USPOULTRY Member News: uspoultry.org

ABOUT US

PEOPLE & GROUPS

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES

USPOULTRY Member News

Currently Listed Member News

Navy Spending $12 Million on Biofuels Order
December 6, 2011 - The U.S. Navy is spending $12 million to buy 425,000 gallons of fuel made from cooking oil and algae that will be used to power vessels and ships in a training exercise.

The government ordered the fuel from a joint venture between poultry producer Tyson Foods Inc. and refining company Syntroleum Corp. called Dynamic Fuels LLC, and from biofuels company Solazyme Inc., the companies and the government said.

Tyson Foods Donates 20,000 Pounds to Fight Hunger in L.A.
December 5, 2011 - Tyson Foods donated 20,000 pounds of chicken to the Veterans’ Holiday Celebration (VHC) and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank as part of an effort to feed people in need and show its commitment for hiring military veterans, reservists and their family members. The donation was made in conjunction with the 19th annual VHC celebration. Approximately 4,000 veterans will be fed at the event December 4, held at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration (VA) campus. The remaining donation has been allocated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. All told, the donation is the equivalent of 80,000 meals.

Cargill Donates Shipload of Rice to Fight Hunger in the Horn of Africa
December 2, 2011 - Cargill is donating 10,000 metric tons (more than 22 million pounds) of rice to support the World Food Program (WFP) USA’s efforts to fight hunger and malnutrition in the Horn of Africa. WFP anticipates the rice will feed nearly 1 million people for one month. The continuing crisis in the Horn of Africa is unlike any other, leaving 13 million people at risk of starvation and malnutrition—a number equivalent to all the inhabitants of Los Angeles and Berlin. The shipment of rice will go to support relief efforts in northeastern Kenya, where some of the largest food needs in the Horn exist and where WFP is scaling up its operations to reach 3.75 million people affected by the drought.

Miami Dolphins, Lift Up America, and Tyson Foods Team Up to Tackle Hunger
November 30, 2011 - For the seventh consecutive year, Lift Up America and the Miami Dolphins teamed up with Tyson Foods, Inc. to tackle hunger in South Florida. Miami Dolphins’ players were on hand Tuesday, Nov. 29, to help unload and distribute 30,000 pounds of protein, donated by Tyson, to more than 50 of Feeding South Florida’s member charities. The donation event was held at the Sun Life Stadium at 11:30 a.m. and included a press conference with representatives from each organization.

Tyson Foods Donates More Than $23K to City of Emporia
November 29, 2011 - Tyson Foods Inc. presented the city of Emporia, Kansas, a check for $23,895. The money will fund the purchase of an outdoor warning and notification system that will be used to alert Emporia residents of dangerous weather or other emergencies.

The purchase will supplement the City’s existing notification system and broaden its overall reach. More than just a siren, the system is capable of broadcasting instructions or vital information in both English and Spanish. The donation will entirely pay for one new site to be added to the notification system.

Cargill Donates Honeysuckle White® Turkeys to Ronald McDonald Houses for Thanksgiving
November 22, 2011 - Cargill and its Honeysuckle White® turkey brand announced the donation of 1,000 premium turkeys to Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) Chapters in the U.S. this Thanksgiving holiday season. The turkeys will be used to provide traditional Thanksgiving dinners to families of seriously ill children staying in Ronald McDonald House® programs throughout the United States.

Indiana Poultry Producers Helping the Hungry
November 21, 2011 - Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, accepted a donation from representatives of the Indiana State Poultry Association of more than 131,000 pounds of Indiana poultry products for Hoosier food pantries. The donation took place during a ceremony at the State House outside the Lt. Governor’s office. Product donations will be distributed locally through the Shepherd Community Center. Others were donated in the name of Lt. Governor Skillman and will be delivered directly to local communities.

Tyson Foods Selects Energy Company CEO as Board Member
November 18, 2011 - An executive with more than 30 years of experience in the energy commodity industry has been named to the board of directors of Tyson Foods, Inc. company officials announced. Gaurdie E. Banister Jr., 54, has been selected as a new independent director on the Tyson board. He is currently the president and CEO of Aera Energy LLC, a $4 billion oil and gas producer that is jointly owned by Shell and ExxonMobil.

Foodbanks Applaud Dedication of Cooper Farms Partnership
November 16, 2011 - As Ohioans prepare for a Thanksgiving feast, thousands of Ohioans will wonder where their next meal is coming from. Thanks to Ohio-based Cooper Farms, the nation’s 12th-largest turkey producer, two Ohio foodbanks in desperate need of food will have high-protein turkey products donated and delivered just in time for the holiday season.

Thanksgiving week, Cooper Farms will deliver more than 27,000 pounds of turkey products to two Ohio foodbanks – Shared Harvest in Fairfield and Second Harvest Foodbank of Southeast Ohio in Logan. The two foodbanks will share the donation, which will provide approximately 144,000 meals to foodbank clients.

Cargill Supports Hunger Relief in Memphis with Thanksgiving Food Baskets
November 16, 2011 - This Thanksgiving, over 900 Memphis area families in need will receive food for their holiday meal thanks to the Memphis Community Food Basket Initiative.

This is the 17th year Cargill is leading the initiative, which brings together local companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations to create and deliver food baskets for families in need. This Thanksgiving, more than 200 volunteers will spend 6 days packaging and distributing baskets in the greater Memphis area.

Foster Farms Helps Manteca Food Bank
November 14, 2011 - A donation by Foster Farms put a big dent in a food bank's need for holiday turkeys, but it will take thousands more to meet demand this Thanksgiving. The Livingston-based poultry giant donated 1,200 turkeys Thursday to the Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.

Cargill helps Feeding America Enhance Food Safety
November 11, 2011 - With one in six Americans lacking enough money to obtain adequate nutrition, demand remains strong for the services provided by Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger relief organization. In an effort to provide the safest food possible to the 37 million people it serves annually, Feeding America is partnering with Cargill to further enhance its food safety practices.

Mississippi Poultry Association Gives Big Donation to Food Banks
November 11, 2011 - Gov. Haley Barbour joined representatives of the Mississippi Poultry Association and the Mississippi Food Network to celebrate the donation of 10,000 pounds of chicken and 10,000 eggs to the Mississippi Food Network, which distributes food and household items to people across the state.

The donation is the beginning of a tradition for Mississippi Poultry Association, which plans to make a similar donation annually. Gov. Barbour chose to give the donation to the Mississippi Food Network for its broad reach across the state.

Dynamic Fuels Featured in Initial Commercial U.S. Flights
November 7, 2011 - The first commercial airline flights in the U.S. to use biofuel produced by Dynamic Fuels LLC, a joint venture of Tyson Foods and Syntroleum Corporation will begin this week in Seattle. The flights build on Dynamic Fuels’ involvement in the world’s first commercial flights using biofuel conducted earlier this year by several European airlines. Alaska Airlines is initiating two flights Wednesday using a 20 percent blend of renewable jet fuel from Dynamic Fuels’ Geismar, Louisiana, plant.

