second-largest producer behind the US.
--- July 11, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Water woes plague poultry farmer
These dry times have Richard Wansley sweating it out with his chickens and he is hoping Franklin County Commissioners can help ease his pain at the well.
Poultry Plant Manager Charged in Immigration Probe
(AP) -- A manager at a Greenville poultry factory under federal investigation has been charged with telling employees to use falsified immigration documents.
Poultry processor laying off more than 75
MONTEREY, Tenn. (AP) - Poultry processor Perdue Farms is laying off some workers at its plant in Monterey.
Government News
FDA issues order prohibiting antimicrobial drug in poultry
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a final rule that prohibits the extralabel use of cephalosporin antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals, including chickens, turkeys, cattle and swine.
Industry News
Tyson’s poultry expands in India
Tyson Foods Inc. will immediately start expanding its poultry operations in India, the world’s second-most populous nation, after buying a controlling stake in a chicken processor there, the company said Monday.
Abu Dhabi home to new poultry and meat processing plant
One of the largest meat and seafood processing factories in the Middle East is being constructed in Abu Dhabi, with an investment of Dh300 mln (€51 mln).
Turkeys, eggs destroyed in fire at poultry farm
ORGAN CAVE, W.Va. (AP) — A large number of turkeys and eggs were destroyed in a fire at one of the world’s largest poultry breeding farms.
New chicken plant being built in Lebanon, Ky.
LEBANON, KY. ― Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear announced on July 1 that Rancho Poultry, a joint venture between Keystone Foods of Pennsylvania and Lopez Foods in Oklahoma ― two McDonald’s suppliers ― plans to build a $43 million, 100,000 square-foot chicken-processing plant in Lebanon, Ky.
Sanderson Farms to delay poultry plant construction
NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Sanderson Farms Inc. said Thursday it will not start construction on a planned $126.5 million poultry factory because higher costs have strained its budget.
Poultry News
AVMA questions antibiotic ban in animals
Scientific data does not support a ban on the preventative use of antibiotics in food animals, according to The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
XIII WPC Report: New Role for Poultry Outlined
AUSTRALIA - Top scientists from across the globe gathered in Brisbane yesterday to discuss the current threat to food security and how the poultry industry can help alleviate these strains, writes Jackie Linden, Poultrysite Editor.
Geneticists Shake the Avian Family Tree
An extensive study of bird genetics has revealed so many surprises about avian evolution that researchers say textbooks and field guides will have to be rewritten. After comparing the genetic codes of 169 species researchers realized that many assumptions about bird evolution are wrong; for example, they found that falcons are not closely related to hawks and eagles, and that flamingos didn’t evolve from other waterbirds.
--- June 20, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Four supervisors arrested at SC poultry plant
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal agents have arrested four supervisors at a poultry plant in Greenville, S.C., as part of an investigation into alleged immigration violations.
Oklahoman says litter isn’t out fast enough
Five poultry companies in Arkansas promised to haul 202, 500 tons of litter away from Oklahoma’s scenic river watersheds.
Poultry Farmers Wary About Film Crew
SALISBURY, Md.- Area poultry farmers are keeping a close eye on their properties.
State diagnostic lab to be dedicated
The dedication of the Mitchem-Sparks State Diagnostic Laboratory will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Boaz.
Feed News
The high cost of flooded corn to soak consumers Corn syrup, livestock feed prices up as well
Forget about the misery rising crude oil prices is causing. Surging corn prices are beginning to spread their own ripples through the economy - and prices could go higher because the recent floods have been the worst in the Mid-western farmlands since 1993.
Industry News
S&P may downgrade Tyson, Pilgrim's Pride debt (free registration required)
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it has placed its 'BB-' corporate credit ratings on Dean Foods Co. and Pilgrim's Pride Corp., and its 'BBB-' corporate credit rating on Tyson Foods Inc. on CreditWatch with negative implications.
--- June 13, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry
Litter Power Plant To Open In Sampson Co
SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. -- A company that creates energy from poultry
litter announced today it plans to build a plant in Sampson County.
Avian Influenza News
Scientists
Develop Experimental Vaccine for Avian Flu
Scientists are reporting in this week's New England Journal of Medicine
that they have made an experimental vaccine against pandemic avian
flu that is not only potent, but one that can be stockpiled quickly.
The drug is created using the cells of monkeys instead of chicken
eggs. VOA's Jessica Berman explains.
CDC
Finds Some Bird Flu Strains have Acquired Properties that Might Enhance
Potential to Infect Humans
ATLANTA, Ga.-The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recently released results of a study suggesting that some North American
avian influenza A H7 virus strains have properties that might enhance
their potential to infect humans as well as their potential to spread
from human to human.
Feed News
USDA
Analysis Understates Impact of Ethanol Boom On Food Prices, Economist
Says
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer is leaning on a weak reed
in claiming that the ethanol boom is responsible for only a tiny fraction
of the dramatic increase in world food prices, according to an independent
agricultural economist.
NCC
Helps Launch Campaign To Reform Food-To-Fuel Policies
Today, the Food Before Fuel Campaign – a partnership of more
than 20 environmental, retail, hunger, Hispanic and food industry
groups – launched a cooperative effort urging Congress to revisit
the nation's food-to-fuel policies, a key factor in the growing global
food crisis.
Government News
A.P.H.I.S.
issues final rule on E.N.D. quarantine regs
WASHINGTON ? A final rule that changes the Exotic Newcastle disease
(END) domestic quarantine regulations was issued on May 23 by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service.
Industry News
Tyson
removes 'raised without antibiotics' label
Tyson Foods announces that it will stop labelling its chicken with
"raised without antibiotics" labels following "uncertainty
and controversy over product labelling regulations and advertising
claims".
Poultry News
USPOULTRY
redesigns Web site (free registration required)
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has launched a new Web site,
the association announced.
Nominate
POULTRY's Industry Innovator (free registration required)
Each year, POULTRY magazine recognizes an "Industry Innovator"
— a poultry processor whose products, processes or overall approach
to marketing or management have improved not only its own bottom line,
but raised the standard of excellence for the entire poultry industry.
--- June 6, 2008
No articles
--- May 30, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Georgia,
International Attendees Talk Poultry Cooling
US - The one thing Stanley Kaye didn’t learn at the poultry
workshop at the University of Georgia was how to protect his chicken
houses from mortar attacks.
Poultry News
U.S.D.A.
examines food prices, biofuels not to blame
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 20 released
an economic analysis showing higher energy prices, increased worldwide
demand and the weather are the primary factors contributing to higher
food prices, not biofuels.
A.P.H.I.S.
issues final rule on E.N.D. quarantine regs
WASHINGTON ? A final rule that changes the Exotic Newcastle disease
(END) domestic quarantine regulations was issued on May 23 by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service.
--- May 16, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Ark.
court: Cancer claim against poultry firms can proceed
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas poultry producers dismissed two years ago from
a lawsuit that seeks to hold them responsible for a man's leukemia
are targets again of the legal action.
Feed News
Corn
Prices Rise, Pitting Chickens Against Ethanol
Taking corn from the mouths of chickens to put into the gas tanks
of U.S. cars and trucks is causing feathers to fly in Washington.
Industry News
Pilgrim's
Pride CEO looks to industry to continue production cutbacks
(free registration required)
Pilgrim's Pride Corp. President and CEO Clint Rivers hopes to see
the chicken industry continue to cut production to help the industry
return to profitability.
Poultry News
EU
executive to propose lifting ban on US poultry
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission will seek to lift a ban
on imports of U.S. poultry by October, officials said on Tuesday,
trying to end a decade-long dispute that has been an irritant for
transatlantic trade ties.
--- May 9, 2008
Industry News
Chicken
prices to rise in the US
Food inflation is expected in the US as prices of chicken and pork
will go up over the next couple of months, Associated Press reports.
Poultry
breeding companies join forces on genomics program
Aviagen, Hy-Line International and Lohmann Tierzucht have committed
to a combined initiative to evaluate and implement a new genetic technology—Genome
Wide Selection—in their respective breeding programs
Court
Orders Tyson to Pluck its 'No Antibiotics' Campaign
Egged on by competitors, a federal appeals court has given Tyson Foods
14 days to remove advertising that claims its chickens are safer to
eat because they are "raised without antibiotics."
The
price of poultry in 10 years
Recent headlines worldwide have highlighted the global food crisis
and how people are struggling more and more to pay for basic food
products. The poultry industry has been hit hard.
Poultry News
EU
will probably lift U.S. poultry ban - Verheugen
LJUBLJANA, May 6 (Reuters) - The European Union will probably lift
its 11-year-old ban on imports of U.S. poultry, Enterprise and Industry
Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said on Tuesday.
U.S.
Poultry Industry Urges Transatlantic Economic Council To Promptly
Resolve U.S. Poultry Trade Issues With the EU
Failure to resolve the U.S. poultry trade issue at the mid-May 2008
Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) meeting will once again demonstrate
that the European Union is seeking a scientific impossibility; that
is, demanding conclusive evidence that there is an absolute-zero risk
to food safety and the environment with respect to U.S. poultry. No
scientific study on any issue has ever been able to prove an absolute-zero
risk.
--- April 25, 2008
Auburn University News
FOUR
POULTRY LITTER SEMINARS SET ACROSS STATE
MONTGOMERY, Ala.-- With more poultry growers combating the high cost
of litter replacement, Auburn University is planning a series of four
free seminars at sites throughout the state to discuss alternate litter
sources and to review litter management techniques.
News From Around the Southeast
NC
plant to make electricity from poultry waste
CLINTON, N.C. --A Pennsylvania company said Wednesday it plans to
build a plant in eastern North Carolina to produce electricity from
poultry waste.
N.C.
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response Plan in Place
The avian influenza outbreak that took place in 2002 in Virginia (and
to a lesser extent in North Carolina) resulted in the destruction
of 4.7 million birds in the Commonwealth and cost Virginia producers
an estimated $130 million. During the outbreak many poultry producers
felt they were in economic limbo, uncertain whether they would eventually
be paid by the government for their destroyed birds or if they would
have to shoulder the losses themselves.
Sanderson
Farms to open new plant (free registration required)
Sanderson Farms Inc. on Thursday said it will invest $126.5 million
to construct a new feed mill, hatchery and poultry processing plant
in Kinston, N.C.
Avian Influenza News
Examining
the avian flu: From pandemic planning to vaccine development
The journal Respirology has launched a special supplementary issue
on the avian influenza. Published by Wiley-Blackwell, the collection
of papers present an inclusive insight into the threat of the avian
influenza pandemic by addressing a wide range of topics including
the basic biology of the virus, updates on laboratory diagnosis and
influenza anti-viral, treatment options, and pandemic planning.
Scientists
find 'likely' human-human H5N1 spread
[BEIJING] A new study by Chinese scientists suggests a highly possible
human-to-human transmission of H5N1 bird flu virus.
Government News
FSIS
embraces podcasting (free registration required)
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has a new way to reach out:
It has launched a series of educational podcasts designed to address
food safety and education issues.
Industry News
Court
bars Tyson from using RWA phrasing (free registration required)
Tyson has lost Round One in its battle to advertise its chicken as
"raised without antibiotics" or "raised without antibiotics
that impact antibiotic resistance in humans."
US
poultry processors cut production
Due to rising feed costs and weak domestic market, Simmons Foods poultry
processor will cut chicken production by 6% as of this month.
Pilgrim's
Pride cutting production (free registration required)
In its latest move to combat record feed costs, Pilgrim's Pride Corp.,
the nation's largest chicken processor, on Monday announced that it
will reduce weekly chicken processing by about 5 percent.
Cagle's
cuts poultry production
Eat more chicken -- and plenty of it. That's what Cagle's Inc., an
Atlanta-based chicken processor, is hoping hungry consumers will do,
so the company can get its expenses in line and improve financially
Other Organizations' News
News
From the American Egg Board
Poultry News
Pilgrim's
Pride employees arrested and fired
Pilgrim's Pride has fired hundreds of workers who were arrested after
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials raided five
of the company's plants earlier this week.
