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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 ----- 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. --- 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. --- 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 --- 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 --- October 23, 2009 None --- 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. --- 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 . 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 --- 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. #