GNP Company(TM) Wins Meatingplace's 2011 Jesse Jewell Award
October 31, 2011 - Growing to the point that it changed its name from Gold'n Plump Poultry to GNP Company was just one of the reasons cited for GNP Company, the Midwest's largest chicken producer, to win the prestigious Jesse Jewell Award. Named after the legendary poultry industry pioneer, Jesse Jewell, the award was given by major industry publication, Meatingplace, now in its 10th year of recognizing industry innovators.

Meatingplace's managing editor, Tom Johnston, described GNP Company's key areas of innovation and positive impact in the poultry industry when he said, "We felt that GNP rose to the top due to its performance in a tough year with new product introductions; its award-winning plant operations; the innovation of a carbon footprint label that shows a dedication to sustainability; and the rare expansion of jobs."

Tyson Foods Supports University Food Pantry
October 28, 2011 - A food pantry that serves students in need at the University of Arkansas has received a financial donation from Tyson Foods, Inc.

The company has given $2,000 to the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry at the university to help buy a new computer system to serve students more effectively.

Full Circle is an emergency food assistance program that provides food and personal products to students in need, so they can fully focus on their education. It will use the $2,000 to purchase a new laptop computer and scanner in order to help students apply for the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program.

Tyson Foods Highlights Support for Military, Veterans at Presidential Event
October 20, 2011 - Tyson Foods’ commitment to the U.S. military and military veterans was highlighted at an event with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. “As the number one food supplier to military commissaries worldwide, an active employer of veterans and a strong advocate for quality of life for military families, we are proud to be here,” said Tyson Foods President and CEO Donnie Smith, one of eight food company executives present at a Langley Air Force Base event featuring the President and First Lady. Smith was part of a small group that met privately with both of them before the First Lady announced a major initiative by military commissary suppliers to hire more veterans and military family members as part of the “Joining Forces” initiative.

Tyson is part of the American Logistics Association, which on behalf of its members committed to hiring 25,000 veterans and military spouses over the next two years.

Foster Farms Adding On-Site Health Centers
October 20, 2011 - Central Valley poultry producer Foster Farms has contracted with U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group to operate two on-site health centers for the company’s employees in Turlock and Livingston.

The agreement calls for U.S. HealthWorks to provide comprehensive occupational health care for Foster Farms employees.

Cargill Turkey Feeds Families; Also Helps Feed Others through Feeding America®
October 13, 2011 - As the holidays approach, many families struggle to make ends meet, and a turkey dinner on the table is not always possible. With the help of Cargill and Feeding America, some of these families will be able to enjoy a turkey dinner through the nationwide “Feed Your Family. Help Feed Another.” campaign.

Hunger has no boundaries, and millions of children, adults and seniors face it daily in America. So for the third consecutive year, Feeding America and Cargill’s Honeysuckle White® and Shady Brook Farms® turkey brands are collaborating to provide meals for two million people facing hunger in a program being funded by Cargill’s donation of $250,000 to Feeding America. Because every dollar donated to Feeding America helps provide eight meals, Cargill’s donation will provide approximately 2 million meals to people in need.

Cargill Partners With Blair Family YMCA to Support Its Early Childhood Development Program
October 13, 2011 - Cargill announced it is donating $150,000 to the Blair Family YMCA to support its early childhood development program, “Y Discoveries.”

Created in the fall of 2008, the Y Discoveries program aims to give families in Blair and surrounding communities more options for early childhood development. Cargill’s donation will help expand and enhance the YMCA’s facility to allow more toddlers and preschoolers to participate in the program. Funds will also support age-appropriate educational curriculum and social development activities for the children.

Northwest Arkansas ‘Honor Flight’ Set for October 15
October 6, 2011 - Almost 90 World War II veterans will visit memorials dedicated in their honor during a trip to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, October 15, as part of the fourth Northwest Arkansas Honor Flight. Thanks to major donations from Tyson Foods, Inc. and the Walmart Foundation, as well as others, a commercial jet has been chartered to fly the veterans free of charge from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to Washington, D.C. and back. The group, which will include veterans as old as 98, will see the World War II Memorial, as well as other military memorials, during their day in the nation’s capital.

Three Food Banks to Receive Tyson Foods Donation
October 4, 2011 - The results are in from an online hunger-awareness poll and three food banks will be receiving a large donation from Tyson Foods. The Food Bank of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, finished in first place; the Yuma Community Food Bank in Yuma, Arizona, was second; and the Mississippi Food Network in Jackson, Mississippi, was third. Each will each receive 30,000 pounds of protein as one of the top three vote-getters in a Tyson Foods Facebook poll. Voters were given the choice of 10 food banks located in counties with high food insecurity in the U.S. Nearly 38,000 votes were cast during the past two weeks. The three food banks that received the most votes will each get a truckload of protein from Tyson within the next month. Combined, the donations will provide the equivalent of 360,000 meals.

Tyson Foods' Social Media Campaign to Boost Hunger Awareness
September 20, 2011 - With more than 49 million Americans fighting hunger, Tyson Foods, Inc. is turning to social media to help boost hunger awareness in the U.S. and let the public choose three food banks to divide a 90,000-pound food donation from the company.

As part of Hunger Action Month in September, Tyson is using Facebook to ask the public to cast votes for ten food banks located in some of the most food insecure counties. The food banks were selected with the assistance of Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. The three food banks earning the most votes will receive 30,000 pounds of protein each. Combined, the three donations will provide the equivalent of 360,000 meals.

The public can begin voting for their food bank of choice on Sept. 19 by going to Tyson Foods' Hunger Relief page: http://www.facebook.com/ #!/TysonHungerRelief. The winning food banks will be announced shortly after the voting period ends on Sept. 30.

Perdue Launches New SIMPLY SMART® Chicken
September 19, 2011 - As consumers are becoming savvier and increasingly concerned with understanding the ingredients in their food, Perdue Farms Incorporated has introduced SIMPLY SMART® chicken, a convenient frozen food option designed to meet the growing demand for products that are both healthy and flavorful. This line of grilled, lightly breaded and roasted chicken products deliver the nutrition and great taste that naturally comes from real, simple and recognizable ingredients, such as sea salt, unbleached wheat flour, cracked black pepper and olive oil.

Each item in the line has been carefully developed to not only taste great but to have at least 40% fewer calories, at least 50% less fat and at least 25% more protein than the USDA standard for breaded fried boneless chicken. The 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend that consumers eat more lean protein, and with more than 16 grams of protein per serving, this product line provides an excellent source.