5
Farms Named Nation’s Best Stewards
Conservation of resources and preservation of the land have always
been the hallmarks of a good farmer. Five of the USA's best poultry
growers were recognized recently for their outstanding environmental
stewardship by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. Each of these
growers has combined raising poultry with other farming enterprises
in ways that conserve resources and protect and improve their land.
Chillin’
Chickens-- Which Method Works Best?
Chicken processing is big business with almost 9 billion broiler chickens
being produced in the United States last year. Processing birds efficiently
and economically is the name of the game. And researching ways to
convert poultry into food that is safe for human consumption is what
Agricultural Research Service food scientists strive to achieve.
The
brown adipocyte differentiation pathway in birds: an evolutionary
road not taken
Thermogenic brown adipose tissue has never been described in birds
and other non-mammalian vertebrates. Brown adipocytes in mammals are
distinguished from the more common white fat adipocytes by having
numerous small lipid droplets rather than a single large one, elevated
numbers of mitochondria, and mitochondrial expression of the nuclear
gene UCP1, the uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation responsible
for non-shivering thermogenesis.
--- April 18, 2008
There are none for this week
--- April 11, 2008
There are none for this week
--- April 4, 2008
News from Around the Southeast
Alabama's
2007-2008 flu season has passed its peak and is now in decline, according
to officials with the state health department
Alabama's 2007-2008 flu season has passed its peak, and reports of
the illness are rapidly declining, according to officials with the
state Department of Public Health.
Poultry Plants with Salmonella Problems Identified
Last month, The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would
publish the names of poultry and meat plants having trouble controlling
Salmonella. As expected, the USDA began publishing the names of broiler
chicken plants last week listing 21 facilities where over 10% of samples
were contaminated. Two plants actually failed to meet the USDA’s
standard for Salmonella in chicken, which is no more than 20% of samples
contaminated. At the other 19 plants, between 10% and 20% of samples
had Salmonella, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
(FSIS).
Avian Influenza News
Chip
launched to detect bird flu
A portable chip to detect influenza viruses, including bird flu
in humans, has been developed by Europe 's top semiconductor maker,
STMicroelectronics.
Chickens not behind H5N1 outbreaks in Asia
ROME ? Ducks, people and rice paddies ? not chickens ? are the factors
leading to outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian
influenza in Thailand and Viet Nam, and are probably behind outbreak
persistence in other countries of the region such as Cambodia and
Lao PDR.
Industry News
Pilgrim's
Pride names new COO, restructures management (free registration
required)
Pittsburg, Texas-based Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on Wednesday named
Robert A. Wright chief operating officer.
Poultry News
Going
Real-Time On The Farm
Putting flock data to work on the farm and at the complex level
in a real-time fashion is the aim of new poultry house data collection
and reporting systems.
Darwin
Was Wrong About the Wild Origin of the Chicken
Charles Darwin maintained that the domesticated chicken derives
from the red jungle fowl, but new research from Uppsala University
now shows that the wild origins of the chicken are more complicated
than that.
Extension
granted in poultry watershed case (free registration required)
A federal magistrate has given Oklahoma Attorney General Drew
Edmondson's office a 45-day extension to submit expert reports in
its lawsuit, which alleges that poultry companies are contaminating
the Illinois River watershed, the Associated Press reported.
Americans
grilling poultry meat to become healthier
Americans are among other nations that are adopting a healthier
way of eating. As such, a study has recently shown that grilling
meat products is becoming popular.
PSA
says Bush budget would close two labs, damage poultry research (free
registration required)
President George W. Bush's proposed fiscal year 2009 federal
budget would eliminate two U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratories
that play a vital role in poultry and biomedical research and provide
invaluable services to poultry and related industries, according
to the Poultry Science Association.
Flies
and Salmonella: dangerous duo in poultry houses
Flies may be more than a mere nuisance in poultry houses. They may
also spread food poisoning bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis
to chickens and their eggs, the USDA ARS reports.
Air
chilling poultry carcasses, the new trend
It has been reported that air-chilling is a new label to look out
for when purchasing chicken meat. According to some producers, this
method has many advantages!
Intensive
Poultry Production is Better for Global Warming
In contrast to the assertions of some environmentalists, British
scientists have proven that intensive, indoor poultry production
has a much smaller impact on global warming than organic or free-range
production. Additionally, poultry production proves to be more environmentally
efficient than any other source of meat production. See the article
from "World Poultry" magazine.
News
from AEB
March 28, 2008
Avian Influenza News
Chip
launched to detect bird flu
A portable chip to detect influenza viruses, including bird flu
in humans, has been developed by Europe 's top semiconductor maker,
STMicroelectronics.
Chickens
not behind H5N1 outbreaks in Asia
ROME - Ducks, people and rice paddies - not chickens -are the
factors leading to outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic
avian influenza in Thailand and Viet Nam, and are probably behind
outbreak persistence in other countries of the region such as
Cambodia and Lao PDR.
Industry News
Pilgrim's
Pride names new COO, restructures management (free registration
required)
Pittsburg, Texas-based Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on Wednesday named
Robert A. Wright chief operating officer.
Poultry News
Americans
grilling poultry meat to become healthier
Americans are among other nations that are adopting a healthier
way of eating. As such, a study has recently shown that grilling
meat products is becoming popular.
PSA
says Bush budget would close two labs, damage poultry research (free registration required)
President George W. Bush's proposed fiscal year 2009 federal budget
would eliminate two U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratories
that play a vital role in poultry and biomedical research and
provide invaluable services to poultry and related industries,
according to the Poultry Science Association.
Flies
and Salmonella: dangerous duo in poultry houses
Flies may be more than a mere nuisance in poultry houses. They
may also spread food poisoning bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis
to chickens and their eggs, the USDA ARS reports.
Air
chilling poultry carcasses, the new trend
It has been reported that air-chilling is a new label to look
out for when purchasing chicken meat. According to some producers,
this method has many advantages!
Intensive
Poultry Production is Better for Global Warming
In contrast to the assertions of some environmentalists, British
scientists have proven that intensive, indoor poultry production
has a much smaller impact on global warming than organic or free-range
production. Additionally, poultry production proves to be more
environmentally efficient than any other source of meat production.
See the article from "World Poultry" magazine.
News
from AEB
--- March 14, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Poultry
farmers win lawsuit
OKLAHOMA CITY -A jury awarded $21 million to poultry farmers in
a class-action suit filed against O. K. Industries Inc. and its
poultry processing subsidiary, O. K. Foods Inc., according to the
Arkansas Democrat Gazette. More than 300 farmers charged the company
violated the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 by unfairly wielding
its buying influence to the detriment of their incomes.
Poultry
dangers overstated, expert says
TULSA — Federal Judge Gregory K. Frizzell lectured participants
in a hearing Friday on the rule of law facing the state in its request
for an injunction barring spread of poultry waste in the Illinois
River watershed.
Avian Influenza News
Scientists
discover new key to flu transmission
CHICAGO - Flu viruses must be able to pick a very specific type
of lock before entering human respiratory cells, U.S. researchers
said on Sunday, offering a new understanding of how flu viruses
work.
Industry News
Pilgrim's
Pride exits turkey business (free registration required)
Pittsburg, Texas-based chicken company Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on
Monday announced the sale of its turkey production facility and
distribution center in New Oxford, Pa., to New Oxford Foods LLC,
a subsidiary of Hain Pure Protein Corp., Melville, N.Y.
Poultry News
Rare
chicken egg to be sold on eBay
It has always been said that a chicken egg was nature's most perfect
food. However, the most unusual, rare egg has recently been discovered.
So rare that it will soon be up for sale on eBay!
--- March 7, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Tyson
to close plant, discontinue product line (free registration required)
Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. on Friday announced that
it will close one of its three plants in Wilkesboro, N.C., and
discontinue one of its product lines. The closure will result
in the loss of about 400 jobs.
Science
key to Oklahoma’s poultry litter case
A key part of Oklahoma’s effort to ban poultry litter in
the Illinois River watershed hinges on a developing, often-doubted
science known as microbial source tracking
Government News
USDA
to focus on poultry handling
The USDA will implement a series of interim actions to verify
and analyse humane handling activities in all federally inspected
establishments, and will focus efforts on plants that handle animals
most prone to stress.
Industry News
Judge
Rules Poultry Are Not 'Livestock'
A San Francisco judge has ruled that chickens are not "livestock,"
and, as a result, are not subject to the Humane Methods of Slaughter
Act, according to court filings.
Vet
shortage threatens food system
A shortage of veterinarians who treat farm animals is stressing
the nation's food inspection system, prompting the federal government
to offer bonuses and moving expenses to fill hundreds of vacancies.
University News
Texas
A&M names new poultry science department head (free registration
required)
Texas A&M University has appointed Dr. John Carey head of
the College Station, Texas-based university's poultry science
department.
--- February 29, 2008
Poultry News
Mining
Manure for Phosphorus
Underground phosphorus deposits around the world are mined for
use as a much-valued fertilizer. Now Agricultural Research Service
(ARS) soil scientists Ariel Szogi, Matias Vanotti and Patrick
Hunt have found a way to “mine” the phosphorus in
poultry manure.
Poultry
officials meet to discuss Salmonella sampling
ATLANTA --More than 100 poultry industry leaders met in Atlanta
on Feb. 19 for a meeting organized by the U.S. Poultry & Egg
Association to discuss the recent Food Safety and Inspection Service
Federal Register notice on the Salmonella Verification Sampling
Program.
Salmonella
notice comment period set to close despite industry protests (free
registration required)
The comment period for USDA's proposed salmonella initiative is
set to close today, despite extension requests from industry members
and trade associations.
Vaccination
of poultry - All you ever wanted to know
As in human medicine, in the last 50-60 years, there has been
tremendous progress in the development of vaccines to protect
chickens against both viral and bacterial diseases.
News
from AEB
--- February 25, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Tyson
fires workers involved in chicken abuse (free registration required)
Tyson Foods has fired a number of workers at chicken processing
plants in Cumming, Ga., and Union City, Tenn., following a federal
investigation of animal cruelty charges, the company said.
Poultry
Growers, Companies Say Lawsuit Could Hurt Livelihoods
The outcome of a court hearing set to begin this week threatens
to drastically change the way poultry farmers and companies conduct
business in Northwest Arkansas. And it could hurt the area's already
struggling economy.
N.C.
backs off poultry scrutiny
North Carolina bolstered its workplace safety program after a
chicken plant fire killed 25 workers in Hamlet in 1991. But the
state's focus on keeping poultry workers safe has waned since
the mid-1990s, an Observer investigation has found.
Congress
to investigate poultry worker safety (free registration required)
Lawmakers in both the House and Senate plan to investigate worker
safety in the poultry industry in the wake of a Charlotte Observer
series on safety at poultry giant House of Raeford Farms.
Avian Influenza News
CAST releases
two new publications on AI vaccination
CAST has released new publications, a Special Publication and
a Commentary focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza
that discuss the science and the art of controling AI
Industry News
U.S.
poultry exports set record in '07 (free registration required)
Exports of U.S. poultry, eggs and related products surpassed $4
billion for the first time in 2007, according to the USA Poultry
& Egg Export Council.
Poultry News
Probiotics
to fight Salmonella in poultry
Salmonella in poultry can be reduced by using probiotics. This
development offers a way that makes it easy on poultry growers
and enhances food safety.
--- February 15, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry
industry defends poultry-waste spreading
TULSA, OKLA. Arkansas-based poultry companies told a federal judge
that attempts by the state of Oklahoma to stop the spreading of
poultry waste in the Illinois River watershed uses unreliable
evidence and could force area farmers out of business.
DeKalb
poultry farmers look for help
As the price of natural gas continues to rise, DeKalb County poultry
farmers continue to feel the pinch. Now, they want the state to
help.