Pilgrim's Douglas Complex Named Employer of the Year by Georgia Dept. of Labor
September 12, 2011 - Pilgrim's Pride has a new reason to be proud of its operations in Georgia this year: The Georgia Department of Labor-Vocational Rehabilitation Program has selected the Pilgrim's Douglas complex as its Employer of the Year for 2011.

At a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday, September 21, Pilgrim's was recognized for its collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation and the Valdosta Transition Center (VTC), and for its accommodation and support in hiring inmates who are transitioning from prison back into society. The company worked with VTC to create an efficient screening and hiring process that helps place workers into well-matched jobs, and workers earn the same wages and are held to the same performance levels as other employees. The VTC helps by providing a van for transportation to and from work as well as security monitoring.

Perdue Hall Completes Trio
September 9, 2011 - Salisbury University has hit a trifecta with its three newest buildings -- The Teacher Education and Technology Center, which opened in 2008; Sea Gull Square, which opened this fall as a dormitory with benefits --retail space on the bottom floor; and Perdue Hall, new home to the university's Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, also completed for use this fall semester.

Pfizer Starts Animal Health Joint Venture in China
September 6, 2011 - Pfizer Inc. is aiming to boost sales of veterinary medicines in China — and its global dominance in the animal health business — via a joint venture with a Chinese startup company. Pfizer said Thursday that it has reached a deal to jointly develop, manufacture and sell vaccines for animals with Jilin Guoyan Animal Health Company Ltd.

Chick Master Opens North American Sales Office
September 6, 2011 - Chick Master is pleased to announce our new North American Sales office in Cumming, Georgia. This new office will offer better support and service to our large base of customers in the United States and Canada. This office will be managed by Lou Sharp, Vice President of North America Sales, and it will be the center of activity for sales in these two important territories.

Cargill Donates $1 Million to Greater Wichita YMCA
September 2, 2011 - As the result of donations from the company’s businesses headquartered in Wichita and supporting funds from its corporate headquarters, Cargill is investing in the Greater Wichita YMCA with a $1 million contribution toward its capital campaign funding a Community and Nutritional Coaching Center in the new $23 million Central Family YMCA in downtown. A $600,000 check was presented to the YMCA, with additional $100,000 payments scheduled each April from 2012 through 2015.

Four Cargill Locations Earn the ENERGY STAR® for Energy Efficiency for Second Consecutive Year
August 31, 2011 - Four Cargill Corn Milling North America locations—Blair, Neb.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Eddyville, Iowa, and Wahpeton, N.D., have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s prestigious ENERGY STAR, the national symbol for protecting the environment through energy efficiency, for the second year in a row.

Earning the ENERGY STAR places the Cargill Corn Milling facilities in Blair, Cedar Rapids, Eddyville and Wahpeton within the top 25 percent of wet corn milling plants in the nation with regard to energy performance.

Big Dutchman Opens new Facility in Araraquara, Brazil
August 31, 2011 - Big Dutchman recently inaugurated its new Brazilian facility in the city of Araraquara, state of São Paulo. Nearly BRL 30 million (€ 13 million) were invested in a property with ten hectares (25 acres) on which nearly 16,000 m2 (172,000 ft2) were built.

Two California Regional Finalists Win $1,000, Move on to Finals of Foster Farms Fresh Chicken Cookin
August 30, 2011 - Californians Roxanne Chan of Albany and Jennifer Daskevich of Los Angeles were named winners in the California Regional Finals of the Second Annual Foster Farms Fresh Chicken Cooking Contest held at The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California – San Diego this morning. These two Finalists each won a $1,000 cash prize and will compete at the Finals in person on September 30, 2011, at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, in California's Napa Valley. A $10,000 grand prize and one-year supply* of Foster Farms fresh chicken will be awarded to the contest's grand prize winner.

Tyson Foods Contributes Intellectual Capital to Rwanda Protein Project
August 17, 2011 - A project to improve protein consumption for many Rwandans, especially for children whose early development is directly affected by their diets, is now producing about 2,200 eggs per day.

Construction of an egg laying operation began in 2009 and the first flock was placed in early 2010. By late 2010, eggs were being produced and made available on the open food market, as well as being sold into schools and some clinics.

To date, four different flocks have been placed, and the entire operation employs 17 people. About 2,000 eggs per week are supplied to OneEgg.org, which feeds children who attend child care centers one hard-boiled egg per day, five days a week. The remaining eggs (about 13,400 per week) are sold to vendors who resell the eggs at local food markets.

Aviagen Production Management School Celebrates 48 Years
August 12, 2011 - Starting in the late 1960’s as the Arbor Acres School in Connecticut, the Aviagen Production Management School, now held in Huntsville, Alabama, has grown dramatically in size and scope over the years. Since its inception, more than 1,000 men and women from over 100 countries have successfully completed the Aviagen School.

This year the 48th Production Management School welcomed a record number of participants – 34 customers from 21 countries – for the intensive four-week course. The School, held from June 6 to July 2, featured more than 41 speakers from academia and industry in a rigorous pace of 53 classroom sessions, eight hands-on practical workshops and labs, and 10 live production facility visits.

Alltech Sponsors World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress
August 9, 2011 - Alltech is a first time sponsor of the 17th Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association being held in Cancun, Mexico from August 14-18. Along with the sponsorship, Alltech will be providing information about their programme solutions in two booths and interacting with attendees through a special lecture session.

Alltech invites poultry professionals to attend the lecture “Facing the Challenge: Optimising Intestinal Health and Immunity” by Dr. Tim Cummings, clinical poultry professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, USA, on Sunday August 14. Cummings will address strategies for managing and maintaining intestinal health, one of the most significant challenges for global poultry production during periods of high input costs and absolutely critical to optimal bird health and performance.

Perdue Show off Solar Project at Delaware Feed Mill
August 8, 2011 - Perdue Farms is showing off a new solar energy project that will help power its feed mill in Bridgeville.

U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons were among the visitors expected at the company's solar project open house.

The project involves thousands of solar panels covering an area roughly the size of five football fields and generating enough electricity to power more than 175 typical U.S. homes. It's a collaboration between Perdue, Standard Solar and Washington Gas Energy Services.

Cargill Donates $100,000 to Fight Famine in the Horn of Africa
August 8, 2011 - Cargill announced it has donated $100,000 to longtime partners, CARE and the World Food Program to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa. The company has donated to these global humanitarian organizations in response to the declaration of famine in several areas of Somalia.

Drought, displacement and conflict have left more than 13 million people in the Horn of Africa region - comprised of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and Uganda - in urgent need of food assistance, and the number is rising. As the number of hungry people increases, so does the need to deliver more effective, fortified, supplementary food products, especially for children.

Elanco Distributes Amlan International Products in Brazil
July 26, 2011 - Amlan International, the manufacturer of Calibrin enterosorbents, announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Elanco Animal Health to distribute its products in Brazil.

As Amlan’s sole distributor in Brazil, Elanco will market, sell and support the growth of Calibrin and other products offered by Amlan International.

Merck’s New Coccidiosis Vaccine Approved for US Poultry Market
July 22, 2011 - Merck Animal Health has obtained regulatory approval from the US Department of Agriculture for Coccivac-D2 — a new-generation version of a coccidiosis vaccine to replace Coccivac-D.

“Coccivac-D2 builds on the field-proven performance and dependability of Coccivac-D, but its spectrum is even more in step with the Eimeria populations found in today’s broiler-breeder and layer operations,” said Charlie Broussard, DVM, director of US poultry technical services.

Cargill named Soil and Water Conservation Society’s Merit Award recipient of 2011
July 21, 2011 - In recognition of its local environmental efforts in the community, Cargill has been honored with the 2011 Merit Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Representatives from the Cargill facility were presented with the 2011 Merit Award during the Soil and Water Conservation Society’s recent annual conference in Washington, D.C. The award is given in recognition of an outstanding activity, product or service by a corporation that promotes the conservation of soil, water and related natural resources.

Novus Supporting Legacy Project of US Poultry Science Association
July 19, 2011 - The Poultry Science Association in the USA entered into a project to make articles in their journals from before the digital era, accessible online. Novus International is supporting this legacy project.

Novus International understands the value and significance of historical research. Novus also realizes it is important for future generations of scientists to have easy access to the data, observations and findings of those who preceded them. That’s why the company is supporting the Poultry Science Association Foundation legacy project.

5,000 Attend Mountaire Faith & Family Night
July 18, 2011 - Close to 5,000 fans were in attendance for this year’s Mountaire Faith & Family Night at Shorebirds Stadium in Salisbury, MD. The evening featured a baseball game between the hometown Delmarva Shorebirds and the visiting Hickory Crawdads, as well as a postgame concert with up and coming local artists, The Reminders, and a fireworks show. The weather was perfect, and the inspiring performance put on by The Reminders, went a long way in erasing the 8-1 loss by the Shorebirds.

Gainco Launches New Website Focusing On Optimizing Yields In Poultry & Meat Processing
July 15, 2011 - Gainco, Inc., a manufacturer of yield management systems for meat and poultry processors, announces the launch of a new corporate website. The Gainco website address remains the same (http://www.gainco.com), but the site has been completely reworked to make it more user-friendly along with offering significantly more content than before.

Among the new content included on the Gainco website is a video library showing various Gainco systems and equipment in operation, along with the ability to identify system solutions based on processing application … all in just a few clicks.

Cargill Donates $135,000 to Fight Hunger in Ohio
July 15, 2011 - Cargill announced it donated a total of $135,000 to 15 hunger relief organizations across Ohio. All of the nonprofit organizations that received funding are members of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) and affiliated with Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger-relief charity.

Tyson Foods Named ‘Processor of the Year’
July 11, 2011 - National Provisioner’s editor-in-chief, Andy Hanacek, noted the company’s continued efforts to reduce costs while focusing on customer service as reasons for the “Processor of the Year” honor. The magazine features Tyson in its cover story “Team-Driven Turnaround,” which is available at www.provisioneronline.com/articles/96608-turnaround. A sidebar story on the company’s Fresh Meats Case-Ready plant in Sherman, Texas and a remembrance of Don Tyson are included.

Cargill Environmental Education Center to open at the Minnesota Zoo
July 8, 2011 - Cargill is pleased to announce the grand opening of Cargill Environmental Education Center at the Minnesota Zoo. In support of the Heart of the Zoo campaign, Cargill provided a $1 million donation to the Zoo to fund the construction of the new, environmentally-friendly education center.

The Cargill Environmental Education Center is scheduled to open for the public on Saturday, July 9 and will be home to the Zoo’s expanded early childhood learning program. Located in the facility’s new visitor center, the education center includes classroom spaces and interactive areas for close-up learning with Zoomobile animals, encouraging caring attitudes toward nature and animals.

Cargill Innovation Center Debuts
July 7, 2011 - A mere 382 days after a grill lighting ceremony that signaled the groundbreaking for construction of its $14.7 million Cargill Innovation Center in Wichita, located at 300 West 1st Street North, one of the world’s most advanced food innovation facilities will officially be open for business on Friday, July 15. The research, development, culinary, laboratory, pilot plant and distribution capabilities housed in the building are focused on helping Cargill’s retail and food service customers grow their businesses by meeting the needs of domestic and international consumers who enjoy eating meat products.

Aviagen Achieves Compartmentalisation Certification
July 7, 2011 - Aviagen has achieved compartment status for all of its facilities, paving the way for the compartmentalisation concept to become a global reality.

Aviagen Great Grandparent, Grandparent and Pedigree facilities have been independently assessed and accredited alongside its egg depot and hatcheries by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK Government awarded all Aviagen facilities compartment status last April.

Allens' Legacy Lives on in Charity Donations
July 5, 2011 - Though Allen Family Foods will soon be vanishing from the southern Delaware landscape, the Allen family name will remain, emblazoned on buildings across the region as a reminder of its philanthropic contributions and the broad impact of the once-powerful agricultural enterprise.

Over the last few decades, the family has put millions into funding senior centers, university research, public libraries, youth groups and college scholarships, all staying in Delaware. And the state's nonprofit leaders say the homegrown support would be difficult to replace.

Merck Announces New Name for its Animal Health Division
June 29, 2011 - Merck’s animal health division, formerly known as Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, announced that it will begin using the new name, Merck Animal Health. It will be known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada.

Aviagen Opens a New Veterinary Diagnostic and Research Laboratory
June 28, 2011 - New 15,000-Square-Foot State-of-the-art Facility with Latest Technologies and Biosafety Level II

Aviagen’s leadership in poultry breeding and its commitment to meet increasingly demanding domestic and international poultry health requirements continued to advance as it opens a new diagnostic and research laboratory in Elkmont, Alabama.

The new laboratory provides expanded and dedicated areas for an array of laboratory work including bacteriology, serology, molecular diagnostics, genomics research, and pathological exams. The multimillion-dollar facility was designed to meet biosafety level II (BSL-II) standards and rigorous employee safety criteria. The lab will serve the needs of all Aviagen breeding-production facilities in the U.S.

One million meals: Cargill Teams with Kids against Hunger to Feed Hungry Children in Central America
June 28, 2011 - Cargill is partnering with nonprofit organization Kids against Hunger to provide one million meals for children in need and their families. In the largest meal-packaging effort Cargill has ever undertaken, employee volunteers are spending two weeks packaging meals to be sent to Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala, which face major challenges around food security.

Perdue Unveils First National Campaign
June 27, 2011 - Perdue Farms Inc. announced the launch of a series of documentary-style TV spots to unveil its first national campaign, We Believe in a Better Chicken™. The advertisements take viewers behind-the-scenes at Perdue Farms, introduce passionate associates and reveal the company's new USDA Process Verified Seal.