Industry News
Aviagen’s
Ross EPI now largest single stage PS hatchery
Feb. 13, 2008, Netherlands - To accommodate its plans for further
expansion, Parent Stock hatchery Ross EPI, part of the Aviagen
Group, has completed a comprehensive refurbishment of its Dutch
hatchery operations, working with single stage hatchery specialists
Pas Reform. Situated in Roermond, Ross EPI’s Dutch hatchery
has been refurbished with the latest in single stage equipment
and technologies. The new installation includes a full single
stage Smart incubation system, comprising SmartSet™ setters
and SmartHatch™ hatchers, combined with a SmartDrive™
incubator control system, to accommodate the management of individual
conditions per egg type and SmartCenter™, Pas Reform’s
powerful hatchery management information system.
Tyson
to buy Brazilian poultry operations
In March, Tyson Foods Inc. will be finalising 100% acquisition
of the privately held Pena Branca's poultry operations, confirmed
the Brazilian chicken company's director.
Other Organizations' News
Chicken
Industry Emphasizes Worker Safety
The chicken industry is playing a responsible leadership role
in improving worker safety in its workplaces and reducing the
incidence of injuries and health problems such as conditions associated
with repetitive motion.
Poultry News
New
discovery, scientists take fresh look at poultry disease
Poultry scientists are taking a fresh look at the devastating
poultry bacterial disease, necrotic enteritis, following a world-first
discovery.
--- February 8, 2008
Avian Influenza News
New
vaccine against H5N1 bird flu
A vaccine against the H5N1 bird flu virus has been tested by researchers
at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Vaccine Research.
The vaccine has shown promising results.
Government News
USDA
to name poultry plants with Salmonella problems
Feb 6, 2008 (CIDRAP News) – The US Department of Agriculture
(USDA) says it is preparing to begin publishing the names of poultry
and meat plants that have trouble controlling Salmonella, as the
agency extends a set of policy changes designed to reduce the
prevalence of the pathogen in meat.
USDA budget proposes new fees for processing plants (free registration
required)
The Agriculture Department plans to ask lawmakers to approve $96
million in new fees charged to federally inspected meat and poultry
processing plants, the agency said in 2009 budget documents
Poultry News
USPOULTRY
honors poultry scientist (free registration required)
Wallace Morgan was recently awarded the U.S. Poultry & Egg
Association's Lamplighter Award.
Avian
Origins: New Analysis Confirms Ancient Beginnings
ScienceDaily (Feb. 5, 2008) — Did modern birds originate
around the time of the dinosaurs' demise, or have they been around
far longer?
Poultry
industry has global opportunities
ATLANTA — Trends indicate continuing growth in demand worldwide
for poultry products, yet the U.S. industry also faces strong
challenges domestically related to the cost of feed, environmental
issues, and consumer demands, according to a research analyst
who specializes in agribusiness.
--- February 1, 2008
There are none for this week
--- January 25, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Poultry-litter
runoff may pose a future water problem
State figures show that fields in Wilkes and Surry counties, typically
fertilized with poultry waste, have high levels of phosphorus
and copper.
Avian Influenza News
Don't
rely on drugs to delay flu pandemic
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Vaccines and drugs will not be enough to
slow or prevent a pandemic of influenza, according to a U.S. government
report released on Tuesday.
WHO
launches bird flu virus tracker after facing protests over transparency
A new World Health Organization system designed to allow countries
to track the H5N1 influenza viruses they have provided to international
laboratories was launched Tuesday.
Government News
Broiler
production, average liveweight up: USDA
The amount of chicks placed in the fourth quarter of 2007 increased
about 4 percent over the prior year, according to the Department
of Agriculture's Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook.
Industry News
Blame
it on the grain: Analyst drops poultry processor earnings forecasts
(free registration required)
Shares of three major poultry processors took a ride yesterday
after a J.P. Morgan equity analyst cut his first quarter and full
year earnings forecasts
Poultry News
Atlanta
Celebrates Long-term Convention Success
ATLANTA, US – In the past five years, the International
Poultry Expo (IPE) has brought nearly 94,000 attendees and $100
million in economic impact to Atlanta, Georgia in the USA.
---
January 18, 2008
There are none for this week
---
January 11, 2008
Avian Influenza News
MIT
finds key to avian flu in humans
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--MIT researchers have uncovered a critical difference
between flu viruses that infect birds and humans, a discovery that
could help scientists monitor the evolution of avian flu strains
and aid in the development of vaccines against a deadly flu pandemic.
New
Swine Flu Has Avian Flu Genes
Researchers have identified a new strain of swine influenza—H2N3—which
belongs to the group of H2 influenza viruses that last infected
humans during the 1957 pandemic. This new strain has a molecular
twist: It is composed of avian and swine influenza genes.
Government News
U.S.D.A.
to host poultry improvement plan meeting
WASHINGTON ? The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service will hold a meeting of the
general conference committee of the national poultry improvement
plan (N.P.I.P.) from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2008. The
meeting will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center,
Room C-206, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard, N.W., Atlanta,
Ga. The general conference committee serves as the liaison between
the poultry industry and the U.S.D.A. in matters pertaining to
poultry health. In addition, the committee assists the U.S.D.A.
in planning, organizing and conducting the N.P.I.P. biennial conference.
USDA
Poultry Slaughter: Ready-to-Cook Weight Up 3% From Last Year
Poultry certified wholesome during November 2007 (ready-to-cook
weight) totaled 3.57 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the amount
certified in November 2006. The October 2007 revised certified
total at 4.00 billion pounds, was up 6 percent from October 2006.
The October revision represented an increase of 7.96 million pounds
from last month's preliminary pounds certified.
Industry News
Leaders
in poultry – Cobb Vantress and Hendrix Genetics –
form alliance
In a press release today, Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics have
announced that they will form an alliance to strengthen Cobb’s
leading position in the broiler breeding industry and Hendrix’
leading positions in egglayer, turkey and swine genetics and to
enable the two to explore other joint venture opportunities.
Poultry News
US:
Maryland poultry farms to be policed
Maryland State Administration is proposing regulations that would
for the first time allow the state's environmental agency to police
pollution from the Eastern Shore's huge poultry industry.
U.S.
Department of Commerce Secretary to Speak at IPE / IFE 2008
ATLANTA - The 2008 International Poultry Expo and International
Feed Expo will feature a presentation from U.S. Department of
Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez.
Poultry
Groups Welcome Release From Needless, Burdensome Paperwork Requirements
on Family Farmers and First Responders
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- This is a joint statement by the National
Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and U.S. Poultry
& Egg Association on today's announcement from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
---
December 21, 2007
Government News
USDA
Wants Chicken Farmers In Ark., Elsewhere To Take Precautions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants not only big poultry producers
like Tyson Foods but also the small farmers and hobbyists to guard
against the spread of disease among flocks.
U.S.D.A.
and partners racking up N.A.I.S. success
WASHINGTON ? As part of the National Animal Identification System’s
registration campaign, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has 429,600 premises
registered nationwide. During the month of December, Nebraska
became the tenth state to register at least 50% of its total estimated
production agriculture premises under this system.
Industry News
Lonnie
Pilgrim to interim president at Pilgrim's Pride
DALLAS — The board of directors of Pilgrim's Pride Corp.
elected chairman Lonnie Ken Pilgrim as interim president following
the death of chief executive O.B. Goolsby Jr. earlier this week
Pilgrim's
Pride Corporation Mourns Death of President and Chief Executive
Officer O.B. Goolsby Jr.
PITTSBURG, Texas, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pilgrim's
Pride Corporation announced that O.B. Goolsby Jr., president and
chief executive officer, today passed away after suffering a massive
stroke last Saturday while on a hunting trip in south Texas. Mr.
Goolsby was 60 years old.
Poultry News
FSIS
administrator to address IPE attendees (free registration required)
At this year's International Poultry Expo, USDA's Food Safety
and Inspection Service Administrator Alfred Alamanza will address
attendees in a presentation presented by POULTRY magazine.
--- December 14, 2007
**None submitted**
--- December 7, 2007
Government News
USDA
Offers Food Safety Tips For Mailing Food Gifts This Holiday Season
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) understands that many Americans enjoy cooking foods that
are family favorites and mailing these items to family and friends.
Others choose to order food from catalogs, over the Internet or
by phone. So the gift is in the mail, but is it safe?
Meeting News
IPE
educational sessions to feature FSIS administrator, chefs and
more (free registration required)
At the 2008 International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, POULTRY magazine,
along with its sister publications Plate magazine and CarneTec.com,
will present a variety of educational seminars on topics from
food safety to menu trends.
--- December 2, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Proposal
to burn manure may return
If Maryland moves forward with a chicken manure-burning electric
power plant, a British company could revive its plans to build
the facility on the Eastern Shore.
Tyson
Ordered to Change Poultry Labels
The Agriculture Department has told Tyson Foods it may no longer
use a “raised without antibiotics” label to some of
its fresh poultry products. USDA told Tyson it made a mistake
when it approved the company’s use of the label earlier
this year.
Poultry
officials discuss water conservation
ATHENS -- An official of the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association
said water conservation in the poultry industry has taken on a
new importance because of the drought.
Avian Influenza News
BirdFlu2008:
Avian Influenza and Human Health conference, UK
Registration for the first international conference on avian influenza
- BirdFlu2008: Avian Influenza and Human Health - at Oxford (UK)
is now open.
Study
says wild birds unlikely to bring H5N1 to Americas
(CIDRAP News) – An analysis of influenza viruses collected
from North American migratory birds over a 6-year period suggests
that wild birds rarely carry avian flu viruses between Eurasia
and North America, implying that the risk of the deadly H5N1 virus
reaching the Americas by that route is probably low.
Industry News
Food
Outlook Global Market Analysis - Poultry Meat
By FAO. Rebounding demand together with tight supplies and rising
production costs sustain meat prices in 2007
Poultry News
FACT
SHEET: Terms & Labels
Turkey Terms and Labels Describing Various Production Methods
Poultry
groups sign workplace-safety agreement with OSHA (free registration
required)
Under terms of an agreement signed Thursday, companies in the
chicken and turkey industries will work together with the U.S.
Labor Department's Occupational Safety & Health Administration
to implement a new alliance on worker safety, especially concerning
machinery hazards, the National Chicken Council and National Turkey
Federation jointly announced.
NTF
Chairman Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Presenting the U.S. President
with the National Thanksgiving Turkey
President George W. Bush today “pardoned” the National
Thanksgiving Turkey in a White House Ceremony, as he and National
Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Ted Seger celebrated the 60th
anniversary of the first modern National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation
News
from American Egg Board
USPOULTRY
names new institute VP (free registration required)
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has named Paul Pressley
vice president of the Poultry & Egg Institute.
--- November 9, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Over
200 positive for TB at US poultry plant
It has been reported that approx. 28% of the 765 employees screened
for tuberculosis at Wayne Farms LLC's poultry processing facilities
in Decatur, Alabama, have tested positive.
Avian Influenza News
Avian
Influenza Vaccinations: A Commentary Focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity
Avian Influenza
(CAST Commentary), that discuss the science of avian influenza
vaccination and the art of controlling avian influenza. A Special
Report (Avian Influenza Vaccines: Focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity
Avian Influenza (HPAI), with a Comprehensive Bibliography) also
offers an analysis of previous AI vaccine campaigns. Link can
be found at http://www.cast-science.org/ [Paid subscription for
the special report]
Poultry News
San
Antonio To Host Next National Chicken Cooking Contest; New Structure
Announced
San Antonio, Texas, will be the site of the 48th National Chicken
Cooking Contest (NCCC), newly revised by the National Chicken
Council, sponsor of the Contest, to allow more contestants to
win cash prizes for their favorite chicken recipes. The Cook-Off
will take place on May 2, 2009 at the Center for Foods of the
Americas, a branch of the Culinary Institute of America located
in San Antonio.
USPOULTRY
names new president (free registration required)
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association board of directors has
selected John Starkey to become the association's new president,
effective Dec. 1.
University News
CORRECTION-
The article pertaining to the late Dr Thaxton mistakenly uses
the first name of John instead of James
Mississippi
State University names new head of poultry program (free registration
required)
Mississippi State University announced that Michael T. Kidd has
assumed duties as head of the school's department of poultry science.
--- November 2, 2007
Government News
FSIS
Final Rule Allows Chile to Export Poultry and Poultry Products
to the U.S.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced that
the country of Chile will be allowed to export poultry and poultry
products, processed in certified establishments within Chile,
to the United States effective December 3, 2007.