Novus International Partners With Verenium
June 27, 2011 - Novus International will be expanding its animal nutrition products thanks to a new partnership with enzyme company Verenium.

The focus of the partnership will target the development of products using Verenium enzymes for the global poultry, swine, beef, dairy, aquaculture and companion animals markets. “These new enzyme products will give us the ability to offer new solutions to the performance challenges our customers face,” said Novus International president and CEO Thad Simons.

"Strike Out Hunger" All-Star Campaign Creates More Than a Quarter of a Million Meals
June 23, 2011 - As part of a company commitment to fighting hunger in its communities, Perdue partnered with the Delmarva Shorebirds, Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, for a unique campaign that helped produce more than a quarter of a million meals across South Atlantic League communities.

Perdue sponsored the 2011 "Strike Out Hunger" All-Star Game at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on behalf of the three main Delmarva food banks.

Tyson Foods Joins Today Show ‘Lend a Hand’ Tour
June 16, 2011 - Tyson donated food with a retail value of $125,000 Tuesday as part of the “Lend a Hand” charity tour sponsored by NBC’s ‘Today’ show. In its tenth year, the show’s week long, five-city tour helps small, non-profit groups across the country work toward improving living conditions in their communities. Tyson Foods’ donation of a truck load of chicken was made during the ‘Today’ show’s live broadcast from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Novus International, Inc. Will Celebrate 20th Anniversary on June 16th, Focusing on ‘Innovation with
June 13, 2011 - Novus International will host more than 500 people from more than 30 countries this week at its Global Headquarters facility in Missouri Research Park for the celebration of its 20th Anniversary. Customers, partners and friends of Novus will join together to enjoy a Celebration Ceremony featuring leaders from government and the agriculture industry.

“‘Innovation with Integrity’ has been a central attribute of Novus’ culture from the beginning, and our heritage has been built on developing innovative, science-based health through nutrition products for livestock, pets and people,” said Thad Simons, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novus. “We are very proud of our global network of employees, customers and partnerships and excited to celebrate with the many people who support our continued growth and success.”

Novus 20th Anniversary Celebrations were initiated earlier this year, with back-to-back events at the Asian-Pacific Aquaculture in Kochi, India, and the International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. The intention of these celebrations is to demonstrate appreciation for the customers and partners who have supported Novus through the years and still do today.

Perdue Aids North Carolina Tornado Victims
June 13, 2011 - Perdue, through the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, presented a $10,000 grant to the American Red Cross to aid victims of the deadly April 16 tornado that lashed across northeast Bertie County, killing 12 people, including one Perdue associate.

The grant was presented to the Pitt County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Bertie County officials on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at a ceremony in downtown Windsor. The Pitt County Chapter represents several North Carolina counties, including Bertie County.

"The loss of life and devastation inflicted by the April 16 tornadoes on the residents of Bertie County, including a number of Perdue associates, is heartbreaking," said Jeff Stalls, Director of Operations at Perdue's processing operation in Lewiston. "We're proud to make this donation and are grateful to the Pitt County Chapter of the American Red Cross for ensuring the monies will assist Bertie County residents who were directly impacted."

Butterball Donates Turkeys for US Storm Victims
June 6, 2011 - US turkey producer, Butterball, is donating more than 18,000 pounds of turkey to charitable organizations in North Carolina and Alabama that are supplying food to victims of the severe weather that affected numerous communities across the states.

“Our thoughts and concerns go out to the many individuals who were impacted by the devastating tornadoes and floods, and to those across the country who struggle to provide food for their families,” said Walter Pelletier, president of Maxwell Farms. “Butterball is a proud supporter of hunger relief and we are thankful for the opportunity to join with such valiant organizations that help meet the needs of the community not only in times of distress, but every day.”

House of Raeford’s Arcadia and Wallace Plants Achieve Major Food Safety Certification
June 3, 2011 - House of Raeford Farms is pleased to announce that their Arcadia, LA and Wallace, NC chicken processing plants have both achieved SQF 2000 Level 2 certification. They join the company’s Hemingway, SC further processing plant that received SQF 2000 Level 3 certification in 2010.

“We are motivated and committed to consistently supply our customers with safe, wholesome, quality foods”, said Mitzi Gaddy and Dawn Lynch, Quality Control Managers for the Arcadia and Wallace plants respectively. “This certification enables us to assure our customers that food has been produced, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible standards, at all levels of the supply chain.” The SQF (Safe Quality Food) program is a leading global food safety, quality certification and management system, designed to meet the needs of buyers and suppliers worldwide. It provides independent certification that a supplier’s food safety and quality management system complies with international and domestic food safety regulations.

Tyson Foods Provides Disaster Relief in Missouri and Kansas
May 24, 2011 - Tyson Foods is sending food, ice, and cooking teams to Joplin, Missouri, and Reading, Kansas, to help in the aftermath of tornadoes that hit both communities over the weekend.

Cooking teams from six Tyson plant locations traveled Monday to the southwest Missouri community of Joplin, which was devastated by a Sunday evening tornado that reportedly killed 116 people and damaged many homes and businesses. Tyson is currently sending two truckloads of meat and one truckload of ice to Joplin. Tyson’s Noel and Monett poultry processing plants in southwest Missouri were not damaged by the storm. There have also been no reports of damage to contract poultry farms in the area.

Poultry Companies Rank High in Arkansas Business’ Top Private Companies of 2011
May 24, 2011 - Arkansas Business has released its latest 75 top private companies list for 2011. They rank the companies by revenue. The newspaper has compiled the list for 24 years now. Arkansas Business publisher Jeff Hankins says this year's list shows impressive growth for some major companies.

They don't get a lot of attention, mainly because their financial data isn't a matter of public record.

Still, private companies drive phenomenal growth here in Arkansas, especially looking at 10-year comps.

For example, poultry producer Mountaire Corp. of Little Rock is number three on the list -- having grown from 3,100 workers and $443-million in revenue in 2000 to 5,600 employees and $1.3 billion in revenue last year.

To see the entire list of companies click here: http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/news/print_editions/ab_private_cos_list_11.pdf

Foster Farms Feeds Minds and Bodies by Rewarding School Kids with Groceries
May 23, 2011 - School kids have brought home more than 260,000 pounds of groceries in the second year of a program underwritten by Foster Farms.

The Livingston-based poultry company provided the goods to 825 students through its Food 4 Thought program. It rewards students for taking part in after-school activities at nine elementary campuses in Stanislaus and Merced counties.

http://www.wlfoods.com/news.aspx?deid=65
May 23, 2011 - West Liberty Foods, LLC became the first Iowa-based business to be certified as a partner in a nationwide program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure a legal and more secure work force.

Officials with West Liberty Foods, LLC and ICE formally agreed to partner in the “IMAGE” or "ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers" program during a signing ceremony held at West Liberty Foods’ corporate headquarters. IMAGE is a voluntary program that allows private industry to partner with ICE to reduce unauthorized employment and the use of fraudulent identity documents.

Tyson Foods Sponsors Third Honor Flight for World War II Veterans
May 19, 2011 - More than 90 World War II veterans from northwest Arkansas visited the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Saturday, May 21, as part of a trip Tyson Foods, Inc. helped fund and organize. The trip, called “Honor Flight,” was planned in coordination with a national organization called the Honor Flight Network, which was established to “transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.”

Cargill Receives 2011 Dayton Water Award
May 18, 2011 - Cargill recently received the 2011 Dayton water award at the 2nd annual Dayton Water Conference held by the Waters Innovators Alliance, a Washington D.C. based industry association focused on reducing regulatory barriers, increasing collaboration and raising awareness for cutting edge water technologies and the problems they solve.

“Cargill is being honored for their good water stewardship, and conservation of our valuable, yet vulnerable natural resource,” said James McDonald of the Dayton Water Roundtable. “As a major water customer in Dayton, Cargill continues to examine and implement ways to conserve, protect and reuse water and therefore was recognized for their outstanding efforts.”

US Turkey Processor Receives Environmental Certification
May 12, 2011 - Turkey processor, West Liberty Foods has earned the ISO 14001:2004 certification for their manufacturing facility in Tremonton, Utah.

In 2004, they were the first turkey processor in the United States to receive this certification at the West Liberty, IA facility. They have since earned certifications for their Mount Pleasant, IA and now Tremonton, UT locations.

Frank Perdue to be inducted into SAL Hall of Fame, Maryland
May 10, 2011 - The Delmarva Shorebirds announced Monday that the late poultry magnate Frank Perdue will be inducted into the South Atlantic League Hall of Fame at the All-Star Game Luncheon on June 21 at the Fountains Wedding & Conference Center in Salisbury, Maryland.

Frank Perdue, who died in 2005 at the age of 84, is the single biggest reason why Arthur W. Perdue Stadium was constructed in the mid-1990s.

Hy-Line Introduces new Corporate Look and Innovations Magazine
May 5, 2011 - Hy-Line International is celebrating their 75th Anniversary this year. At that occasion they have launched a new corporate look and a new newsletter titled "Hy-Line Innovations".

The new corporate look was visible already at the International Poultry Exposition in Atlanta, last January. Now also the first edition of Hy-Line Innovations is available online. This magazine contains articles about the history of Hy-Line, as well as features about customers and their innovations.

Minneapolis Public Schools receive major new support from Target, Cargill, General Mills, Medtronic
May 3, 2011 - Corporations help fund student success from kindergarten to college with over $13 million in grants

The Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) and AchieveMpls, in partnership with Target, Cargill, General Mills and Medtronic, today announced major investments of over $13 million to help further MPS strategic plan priorities. These corporate grants will fund student success through 2014 in areas across the K-12 academic continuum, supporting students at all ages and levels of their educational careers.

Funding priorities include early literacy; science, technology, engineering and math; Advancement via Individual Determination, a national program that helps low-income students and students of color prepare for college; AchieveMpls Career and College Centers in MPS high schools; and leadership and human capital development for MPS principals and administrators.

Tyson Foods Helps Areas Devastated by Tornados
May 2, 2011 - Tyson Foods, Inc. has donated more than 270,000 pounds of food this week as part of disaster relief efforts in several states affected by devastating storms, company officials reported today. “We’re shocked and saddened by the impact of these powerful spring storms and are pitching in to help those whose lives have been turned upside down by the devastation,” said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods.

Cargill Helps Improve Education Success for Nearly 27,000 Twin Cities’ Children in 2010
May 2, 2011 - Cargill contributed more than $10 million last year to support education and the quality of life in the Twin Cities. Of that total amount, 60 percent went to bolstering academic achievement for nearly 27,000 students. Cargill partnered with more than four school districts, totaling more than 83 schools and 40 community organizations to improve academic success for these students. The remaining funding went to support premier arts, cultural and civic institutions that play a major role in the vitality and quality of the Twin Cities community.

Novus Helps Fight Childhood Obesity
April 28, 2011 - Novus International, Inc., has teamed up with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation® to educate children about healthy eating habits in an effort to help curb the growing obesity epidemic among children and adolescents. The organizations are working together to develop healthy lifestyle lessons that will be provided through the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® program and will enable rural communities to find ways to have a healthier school lunch program for rural youth.

Butterball Receives 8 Environmental Recognition Awards for Outstanding Ecological Programs
April 27, 2011 - Butterball earned Environmental Recognition Awards from the American Meat Institute (AMI) for eight of its plants and feed mills nationwide. These awards distinguish AMI member companies who exceed required environmental policies by designing and successfully implementing innovative facility upgrades or environmental programs. Click on the link below to view the awards received by Butterball facilities this year.

Foster Farms Gives $1M for Scholarship
April 27, 2011 - For many high school students, going to a university often comes with financial challenges. The Foster Poultry Farms Scholarship Fund -- a $1 million scholarship fund that will be given over the next 10 years-- has been established to help eligible UC Merced students receive the financial support needed to further their education.

To date, Foster Poultry Farms has supported the university with donations totaling nearly $2.3 million.

Cargill Cares about Farm Safety
April 27, 2011 - Cargill Limited is proud to announce they are partnering with the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) to be the core supporter of seven Progressive Agriculture Safety Days® this year in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Alongside CASA, Cargill is covering the cost of training, Canadian administration and resource development for seven Canadian Safety Days in 2011 in the prairies and Ontario- an investment of almost $20,000.

Cargill Celebrates Its Commitment to the Environment Every Day
April 25, 2011 - To celebrate Earth Day and World Environment Day, Cargill employees in 30 countries will demonstrate their commitment to the environment by participating in community service initiatives, including river clean-ups, tree plantings, and water quality testing programs. This is the company's single largest community involvement initiative annually.

Gold'n Plump Poultry Celebrates the "B'EARTHday" of GNP Company on Earth Day
April 22, 2011 - Minnesota-based, family-owned company goes public with new GNP Company name and values framework; announces recent milestones that will propel it toward a more sustainable tomorrow.

In 2008, Gold'n Plump Poultry began its transformation from a company selling a single brand with the same name as its company (Gold'n Plump the company, Gold'n Plump® the brand) to a multi-brand company with the launch of a new, more sustainably minded premium brand of chicken called Just BARE®. Then, in 2010, the company added a value brand to its portfolio called Sunny Roost®. "Our purpose in doing so was to serve the needs of a more diverse base of customers and consumers by offering three brands of chicken with distinct attributes," said Michael Helgeson, the company's CEO. "However, consumers will see no change to the logo on the packages of Gold'n Plump-branded products."