Poultry News
NCC
Sees Little Impact from Rule Allowing Chile To Export Poultry
And Poultry Products To The United States
The U.S. chicken industry expects no more than minimal impact
from the action of the U.S. government in allowing Chile to ship
poultry and poultry products to the United States. USDA estimates
that Chilean exports to the U.S. will amount to no more than 12,000
metric tons of boneless breast meat, which is less than one percent
of U.S. production of boneless breast meat. Whether Chile will
actually be able to sell even that much in this country remains
to be seen, the National Chicken Council said.
Choose
Chicken for a Weight Control Diet
The National Chicken Council continues to support the advice given
by the U.S. government, doctors, nutritionists and dietitians
for many years: chicken, turkey, fish, and lean meat can anchor
a diet low in fat to control body weight and maintain good health.
--- October 26, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Poultry
industry faces drought challenge
Top executives of the Georgia Poultry Federation met privately
Wednesday with representatives of the Georgia Environmental Protection
Division to discuss with the city of Gainesville the possible
impact of a 10 percent reduction in water use announced Tuesday
by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Russia
has local firms on banned poultry list
Russia has said "nyet" to American chicken from 22 U.S.
producers and wholesalers, including two in Montgomery. But the
local economy probably won't feel any impact.
Industry News
Poultry
industry safety record best ever: report (free registration required)
The rate at which injuries and illnesses occur among poultry processing
workers in the United States has reached its lowest level ever
and is below the rate found in food manufacturing in general,
according to newly published data from the U.S. Department of
Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Other Organizations' News
Poultry
Industry Safety Record Is Best Ever, According to Federal Report
The rate at which injuries and illnesses occur among poultry
processing workers in the U.S. has reached its lowest level ever
and is below the rate found in food manufacturing in general and
not far below manufacturing as a whole, according to data just
published by the U.S. Department of Labor´s Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
USPOULTRY
announces new educational initiative (free registration required)
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has formed The Poultry
& Egg Institute, a new initiative within the association.
University News
Admired
professor dies of cancer
John Paul Thaxton Jr., a professor of poultry science at Mississippi
State, died Wednesday at his home after losing a battle to cancer.
--- October 19, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Tuberculosis
scare at local poultry plant
A number of people who work at the Wayne Farms Chicken Plant in
Decatur have been undergoing testing for tuberculosis. So what
are the results of those tests?
Avian Influenza News
Structure
Of Influenza B Virus Protein Gives Clues To Next Pandemic
Science Daily — Determining the structure of a protein called
hemagglutinin on the surface of influenza B is giving researchers
at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University in Houston clues
as to what kinds of mutations could spark the next flu pandemic.
Poultry News
Electricity
from poultry fat for Texas
Renewables Corp. has announced that it has begun supplying fuel
for the nation's first 100% biodiesel powered electricity generating
turbine plant in Conroe, Texas.
Poultry
manure power plant in opetion
Apparently approx. 100 semi-truck loads of turkey manure per day
provides enough fuel to power 40,000 homes in Minnesota at the
nation's first turkey litter fired power plant.
--- October 12, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Burn
poultry litter? That's an offal idea
It's often been said that if life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.
A Harrison company has taken the position that if life gives you
poultry litter, make heating fuel. It's an idea that could save
poultry growers a lot of money.
Avian Influenza News
Avian
Flu -- 1918 and Today -- Protein Enhances Lethality Of Virus
Science Daily — Often called the most devastating epidemic
in the recorded history of the world, the 1918 influenza virus
pandemic was responsible for more than 40 million deaths across
the globe. The incredible lethality of the 1918 flu strain is
not well understood, despite having been under intense scrutiny
for many years. Now, a new study published by Cell Press in the
October issue of the journal Cell Host & Microbe unravels
some of the mystery surrounding the devastating 1918 pandemic
and provides key information that will help prepare for future
pandemics.
Influenza:
Insights Into Cell Specificity Of Human Vs. Avian Viruses
Science Daily — Researchers have identified which sites
and cell types within the respiratory tract are targeted by human
versus avian influenza viruses, providing valuable insights into
the pathogenesis of these divergent diseases.
Industry News
Tyson
restructuring management, poultry group head resigns (free registration
required)
Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. on Wednesday announced
25-year Tyson veteran and Senior Group Vice President of Poultry
and Prepared Foods Bill Lovette has resigned.
Poultry News
THANKSGIVING
WINE WISDOM AT www.EatTurkey.com
National Turkey Federation (NTF) is making Thanksgiving preparation
less complicated with a consumer guide to preparing a perfect
holiday turkey and selecting wines to accompany the meal at its
Web site, www.EatTurkey.com. Whether a “first-timer”
or one who has prepared countless Thanksgiving meals, a little
extra assistance is always welcome.
Ethanol:
Is the boom busting? And what happens to feed costs if it is?
(free registration required)
Two words usually follow "boom" – "town"
or "bust." In the case of the ethanol boom, which has
brought grief to meat and poultry producers and processors in
the form of skyrocketing feed grain prices, an evident bust in
ethanol prices may be good news indeed. Or not.
Polyclonal
antibodies developed in transgenic chickens
Origen Therapeutics in the US has been awarded a $2m (€1.4m)
three-year grant from the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) to develop human polyclonal antibodies by creating
genetically modified chickens.
---
October 5, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Tyson
lifts per-pound pay for poultry
Tyson Foods Inc. has begun to raise per-pound payments for a group
of contract chicken farmers who supply processing plants in Green
Forest and Berryville, company officials said.
Avian Influenza News
Tamiflu
survives sewage treatment
UMEA, Sweden, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Swedish researchers say oseltamivir
in Tamiflu, used to prevent influenza, is not degraded in sewage
treatment, which might make it less effective.
Government News
USDA
likely to publish salmonella instances online (free registration
required)
Arlington, Va. — USDA will likely publish the salmonella
statuses of poultry plants online, Acting Agriculture Secretary
Chuck Conner told the National Chicken Council annual conference
here Thursday.
Industry News
Tyson
Foods receives POULTRY's Industry Innovator award (free registration
required)
Arlington, Va. — Tyson Foods Inc., the nation's largest
protein processor, was honored by POULTRY magazine here Thursday
for its outstanding commitment to new product development through
combining culinary arts and food science.
Other Organizations' News
Welch
Named Chairman of National Chicken Council; Roberts is Vice Chairman;
Goolsby Named Secretary-Treasurer
Mike Welch, president and chief executive officer of Harrison
Poultry, Bethlehem, Georgia, was installed today as Chairman of
the National Chicken Council, the trade association for the chicken
production and processing industry. Michael Roberts, president
of the Food Products Group of Perdue Farms, Inc., Salisbury, Maryland,
took office as Vice Chairman, and O.B. Goolsby, Jr., president
and chief executive officer of Pilgrim´s Pride Corporation,
Pittsburg, Texas, became Secretary-Treasurer.
New
Members Elected to National Chicken Council Executive Committee
and Board of Directors
New elected members of the National Chicken Council’s Executive
Committee and Board of Directors were announced at the trade association’s
Annual Conference here today.
National
Turkey Federation Web site honored (free registration required)
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) was recognized by the Web
Marketing Association in the 2007 International Web Award competition
for the creation and development of its Web site, EatTurkey.com.
---
September 28, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Pilgrim's
Pride poultry growers squeezed
Many poultry growers are pushing for an increase in the amount
they are paid from poultry giant Pilgrim's Pride Corp.
Avian Influenza News
Detecting
Bird Flu: New Lab-on-chip Identifies H5N1 In Thirty Minutes
Science Daily — Researchers have successfully developed
a miniaturized device that can be used to detect the highly pathogenic
avian flu (H5N1) virus.
Government News
FSIS
releases directive on post-mortem livestock inspection (free registration
required)
The Food and Safety Inspection Service has released a new directive
on post-mortem livestock inspection.
Poultry News
Checking
Poultry Genes For Disease
US - Research funded by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
studied the functional genomic and DNA microarray approach to
identify key innate immunity genes as a novel selection method
to identify chickens with increased resistance to disease.
--- September 17, 2007
Government News
U.S.D.A.
launches food safety web site (free registration required)
WASHINGTON The Agricultural Research Service (A.R.S.) of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture has launched a web portal featuring
predictive microbiology modeling software designed to assist food
processors in their food safety decision-making process.
Other Organizations' News
NCC
Comment on Immigration Enforcement Announcement
"The nation's chicken companies are committed to full compliance
with applicable federal employment laws, and they work hard to
verify an applicant’s eligibility to work. Companies must
also be careful to avoid unlawful discrimination. The regulation
mentioned today was published in draft form over a year ago and
therefore comes as no surprise. Companies will continue to fulfill
their obligations under the law."
News
from AEB
---
September 14, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry
Plant May Close Permanently
TIFTON, Ga. (AP) -- A controversial plant that converts waste from
poultry processors has been ordered to shut down days after a massive
grease fire earlier this week.
Poultry News
Ample
supply of turkeys this Thanksgiving
U.S.
Poultry : Broiler production is expected to grow by an average
of 1.6% annually from 2007to2016
Lower chicken prices in the first half of 2006 led to a decline
in production relative to a year ago for the final two quarters
of 2006, a rarity for the industry. Though output prices have
recovered, producers are showing caution in the face of higher
feed costs, limiting production growth in 2007. Broiler production
is expected to grow by an average of 1.6% annually from 2007 to
2016, relative to 3.1% growth from 1997 to 2006.
USDA reduces forecast of corn use for ethanol (free registration required)
USDA cut its forecast of how much U.S. corn will be used for
ethanol production in the marketing year that began Sept. 1, 2007
to 3.3 billion bushels from last month's forecast of 3.4 billion
bushels.
Bacteria
Inside Red Mites Could Be Targeted To Control Poultry Pests
Science Daily — Bacteria which live symbiotically inside
the blood-sucking pests called red poultry mites could be a new
and effective target to prevent the spread of Salmonella and similar
pathogens in chickens, turkeys and other table birds, according
to scientists.*
--- September 10, 2007
Avian Influenza News
Scientists
Not Sure Whether Wild Birds Are Carrying Avian Influenza Virus
Researchers say studies do not confirm whether wild birds are
carriers of the H5N1 bird flu virus. VOA's Luis Ramirez reports
from Bangkok, where experts are gathering this week to figure
out better ways to track how the disease is spreading.
Government News
KNIGHT
ANNOUNCES CINDY SMITH AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ANIMAL AND PLANT
HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2007—Bruce Knight, undersecretary
for marketing and regulatory programs, today announced the appointment
of Cindy J. Smith as administrator of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service.
Industry News
Tyson
Foods named POULTRY magazine's 2007 Industry Innovator Award winner
(free registration required)
Tyson Foods Inc. has been selected to receive POULTRY magazine's
2007 Industry Innovator Award, which honors excellence in the
U.S. poultry industry in the areas of innovation, business success,
leadership and industry contributions.
Poultry News
Is
the US poultry industry coping in heat wave?
Extremely high temperatures have embraced much of the US, particularly
in the south. These searing temperatures are proving to have serious
consequences. How is the country's poultry industry managing?
Next
in biofuels: Poultry power
Poultry poop is a serious ecological problem in Virginia. So is
the burning of fossil fuels.
---
August 31, 2007
Avian Influenza News
The
North American plan for avian and pandemic influenza
The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America has published
a new pandemic planning document, ‘The North American plan
for avian and pandemic influenza.
Government News
New
Deputy Administrator of USDA Poultry Programs.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural
Marketing Service (AMS) today announced the selection of Rex A.
Barnes as the new Deputy Administrator of AMS’ Poultry Programs.
Poultry News
5
ways to avoid foodborne illness at your Labor Day barbecue
---
August 23, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry
Profits Haven't Reached Growers
Tyson Foods' top performing breeder operations in Hempstead County
can barely make ends meet in the face of inflationary pressures
that have stripped the businesses of positive cash flow.
Poultry litter turned into bio-oil
BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists are developing
portable pyrolysis units that can convert poultry litter into
bio-oil in a system that addresses biosecurity issues.
Hot weather a poultry concern
BALDWIN - When Tom Hensley's chickens get hot in a heat wave
like the one we're sweltering thru now, he uses computers and
hydrating cool-cell technology to help save his investment.
Fed up of the wet weather? Spare a thought for Mississippi poultry
workers enduring 100F
Poultry flocks, livestock, crops and workers are currently struggling
through the hottest days of the Mississippi summer and yesterday
saw temperatures top 100F (38C).
Government News
U.S.D.A. proposes changes to poultry contract regulations
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
proposed changes to regulations governing poultry contracts. The proposed amendments
require poultry companies deliver a copy of an offered contract to growers in a timely manner.
F.S.I.S. launches 'askFSIS'
WASHINGTON — The Food Safety and Inspection Service has
launched askFSIS, a new feature of its web site designed to answer
technical and policy questions regarding inspection and public health regulations
24 hours a day. The new addition to the agency’s web site
is designed to inform a business audience rather than directly focusing on consumers’ concerns.
Poultry News
Poultry litter turned into bio-oil
BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists are developing
portable pyrolysis units that can convert poultry litter into
bio-oil in a system that addresses biosecurity issues.
--- August 17, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry
demonstration facility making progress
Equipment is arriving and being installed in two new commercial-sized
broiler houses at a poultry demonstration facility at the Louisiana
State University AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station at Homer,
La., which is moving closer to completion.
Poultry association meeting focused on food safety
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle told poultry industry officials on Wednesday
that the state of Georgia places a high priority on maintaining
food safety
Poultry plant plans to go automated
Equity Group Eufaula Division is planning to go automated, and
it's asking the Barbour County Commission for help.
Growers
scratching out a living
BERRYVILLE — More than a hundred Northwest Arkansas poultry
farmers are lobbying Tyson Foods Inc. for contractual agreements
that give them more money, a response to what they call years
of inaction by the meat giant amid skyrocketing business costs.
Waste
violations may lead to fines for poultry breeder
A Pike County poultry breeder farm has been quarantined and the
owner faces possible fines from the Alabama Department of Environment
Management stemming from waste violations.
Avian Influenza News
Preparing
for Pandemic Influenza With Emergency Kit
North Georgia health officials want residents to prepare for
a possible pandemic flu by packing an emergency kit.
Emergency preparedness director Ron Hernandez says if an illness
such as the avian flu struck, it would affect people worldwide.
Hernandez: "Many public services and stores will be closed
and you will not be able to get out to buy anything nor will
supply be moving back to re-supply stores because of the rate
of illness."
Hernandez says important items for your kit include canned food,
bottled water, medications and of course a manual can opener.
Here's a complete listing of items you might need:
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter or nuts
• Dried fruit
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Bottled water
• Baby food and formula
• Pet food
• Other nonperishable foods
• Prescribed medical supplies
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Medicines for fever
• Thermometer
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Vitamins
• Fluids with electrolytes
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Portable radio
• Manual can opener
• Garbage bags
• Toilet tissue and disposable diapers
• Personal protective equipment
Scientists
Target Future Pandemic Strains Of H5N1 Avian Influenza
Science Daily — Preparing vaccines and therapeutics that
target a future mutant strain of H5N1 influenza virus sounds
like science fiction, but it may be possible, according to a
team of scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID), a component of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), and a collaborator at Emory University School of Medicine.
Success hinges on anticipating and predicting the crucial mutations
that would help the virus spread easily from person to person.
Poultry News
Medicinal
plants to treat poultry diseases
Farmers are opening up to the idea of using herbs to treat poultry
diseases, and many poultry farmers know just how to do this.
The new US trend: the cage-free egg
Apparently, the latest trend in the US food world is the cage-free
egg.
--- August 10, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Hot
enough to roast turkeys
With weather reaching proverbial extremes of heat for the third
day in a row, popular idioms were frequently tossed around: hotter
than hell, sweating like a pig, frying eggs on the sidewalk.
Avian Influenza News
Cinnamon
helps fight against bird flu
Technology has been created whereby cinnamon extract is used as
an air disinfectant against bird flu in airports, or as a daily
supplement that protects people against the common flu.
Organizations' News
News
from the AEB
--- August 4, 2007
Avian Influenza News
USDA
develops teaching resource "understanding avian influenza"
Educators nationwide now have an additional information resource
for teaching high school biology students about avian influenza,
specifically highly pathogenic H5N1. The Understanding Avian Influenza
lesson plan and instructor's guide were offered by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension
Service May 22. The lesson explains to students the many reasons
why they should know about the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza
virus that currently is spreading overseas and what it would mean
if it is detected in the United States.
Scientist doubts efforts to detect avian flu in U.S
ORONO, Maine - A potential avian flu pandemic may have slipped
from the headlines, but the threat is still very real. And one
leading expert worries that U.S. efforts to detect the deadly avian flu strain
may be subpar.
Government News
The
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has scheduled a Public
Meeting for August 7, 2007
Food Safety Inspection at Poultry Processing Facilities - The
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has scheduled a Public
Meeting for
August 7, 2007 in Arlington Virginia " ... to discuss
public health based inspection in poultry slaughter to address
Campylobacter, Salmonella,
and other issues of public health
concern. FSIS is seeking public input on the ideas, concepts,
data, and analyses it will use to form the basis of
a technical
plan. The public meeting will afford FSIS and its stakeholders
an opportunity to discuss the rationale and process for the
Agency's
enhanced approach, as well as the background leading up to its
current thinking on the concept ..."
Industry News
Tyson launches Web site to promote chicken raised without antibiotics
(free registration required)
PURAC America Inc Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. has
launched a new interactive Web site to promote the company's
new line of 100 percent All Natural Fresh Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics
Other Organizations' News
USPOULTRY VP retires (free registration required)
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has announced that Larry
Brown, vice president of education programs, will retire in September
after 30 years with the Tucker, Ga.-based association.
Poultry News
More farms find unlikely power source: manure (free registration
required)
An increasing number of U.S. farms are converting manure into
electricity and reducing the smell in the process.
Local farmers invent furnace that burns hay to heat poultry
houses
DIAMOND, Mo. — Six large chicken houses south of Diamond
are being heated by burning hay bales.
---
July 27, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network get new executive director
OAKWOOD - Dr. Louise Dufour-Zavala has been named Executive Director
of the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network.
Avian Influenza News
How Would The Avian Influenza Virus Be Transmitted In Human Households?
Science Daily — Recent outbreaks of emerging diseases such
as SARS and H5N1 avian influenza have underlined the fact that
animal pathogens may acquire the ability to spread efficiently in humans
-- but as yet have not.
Researchers warn H5N1 reassortment can occur beyond winter months
Jul 25, 2007 (CIDRAP News) – World health experts have
been working under a general assumption that a feared reassortment
between human and avian influenza viruses—a scenario that could
spark a pandemic—might only occur during a short winter
interval, but researchers who recently examined virus circulation patterns warn that time
frames for coinfection are wider and sometimes unpredictable.
Government News
Court Upholds Air Emissions Agreements
WASHINGTON,DC - The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has
welcomed a federal court decision to dismiss challenges to the
validity of air emissions agreements between the Environmental Protection
Agency and livestock and poultry operations.
EPA Extends Clean Water Deadlines for Animal Feeding Operations
US - To respond properly to citizen comment on a federal court
order, EPA today announced a final rule extending certain compliance
deadlines from July 31, 2007 to Feb. 27, 2009 for concentrated animal
feeding operations (CAFOs).
FSIS to discuss possible changes to slaughterhouse inspections
(free registration required)
Among other topics, USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service will
discuss potential changes to how it inspects slaughter plants
at a public meeting on Aug. 7 in Arlington, Va.
Industry News
Pilgrim's Pride names new chairman
Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on Thursday announced that Lonnie Ken Pilgrim
was elected chairman of the Pittsburg, Texas-based poultry
processor, succeeding his father, Lonnie Bo Pilgrim, who was named senior
chairman and remains on the company's board.
Anti-antibiotics (free registration required)
When the National Chicken Council gathers at Incline Village
in Nevada from July 15-17 for the organization’s annual
Marketing Conference, the announcement last month by Tyson Foods that it will phase out
use of antibiotics in poultry production will likely dominate
many a workshop and hallway discussion.
Poultry News
First-of-its-kind IBDV test in poultry
Ohio State University's Center for Diagnostic Assays (CDA) has
developed a test for the detection of very virulent infectious
bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) in poultry flocks.
--- June 29, 2007
Avian Influenza News
Experts
meet on bird flu threat
Scientists from around the globe are meeting in Aviemore to
consider the latest ways of combating the threat of avian flu.
Industry News
Tyson
launches renewable fuels joint venture (free registration required)
Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. on Monday announced
it will form a joint
Poultry News
European Union tightens up food safety
EUROPE: Almost half of the rapid-alert system notifications
in Europe concern imports rejected at EU border.
Campylobacter cases in poultry are beginning to fall
According to experts within the poultry industry, measures
introduced in 2006 to reduce the level of campylobacter infection
on chicken farms and processing plants may be starting to have
an impact.
Safe food practices keep Fourth fun
Tips for keeping the Fourth illness free.
--- June 22, 2007
Alabama and Surrounding States News
New
vent system could help poultry farmers' bottom line
ATHENS - Scientists at the University of Georgia say they have
developed a new ventilation system for poultry houses that should
save poultry farmers a good bit of money.
Avian Influenza News
New
pocket geography may point toward better avian flu drugs
Amid heightened concern over a possible epidemic of bird flu in
humans, scientists in the United States and Taiwan are reporting
critical new insights into the architecture of a key enzyme in
the H5N1 avian influenza virus that enables the virus to spread.
Analysis:
Bird flu fears reignited
TORONTO, June 19 (UPI) -- While the threat of a bird flu pandemic
continues to hang over the world, authorities in the United Kingdom
now believe a second strain of avian flu -- previously considered
of little human risk -- does indeed pose a real danger to people.
Government News
USDA
gives the boot to certain organic ingredients (free registration
required)
As a result of a new USDA rule, organic products containing certain
non-organic minor ingredients are in non-compliance with organic
certification — at least for now.
Industry News
With
Avian Flu Behind Brazil's Chicken Exports Grow 85%
Brazil exported around US$ 400 million in chicken meat during
the month of May, an increase of 84.9% over the same month last
year, according to information disclosed in São Paulo yesterday,
June 18, by the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef).
Tyson
fresh chicken goes antibiotic free
SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods announced many of its fresh
chicken products will be marketed under the Tyson brand and prominently
feature the phrase "chicken raised without antibiotics"
on the label.
Poultry News
Chicken
litter could be 'green'
One day, the truckloads of chicken manure that Donald Johnson
spreads on his pasture could instead be turning on the lights
in Iredell County.
---
June 15, 2007
Industry News
Aviagen
supports future research for the poultry industry
Aviagen's sponsored PhD students recently participated in a seminar
in Edinburgh where they updated Aviagen’s research, veterinary
and technical teams on their research plans and progress.
Poultry News
NCC
Urges Congress to Restore Balance In Food-Fuel Equation
WASHINGTON -- May 17, 2007 -- Congress should restore the balance
between food and fuel in the nation&squo;s energy policy,
according to Bill Roenigk, senior vice president and chief economist
of the National Chicken Council, commenting on the Iowa State
University on biofuels released here today:
News
from AEB
Chicken
of the Sea: Poultry may have reached Americas via Polynesia
Thor Heyerdahl got it backwards. More than 40 years ago, the late
explorer proposed that the Inca or their predecessors voyaged
from South America to Polynesia by raft. On the contrary, a new
study indicates that Polynesian seafarers reached what's now Chile
by about 620 years ago. That conclusion hinges on the first evidence
of when chickens arrived in the Americas.
--- June 8, 2007
Avian Influenza News
FDA
Finalizes Guidance for Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines
ROCKVILLE, MD -- June 1, 2007 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) today issued final recommendations to increase the supply
of safe and effective influenza vaccines for both seasonal and
pandemic use.
Human
antibodies protect mice from avian flu
VietNamNet Bridge - An international team of scientists have used
antibodies derived from immune cells from recent human survivors
of H5N1 avian influenza to successfully treat H5N1-infected mice
and perhaps lay the building blocks for a potential cure for the
virus.
USDA
releases avian influenza education materials (free registration
required)
USDA has introduced Understanding Avian Influenza, a lesson plan
for use in schools around the country aimed at helping American
young people understand highly pathogenic AI.
Government News
National
Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods to Hold
Public Meetings
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2007 - The Food Safety and Inspection Service
(FSIS) announced today that the National Advisory Committee on
Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold public meetings
June 4 - 8, 2007.
Ethanol
Reshapes the Corn Market
The expanding U.S. ethanol sector is stimulating demand for corn,
but alternatives to corn may dampen that demand.
Industry News
Grills
sizzled over Memorial Day weekend
UNITED STATES: Hamburgers and hot dogs topped list of most popular
grilling items
Other Organizations' News
NCC
Urges Congress to Restore Balance In Food-Fuel Equation
WASHINGTON -- May 17, 2007 -- Congress should restore the balance
between food and fuel in the nation&squo;s energy policy,
according to Bill Roenigk, senior vice president and chief economist
of the National Chicken Council, commenting on the Iowa State
University on biofuels released here today:
News
from AEB
Poultry News
Homeland
security rules coming down hard on poultry farms
Yet another unintended consequence has emerged from federal homeland
security regulations, and this one threatens the daily well being
of the huge Delmarva Peninsula poultry industry.
Polynesians
linked to poultry population
Prehistoric Polynesians, not European voyagers, may have brought
chickens to the Americas, according to new research from The University
of Auckland’s Department of Anthropology which has been
published in the June 4 edition of journal, Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Eastern
Shore on short list for poultry litter fueled plant
SALISBURY — The company that next month will launch the
country’s first poultry-waste-fueled power plant has said
the Lower Shore would be an excellent location for its next plant.
--- May 25, 2007
Alabama and Surrounding State News
Georgia
poultry official opposes immigration plan
UNDATED - The president of the South Georgia based United Poultry
Growers Association says poultry farms would be forced out of
business if Congress passes the current version of the immigration
reform bill.
Avian Influenza News
Countries
succeeding against avian influenza: OIE
FRANCE: Today, most countries overcome avian influenza outbreaks
when they occur.
--- May 18, 2007
Avian Influenza News
Avian
Flu High On World Health Assembly Agenda
The issue of sharing research data on avian influenza is shaping
up to be the most controversial and potentially damaging item
on this year's agenda of the World Health Assembly. The annual
assembly of 193 governments, which opens in Geneva on Monday,
will debate ways to tackle a possible bird flu pandemic. Other
global health problems will also be under review. Lisa Schlein
has more for VOA.
Poultry News
FDA
issues food safety reminder to processors
UNITED STATES: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues letter
to food manufacturers regarding legal responsibilities for the
safety of food/feed ingredients.
Study
Warns U.S. Near Tipping Point in Corn-Based Ethanol
WASHINGTON - A major new study officially issued today conservatively
estimates that increased corn prices driven by rapidly expanding
U.S. ethanol production already have increased U.S. retail food
prices by $14 billion annually.
---
May 11, 2007
Alabama and Surrounding State News
ALABAMA
VOICES: Food safety can't be ignored
There has been a lot of attention lately in the United States
about food safety issues. Most of us know that our food is checked
by federal and state agencies for things such as pesticide residue
and salmonella, but many people are unaware of some of the other
dangerous contaminants that may be in our food.
4-H'ers
compete in poultry judging
The senior 4-H poultry judging team received first place at the
Area Contest held recently in Statesboro. Team members were Rebekah
Bowen, Michael Henry, Chet Sconyers, and Jessica Moore. Thirteen
4- H members from Emanuel County competed in the contest. They
matched their poultry knowledge against that of 59 other 4- H
members from five other counties.
Wayne
Farms helps tornado victims
Tornado-damaged Enterprise, Alabama, benefits from company’s
help.
New
chairman for Ga. Poultry Federation
GAINESVILLE - Tommy Myers was elected as the 2007-08 Chairman
of the Gainesville-based Georgia Poultry Federation during the
group's annual meeting at Callaway Gardens.
Thai-inspired
recipe wins!
United States: Chicken breast enhanced with jasmine rice, shredded
coconut, and crunchy Thai-style slaw earns $100,000 prize.
Schools
discuss doomsday avian flu plans
TUSCALOOSA | A doomsday scenario of a flu pandemic that might
never happen is driving a sweeping review of what states should
do to minimize the potential impact.
Avian Influenza News
FDA
Approves First U.S. Vaccine for Humans Against the Avian Influenza
Virus H5N1
The FDA has recently announced the first approval in the United
States of a vaccine for humans against the H5N1 influenza virus,
commonly known as avian or bird flu.
'Supermap'
of avian flu yields new info on source/spread
Scientists here have designed a new, interactive map of the spread
of the avian flu virus (H5N1) that for the first time incorporates
genetic, geographic and evolutionary information that may help
predict where the next outbreak of the virus is likely to occur.
Optaflu
influenza vaccine, receives support of European Union approval
Novartis leading the introduction of influenza cell culture manufacturing
- the first major innovation in influenza vaccine manufacturing
in more than 50 years.
Government News
Food
safety amendment introduced
UNITED STATES: Senator Edward Kennedy and colleagues introduce
bipartisan food safety amendment.
USDA
NAMES MEMBERS TO NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MEAT AND POULTRY
INSPECTION
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2007 -U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary
Mike Johanns has named members to the National Advisory Committee
on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI).
FDA
names a food-safety czar (free registration required)
Facing growing criticism about its ability to protect the nation's
food supply, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday
it has created the position of assistant commissioner for food
protection to advise on "strategic and substantive food-safety
and food-defense matters."
TRANSCRIPT
OF FDA/USDA MEDIA TELECONFERENCE PROVIDING AN UPDATE ON ADULTERATED
FEED TO POULTRY AND HOGS
Industry News
Tyson
Foods' team members fight Childhood Hunger
UNITED STATES: Hunger-relief organizations in more than 50 communities
will receive donations
FEBRUARY
2007 EGG INDUSTRY STATISTICS
Poultry News
No
More "Foul" Air From This Chicken Coop
If only there were a nifty device that could filter the air leaving
chicken coops to reduce the levels of potentially harmful ammonia,
dust and pathogenic microbes that enter the atmosphere. Soon there
may be, thanks to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist
in Fayetteville, Ark.
New
rules on chicken welfare
EUROPE: European agreement on animal welfare rules for broilers
welcomed.
Organic
poultry gains popularity
Despite high feed costs, eggs and poultry are now among the fastest
growing organic food products in the US. The sale of organic eggs
is expected to rise nearly 40% and poultry sales to more than
triple by the end of the decade.
Small
town looks to turn chicken fat into power
For the Houston area to have an energy source first isn’t
unusual, but the latest plan isn’t your typical black gold
rush.
---
April 27, 2007
Alabama News
Leak
closes plant: No serious injuries after roof falls at Pilgrim's
Pride
Four people were hospitalized with minor medical complaints after
the Pilgrim's Pride poultry processing plant off Queen City Boulevard
was evacuated Friday because of a gas leak.
Government News
International
Egg and Poultry Review
US - By the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service - This is a
weekly report looking at international developments concerning
the poultry industry.
First
decline in poultry meat production since 1973
Economic Research Service (ERS) of the US Department of Agriculture
has revised its estimate of US broiler production downward for
the 2007.
Poultry News
Turning
poultry waste into profit
It seems everyone nowadays is into biofuels. But when the largest
poultry processor in the world decides to enter the biofuels arena,
it makes a big difference.
Campylobacter
strategy progressing well
New Zealand: New Zealand Food Safety Authority adopts whole food
chain approach to tackle pathogen.
$500,000
solar project for poultry industry
A solar electric system at a poultry growout house owned by Allen
Family Foods, US, has officially opened.
---
April 23, 2007
Avian Influenza News
FDA
Licenses First U.S. Vaccine for Humans Against Avian Influenza
SWIFTWATER, Pa. and LYON, France, April 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
-- Sanofi pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis
Group, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has licensed its H5N1 vaccine, the first avian influenza
vaccine for humans in the U.S. Sanofi pasteur, in collaboration
with the National Institutes of Health, submitted a Biologics
License Application to the FDA for this H5N1 vaccine. The licensure
serves as a first key step in achieving the government's goal
of stockpiling vaccine intended to protect those who are at increased
risk of exposure to the H5N1 influenza virus contained in the
vaccine during the early stages of a pandemic.
Bug
versus Bug: Insect virus makes a viable flu vaccine
A new influenza vaccine churned out by caterpillar cells prevents
the flu, researchers say. The advance might eventually revolutionize
the manufacture of flu vaccine, now produced in chicken eggs in
a long, cumbersome process prone to contamination and other failures.
Industry News
Tyson
teams with ConocoPhillips to produce renewable diesel fuel (free
registration required)
By teaming up with Tyson Foods, ConocoPhillips will be able to
use beef, pork and poultry byproduct fat to create renewable diesel
fuel, an effort aimed at shoring up America's energy security
and addressing climate change concerns.
Brazilian
poultry meat exports drop
In 2006, Brazilian poultry meat exports fell 4.67% to 2.71 billion
kg. This compares with 2.84 billion kg in 2005.
---
April 16, 2007
Poultry News
Streamlining
Wastewater Treatment In Poultry Processing
Columbus, WI — With the steady increase in poultry processing
rates there has been a corresponding increase in wastewater pollutant
concentrations.
Report
of the Task Force on Zoonoses Data Collection on the Analysis
of the baseline survey on the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler
flocks of Gallus gallus, in the EU, 2005-2006
Salmonella is an important cause of food-borne illnesses in humans.
Farm animals and food of animal origin form an important source
of human Salmonella infections. Therefore European Community legislation
foresees setting of Salmonella reduction targets for animal population
including broiler flocks. A European Union-wide baseline survey
was carried out to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in commercial
flocks of broilers with at least 5,000 birds. This survey provides
information for the Salmonella target setting. The survey was
the second of several baseline surveys to be conducted in the
Community.
Chicken
litter to provide power in Georgia (free registration required)
A new power plant in Carnesville, Ga., will produce electricity
powered in part by chicken litter.
Scientists
look for best feed from ethanol byproduct
URBANA – Ethanol is the star on the agriculture stage now,
but behind the scenes, University of Illinois animal scientists
are casting the spotlight on its not-so-sexy byproduct.
Burning
Poultry Litter Yields Energy, Reduces Pollution
UNIVERSITY PARK -- Researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural
Sciences are working to perfect a method for disposing of poultry
litter that could save energy costs to heat poultry houses and
reduce water pollution from manure applied to fields as fertilizer.
Supported by a two-year $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department
of Agriculture, scientists are collaborating with turkey growers
and the Adams County poultry company Pilgrim's Pride to demonstrate
that incineration is a viable method to resolve problems associated
with the spreading of poultry litter.
--- April 6, 2007
Alabama News
Alabama
farmers view air study differently
Hundreds of Alabama farmers are among 14,000 nationwide who signed
up for a program expected to produce the first national study
of air quality at large livestock operations.
Avian Influenza News
OIE
launches AI Web site (free registration required)
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recently launched
a new Web site providing key facts and figures about highly pathogenic
avian influenza.
Scientists
Hope Vigilance Stymies Avian Flu Mutations
The virus, H5N1, which was first isolated in humans in 1997, has
not started a pandemic in a full decade of trying, so a few flu
experts think it never will.
Government News
F.D.A.
to propose label revisions for irradiated foods
WASHINGTON — In the April 4 Federal Register, the Food and
Drug Administration plans to issue a proposal to revise its labeling
regulations for foods that have been treated with irradiation.
The agency is proposing that only foods in which irradiation "causes
a material change in the food, or a material change in the consequences
that may result from the use of the food, bear the radura logo
and the term ‘irradiated.’
Industry News
Pilgrim's
Pride recommits to production cuts
PITTSBURG, TEXAS – Despite what the U.S. Department of Agriculture
expects to be the most acreage dedicated to corn crops in more
than 60 years, Pilgrim's Pride Corp. plans to stick to its plan
of cutting poultry production by 5% for the remainder of 2007.
Pilgrim's
Pride official discusses Gold Kist and market challenges
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – During a presentation yesterday at the
Lehman Brothers High Yield Bond and Syndicated Loan Conference,
O.B. Goolsby Jr., president and chief executive of Pilgrim’s
Pride Corp., Pittsburg, Texas, discussed the company’s history,
its most recent acquisition, competition in the market and what
lies ahead.
Other Organization News
National
Chicken Council Encouraged by Report On Corn Planting Plans, Concerned
by Drop in Soybeans
Bill Roenigk, senior vice president and chief economist of the
National Chicken Council, said Friday that while the Council is
encouraged by the USDA Prospective Plantings report that acreage
planted in corn this year will increase 15 percent over 2006,
the outlook is clouded by a predicted drop in soybean acres, since
the poultry industry is a major buyer of soybean meal as well
as corn.
Industry
Roadmap: Building the Fresh Foods Supply Chain of the Future
As anyone who has been involved in the selling and tracking of
random-weight or variable-measure products (such as poultry and
red meat) can tell you, the current tracking system is inadequate.
There is simply not enough capacity to uniquely identify today’s
large number of fresh foods products and manufacturers. While
today’s system may not be “broken,” it is inefficient
without common standards that cross all perishable categories.
A new direction and roadmap are required.
Poultry News
Pilot
project studying solar poultry house
At most poultry farms, there are giant fans to keep the air moving,
water cooling systems to keep the chickens comfortable and rows
and rows of incandescent light bulbs.
Move
to cut Salmonella in chicken
EUROPE: EFSA publishes EU-wide survey on Salmonella levels in
broiler meat flocks.
EPA
wants gassy farms to escape law
The Environmental Protection Agency wants to exempt poultry and
livestock farmers from federal emergency-notification laws requiring
the disclosure of large gaseous emissions from animal manure.
High
fertilizer prices drive poultry sales
PURDY, Mo. — High commercial fertilizer prices are creating
more interest in using poultry litter to grow crops from grass
to corn.
Manure
as Fuel: Poultry Litter-Fueled Furnace Will Reduce Energy Costs,
Protect Watershed
Newswise — Modernizing an ancient method of producing energy,
a Division of Agriculture engineering researcher at the University
of Arkansas has developed a system that addresses two major problems
associated with poultry farming. By using poultry litter as fuel,
the system will help protect the environment and could reduce
individual farmers’ energy costs by as much as 80 percent.
Examination
of polymers created with poultry feathers
Biodegradable polymers created from poultry feathers may add value
to the poultry industry and help solve the growing environmental
problem of plastic waste.
---
March 23, 2007
Alabama News
Tyson
Foods to sell two poultry plants to Koch Foods
SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods, Inc. signed a letter of
intent to sell two poultry plants in Ashland and Gadsden, Ala.,
to Koch Foods Inc., Park Ridge, Ill. The sale also will include
a feed mill in Talladega and hatcheries in Fair Knoll and Empire.
Terms of the agreement were not released.
Avian Influenza News
Researchers
Find Surprising Pattern of Influenza Spread in South America and
Tropics
BETHESDA, Md., March 20, 2007--Researchers studying influenza
transmission patterns in the Southern Hemisphere and in tropical
areas, specifically Brazil, uncovered the unexpected finding that
each season influenza travels from low populated regions near
the equator to the more populated centers. Their work, funded
by the Fogarty International Center (NIH), part of the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), can improve planning for influenza
control in tropical areas.
Government News
U.S.D.A.
sees broiler 'retrenching' in 2007
WASHINGTON – Broiler production in the United States will
increase only 1% in 2007, to 36 billion lbs. This would be the
slowest rate of production growth since 1975, Shayle D. Shagam,
a livestock analyst with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, told
participants in the U.S.D.A.’s Agricultural Outlook Forum
on March 2.
USDA
surveys broiler profitability
UNITED STATES: USDA is conducting a nationwide survey of broiler
growers to determine the costs and revenues of operating their
farms.
Industry News
Award
for Tyson
UNITED STATES: International Foodservice Distributors Association
names Tyson Foods Supplier of the Year.
Poultry News
Poultry
waste can generate 6MW electricity a day
As much as six megawatt electricity can be generated everyday
from poultry excrement at Gazipur poultry zone, also known as
the 'Poultry capital', experts said at a seminar in Gazipur.
Transgenic
chicken eggs may fight skin cancer
SAVOY, Ill. -- Patients with skin cancer may one day have access
to cheaper drugs for treatment, thanks to the work of a team of
scientists in Scotland on developing transgenic chickens whose
eggs contain proteins that may be the key to developing new cancer-fighting
drugs and other therapeutic proteins.
--- March 16, 2007
Avian Influenza News
U.S.
downplays H5N1 entering via bird pathways
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - It is unlikely that a sick bird would be
able to carry the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus into the United
States through the Pacific and Atlantic flyways, U.S. officials
said on Wednesday
Questions
and Answers: Avian Influenza
Government News
U.S.D.A.
formally signs agreement with F.A.O.
WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Director-General
Jacques Diouf of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture
Organization (F.A.O.) on Wednesday signed an agreement to coordinate
technical assistance between the U.S. Department of Agriculture
and the F.A.O. The agreement is designed to address issues important
to U.S. agriculture, such as chronic hunger, plant and animal
diseases including avian influenza, conservation, genetic resources
and the growing demand for renewable energy resources.
Other Organizations' News
NTF
Chairman Expresses Concerns About Renewable Fuels and Feed
NTF Chairman Ted Seger warned the House Agriculture Committee
today that the growing impact of the federal renewable fuels policy
on the demand for corn and soybeans could significantly harm the
turkey industry and raise food prices for consumers.
Chicken
Industry Supports Bills to Clarify that Federal “Superfund”
Law Does Not Apply to Chicken Litter
The National Chicken Council supports legislation introduced in
Congress today by a bipartisan group of influential lawmakers
that will clarify that chicken litter and other types of animal
manure are not hazardous waste under federal law.
Higher
Meat and Poultry Prices Seen As Ethanol Demand Hits Corn Supply,
Chicken Industry Tells Congress
Meat and poultry producers are facing rapid increases in the cost
of the grain needed to feed their animals, which economists predict
will result in higher consumer prices, the chicken industry told
Congress today.
Poultry News
Poultry
Litter to Fuel Minnesota Power Plant
Biomass -- in this case in the form of hundreds of thousands of
pounds of turkey litter with woodchips and sawdust blended in
-- soon will be fueling a 55 megawatt [MW] power plant producing
enough electricity to supply 50,000 homes in the Minnesota community
of Benson.
Salmonella
control in turkey chillers
UNITED STATES: Research shows that properly managed immersion
chilling systems consistently reduce salmonella and campylobacter
on turkey carcasses during commercial turkey processing.
Change
is on the way for meat/poultry processors
Meat and poultry processing plants are in for a change -- more
concentrated risk-based inspection system (RBI).
Bacteria
control product to begin testing in US poultry plants
Tasker Blue has consistently tested effective in significantly
lowering these and other bacteria during poultry processing under
research conditions.
---
March 9, 2007
Avian Influenza News
Scientists
reconstruct migration of avian flu virus
UC Irvine researchers have combined genetic and geographic data
of the H5N1 avian flu virus to reconstruct its history over the
past decade. They found that multiple strains of the virus originated
in the Chinese province of Guangdong, and they identified many
of the migration routes through which the strains spread regionally
and internationally.
Industry News
Pilgrim's
Pride named to 'Most Admired' list
Chicken company Pilgrim's Pride Corp. has been named to Fortune's
list of "America's Most Admired Companies" for the fifth
consecutive year. The firm ranked No. 2 overall in the food production
industry for 2007.
Tyson
joins University of Arkansas Board of Trustees (free registration
required)
John H. Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods' board of directors, has
been appointed to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees
by Gov. Mike Beebe.
Tyson
Foods named supplier of the year by I.F.D.A.
SPRINGDALE, ARK. – Tyson Foods, Inc. was named Supplier
of the Year for the second year in a row by the International
Foodservice Distributors Association at the association’s
Partners Executive Forum, held in Amelia Island, Florida. Each
year the I.F.D.A. surveys its distributor membership to rate the
effectiveness and performance of foodservice supplier companies
in five key business areas.
Other News
Ross
Enterprise Webcast
Addressing Organic Food Production Challenges. Register before
March 13, 2007
---
March 1, 2007
Avian Influenza News
Review
Of 1918 Pandemic Flu Studies
Offers More Questions Than Answers
Science Daily — Scientists and public health officials,
wary that the H5N1 avian influenza virus could trigger an influenza
pandemic, have looked to past pandemics, including the 1918 "Spanish
Flu," for insight into pandemic planning. However, in a Journal
of Infectious Diseases review article now posted online, David
M. Morens, M.D., and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., of the National Institute
of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National
Institutes of Health, conclude that studies of the 1918 influenza
pandemic, which killed some 50 to 100 million people around the
globe, have so far raised more questions than they answer.
FDA
panel endorses first U.S. avian flu vaccine
The first vaccine against avian flu for the United States has
been endorsed by a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel,
but merely as a stopgap measure until better vaccines are developed.
Other Organizations' News
Webinar
by Watt Publishing
New Products and New Opportunities in the Meat and Poultry Industry
Poultry News
Poultry
Slaughter: Ready-to-Cook Weights Down Slightly
Poultry certified wholesome during January 2007 (ready-to-cook
weight) totaled 3.55 billion pounds, down slightly from the amount
certified in January 2006. December 2006 revised certified total
at 3.20 billion pounds, was down 6 percent from December 2005.
The December revision represented an increase of 20.4 million
pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.
Poultry:
January Egg Production Down 1 Percent
U.S. egg production totaled 7.64 billion during January 2007,
down 1 percent from last year. Production included 6.54 billion
table eggs, and 1.10 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.03 billion
were broiler-type and 67 million were egg-type. The total number
of layers during January 2007 averaged 347 million, down 1 percent
from last year. January egg production per 100 layers was 2,200
eggs, down slightly from January 2006.
--- February 23, 2007
Around the Southeast News
City
ready for poultry moratorium
The Albertville City Council is set to approve a poultry plant
moratorium when it meets in regular session Monday.
Ag
commissioner worried about poultry from China
MONTGOMERY, Ala. Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks says
he's worried about chickens from China. A few years ago, Chinese
poultry exports were halted after 14 people died of avian influenza.
Now, the federal government is about to start allowing chickens
back in the U-S and Sparks said he will closely monitor the situation.
Miss.
Supreme Court upholds termination of poultry contract
JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Supreme Court has upheld Laurel-based
Sanderson Farms' termination of a contract with one of its poultry
growers.
Georgia
poultry research lab could be expanding
The country's main bird flu research program could be undergoing
a major renovation, including the expansion of a new lab in Athens,
Georgia.
Avian Influenza News
Scientists
Warn That Bird-Flu Virus Remains a Threat
Last winter, as the deadly bird-flu virus marched out of Asia,
across Europe and down into Africa, public health experts warned
of the potential for a catastrophic pandemic like the Spanish
flu of 1918.
WHO
reports development of influenza vaccine
Geneva, Feb 17: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported
encouraging progress in the development of avian influenza vaccine.
Government News
FSIS
Proposes Timeline for Risk-Based Inspection in Processing Plants
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2007 — USDA Under Secretary for Food
Safety Dr. Richard Raymond today announced a timetable for introducing
more robust risk-based inspection in processing plants, proposing
to begin in April with 30 locations representing about 254 establishments
and potentially expanding to approximately 150 locations by the
end of 2007.
LIVESTOCK,
DAIRY, AND POULTRY OUTLOOK
Changes
to U.S. meat, poultry inspections
UNITED STATES: Major changes to the United States food inspection
system could mean tougher inspections for meat and poultry companies.
USDA:
Increased ethanol output will force expansion of U.S. corn crop
(free registration required)
Ethanol production will drive corn output up to 12.065 billion
bushels in the 2007-08 marketing year, with additional increased
corn planting over the next decade, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
said Wednesday.
USDA
Long-Term Projections: World Poultry Imports
Poultry meat imports by major importers are projected to increase
by about 0.8 million tons (15 percent) from 2007 to 2016.
Industry News
Rising
poultry prices relieve producers
Poultry prices are rising rapidly, which may be just what the
poultry sector needs to return to profitability in the wake of
the bird flu scare that prompted a supply glut last year.
Poultry
sales mostly unaffected by bird flu
Leading supermarket chains say the recent bird flu outbreak in
Britain has had little impact on poultry counter sales so far
-- a view echoed in other parts of Europe.
Poultry
industry looks for better '07 Production may be cut to help rebound
Higher input costs and greater poultry supplies nationwide resulted
in a tough 2006 for profits, and area companies may be reducing
production numbers to rebound the 2007 market, industry experts
said.
Other Organizations' News
International
Poultry Expo Posts Increase in Attendance
The 2007 International Poultry Expo brought together nearly 20,000
attendees from 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
and 90 countries.
--- February 3, 2007
Avian Influenza News
GlaxoSmithKline
Files Its New Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine In Europe
GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) today announced that its new generation
H5N1 split antigen pre-pandemic influenza vaccine has been accepted
for review by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use
(CHMP) in Europe. This innovative vaccine utilizes GSK's novel
proprietary adjuvant system technology which allows a very low
amount of antigen (3.8µg) to be used to elicit a strong
seroprotective response -- the so-called 'antigen-sparing' effect.
Tiny
Mutations Can Limit Influenza Spread, Study Finds
ATLANTA, Feb. 1 -- Two small mutations are enough to turn off
the ability of the highly lethal, wildly contagious "Spanish
influenza" virus to pass from person to person, a new study
suggests.
Bird
Flu Control Measures Have `Failed,' Webster Says (Update1)
Feb. 1 (Bloomberg) -- The resurgence of avian influenza among
poultry and people in Asia and Africa shows international control
measures have ``failed,'' a U.S. expert said.
Government News
FSIS
works to protect U.S. food supply
UNITED STATES: The Food Safety and Inspection Service is working
to protect the nation’s food supply in the event of an avian
influenza outbreak.
FSIS
label changes for poultry
LIVESTOCK,
DAIRY, AND POULTRY OUTLOOK
Organizations' News
USPOULTRY
names new VP of food safety and production (free registration
required)
The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association on Tuesday announced the
appointment of Alling Yancy to the post of vice president of food
safety and production programs, effective Feb. 12.
Poultry News
‘Big
birds’ leave tracks on retail and foodservice
UNITED STATES: Big birds may be popular with processors who get
more bang for their buck, but consumers still like smaller birds
better.
Avian
cholera identified in seagulls: N.L. vet
Avian cholera, a disease that can quickly kill bird populations,
has been diagnosed in six dead seagulls, Newfoundland and Labrador's
chief veterinarian reported Tuesday.
---
January 26, 2007
Poultry News around Alabama
State
may testify in poultry farm suit
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries may be called
to testify in a lawsuit involving a group of Mentone residents
and a poultry farm.
Mississippi
poultry exports slip
Bird flu has had a major effect on Mississippi poultry exports,
resulting in the estimated value of the state's largest commodity
down 10%.
Avian Influenza News
World
is years away from controlling bird flu: WHO
GENEVA (Reuters) - The world is years away from stamping out bird
flu in poultry, and the threat of a human pandemic will remain
until it does, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO)
said on Monday.
Government News
Exclusive:
Masters says HACCP top achievement
UNITED STATES: Former FSIS administrator, Barbara Masters, tells
MeatNews her involvement with HACCP was her greatest accomplishment
at FSIS.
Industry News
Tyson
gives incentive to record breakers
UNITED STATES: Tyson Foods says it will give anyone who breaks
a world record at the Tyson Invitational $50,000.
Pilgrim's
Pride’s marketing healthy kids products
UNITED STATES: Pilgrim's Pride says its EatWellStayHealthy Kids
chicken products will be available in 3,000+ stores by the end
of February.
Other Organizations' News
Poultry
Cast
Poultry Cast is online! Poultry Cast brings to your computer late
breaking news about the poultry industry and practical research
results.
CHICKEN
INDUSTRY ISSUES WARNING ON PRICE IMPACT OF GREATER DEMAND FOR
ETHANOL
The vast increase in the use of renewable and alternative fuels
urged by President Bush could have the unintended effect of pushing
up the cost of poultry and other foods of animal origin, according
to the National Chicken Council.
U.S.
Poultry names new VP
The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association has named a new Vice President
of Food Safety and Production Programs.
Poultry News
Poultry
Expo underway
ATLANTA - The 2007 International Poultry Expo is underway in Atlanta.
Atlanta
poultry show starts with science
As a prelude to the International Poultry Expo (IPE), the annual
International Poultry Scientific Forum started yesterday, January
22. Attendance was expected to be up to the usual level of around
700.
The
Cochran Firm Alleges the Poultry Industry Owes Billions of Dollars
in Back-Wages
ATLANTA, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- With the average American consuming
about 100 lbs of chicken each year, the poultry industry is big
business in the United States. Stock shares of major publicly
traded food giants, the nation's largest chicken and beef producers
and others could be affected as lawsuits are filed alleging unjust
employment mechanisms of the poultry industry.
Researchers
find way to cut back poultry manure odor
Researchers at Iowa State University have uncovered another way
to cover up the smell of animal manure. Jacek Koziel conducted
the study on poultry manure using a product called zeolite. He
says zeolite is an inexpensive clay-like material that can be
mined and has a lot of surface are so it can store a lot of odorous
gases. Koziel is an assistant professor in Iowa State's agricultural
and biosystems engineering department.
--- January 19, 2007
Organizations' News
WATT
launches new poultry website
UNITED STATES: WATT has launched a new website for the world’s
commercial poultry industries.
NTF
Promotes Three Staff Members
National Turkey Federation (NTF) President Joel Brandenberger
announced the promotion of three NTF staff members: Sherrie Rosenblatt
to vice president of marketing and communications; Michael Rybolt
to director of scientific and regulatory affairs; and Brie Wilson
to director of member and convention services.
Poultry News
NOVEMBER
2006 EGG INDUSTRY STATISTICS
Summary
of Flock Size and Egg Price Projections for 2007
SUMMARY
OF ESTIMATED REGIONAL EGG PRODUCTION COSTS - 2006
Brazil
reports stable broiler production
BRAZIL: The Brazilian Broiler Chick Producer’s Association
says broiler production remained virtually unchanged last year.
Antibiotics
are Used Safely and Responsibly in the Broiler Industry
The authors of the Johns Hopkins paper took average performance
data from one company and applied what they believed to be average
industry costs and are trying to apply it to every flock in the
United States, which is not a valid analysis. Sometimes the average
will apply and often it won’t. Health care for animals depends
largely on local conditions, a fact that was noted in the original
paper cited by the authors of the new paper.
--- January 12, 2007
Alabama News
Tyson
won’t rebuild Heflin, Alabama plant
UNITED STATES: Tyson Foods says it is considering other options
instead of rebuilding the Heflin, Alabama, plant that was destroyed
by fire.
Avian Influenza News
OSHA
gives guidance for protecting against avian influenza
The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
recently released guidance about the hazards of occupational exposure
to avian influenza, with practical recommendations on ways to
avoid infection
Government News
Masters
leaving F.S.I.S., Goldman to acting administrator
WASHINGTON — Dr. Barbara Masters will step down as administrator
of the Food Safety and Inspection Service on Jan. 19 to become
senior policy analyst for the Washington-based law firm of Olsson
Frank and Weeda, according to Dr. Richard Raymond, the U.S. Department
of Agriculture’s undersecretary for food safety.
Industry News
Pilgrim's
Pride acquires Gold Kist
UNITED STATES: Pilgrim’s Pride says integration efforts
are underway now that it has acquired Gold Kist, forming the largest
chicken company in the U.S.
Other Organizations' News
Antibiotics
are Used Safely and Responsibly in the Broiler Industry
The authors of the Johns Hopkins paper took average performance
data from one company and applied what they believed to be average
industry costs and are trying to apply it to every flock in the
United States, which is not a valid analysis. Sometimes the average
will apply and often it won’t. Health care for animals depends
largely on local conditions, a fact that was noted in the original
paper cited by the authors of the new paper.
American
Poultry Hall of Fame Adds Five Industry Leaders
The American Poultry Historical Society will honor five outstanding
individuals by inducting them into the American Poultry Hall of
Fame. Donald D. Bell, Nelson A. Cox, James H. Denton, Robert H.
Harms, and Richard L. Witter will be inducted into the American
Poultry Hall of Fame on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007, at the International
Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo in Atlanta, Ga. The ceremony
is open to all IPE and IFE attendees.
Poultry News
Entrepreneurs
look to use chicken fat for fuel
DEXTER, Mo. - Jerry Bagby is typical of the oil men who are prospecting
for a fortune in the Midwestern biofuels boom. He's convinced
there's oil in these hills - and he's found a well that no one
else is using.
--- January 5, 2007
Avian Influenza News
Bird
flu tops list of challenges as Chan takes over WHO (free registration
required)
Margaret Chan, a 59-year-old Hong Kong native, took charge of
the World Health Organization on Thursday, pledging to prioritize
the concerns of women and Africans even while coping with the
ongoing specter of bird flu.
NIAID
DNA Vaccine for H5N1 Avian Influenza Enters Human Trial
The first human trial of a DNA vaccine designed to prevent H5N1
avian influenza infection began on December 21, 2006, when the
vaccine was administered to the first volunteer at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. Scientists
from the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) at the National Institute
of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the NIH Institutes,
designed the vaccine. The vaccine does not contain any infectious
material from the influenza virus.
New
AI guidelines issued
ITALY: The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed advice
for the use of antiviral treatments for avian influenza.
Molecular
Anatomy of Influenza Virus Detailed
Being able to visualize influenza virus particles should boost
our efforts to prepare for a possible pandemic flu attack, says
NIAMS Director Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D. This work will allow
us to ‘know our enemy much better.
Alabama News
Poultry
farms feeling pinched
LUDLOW — Deep in rural Scott County, where rusted farm equipment
and muddied pickup trucks sit among bales of hay, aging farmers
fear their livelihood is at stake
Government News
U.S.
to allow cloned meat in food supply
UNITED STATES: The Food and Drug Administration says meat and
milk products from cloned animals and their offspring are safe
to eat.
POULTRY
IMPROVEMENT PLAN MEETING
UNITED STATES: A meeting has been scheduled on the National Poultry
Improvement Plan.
USDA
ADDRESSES RISK BASED INSPECTION
UNITED STATES: A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) official
is speaking about Risk Based Inspection of Meat and Poultry Products.
Industry News
NO
TYSON BONUSES THIS YEAR
UNITED STATES: Tyson Foods says because of poor performance this
year no one, including senior executives, will get year-end bonuses.
Pilgrim's
Pride Wins Gold Kist Shares
PITTSBURG, Texas — Poultry producer Pilgrim's Pride Corp.
said Thursday that it received 88.9 percent of shares in Gold
Kist Inc. with its $1.1 billion tender offer and expects to complete
the acquisition of its rival in early January.
Poultry
farm to run on solar power
Alan Family Foods in Laurel, Delaware, USA, is to build a photovoltaic
system to power its growout poultry house. The system is supplied
by WorldWater & Power Corp, involving a US$500,000 investment.
Poultry News
Entrepreneurs
look to use chicken fat for fuel
DEXTER, Mo. - Jerry Bagby is typical of the oil men who are prospecting
for a fortune in the Midwestern biofuels boom. He's convinced
there's oil in these hills - and he's found a well that no one
else is using.
DEFRA
and SAC develop poultry red mite vaccine
Extensive experience gained researching sheep scab mites has opened
up a major new avenue for researching poultry red mite, according
to Dr John Huntley, of Edinburgh’s Moredun Research Institute.
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