All the while, the company was advancing its understanding of socially responsible and sustainable practices — holding true to its past position as a forward-thinking innovator in the poultry industry. And, though the company had always been about being operationally excellent, the social and sustainable insight brought a new perspective and revealed the need for a new way to demonstrate and communicate its value.

Cargill, Inc. joins Global Environmental Management Initiative
April 20, 2011 - The Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) announced the addition of its newest member company, Cargill, an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services.

“Cargill’s strategic leadership and participation will be a solid asset for GEMI as we move forward to provide environmental sustainability solutions for our members that represent more than 15 business sectors,” said GEMI’s Chair, Keith Miller, Manager, Environmental Initiatives and Sustainability, 3M. He added, “I am particularly pleased that a leading company such as Cargill, which is headquartered in Minnesota, is committed to GEMI and will be bringing their leadership and experience to GEMI’s collaborative table.”

Egg Farmers Gift 2,880 Dozen to Area Hungry
April 19, 2011 - A North Valley poultry cooperative is making an "eggcellent" donation to benefit hungry people in the area, announced the Fresno-based Community Food Bank.

NuCal Foods, based in the San Joaquin County town of Ripon, is donating 34,560 eggs to the Community Food Bank. If stretched out end to end, the 2,880 dozen eggs would reach more than a mile long.

Cal-Maine Foods Donates 54,000 Eggs to Tampa Area Food Bank
April 18, 2011 - Cal-Maine Foods Inc. will donate more than 54,000 eggs to Feeding America Tampa Bay.

Feeding America Tampa Bay's food bank helps more than 400,000 needy people in West Central Florida, according to the charity.

"We have been serving the Tampa community for more than 50 years and we are proud to be partnering with Feeding America Tampa Bay to provide much needed protein to community members facing hunger," Bob Scott, Cal-Maine Foods' vice president of operations, said in a news release.

Don Tyson’s Legacy Honored with Meat Industry Award
April 15, 2011 - The American Meat Institute (AMI) today honored the late Don Tyson with its highest award. Below is the news release issued by AMI. The late Don Tyson, former chairman of Tyson Foods, Inc., was honored with the American Meat Institute’s highest award, the Industry Advancement due to his drive and innovation. He helped to transform the U.S. meat and poultry industry from its former commodity mindset to its laser focus on the consumer and the importance of meeting their ever-changing needs and expectations.

Tyson Foods Ranked High on Forbes’ Reputation List
April 8, 2011 - Tyson Foods, Inc. was named one of the most reputable companies in America, according to Forbes magazine. Tyson ranked as No. 50 of 150 companies on Forbes’ annual revue titled “America’s Most and Least Reputable Big Companies.” The magazine based its April 5 article on research by the Reputation Institute, an international image management consulting firm based in New York, N.Y. The Reputation Institute polled nearly 33,000 consumers about their emotional perceptions of some of the largest companies in the U.S. and each earned a “RepTrak Pulse” score between 0 and 100, based on trust, esteem, admiration and good feeling. Tyson’s score was 72.51.

Gold'n Plump Poultry Achieves SQF 2000 Level 2
March 29, 2011 - Gold’n Plump Poultry announced that it had achieved Safe Quality Foods (SQF) 2000 Level 2 Food Safety certification from the Safe Quality Foods Institute (SQFI).

SQFI is a division of Food Marketing Institute (FMI). Certification was granted to all three of the company’s processing facilities located in Cold Spring and Luverne, Minnesota and Arcadia, Wisconsin. Audits were conducted by a third-party, SQF-accredited certification body, Silliker Global Certification Group, a subsidiary of Silliker Group Corporation. The program provides independent certification that a supplier’s food safety system complies with international and domestic food safety regulations.

Tyson Foods Addresses Growing Hunger in Washington and Georgia
March 28, 2011 - Tyson Foods donated 29,000 pounds of boneless chicken to the Capital Area Food Bank as part of an effort to feed people in need and promote public awareness of hunger in America. http://www.sys-con.com/node/1768663

Tyson Foods has donated 29,000 pounds of boneless chicken to the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta as part of an effort to feed people in need and promote public awareness of hunger in America. Tyson and United Way are partnering with Gwinnett County Public Schools to distribute the donated food to the community. http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=237405

“There are millions of hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are faced with the realities of hunger and malnourishment,” said John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods. “We are trying to make a difference in their lives by providing nutrient-rich protein and by increasing understanding of hunger in our country.”

Cargill adds to Japan relief efforts with $250,000 donation to Second Harvest Japan
March 23, 2011 - Cargill announced that it has made a donation of $250,000 to Second Harvest Japan, a Tokyo-based food bank that is delivering truckloads of food and other needed items to the Tohoku region to provide nourishment to survivors of the earthquake and tsunami. Cargill's donation will be used to help the organization procure and deliver food and other supplies to those in need at evacuation centers and welfare agencies. In addition to the grant to Second Harvest Japan, Cargill is matching employee contributions to the Red Cross. Cargill business units also have contributed approximately $125,000 to the Japanese Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations responding in Japan.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Japan as they face the shocking aftermath of this disaster," said Mark Murphy, assistant vice president, Cargill Corporate Affairs. "There is an urgent need to deliver food and basic supplies to the people in Japan who have been most affected by this disaster. Ensuring access to safe, nutritious food has long been a focus of Cargill's community outreach efforts. We are pleased to be able to support a local organization such as Second Harvest Japan, which has been providing food to those in need for more than ten years."

Tyson Foods to Contribute to Japanese Relief Effort
March 22, 2011 - Tyson Foods, Inc. has pledged to contribute to the Japan Earthquake/Pacific Tsunami Fund of the American Red Cross. Tyson will match employee donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000 for the American Red Cross, which is helping support the medical and relief activities of the Japanese Red Cross in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

“Like many others, we’re saddened by the tragedy in Japan and want to do something to help,” said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “Our company and our team members have a tradition of stepping forward in situations like this, and in this case have decided to direct our donations to Japan through one of our nation’s leading disaster relief organizations.”

Mountaire Farms to Open an Employee Health & Wellness Center
March 22, 2011 - Mountaire Farms in Millsboro, Delaware is pleased to announce the opening of its new employee Health and Wellness Center on April 4, 2011. The new center will be operated by Concentra, a subsidiary of Humana, and will offer primary care, and preventive and wellness services to eligible Mountaire employees and dependents.

“We are extremely excited about our new employee health care center which will provide a convenient one-stop medical benefit for our employees”, said Paul Downes, President of Mountaire Farms. He added, “In addition to traditional medical services, we will provide health risk assessments and biometric screenings. Helping employees understand their health risks is the first step toward healthier lifestyle choices.”

Keystone Foods and Perdue Farms Win Clean Water Awards
March 10, 2011 - Keystone Foods LLC, Gadsden, AL and Perdue Farms Inc, Perry, GA are winners of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2011 Clean Water Awards. American Proteins, Cuthbert, GA, received honorable mention. Presented annually, the awards recognize excellence in the operation of wastewater treatment plants in the poultry industry. The presentations were made during the Association’s Environmental Management Seminar in Nashville, with the winners being selected by a committee made up of university personnel, industry engineers and managers, and state regulatory officials.

Perdue presents $317,719 check to United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore
March 2, 2011 - When Chairman Jim Perdue and associates presented this year's check for $317,719 to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore on Tuesday, February 8, the amount represented a new record in donated funds by the associates at Perdue Farms' facilities in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties. It also represented the single largest donation ever to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore fund-raising campaign.

Perdue is the No. 1 contributor to the 2010 United Way Campaign. Perdue associates have contributed more than $2 million to the United Way campaign since 1994.

Cargill Contributes Record $13 Million to United Way
February 23, 2011 - It's not often one sees corporate executives dressed in tie dye, dancing to Barbara Ann by the Beach Boys. But everything was groovy at Cargill after the company set a 1960s campaign theme in recognition of its 60th anniversary of partnering with United Way. The good vibes paid off with the company and its 48,000 North American employees contributing $13 million to United Way- $600,000 more than last year.

”There aren't many opportunities in business to do goofy things, while at the same time benefitting a good cause," said Jenny Verner, Cargill Specialty Canola Oils business unit president and 2010-2011 United Way campaign chair. "Having fun in these campaigns engages everyone and helped us generate record contributions for the sixth straight year. We're very proud of our employees' dedication to helping those in need."

Turkey Industry Pioneer Receives NTF Lifetime Achievement Award
February 18, 2011 - The National Turkey Federation (NTF) honored George Nicholas, founder of Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms, with the NTF Lifetime Achievement Award. Presented here during the NTF Annual Convention, Nicholas received the award posthumously for his long-term, unselfish dedication to creative innovation in turkey production.

Jihad Douglas and Yan Ghazikhanian, Aviagen Turkeys, accepted the award on behalf of Nicholas’ family and the company he founded. Nicholas passed away in 1985.

In presenting the award, NTF Chairman Yubert Envia said, “There are many people who undoubtedly could claim to have a hand in the creation of the broad-breasted white turkey we know today. However, if you want to know who is responsible for putting the modern commercial production on the dinner plates of millions of Americans, there is only one name: George Nicholas.”

Sanderson Farms, Inc. Honored as Sysco's 2010 Supplier of the Year
February 15, 2011 - Sysco Corporation announced that Sanderson Farms has been named Sysco's 2010 Supplier of the Year. The award was presented at Sysco's Super Regional Conference held in Houston, Texas, February 1, 2011. This is the 16th year that Sysco has annually recognized its top performing suppliers.

Food Bank ‘Egg-static’ Over Donation of 100,000 Eggs
February 14, 2011 - Food Bank for New York City received a generous donation of more than 100,000 eggs from two neighboring egg suppliers, Moark LLC and Sauder’s Eggs.

“The eggs donation will be distributed to the Food Bank’s network of approximately 1,000 food assistance programs throughout the five boroughs, and will help the Food Bank meet the growing demand for nutritious food,” said FBNYC Senior Media Relations Manager Carol Schneider.

Gold'n Plump Poultry Helps Ease Hunger Pains
February 7, 2011 - Gold'n Plump recently reported the outcome of its 2010 giving programs. According to a company spokesperson, its focus on hunger relief resulted in enough chicken donations for more than 2 million meals in 2010. With most contributions going to Minnesota- and Wisconsin-based hunger relief organizations like Second Harvest Heartland, food donations also went to local school and youth programs, as well as community causes in cities where Gold'n Plump operates.

Cargill Helps Food and Beverage Industry Deliver Products to Consumers Aiming to Meet 2010 Dietary G
February 3, 2011 - Cargill's product formulation capabilities help manufacturers accelerate the commercialization of healthier products that do not compromise the consumer sensory experience.

Perdue First Poultry Company to Receive USDA Process Verified Seal
February 1, 2011 - Perdue fresh, all natural chicken products now carry the USDA Process Verified Seal. Perdue is the first poultry company to receive this seal of verification for its practices. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has verified that Perdue products with this seal are from chickens that have been raised without cages and/or were fed an all vegetarian diet.

“We worked directly with the USDA to create verification programs that would give consumers added confidence in how our chickens are raised and what they are fed," says Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue. "The USDA is a trusted resource, and we believe the seal will make it easier for consumers to choose chicken products they can feel good about feeding their families."

Novus International Celebrates 20th Anniversary
January 27, 2011 - “Innovation with Integrity” will serve as the theme for the 20th anniversary of Novus International, which will celebrate the company’s milestone throughout 2011. Celebrations began this month, with events and customer appreciation dinners at Asian-Pacific Aquaculture in Kochi, India and International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, Georgia

Hubbard Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary in 2011
January 26, 2011 - In 2011 Hubbard celebrates its 90th anniversary. From the small flock of chickens with which Ira and Oliver Hubbard began the business in 1921, Hubbard has grown to one of the major international broiler breeding companies in the world. The poultry industry has seen remarkable changes during the past 90 years, with dramatic results for the benefit of humankind. Hubbard has played, and will continue to play, an important and vital role in this great industry.

Tyson Foods to Join ICE Program to Curb Hiring Illegal Workers
January 20, 2011 - The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale will join a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement program aimed at improving verification of company hiring records.

A news conference announcing what the publicly traded meat processing company is calling "an important partnership" is scheduled for 1 p.m. CST. ICE Director John Morton and Tyson Foods' Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Ken Kimbro are scheduled to attend.

Pilgrim's Pride Launches New Consumer-Friendly Website as Part of Rebranding Campaign
January 19, 2011 - Pilgrim's Pride has introduced a redesigned, consumer-friendly website featuring an expanded recipe section from some of America's best chefs, valuable coupons and updated information about the second-largest chicken company in the U.S.

Cargill Donates Booneville, Arkansas, Property to Petit Jean Regional Foundation
January 7, 2011 - The Petit Jean Regional Foundation Board unanimously agreed to accept the donation of Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation property located here. The property includes 19 acres of land, improvements including a refrigeration plant and miscellaneous items located on the site.

A major fire at the facility on March 23, 2008, resulted in Cargill shutting down meat processing here. Donation of the property to the Booneville community through Petit Jean Regional Foundation will provide the potential opportunity to identify possible lessees that could use the facility and create local jobs.

Are you a member company with information you would like to share with others in the poultry industry? Send your news to U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Communications at 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, GA 30084-7303 or e-mail us.

Not a member of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association? Select this link for details about the benefits of becoming a member.

1530 Cooledge Road / Tucker, Georgia 30084-7303 / 770.493.9401 / Fax: 770.493.9257

©2012, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy