Poultry Times December 5 Edition

Poultry TimesSince 1954, the nation’s only poultry industry newspaper December 5, 2011

PERIODICALS

Industry

OutlookInside:An in-depth look at the poultry industry, along with a glimpse at what’s on the horizon for 2012.

Poultry Times December 5, 2011Volume 58, Number 25www.poultrytimes.net

Special

National Thanksgiving presentation and “pardon”: National Turkey Federation Chairman Richard Huisinga, president and COO of Willmar Poultry Co., Willmar, Minn., presents President Obama with “Liberty,” the National Thanksgiving Turkey, to be “pardoned” during the annual ceremony at the White House in Washington on Nov. 23.

President pardonsThanksgiving turkeyat White House

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Nov. 23 “par-doned” the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a White House Cer-emony, as he and National Turkey Federation Chairman Richard Huisinga celebrated the 64th anniversary of the National Thanks-giving Turkey presentation.

Huisinga presented President Obama with “Liberty,” a 19-week old, 45-pound tom. The names of the turkeys were chosen from more than 100 submissions to the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association’s web site that highlighted the National Thanksgiving Turkey. Many of the submissions came from Minneapolis and St. Paul school children who learned this year about the importance of agriculture to the world food supply and to local economies.

Huisinga was accompanied by his wife, Randi, and children, Bri-anna, Aaron and Austin at the White House Rose Garden for the annual Thanksgiving presentation.

“Tomorrow (Thanksgiving) is one of the best days of the year to

See Turkey, Page 9

Egg production: higher Turkeys: steady Exports: higher

By David B. StricklandPoultry Times [email protected]

WASHINGTON — Produc-tion of broiler meat is being fore-cast to decrease in 2012, to 36.7 billion pounds, a decrease of 1.7 percent, due to higher prices of corn and soybean meal, as well as the slow economy, USDA’s Economic Research Service notes in its recent Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook.

In regard to broiler and tur-key exports, there was a noted increase in September from last year’s amounts.

“Broiler shipments totaled 637 million pounds, a 3.1 per-cent increase from September 2010 shipments,” ERS reported. “Turkey shipments totaled 58.8 million pounds, an 18 percent increase from last year.”

BroilersIn the fourth quarter of 2011,

ERS projects broiler meat pro-duction at 9 billion pounds, a decrease of 5.1 percent from last year.

“The lower fourth quarter production is expected to be driven by sharp declines in the number of birds slaughtered, but these declines are expected to be somewhat offset by an in-crease in average live weights,”

the department noted. “Over the last several weeks, pre-liminary slaughter data show a lower overall number of broil-ers slaughtered driven by re-duced numbers of lighter birds, pointing toward higher average weights.”

For the third quarter of 2011, production of broiler meat was 9.53 billion pounds, an in-

crease of 0.3 percent from the previous year, ERS said. The report notes that this was the result of a 3 percent increase in average bird live weights to 5.80 pounds, and that it worked to offset a 2.9 percent decrease in the number of slaughtered broilers.

ERS forecasting broiler production decrease for 2012

By Barbara OlejnikPoultry Times [email protected]

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald’s has dropped Sparboe Farms as its egg supplier after an animal rights organiza-tion released an undercover video of operations at the egg producer’s farms.

The video by Mercy for Animals shows what it calls ani-mal cruelty. The video was the subject of a Nov. 18 ABC News investigation on “20/20” and “World News with Diane Sawyer.”

The action by McDonald’s also follows a warning letter to Sparboe Farms on Nov. 16 from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration citing violations found during inspections between April 25 and July 22 at five Sparboe Farms.

A statement from Bob Langert, McDonald’s vice presi-dent, sustainability, said the company was “no longer accept-ing eggs from its supplier, Sparboe.”

“Regarding the undercover videos, the behavior on tape is disturbing and completely unacceptable,” Langert said, adding, “we demand humane treatment of animals by our suppliers.”

Langert did say that “It’s important to note that the most

McDonald’s dropsSparboe Farms

See Sparboe, Page 9

See Forecast, Page 8

2 POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011

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MINNEAPOLIS — Target stores and Cargill Inc. have joined McDonald’s in dropping Sparboe Farms as their egg sup-plier.

The move follows reports of animal cru-elty resulting from an undercover video shot by animal rights activists at farms in three states that revealed mistreatment to hens and chicks.

The video, shot by Mercy for Animals and broadcast on ABC’s “20/20” show on Nov. 18, showed a worker swinging a bird around by its feet, hens packed into cramped cages, and workers cutting off the tips of chicks’ beaks.

“Having been made aware of the unac-ceptable conditions in the company’s egg laying facilities, effective immediately, Target will discontinue its business rela-tionship with Sparboe Farms,” Minnesota-based Target said in a statement Nov. 18.

Cargill’s response to the animal cruelty

allegations stated, “As a Sparboe Farms customer and a supplier to McDonald’s, we are disturbed by what we saw in the undercover video. We will not tolerate mistreatment of animals anywhere in our supply chain.”

Cargill added, “As a result of the ani-mal welfare questions and other concerns about the company’s operations, we have decided to suspend Sparboe from our sup-ply chain.”

Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald’s, which was the first to drop Sparboe as an egg supplier, said the “most alarming ac-tions on video” didn’t happen at Sparboe’s facility in Vincent, Iowa, which supplied its restaurants, but they violated the stan-dards the company sets for its suppliers.

“The behavior on tape is disturbing and completely unacceptable. McDonald’s wants to assure our customers that we demand humane treatment of animals by

our suppliers,” Bob Langert, McDonald’s view president for sustainability, said in a statement.

Target sold Sparboe eggs nationwide under the Sparboe and Target’s own Market Pantry and Archer Farms brands. Pulling Sparboe eggs from its shelves has resulted in egg shortages at some Target stores.

Tim Loesch, a spokesman for Wayzata-based Cargill, declined to say how many eggs Sparboe supplied it or how much the company was paid.

Sparboe describes itself as the fifth-largest shell egg producer and marketer in the U.S., operating seven processing plants supported by 33 egg-laying and pullet production sites in Iowa, Minnesota and Colorado. The company says it serves retail, wholesale and foodservice custom-ers in 26 states.

Sparboe spokesman Lyle Orwig said

the company has a “zero tolerance policy” for any animal abuse or cruelty. He said all employees are trained by a veterinarian and work with a crew leader who has also been trained.

Beth Sparboe Schnell, Sparboe Farms’ president and owner, said the company was “shocked and deeply disturbed” by the video and that an internal investiga-tion identified four employees “who were complicit in this disturbing activity.” They were fired this month.

Sparboe said in a statement that it is cre-ating a task force to review its food safety, animal care and sustainability practices. The task force will also develop best prac-tices in those areas for all the company’s production and processing facilities in Minnesota, Iowa and Colorado.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Target, Cargill dropping Sparboe Farms

By Joanne C. IvyCAE, president & CEOAmerican Egg Board

PARK RIDGE, Ill. — Con-sumers who know about eggs and their nutritional benefits are also the heaviest users of eggs, according to research from the American Egg Board. In es-sence, people who know more, buy more. For 2012, AEB re-vamped its consumer marketing efforts to increase consumer de-mand by encouraging consumers to rethink their first meal of the day and to eat one more weekday egg breakfast. This shift in think-ing presents an opportunity for a strong 2012.

As a result, the new “Wake Up to Eggs” campaign attempts to increase awareness of a variety of motivating facts about eggs

and reminds c o n s u m e r s to wake up to eggs for breakfast but also to wake up to the new news about eggs. Here is a roundup of how AEB’s focus is dif-

ferent in 2012.The Good Egg Project (GEP)

targets older school children in classrooms and parents at home by coordinating in-school edu-cation poster through the State Support Program and by partner-ing with Discovery Education, the number one provider of K-12 broadband-delivered content to U.S. schools, used by 1MM+ teachers and 35MM+ students.

Community donations now fo-cus on mass reach by giving food

AEB aims to increase consumption in 2012

See AEB, Page 10

Ivy

POULTRY TIMES, December 5, 2011 3

Change should allow for recovery in broiler industry

By William P. RoenigkSenior Vice PresidentNational Chicken Council

WASHINGTON — After ex-periencing in 2011, one of the toughest years, if not the tough-est, in the broiler industry’s his-tory, producers appear to have set in-motion plans for a signifi-cant adjustment in production for 2012.

A number of veteran industrymen have called 2011 not only one of the most difficult times to have survived, but actually the most trou-bling in their

long experience in the broiler business. Few, if any, years have witnessed as many companies being forced into bankruptcy, changing ownership, or simply ceasing operations.

In addition, the broiler indus-try felt the federal government was piling-on with increased mandated use of corn for etha-nol, the likelihood of more oner-ous government regulations, and an international market for U.S. chicken leg quarters that could not get much traction to move upward for most of the year.

For the survivors of 2011, the new year is anticipated as a time to repay debt that mounted to unprecedented levels, rebuild equity, and renew investments to better tackle future competition and company growth.

RegulationsMore specifically, hanging-

over the broiler industry for most of 2010 and 2011 was the pro-posed rule on competition and concentration from the USDA Grain Inspection and Packers & Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). At the eleventh hour in the rule-making process for the proposed GIPSA regulations, Congress re-asserted its authori-ty through the budgetary process to convince GIPSA to follow the previously-approved directions provided in the 2008 Farm Bill.

If, in fact, the significant pro-duction adjustment slated for 2012 returns the industry to a continued profitable position, companies will undoubtedly have a number of difficult chal-lenges to face in the new year. However, one challenge that will be hopefully removed is the threat of GIPSA rule. This rule as originally proposed would have significantly changed the rela-tionship between companies and contract growers. A much more

common-sense rule will allow companies to direct investments toward being more efficient and productive, rather than having to siphon-off funds for costly ad-ministrative burdens and legal challenges.

In addition to the final GIPSA rule likely to be a much more manageable one, the broiler industry found some relief in having the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VTEEC) and import duty on ethanol sunset as 2011 expired. Unfortunately, the federal mandate (renewable fuels standard) remains to consume up to 40 percent of the 2011 corn crop. Until much more adequate corn harvests are realized, corn prices will be unacceptably high and uncomfortably volatile.

CompetitionWhile broiler producers are

looking to themselves to find the best path forward in 2012, it is appropriate to note the path for-

Major production adjustment seen for 2012

Roenigk

ATLANTA — “Short supply and elevated prices are a pretty common theme through-out all protein sectors,” said John Carley, vice president and senior RM for Wells Fargo Bank. He was speaking to feed ingredient purchas-ing managers and other poultry industry pro-fessionals who had gathered at the 2011 Grain Forecast and Economic Outlook Conference held here recently.

Carley provided an overview of the protein markets in his presentation, A Wall Street View of the Protein Markets. He gave a review of some of the top industry companies from all protein sectors. He concluded his presentation with a look at the food and agribusiness’ view of the protein markets.

Carley commented, “The view of Wall Street, in my opinion, is strong. I think the protein sec-tor is well positioned, both domestically and in the export markets. The broiler business has done a nice job of not relying on Russia for dark meat exports and has found other markets in which to move product.”

Economist Dr. Paul Aho presented an Eco-nomic Outlook for 2012. He observed that as a result of the recession, consumption of red meat

and poultry are both down. He remarked that total meat con-sumption was down by more than 20 pounds during this re-cession, which he termed as unprecedented. Aho provided information from Rabobank, which shows that the U.S. is decreasing animal protein by a rate of about 1 1/2 percent per year. By the end of 2012,

the U.S. will be reducing the production of ani-mal protein on a 5 percent per year rate.

Aho predicts that the U.S. will see corn prices falling for 2012 from $6.50 to $5.50, deboned chicken breast prices at $1.40 to $1.50, and leg quarter prices at 55 cents. Aho concluded his presentation by remarking that the future will include a slowly improving economy and lower input costs, resulting in profitability returning to the poultry industry in 2012.

Mike Gilbert Sr., product manager of fats and oils for Griffin Industries, gave a feed and ingredient trend presentation on fats and oils.

Short supply, elevated pricescommon throughout markets

Carley

See Grain, Page 11

See NCC, Page 11


ViewpointCompiled by Barbara Olejnik, Associate Editor

[email protected]

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Poultry Times

For future of food production --avoid dire predictions

By Hobey BauhanSpecial to Poultry Times

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Emerging from the Vietnam era protest movements, the first Earth Day in 1970 was a protest against environmental pollution

and a call for government action to regulate “polluters.” High profile incidents, such as the Cuyahoga River catching fire, helped spur the movement. That year, President Richard Nixon signed an Executive Order cre-ating the United States Envi-ronmental Protection Agency. Congress adopted the Clean Air Act. In 1972, the Clean Water Act was adopted. (At least this movement was well focused,

unlike the present-day “Occupy Anything” crowd.)

E n v i r o n -mental pol-lution was a s ign i f i can t and growing problem in the era when EPA was cre-ated and Con-gress passed our nation’s first envi-

ronmental protection laws with broad bipartisan support. Our na-tional environmental laws played a role in adoption of technologies and management practices that have dramatically improved the quality and condition of natural resources in the United States.

However, which, in reality, have had the most positive im-pact: federal regulations or pri-vate sector awareness about the importance of environmental quality and an ethic of change and improvement? In my opin-ion, it’s the latter. Private enter-prises have spent untold billions

of dollars over the past 40 years on environmental protection measures. The air we breathe is cleaner and rivers no longer catch on fire. While regulations

played a part, it was only because of economic growth, knowledge, innovation and an enlightened

EPA actionscounterproductiveand burdensome

Bauhan

“Private enterprises have spent untold billions

of dollars over the past 40 years on environmen-tal protection measures.

”

See Bauhan, Page 16

Hobey Bauhan is president of the Virginia Poultry Federation with offices in Harrisonburg, Va.

By Stewart TruelsenSpecial to Poultry Times

WASHINGTON — Here is a prediction: Ameri-can farmers and ranchers will be able to feed this nation well into the future if given access to land, water, capital and scientific advances. If you’d like the prediction to be more specific, let’s say the nation’s food supply will be secure until at least the year 2061.

There’s an excellent chance this prediction will be true, but it’s hardly the stuff books are written

about. A prediction like this would only bring a yawn, and the reader would go back to worrying about dire predictions of economic collapse or the 2012 apocalypse.

Finally, someone has written a book about ex-pert predictions: “Future Babble” by Dan Gardner. The author claims so-called expert predictions are next to worthless, and we can probably do better ourselves.

The expert predictions that catch our eye are ones predicting doom and gloom. One such book was “Famine 1975!” Written by William and Paul Paddock in 1967, the book predicted food scarci-ties so severe that food aid would have to be cut off from a few nations leaving their populations to starve. India and Egypt were said to fit this de-scription.See Truelsen, Page 10

Stewart Truelsen is a regular contributor to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Focus on Ag-riculture series, and is the author of a book mark-ing the AFBF’s 90th anniversary, Forward Farm Bureau.


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By Joel BrandenbergerPresidentNational Turkey Federation

WASHINGTON — During the first nine months of 2011 tur-key production increased nearly 4 percent, according to the U.S. De-partment of Agriculture. However,

higher feed costs and slow growth in the domestic economy are expected to keep produc-tion relatively flat for the foreseeable future. The odds are that feeds tocks

production forecasts, especially for corn, will get smaller in the near term, not larger. Since feed is 70 percent of the cost of producing a

turkey, if production of crops like corn and soybeans shrink, meat and poultry production will grow slow-ly, if at all. The turkey industry will continue to adjust to these new eco-nomic realities and other regulatory and legislative issues of importance in the year ahead.

Food safetyGround turkey recalls earlier in

the year gave the turkey industry the opportunity to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to food safety. After the second recall, NTF convened a summit with techni-cal, regulatory and live production personnel to create an aggressive, comprehensive strategy to further reduce the incidence of salmonella in turkey products. Throughout the year ahead, NTF and its members will implement a strategic action plan to research emerging tech-nologies to reduce naturally oc-

curring pathogens in turkey prod-ucts, so consumers can continue to feel confident in eating turkey products. The federation will be in regular communication with FSIS (USDA’s Food Safety & Inspection Service) to ensure regulations are science-based and risk-based with measureable achievements in pub-lic health.

Renewable fuels policyFor nearly eight years, the turkey

industry has been fighting the fed-eral government’s ethanol support structure, which has caused serious harm to the turkey industry. The federation will continue to push for real reform of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in the year ahead. There’s already reason to be optimistic given the introduc-tion of the RFS Flexibility Act of 2011 (H.R. 3097) that would grant a partial waiver to the RFS. The

waiver would be triggered when corn stocks fall below certain criti-cal thresholds. While the industry made significant strides this year in eliminating the Volumetric Etha-nol Excise Tax Credit or blender’s credit, the federation will continue to remain diligent to ensure the credit does not reappear after it expires on Dec. 31. Regardless, NTF and its members will pursue a grassroots effort to send a strong message that it is time to reform the federal renewable fuels policy into something more sensible.

GIPSA ruleThe Grain Inspection and Pack-

ers & Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) proposed marketing rule will not be as dominant an issue for the industry in 2012. Congress recently passed the FY 2012 Agri-culture Appropriations Bill, and the bill includes restrictions on imple-mentation of a proposed GIPSA rule, which increased regulatory authority and oversight on live-stock and poultry markets.

Political outlookAlthough the elections are still

almost a year away, prognosticators are starting to make their best pre-dictions for the 2012 elections. The race for the White House seems to

be, and will likely remain, a wide open race as Americans continue to be frustrated with all branches of government. At present, opinions on the outcome of the election are all over the map, from the Repub-licans taking control of the House and Senate, along with the White House, to no significant change in the power distribution. The reality is that next year’s elections will likely fall somewhere in between.

The Senate has eight to 10 races (Hawaii, Missouri, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Virginia and Wisconsin) that are likely up in the air and will determine the balance of power in the Senate. Republicans hold 242 seats in the House of Representa-tives, but the majority will likely not grow in large part because states just completed the redis-tricting that reapportions congres-sional seats every 10 years. Even though the Democrats have a shot at increasing the number of seats in next year’s election, they will fall well short of the 25 seats needed to regain control of the House.

Next year is certain to be a whirl-wind of a year in politics and NTF will continue to promote and pro-tect the turkey industry so it can continue to provide the safest, high-est quality products possible.

Economic, legislative issues face industry

Brandenberger

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A strong start to the U.S. shop-ping season and fresh proposals for a far-reaching solution to Europe’s debt crisis sent stocks sharply higher on Nov. 28. The Dow Jones industrial aver-age soared 300 points in afternoon trading, making up more than half of the ground it lost the previous week.

Initial reports show a record number of shoppers hit the mall or bought gifts online during the holi-day weekend. Thanksgiving weekend is a make-or-break time for many retailers. For the past six years, Black Friday has been the biggest sales day of the year.

The retail numbers add to a growing set of in-dicators, including steady drops in the number of applications for unemployment, that suggest the U.S. is far from the second recession economists had begun to fear in August.

“This goes in stark contrast to the gloom and doom that had been over markets,” said Rob Lutts,

president of Salem, Mass.-based investment firm Cabot Money Management. “A lot of the stocks I follow have been more oversold than any time I can remember in the last few years.”

Markets in Europe also rose sharply as leaders there discuss new approaches for containing the region’s debt troubles. One plan calls for Europe’s most stable economies jointly sell bonds to provide assistance to the region’s most indebted members, like Greece and Portugal.

Investors are hoping that the recent signs of dete-rioration in the debt crisis will finally get Europe’s leaders to agree on a package of measures that can ease market concerns over whether the euro cur-rency itself can survive.

Stock indexes in Italy, Germany and France rose more than 4 percent. The euro and commodities prices also rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.03 percent from 1.97 percent late on Nov. 25 as investors sold ultrasafe assets.

Stocks soar after strong startof holiday shopping season

See Stocks, Page 13


BusinessCompiled by David B. Strickland, Editor

[email protected]

Merck highlightslong-term growthperformance plan

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck recently held its Re-search & Development and Business Briefing at its global head-quarters, highlighting the company’s research strategy, including candidates from its R&D pipeline, and providing an update on its plans for growth.

“Early in the year, we said 2011 would be all about executing our growth plans,” said Kenneth C. Frazier, Merck president and CEO, “and there can be no mistaking that Merck is doing just that. We are implementing a four-part strategy to drive top-line and bottom-line performance with the aim of realizing superior shareholder returns over the longer term.

“We are focused on making the right investment decisions across our business while continuing to advance and augment our late-stage pipeline. Fundamentally, Merck is about translating cutting-edge science into medically important medicines and vaccines that save, extend and improve lives throughout the world. Our strategy is based on innovation being the single biggest driver of value over the long term for patients, customers and shareholders.”

2011As Merck entered 2011, the company focused on accelerat-

ing top-line growth, reducing costs, allocating resources to drive growth and advancing and augmenting its pipeline, the company said.

“Three consecutive quarters of top- and bottom-line growth, coupled with strong expense management, demonstrate Merck’s ability to consistently perform, while at the same time make the strategic investments necessary for the future,” said Frazier.

For example: through Sept. 30, 2011, Merck delivered 5 percent top-line growth, increasing sales by nearly $2 billion; and since the merger with Schering-Plough, Merck achieved $2.8 billion in net synergies, the company reported.

Merck also notes that it plans to extend its opportunities in its Animal Health and Consumer Care businesses.

“Looking to 2012, we are confident that we are taking the right steps to ensure that Merck is generating profitable sales growth to drive improved returns and even greater cash flow than we do See Merck, Page 7

In other Business news:

Tyson & Huey Lewis team up to fight hunger

MISSOULA, Mont. — Well-known rock musician Huey Lewis and his friend John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods, both have a love for music and golf. However, they also share an inter-est in hunger relief that has led to a major donation to a network of Montana food banks.

Through Tyson Foods, the two initiated the shipment of more than 30,000 pounds of chicken to the Montana Food Bank Net-work, Montana’s only statewide hunger organization. The donated food, which is enough to produce 120,000 meals, arrived in Missoula on Nov. 22.

“I’m thankful for my friendship with John and his willingness to help feed people in need here in our state,” said Lewis, who calls Mon-tana home. “Like many other parts of the country, hunger is a serious concern here, especially with rising food and fuel costs.”

“Our company has been active in hunger relief for more than a decade and we appreciate Huey’s interest in joining us in this effort,” said John Tyson. “In addition to feeding people, we’re hopeful this donation will also help increase hunger awareness and prompt more people to step forward and get involved.”

“We’re grateful for the donation, which boosts our mission to help those who need emergency food,” said Peggy A. Grimes, CEO of the Montana Food Bank Network. “The people we’re helping often work, sometimes in several jobs, yet still don’t make enough money to provide for their families. In fact, based on USDA estimates, more than 30 percent of Montanans are considered to be at risk of hunger.”

The Montana Food Bank Net-work provides emergency food to 175,000 people across the state through a network of 200 agencies. In 2010, the network supplemented

local agencies with nearly 8.5 mil-lion pounds of food.

Tyson Foods has fought hunger in the U.S. since 2000, donating more than 82 million pounds of protein, or more than 320 million meals, the company said. Tyson partners with Feeding America, the Food Research and Action Cen-ter, Share Our Strength, Lift Up America and the League of United Latin American Citizens to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation.

Earlier this year, Tyson launched the “Know Hunger” campaign to raise hunger awareness in the U.S. As part of the campaign, the com-pany released the results of a sur-vey which found that one in four Americans is worried about having enough money to put food on the table in the next year. Another key finding is that many Americans are unaware of how serious hunger is in their own communities.

Meat and poultry are excellent sources of heme iron, which is especially important for women, children and adolescent girls, who are often deficient in iron. More in-formation on the nutritional value of meat and poultry can be ob-tained at http://www.meatpoultry-nutrition.org. More information on Tyson’s hunger relief efforts can be obtained at http://www.tysonhun-gerrelief.com.

Moark LLC announces expansion into Maine

FONTANA, Calif. — Moark LLC has announced that it has agreed to a long-term lease ar-rangement for the assets of three Maine egg producers, commonly referred to as Quality Egg of New England LLC, Dorothy Egg Farm LLC and Mountain Hollow Farms LLC. This transaction is expected to close shortly, based on custom-ary closing conditions.

Moark is a major marketer, dis-tributor, processor and producer of fresh shell eggs and egg prod-ucts. Under the lease arrangement,

Moark will be the sole operator of the egg production, processing and warehousing operations (as well as a feed mill) owned by the compa-nies, which are located in Turner, Leeds and Winthrop, Maine. At the end of the 10-year lease peri-od, Moark will have the option of purchasing the facilities. Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

“This expansion enables Moark to better serve customers in the Northeastern United States,” said Craig Willardson, president of Moark. “It complements our ex-isting operations by adding ap-proximately 3.6 million layers, and it provides greater access to a growing market for eggs. This will benefit our customers, the Maine-based employees and the Maine economy.”

As the operator of the Maine production facilities, Moark will evaluate its workforce require-ments, but intends to continue employing the majority of the current workforce at the facili-ties, the company said, adding that it will also institute its safety and quality assurance standards.

“Nothing is more important to us than the quality of our prod-ucts and the safety and reliability of our operations,” Willardson said.

Hybrid Turkeys notes management changes

KITCHENER, Ontario — Hy-brid Turkeys has announced the following changes, to be effec-tive Jan. 1, 2012.

Ron Slavnik, current managing director of Hybrid Turkeys, will move to a newly created role as managing director, Hybrid Turkeys Europe. At the same time, Dave Libertini will become managing director, Hybrid Turkeys, in addi-tion to his North America country coordination and aquaculture re-sponsibilities.

(Continued on next page)


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today,” Frazier said. “Reflecting confidence in our business and our commitment to returning cash to shareholders, today (Nov. 10) the Merck board of directors raised the company’s quarterly dividend by 11 percent.”

Merck’s quarterly dividend is being increased 4 cents from 38 cents per outstanding share of the company’s common stock to 42 cents per common share. The board declared that the new dividend is payable Jan. 9, 2012, to stockholders of record at the close of busi-ness on Dec. 15, 2011.

Since the beginning of 2010, Merck has returned more than $9 bil-lion to shareholders in the form of dividends and repurchased about $3 billion of Merck stock.

More information can be obtained at http://www.merck.com.

Business

•Merck(Continued from page 6)

(Continued from previous page)

The drivers for these internal changes include major market growth for Hybrid Turkeys in Europe and the addition of 17 grandparent farms, as well as a parent stock hatchery in France, the company said, adding that, all of this translates to an increased need to build a local management, sales, service and production team. Slavnik will be based in France and will also take on various other proj-ects within the growing Hendrix Genetics group.

“These moves strengthen the management capacity of Hybrid Turkeys in response to increased staff and infrastructure in France as well as to manage Hybrid’s tremen-dous market growth and expanded client base throughout the world,” said Antoon van den Berg, CEO of Hendrix Genetics.

Libertini is re-assuming the role of managing director, Hybrid Tur-keys, having previously served in this capacity until 2003. He is also familiar to swine industry profes-sionals, where he served as man-aging director of Hypor for seven years. Most recently, Libertini has been involved in overseeing Hen-drix Genetics’ entry into salmon breeding, through the acquisition of Landcatch Natural Selection, located in Scotland.

“Turkey breeding and distribu-tion is now the largest part of our business portfolio,” Van den Berg added. “As such, it deserves extra top management attention. It is our aim to intensively strengthen our re-

lationships with vertical integrators and Hybrid Turkeys distributors worldwide, and we can achieve that goal with this new North American and European organizational struc-ture.”

Slavnik and Libertini continue to serve as members of the Hendrix Management Committee, which is charged with setting and imple-menting strategic goals for Hendrix Genetics.

More information can be ob-tained at http://www.hendrix-ge-netics.com.

Butterball donation to help fight hunger

GARNER, N.C. — Nearly one in five children in the Research Triangle Park area is struggling with hunger, and nearly 16 percent of the Triangle population is food insecure. The need for charitable food donations in the Triangle is increasingly evident, and to help fill this need Butterball LLC do-nated turkeys to the community for Thanksgiving, the company noted.

Butterball recently joined with “The Pitmaster” Ed Mitchell and local officials to present more than 750 whole turkeys to nonprofits in Raleigh, Durham and Garner, N.C.

“We have seen first-hand that charitable organizations in the Triangle are struggling to feed and house a growing number of people, and we’re honored to be in a position to help those in need. Donations have diminished due to

the unemployment rate, and devas-tating spring storms left people in need,” said Rod Brenneman, presi-dent and CEO of Butterball LLC. “We are thankful for the opportu-nity to work with several outstand-ing organizations that continuously meet the needs of our community members, and we are proud to be part of the solution.”

Two of the donation efforts cul-minated on Nov. 8, when Butterball executives and Mitchell delivered 500 holiday turkeys during events held at the Inter-Faith Food Shut-tle in Raleigh and Community of Hope Ministries in Garner. Coun-cilor Thomas Crowder of Raleigh and Garner Mayor Ronnie Wil-liams each offered proclamations at the events held in their respec-tive cities.

Mitchell offered his culinary expertise to support the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s Culinary Job Train-ing Program where he showed students how to prepare turkey barbeque. Students are unable to attend a culinary institute due to life challenges. Eighteen months after completing the program, 70 percent of the program’s graduates are employed.

On Nov. 10, Butterball delivered 250 additional whole turkeys to Urban Ministries of Durham where Mitchell prepared turkey barbeque, a special recipe made with Butter-ball turkey, for 250 community members. Durham Mayor Wil-liam Bell offered a proclamation expressing gratitude for businesses like Butterball, who join with the community to help feed the

hungry during the holidays and every day.

“This is an opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate and to showcase our continual support for our com-munities,” said Mitchell. “The . . . Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time to share a delicious turkey version of what I know best — barbecue.”

Mitchell, who has been fea-tured in Bon Appétit magazine and has worked with the Food Network’s Bobby Flay, is wide-ly recognized for his authentic pork barbecue and began using Butterball turkey products years

ago to make his famous turkey barbecue.

The donated turkeys were distributed among 11 recipient 501(c)3 organizations in the Tri-angle including the following: In Raleigh — Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Wake Interfaith Hospi-tality Network Inc., Hayes Bar-ton United Methodist Church and Helping Hands United Mis-sion; in Garner — Community of Hope Ministries, Garner Area Ministries and Hope Ministries; in Durham — Urban Ministries, UDI-CDC, Durham Housing Authority and Housing for New Hope.


“Broiler meat production in 2012 is forecast at 36.7 billion pounds, a decrease of 1.7 percent from 2011,” the report said. “The decline in broiler meat pro-duction is expected to come mainly from a lower number of birds slaughtered, as bird weights are expected to be close to or slightly higher than in 2011.

“Broiler integrators are not expected to have any strong incentive to expand pro-duction, due to the combination of contin-ued high prices for corn and soybean meal and relatively low broiler product prices at the wholesale level. Demand growth will likely be dampened by relatively slow economic growth and continued high un-employment.”

ERS added that the most recent broiler hatchery report (Nov. 5) indicated that for the previous five weeks, chicks placed for growout were 7.9 percent less that for the same time last year.

“This 5-week moving average has be-come more strongly negative over the last several months,” ERS said. “The number of chicks placed for growout is expected to remain well below year-earlier levels through the remainder of 2011 and into 2012, but gradually to become closer to year-earlier levels in mid-2012.”

EggsFor the third quarter of 2011, produc-

tion of table eggs was more than 1.65 bil-lion dozen, a slight increase from 2010, the report said.

“On a year-over-year basis, table egg production has now risen in the last 11 consecutive quarters,” ERS noted. “With the number of table egg layers in produc-tion increasing from the previous month, table egg production is expected to con-tinue above the previous year’s level in fourth quarter 2011. However, overall ta-ble egg production in 2012 is expected to be only about even with the previous year, as weaker egg prices, high grain costs, and a slowly growing economy dampen ex-pansion.”

Third quarter 2011 production of hatch-

ing eggs amounts to approximately 264 million dozen, a decrease of 7 million dozen, or 2.6 percent, from the same time last year.

“Hatching egg production is expected to be sharply lower in fourth quarter 2011 as broiler producers cut back on produc-tion.” ERS said. “The decrease in third quarter 2011 was chiefly due to a lower number of meat-type hens as the demand for broiler chicks declined. Hatching egg production is expected to level off in the latter part of 2012 as broiler production starts to gradually expand.”

Third quarter prices for wholesale table eggs were about $1.18 per dozen, a 25 cents per dozen increase from 2010, the report said.

“Seasonally higher demand in fourth quarter 2011 is expected to boost prices somewhat, to $1.26-$1.30 per dozen,” ERS noted. “This increase would leave table egg prices slightly higher than the $1.23 averaged in fourth quarter 2010. Prices in 2012 are forecast to be slightly lower, as exports are expected to decline slightly, placing more eggs on the domes-tic market.”

TurkeysFor the third quarter, turkey meat pro-

duction was approximately 1.4 billion pounds, which is an increase of slightly less than 1 percent from 2010, the report said.

Similar to broilers, third quarter tur-key production, “saw a reduction in the number of birds being slaughtered and an increase in their average weight,” ERS said. “In the case of turkeys, the number of birds slaughtered in the third quarter was 61.9 million, down 1 percent from the pre-vious year. Offsetting this was a 2 percent increase in live weights to 28.9 pounds.”

For the fourth quarter, turkey meat pro-duction is being projected to be 1.5 billion pounds, also a slight increase from last year, the department added.

“Growth in turkey production in the second half of 2011 is expected to be quite different from the first half, which showed strong increases in turkey meat produc-

tion,” ERS said, adding that, “turkey pro-duction in 2012 is forecast at 5.85 billion pounds, which would be an increase of just under 1 percent from 2011.

“Even though turkey prices have re-mained strong through all of 2011, turkey producers will be faced with the impact of high grain prices and a relatively sluggish domestic economy.”

ExportsFor poultry exports, the ERS reports

that third quarter shipments were “record-breaking.”

“September broiler shipments helped set a new record for broilers shipped in a given quarter; broilers shipped from July 2011 to September 2011 totaled almost 2 billion pounds, which eclipses the previous record set in the fourth quarter of 2010,” the department noted. “The increase in broiler meat exports is largely fueled by demand from new markets. U.S. leg quar-ters are competitively priced, which is a major factor for both new and historical markets.”

In September broiler exports were approximately 637 million pounds, an increase of 3.1 percent from 2010, ERS noted.

“While leg quarter prices are slightly higher than last year during this time, ex-change rates have kept prices competitive against other major broiler exporters, par-ticularly Brazil,” ERS said. “Shipments to major broiler importing countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Hong Kong, Angola, Ja-pan, United Arab and China rose from a year ago.

The top country for U.S. broiler exports for 2011 — Mexico — increased its im-ports by approximately 4 million pounds in September, the report said. Hong Kong also increased its imports in September by about 30 million pounds more than in 2010.

“With the exception of September, ship-ments to Russia in the third quarter of the year have picked up and have been im-portant to the U.S. broiler market,” ERS added

For eggs and egg products, exports

have remained strong in spite of “relative-ly volatile” prices in 2011, the department noted.

“In September, total egg exports were the equivalent of 26.1 million dozen eggs,” ERS said. “This is 9 percent higher than a year earlier and over the first 9 months of 2011, egg exports are 9 percent higher than during the same period in 2010.”

Shell egg exports, “fell slightly, but those declines were more than offset by strong increases in exports of egg prod-ucts,” the report said. “The increase in exports is related to strong demand in a number of Asian countries and the weak-ness of the dollar against a number of other currencies.”

For the third quarter, total egg exports were approximately 70.6 million dozen, an increase of about 5 percent from the same time in 2010, ERS noted.

“With year-to-date exports down to Canada and a number of (European Union) countries, the increases have come from higher shipments to Mexico and a number of Asian countries, particularly Japan and Hong Kong,” ERS said.

For turkeys, approximately 173 mil-lion pounds of turkey meat, an increase of about 9 percent from last year, was ex-ported from July through September, the report said.

“Approximately half of this turkey meat was shipped to Mexico,” ERS said. “Ex-cluding Mexico, when compared with last year’s third quarter, more turkey ship-ments have been going to Hong Kong and Canada, while fewer have been going to the Dominican Republic and China.”

Turkey exports were about 58.8 mil-lion pounds in September, an increase of 18 percent from the same time in 2010, the report noted.

“Mexico and Hong Kong accounted for most of the increase from a year ago,” ERS said. “Shipments to Mexico increased 16 percent, while Hong Kong was up 56 per-cent. Given continued strength in turkey shipments, the fourth quarter projections were raised up 5 million pounds from (October estimates).”

•Forecast(Continued from page 1)

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be an American. It’s a day to count our blessings, spend time with the ones we love, and en-joy some good food and some great company,” said President Obama. “I want to thank Rich-ard Huisinga, the chairman of the National Turkey Federation, and his wonderful family for do-nating this year’s turkey from his farm in Willmar, Minnesota.”

After his remarks, President Obama “pardoned” the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its al-ternate, “Peace.” Both birds were raised on a Willmar Poultry Co. farm in Willmar, Minn., under Huisinga’s supervision.

Peter Gruhl, Hybrid Turkeys, handled the turkey during the ceremony. In partnership with Willmar Poultry Co. and the Minnesota Turkey Growers As-sociation, four Willmar-area FFA

students were chosen by their high school agriculture teacher to provide the birds extra atten-tion and human interaction in preparation for the ceremony.

“Raising the National Thanks-giving Turkey is an honor and a privilege,” said Huisinga. “Making it even more special was having four students who are part of FFA raise and pre-pare the turkey for presentation to the president of the United States.”

Huisinga is president and COO of Willmar Poultry Co. Inc., based in Willmar, Minn. Since 1945, Willmar Poultry Co. has been a leader in turkey poult production, hatching and breeding techniques. Its focus on innovation, research and de-velopment, and advancements in agriculture has been recog-nized industry-wide, and the

company is currently the larg-est producer of turkey poults in the world.

The night before the presen-tation, “Liberty” and “Peace” stayed in a room at the W Hotel. After the pardoning, they were driven to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate Museum and Gardens. The National Thanksgiving Turkey will be on display for visitors during “Christmas at Mount Vernon,” a special program through Jan. 6. After the holidays, the Na-tional Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate will live in a cus-tom-made enclosure at Mount Vernon’s nationally recognized livestock facility.

Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pa., gave President Obama’s family two dressed turkeys that were donated to the Capital Area Food Bank.

•Turkey(Continued from page 1)

alarming actions on video did not occur at Sparboe’s Vincent, Iowa, facility that supplies Mc-Donald’s.”

The Iowa facility had supplied eggs for all McDonalds operations west of the Mississippi River.

Beth Sparboe Schnell, presi-dent of Sparboe Farms, also is-sued a statement on the under-cover video which she said was taken by an animal activist who was hired under false pretenses.

“Acts depicted in the footage are totally unacceptable and com-pletely at odds with our values as egg farmers,” Schnell said. “In fact, they are in direct violation of our animal care code of conduct, which all of our employees read, sign and follow each day.”

Schnell said that on learn-ing of the video, Sparboe Farms

launched a comprehensive inter-nal investigation and identified four employees “who were com-plicit in this disturbing activity and they have been terminated.”

Schnell also said that the com-pany responded to the FDA and documented implementation of corrective actions. She noted that in a conference call on Nov. 17 with the FDA, Sparboe learned that corrective actions taken were insufficient and “immediate steps were initiated to rectify.”

“Our company has long been an industry leader in food safety and supports scientific research for improvements to hen well-being,” Schnell said.

She pointed out that Sparboe Farms was the first U.S. egg pro-ducer to receive USDA Processed Verified Program (PVP) certifica-tion for its science-based animal

care production guidelines.The company has also an-

nounced that it is creating a Sustainability Task Force that is charged with reviewing all cur-rent company practices in the areas of food safety, animal care and sustainability. The task force will also develop additional best practices in those areas for all of the company’s production and processing facilities.

In a statement concerning the “20/20” broadcast, the United Egg Producers, a national organization that represents approximately 92 percent of U.S. egg producers, noted that Sparboe Farms is not a member of UEP and does not participate in the UEP Certified animal welfare program. “We have no knowledge about the conditions or operations of that farm or company,” UEP stated.

•Sparboe(Continued from page 1)

WASHINGTON — On Nov. 10, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement after USDA released its final tally for agricultural exports in fiscal year 2011:

“Thanks to the productivity of Amer-ica’s farmers, ranchers and producers, the American brand of agriculture is surging in popularity worldwide. Farm exports in fiscal year 2011 reached a re-cord high of $137.4 billion — exceed-ing past highs by $22.5 billion — and

supported 1.15 million jobs here at home. Furthermore, agriculture continues to bolster our nation’s economy by contributing a trade surplus year after year. This year, that surplus hit a record $42.9 billion. And next year looks equally strong for the U.S. agricultural economy, thanks in part to President Obama signing new trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, which will add an additional $2.3 billion to our export total and support nearly 20,000 American jobs.

“U.S. agriculture continues to be a bright spot in Amer-ica’s economy and a driving force behind export growth, job creation, and our nation’s competitiveness, under-scored by the increasing demand for U.S. food and ag-riculture around the world. For the first full fiscal year, China was the lead export market for farm products, buy-ing almost $20 billion of goods such as soybeans, cotton, tree nuts and hides. There is no doubt that the Asia Pacific region recognizes the United States as a reliable supplier of the highest-quality food and agricultural products, and that’s the message I will take to our trading partners when I travel next week to Vietnam and China to help expand mar-kets and remove barriers to trade for U.S. farm products. Partnerships with growing markets like those in Vietnam and China are integral to the strength of the U.S. economy in the decades ahead.

“Strong export performance means higher incomes for farmers and ranchers, more opportunities for small busi-nesses owners, and jobs for folks who package, ship and market agricultural products. So, thank you to all of Amer-ica’s farmers, ranchers and producers who continue to make U.S. agriculture a bright spot in our nation’s economy.”

Vilsack notesrecord growthof ag exports

Vilsack


instead of feeding and eliminating catering costs. Overall, the GEP strives to encourage consumer in-teraction to learn, share or inspire others by telling American egg farmers’ stories while giving back to the community as well.

The Egg Nutrition Center (ENC) continues focus-ing on health professionals and supporting targeted research. This research helps power all of AEB’s marketing programs and provides the new news needed for continued success. ENC is also forming strategic partnerships, enhancing communications efforts and working on updates to EggNutritionCen-ter.org. As a result of its strategic partnerships, ENC facilitated a whole egg being included in the crite-ria of health meals for children in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell.

Through updated advertising, Egg Product Mar-keting highlights the 20-plus functional benefits of eggs and reaches research and development (R&D) professionals promoting the expertise of AEB. In fact the AEB-sponsored Egg Products School at Auburn University will target R&D professionals for the first time.

Foodservice, specifically the Quick-Service Res-taurants (QSRs) segment, continues its growth. In the past five years, the QSR morning meal is up $7.3 billion incremental sales. AEB works with national chains throughout the country on menu develop-ment, trend information and more as needed in hopes to increase breakfast programs and egg sales.

The State Support Program now better aligns with the overall national marketing messages and focuses on helping the state promotional organizations best execute AEB’s national messages locally. This en-sures all consumers hear the same messages from AEB next year.

Industry Communications continues to reach pro-ducers with updates on AEB’s programs, and plans are underway in 2012 to improve AEB’s commu-nication to those producers not currently on AEB’s board. A blog geared at the industry is one more way to inform the industry.

AEB’s staff is more energized and eggcited for the year ahead. Through a comprehensive analytical and strategic process of taking a fresh look at everything that we do, new, exciting opportunities are being explored. AEB has an extraordinary, devoted staff working on behalf of egg producers to increase the sales and profitability of egg and egg products.

•AEB(Continued from page 2)

The Paddocks underestimated the Green Revolution and other ad-vances in production agriculture around the world, but they weren’t the only ones. Paul Ehrlich predicted a similar fate when he said, “The battle to feed all humanity is over,” in his book “The Popula-tion Bomb.”

In a 1982 book, “Encounters with the Future,” respected futurist Marvin Cetron and co-author Thomas O’Toole forecasted that the Soviet Union would invade Australia within 10 years for its natural resources. They missed the part about the Soviet Union crumbling.

Why do we pay attention to expert predictions in the first place?In “Future Babble,” Gardner gives several reasons. Most people

love certainty, so if someone says they know what will happen in the future, it attracts our attention.

We jump to conclusions about the future because we tend to look for patterns where none exist. Randomness and chaos limit our abil-ity to see very far ahead.

We also are attracted to experts who are bold and confident about their predictions despite the fact that Gardner says they have the worst track records. In his words, “Reliable forecasting is a challenge on a par with climbing Mt. Everest barefoot.”

Life is unpredictable and uncertain, but that isn’t as bad as it seems. Gardner believes an accurate prediction isn’t necessary to make good decisions. A rough sense of possibilities and probabilities will do fine.

That’s why we can stick by our prediction that American farmers and ranchers will meet our food needs for at least the next 50 years. They’ve done it in the past despite all kinds of obstacles and dire predictions. There’s every reason to believe they can do it in the future.

•Truelsen(Continued from page 4)

CalendarCompiled by Barbara Olejnik, Associate Editor

[email protected]

DEC 6-8 — ASA BOARD MTNG., Hiltonat the Ballpark Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. Contact: American Soybean Association, 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100, St. Louis, Mo. 63141. Ph: 314-576-1770; http://www.soygrowers.com.

DEC 6-8 — USAPEEC WINTER MTNG.,Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, D.C. Contact: USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, 2300 W. Park Place Blvd., Suite 100, Stone Mountain, Ga. 30087. Ph: 770-413-0006; [email protected]; http://www.usapeec.org.

DEC 11-13 — NGFA FEED INDUSTRYCONF. & TRADE SHOW, Chicago

Marriott Magnificent Mile Hotel, Chicago, Ill. Contact: National Grain & Feed Association, 1250 I St., N.W., Suite 1003, Washington, D.C. 20005. Ph: 202-289-0873; [email protected]; http://www.ngfa.org.

2012JAN 8-11 — AFBF ANNUAL MTNG.,

Honolulu, Hawaii. Contact: American Farm Bureau Federation, 600 Maryland Ave., S.W., Suite 1000 W, Washington, D.C. 20024. Ph: 202-406-3600; http://www.fb.org.

JAN 23-24 — UEP BOARD MTNG., OmniHotel & CNN Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: United Egg Producers, 1720

Windward Concourse, Suite 230, Alpharetta, Ga. 30005. Ph: 770-360-9220; [email protected]; http://www.unitedegg.com.

JAN 23-24 — ANIMAL AGRICULTURESUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084-7303, Ph: 770-493-9401, [email protected], http://www.poultryegg.org, or American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 916, Arlington, Va. 22201, 703-524-0810, [email protected], http://www.afia.org.

JAN 23-27 — NPFDA ANNUAL CONV. &POULTRY SUPPLIERS SHOWCASE,Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: National Poultry & Food Distributors Association, 2014 Osborne Road, St. Marys, Ga. 31558. Ph: 770-535-9901, [email protected], http://www.npfda.org.

JAN 24 — NCC TECHNICAL &REGULATORY COMMITTEE, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: National Chicken Council, 1015 15th St., N.W., Suite 930, Washington, D.C. 20005. Ph: 202-296-2622; http://www.nationalchick-encouncil.cm; http://www.eatchicken.com.

JAN 25—NCCMARKETINGCOMMITTEE,Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: National Chicken Council, 1015 15th St., N.W., Suite 930, Washington, D.C. 20005. Ph: 202-296-2622; http://www.nationalchick-

encouncil.cm; http://www.eatchicken.com.

JAN 24-25 — HATCHERY-BREEDERCLINIC, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084-7303, Ph: 770-493-9401; [email protected]; http://www.poultryegg.org,

JAN 24-26 — INTERNATIONAL POULTRYEXPO - INTERNATIONAL FEEDEXPO, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga. 30084-7303, Ph: 770-493-9401, [email protected], http://www.poultryegg.org, or American Feed Industry Association, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 916, Arlington, Va. 22201, 703-524-0810, [email protected], http://www.afia.org.

JAN 26 — NCC BOARD OF DIRECTORSMTNG., Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Contact: National Chicken Council, 1015 15th St., N.W., Suite 930, Washington, D.C. 20005. Ph: 202-296-2622; http://www.nation-alchickencouncil.cm; http://www.eatchicken.com.

JAN 29-31 — FMI MIDWINTEREXECUTIVE CONF., Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Food Marketng Institute, 2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 800, Arlington, Va. 22202-4813. Ph: 202-452-8444; [email protected]; http://www.fmi.org.

FEB 8-10 — POULTRY FOCUS ASIA2012, Queen Sirikit Center, Bangkok, Thailand. Contact: Positive Action

Publications Ltd., P.O. Box 4, Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 9DJ, England. Ph: +44 1377 241724; http://www.positiveaction.co.uk or http://www.nccexhibition.com.

FEB 15-18 — NTF ANNUAL CONV.,Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, Tampa, Fla. Contact: National Turkey Federation, 1225 New York Ave., N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005. Ph: 202-898-0100; [email protected]; http://www.eatturkey.com.

FEB 19-21 — ANNUAL MEAT CONF.,Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, Fla. Contact: American Meat Institute, 1150 Connecticut Ave., N.W., 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. Ph: 202-587-4200; http://www.meatami.com.

FEB 22-23 — NPI ANNUAL CONV., NorfolkLodge & Suites, Divots Conference Center, Norfolk, Neb. Contact: Nebraska Poultry Industries Inc., University of Nebraska, 102 Mussehl Hall, P.O. Box 830721, Lincoln, Neb. 68583-0721. Ph: 402-472-2051; [email protected].

FEB 23-24 — USDA AGRICULTURALOUTLOOK FORUM, Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, Va. Contact: http://www.gov/oce/forum.

FEB 23-25 — SGFA AND GFGA ANNUALCONV., Hyatt Regency Savannah, Savannah, Ga. Contact: Bonnie Holloman, Southeastern Grain & Feed Association and Georgia Feed & Grain Association, P.O. Box 58220, Raleigh, N.C. 27658. Ph: 919-855-8981; [email protected].


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ward may be made a bit easier by less competition from beef and pork.

Beef consumption may de-cline as much as five pounds per person in 2012 as fewer fed cattle move through feed-lots and U.S. beef exports con-tinue at a robust pace.

Although pork production may increase very modestly in 2012, expanding exports of pork are most likely to draw-down per capita pork con-sumption in the U.S.

As a result, combined aver-age per capita consumption of red meat (beef, pork, lamb and veal) may be little more than 100 pounds, the lowest level in more than three-quarters of a century.

OutlookIn summary, the situation

and outlook for broilers is as follows: USDA estimates that broiler production will increase 1.1 percent in 2011, even though broiler production for January through October was up 2.6 percent.

For 2012, USDA forecasts a 1.7 percent decrease in broiler production. More likely, the decrease will approach 4 per-cent, as it did in 2009.

The decrease in broiler pro-duction in 2012 will mark only the fourth time in five decades when annual broiler produc-tion declined from the previ-ous year.

Broiler consumption will likely slip 4 pounds per per-son in 2012, after experiencing some recovering in consump-

tion in 2010 and 2011. The re-cord high broiler consumption was 87.7 pounds in 2006 and will undoubtedly remain the high point until corn becomes more plentiful and affordable.

Despite less broiler produc-tion in 2012, broiler exports will continue to pick up. Fol-lowing an estimated 1.5 per-cent gain in exports in 2011, broiler exports could gain an additional 2.5 percent, or even more in the new year.

•NCC(Continued from page 3)

Gilbert mentioned that there were about 10 billion pounds of animal fat and grease pro-duced each year in the U.S., with poultry fat making up about 15 percent of the to-tal. Gilbert presented infor-mation from the U.S. Census Bureau which showed that 483 metric tons of rendered

fat is estimated for use in biodiesel production in 2011, with the mandate being 800 million gallons of biodiesel fuel made in 2011. Gilbert indicated that this is the first year the biodiesel industry has been profitable. He also discussed the reasons the fat market price has fallen over the last year and changes that could affect the fat and

oil market in the future.Other sessions included an

Oilseed Outlook; Ethanol/Renewable Fuels/Acreage Legislation . . . Impact on Poultry Industry; and a Feed Grain Outlook.

The conference was spon-sored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association based in Tucker, Ga.

•Grain(Continued from page 3)


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The Dow jumped 310 points, or 2.8 percent, to 11,541 as of 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 28. The index plunged 564 points the previous week on fear that Europe’s debt crisis was spreading to large countries like Spain and even Germany. Alcoa Inc. jumped 5.7 percent, the most of the 30 stocks in the Dow.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 36, or 3.1 percent, to 1,194. The rally lifted stocks across the board. Only four stocks in the S&P 500 index fell.

The Nasdaq composite rose 87, or 3.6 percent, to 2,528.Banks had some of the biggest gains as investors became less fear-

ful of an imminent freeze-up in Europe’s financial system. Morgan Stanley jumped 5.4 percent and JPMorgan Chase & Co. rose 4 per-cent. Retailers also rose sharply. Macy’s Inc. rose 6 percent and Best Buy Co. rose 4.2 percent.

A record 226 million shoppers visited stores and web sites during the four-day holiday weekend starting on Thanksgiving Day, up from 212 million last year, according to early estimates by the National Retail Federation released on Nov. 27. They spent more, too: The average holiday shopper spent $398.62 during the weekend, up from $365.34 a year ago.

It’s still unclear whether retailers’ will be able to hold shoppers’ attention throughout the remainder of the season, which can account for 25 percent to 40 percent of a merchant’s annual revenue.

Questions also remain about the situation in Europe.Credit rating agency Moody’s warned on Nov. 28 that the “rapid

escalation” of Europe’s financial crisis is threatening the creditwor-thiness of all euro zone governments, even the most highly rated. Only six of the euro zone’s 17 countries have the top rating — Ger-many, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Finland.

•Stocks(Continued from page 5)

ST. LOUIS — Federal gov-ernment figures show U.S. soy continues to be in strong demand among international customers.

Buyers outside of the U.S. purchased 1.5 billion bushels of whole U.S. soybeans in the latest marketing year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That makes U.S. soy one of the largest ag-ricultural exports. And U.S. ag-riculture continues to lead all economic sectors with a positive balance of trade.

“Increasing demand for U.S. soy abroad has been the corner-stone of the soybean-checkoff-funded marketing efforts for the

past 20 years,” said Jim Call, a soybean farmer from Madison, Minn., as well as chairman of the United Soybean Board Interna-tional Marketing program. “We focus not just on China, but on increasing sales in other interna-tional markets, as well.”

“The soybean checkoff helps fund market-building activities like hosting international buying teams and conducting poultry and livestock feeding demon-strations abroad that prove the advantages of using U.S. soy,” Call said.

Additional key soybean export figures for the 2010/2011 mar-

keting year:l U.S. soybean farmers helped

export more than 1.5 billion bushels of whole soybeans.l Soybean meal from more

than 332 million bushels of soy-beans was exported.l Oil from approximately 290

million bushels of soybeans went to foreign customers.

Soy users in China weighed in as the top international custom-ers of whole U.S. soybeans buy-ing 895 million bushels, up from 825 million bushels during the 2010/2011 marketing year. Other top importing markets for whole U.S. soybeans in the last market-ing year include the following:l Mexico — 124.3 million

bushelsl Japan — 75.2 million bush-

els

l Indonesia — 71.03 million bushelsl Taiwan — 55.9 million

bushelsl Germany — 36.3 million

bushelsl Spain — 28.6 million bush-

elsl Egypt — 27.8 million bush-

elsl South Korea — 26.3 million

bushelsl Thailand — 18.6 million

bushelsUSB notes that the soybean

checkoff funds international marketing efforts in more than 80 countries worldwide. These include market development, communications and education.

USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the invest-ments of the soybean checkoff

on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, in-dustrial utilization, industry rela-tions, market access and supply, USB added. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsi-bilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.

More information on USB can be obtained at http://www.unit-edsoybean.org; on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Unit-edSoybeanBoard; on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/united-soy; and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/United-SoybeanBoard.

USB: Int’l demand stays strong for U.S. soy

ARLINGTON, Va. — Consumer confidence in technology reached its highest level of the year in November as confidence in the economy sunk to an all-time low, according to the latest data re-lease from the Consumer Electronics Association®

(CEA).Consumer sentiment around technology in-

creased nearly two points in November. The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) rose to 91.2, its highest level since Decem-ber 2010. The ICTE, which measures consumer expectations for technology spending, is also up nearly 12 points from this time last year.

“Tech continues to grow and remains well above year-over-year levels on the heels of the stron-gest monthly gains for electronics and appliance retail sales since November 2009,” said Shawn DuBravac, CEA’s chief economist and director of research. “Strong retail sales in October, coupled with growing consumer intentions to purchase in-novative new technologies, is well timed as we move fully into the holiday shopping season.”

While consumer confidence in technology is at

its highest point in 11 months, consumer confi-dence in the overall economy dropped to an all-time low, the group noted. The CEA Index of Con-sumer Expectations (ICE) fell to 156.6 in Novem-ber, down three points from last month and the lowest level since the CEA Index began in 2007. The ICE, which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, is down more than 10 points from this time last year.

“The Super Committees’ inability to come to a debt reduction compromise in Washington is clearly impacting sentiment across the country,” said DuBravac. “Consumers remain uncertain about the near term and long term viability of the U.S. economy.”

The CEA Indexes comprise the ICE and ICTE, both of which are updated on a monthly basis through consumer surveys. New data is released on the fourth Tuesday of each month. CEA has been tracking index data since January 2007. To find current and past indexes, charts, methodology and future release dates, log on to http://www.ceaindexes.org.

CEA: Consumer confidencein technology reaches year high


Industry Stock ReportThe following chart provides an annual high and a comparison of recent activity of major poultry company stocks.

Company Annual High Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Cal-Maine 36.55 31.55 33.86Campbell Soup 35.66 31.24 32.60ConAgra 26.60 23.86 25.26Hormel 30.50 28.26 30.11Pilgrim’s Pride 8.61 4.86 5.74Sanderson Farms 52.67 49.62 51.47Seaboard 2705.00 1858.26 2009.71Tyson 20.14 19.17 20.14

(Courtesy: A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc.) Turkey MarketsWeighted avg. prices for frozen whole young turkeys

Weighted average (cents/lb.) F.O.B. shipper dock

National Week ending Nov. 25 Last year

Hens (8-16 lbs.) 112.50 105.87Toms (16-24 lbs.) 114.46 106.00 Week ending Nov. 18 Oct. avg.Hens (8-16 lbs.) 111.42 114.83Toms (16-24 lbs.) 112.30 111.95

Nat’l. Turkey Market:(Nov. 29): The market on frozen hens and 16-24 lb. toms is steady with a steady to weak undertone. The market on fresh whole tur-keys for post Thanksgiving needs is

steady to weak. Demand was lim-ited. Buyers and sellers evaulating December holiday needs. Frozen offerings were light to moderate. Frozen basted equivalent processor offering prices on a national basis for hens $1.07-$1.12 shipping point

and 16-24 lb. toms $1.07-$1.12 shipping point for current deliver-ies. Limited sales of 16-24 lb. toms was reported for current delivery at $1.11 shipping point. The market on bulk parts and meats is steady and not fully tested. Demand was light. Offerings were light to moderate. Buyers and sellers reviewing inven-tories. Trading was slow. Exports: The market was steady and not fully tested. Demand was light. Offerings were light to moderate. Trading was slow.

Parts:Georgia: The f.o.b. dock quot-ed prices on ice-pack parts based on truckload and pool truckload lots for the week of Nov. 30: line run tenders $1.81; skinless/bone-

less breasts $1.44; whole breasts 82½¢; boneless/skinless thigh meat $1.23½; thighs 71½¢; drumsticks 62½¢; leg quarters 53¢; and wings $1.36½.

Fowl:Nov. 25: Live spent heavy fowlFinal prices at Farm Buyer Loading (per pound): range 8.5¢-17¢

National Slaughter:Broiler: Estimated slaughter for week ending Dec. 3 is 151,720,000.Actual slaughter for the week end-ing Nov. 26 was 116,294,000.Heavy-type hen: Estimated slaugh-ter for the week ending Dec. 3 is 1,510,000.Actual slaughter for the week end-

ing Nov. 26 was 819,000.Light-type hen: Estimated slaugh-ter for the week ending Dec. 3 is 1,198,000. Actual slaughter for the week ending Nov. 26 was 682,000. Total: Week of Dec. 3: 154,428,000. Week of Nov. 26: 117,795,000.

Estimates:

The estimated number of broiler-fryers available for slaughter the week ending Dec. 3 is 143.6 mil-lion head compared to 166.3 mil-lion slaughtered the same week last year. The estimated U.S. slaughter the week of Nov. 30 was 152 mil-lion head or 8.4 million more than estimated available. For the week of Dec. 10 the estimated available is 142.9 million head, notes USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

Grain PricesOHIO COUNTRY ELEV. Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Dec. 1 No. 2 Yellow Corn/bu. $6.41 $6.04 $6.08Soybeans/bu. $11.40 $11.10 $10.96(Courtesy: Prospect Farmers Exchange, Prospect, Ohio)

Broiler/Fryer MarketsUSDA Composite Weighted Average

For week of: Nov. 28 81.01¢For week of: Nov. 21 79.77¢ Chi.-Del.-Ga.-L.A.-Miss.-N.Y.--S.F.-South. StatesFor delivery week of: Nov. 14 Nov. 28 Chicago majority 62--66¢ 69--73¢Mississippi majority 80--87¢ 81--86¢ New York majority 67--70¢ 74--77¢ For delivery week of: Nov. 16 Nov. 30Delmarva weighted average 63--89¢ 67--93¢Georgia f.o.b. dock offering 89.25¢ 89.75¢Los Angeles majority price 98.00¢ 99.00¢San Francisco majority price 98.50¢ 99.50¢ Southern States f.o.b. average 54.88¢ 54.31¢

Broiler Eggs Set/Chicks Placed in 19 StatesEGGS SET (Thousands) CHICKS PLACED (Thousands)

AlaArkCa,Tn,WvDelFlaGaKyLaMdMissMo.N.C.OklaPaS.C.TexVa

19 StatesTotalPrev. year% Prev. yr.

Nov. 5

24,41619,73811,4632,8951,35130,4277,7663,3797,63617,7377,17519,1566,4393,4235,10613,6386.025

187,770199,721

94

Nov. 12

26,94220,36611,9992,9031,35230,5017,5753,3497,54917,2137,88219,7856,6723,6845,32914,4005,975

193,476204,203

95

Nov. 19

26,67120,52911,1722,9031,34931,4617,3923,4096,87518,1867,87120,2186,6203,7645,53513,2995,947

193,201205,716

94

Nov. 26

27,49519,97711,1323,1021,35131,6477,0643,3797,63217,6878,03619,7536,5763,7085,35214,5085,962

194,361207,175

94

Nov. 5

19,40316,0399,6983,5391,18225,5735,2912,7935,00114,4465,00514,0194,6453,1434,12310,8445,002

148,746161,368

92

Nov. 12

18,62417,6669,9463,9531,13925,9355,1773,0134,68714,5444,47514,9804,2423,0903,97411,1424,635

151,222164,476

92

Nov. 19

17,79818,81910,1664,4131,16224,5026,4523,0384,25713,9584,95615,6423,4502,7894,52412,2144,643

152,783165,149

93

Nov. 26

17,66119,44710,5634,0381,14725,4616,2172,9954,20015,4164,98316,0993,6862,8535,02611,6834,778

156,253164,970

951/Current week as percent of same week last year.

Egg MarketsUSDA quotationsNew York cartoned del. store-door: Nov. 23 Nov. 30Extra large, up 3¢ $1.25--$1.29 $1.28--$1.32 Large, up 3¢ $1.23--$1.27 $1.26--$1.30 Medium, up 4¢ $1.03--$1.07 $1.07--$1.11Southeast Regional del. warehouse: Nov. 23 Nov. 30Extra large, no change $1.17½--$1.25 $1.17½--$1.25Large, no change $1.16--$1.23 $1.16--$1.23Medium, no change 96½¢--$1.07¼ 96½¢--$1.04

MarketsCompiled by David B. Strickland, Editor

[email protected]

USDA Shell EggsAMS weekly combined region shell egg pricesAverage prices on sales to volume buyers, Grade A or better, White

eggs in cartons, delivered warehouse, cents per dozen.Nov. 25 Extra Large Large MediumRegions:Northeast 119.50 118.00 97.00Southeast 120.50 118.50 99.00Midwest 113.50 111.50 93.50South Central 125.50 123.50 100.50Combined 120.02 118.14 97.62Computed from simple weekly averages weighted by regional area populations


AMERICANEGG BOARDHOTLINE

AEB Hotline appears regularly in Poultry Times and provides an update on programs and ser-vices provided for egg producers by the American Egg Board. De-tails on any item mentioned may be obtained by contacting AEB at 1460 Renaissance Dr., Park Ridge, Ill. 60068. Phone: 847-296-7043.

l Approximately 200 mem-bers of the Dietetic Practice Group on Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN) attended the Egg Nutrition Center’s presentation on protein distribution and recovery for ath-letes by Mitch Kanter, Ph.D. and Dave Ellis, RD, CSCS. SCAN’s members are registered dietitians who specialize in sports nutri-tion, cardiovascular health, well-ness and weight management and disordered eating and eating disorders. l AEB works closely with

leading grocers to develop tools to accomplish their goals and objectives. A key need voiced by virtually all retailers is for training materials on proper egg handling at the warehouse and the store. This DVD provides retailers with a hands-on, how-to guide to proper egg handling . . . from the time the warehouse re-ceives the eggs to the time trucks are loaded for shipment to the stores. The DVD runs just under 10 minutes in length. To request your FREE copy, please contact Ashley Richardson at 847-296-7043 or [email protected]. Quantities are limited.l One of the 12 winners from

last year’s Back-to-Breakfast Teacher Challenge, Margaret

Turk continues to be very im-pressed with the impact their breakfast program has had on students. Several of her students at Grovetown Elementary in Georgia have adopted a daily egg breakfast, helping their moms make quick microwave egg cups to eat on their way to school.

“I want to thank you and the American Egg Board once again for the experience you afforded our students last year. Our kids have been reporting how they are continuing to use the reci-pes, songs and exercises from last year. We all had so much fun learning about eggs and imple-menting new food choices! Sev-eral students have seen the Egg Mug recipes in various maga-zines and have actually tried the recipes. Each child has a favor-able report! Haleigh, Steven, and Emma make an Egg Mug every morning. See what you started? I love it!

One skeptical parent told me to “get out of here!” when I told her she could microwave an egg. Her kids love eggs yet she doesn’t have time to cook in the mornings. She told me that she and her boys (three of the four) tried it and, to her astonishment, “it worked!” They love the One Minute Egg on Toast because it is easy, mess-free and a wholesome HOT breakfast. Perhaps printing this recipe on egg cartons would increase awareness of this won-derful, simple, healthy treat.

Thank you, again. Your gener-osity continues to ripple through our little school and community, and we are most appreciative!” -Ms. Turk.

Al HusmanNEWMAN, Calif. — Al Husman, who established

Husman Turkey Hatchery here following service dur-ing World War II, died Nov. 16. He was 93.

As a young man, Mr. Husman herded turkeys and lived in the turkey camps. After Pearl Harbor he en-listed in the Coast Guard and was stationed in Hawaii. In the service he became a cook, drafted to that posi-tion because of his experience cooking in the turkey camps.

Following his service, Mr. Husman returned to Newman and established Husman Hatchery, a custom turkey hatchery.

Mr. Husman served on the National Turkey Advi-sory Board.

The California Poultry Federation presented Mr. Husman with its Pioneer Award in 2000 in recognition of his contributions to the California poultry industry.

Survivors include two children, Jay and Suzi; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Harold RosenthalLIVINGSTON, N.J. — Harold Rosenthal, owner

of Poultry Services of America, died Nov. 4 at the age of 86.

Mr. Rosenthal spent a majority of his life in the poul-try business in the Northeastern U.S. Following high school graduation, Mr. Rosenthal joined his father’s poultry business, B. Rosenthal & Son, in Poughkeep-sie, N.Y.

He left the poultry business in 1957, but returned in 1960 following the retirement of his father. At this time he became a poultry broker buying Leghorn chickens from farmers in the Northeast and selling them to pro-cessing plants in Vineland, N.J.

Mr. Rosenthal is survived by his son Jeffrey Rosen-thal of Sea Bright, N.J.; daughter Debra Fox of Mill-burn, N.J.; and four grandchildren.

Frank G. SweetmanAPTOS, Calif. — Frank G. Sweetman, one of the

original founders of VSI, died Nov. 11 in Aptos, Calif., at the age of 82.

Mr. Sweetman was elected vice president of the cor-poration in 1960 and maintained that position in VSI until 2004. He continued to serve on the board of direc-tors until his death.

As a sales representative in the late 1950s, Mr. Sweetman called on Dr. Willis Woodward and Dr. Donald Rosenberg at the Maze Animal Clinic. The two vets had started a small distributing company called Veterinary Service and Supply (VSS) which was to call on and service the poultry and animal nutrition customers. The three of them surveyed the possibility of forming a new company for which Mr. Sweetman would be the first sales representative. Out of this came VSI which was incorporated in February of 1960. Mr. Sweetman is credited for designing the VSI logo as it is known today.

Obituaries

Index of Advertisers

Agrifan, 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-236-7080; www.envirofan.com

Creek View, 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717-445-4922

DSM, 8C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.unlimitednutrition-na.dsm.com

Gasolec, 8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-628-4588; 800-628-4588

Flame, 8D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-255-2469; www.flameengineering.com

Katolight, 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-625-7973; www.katolight.com

Lee Energy, 8B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.leeenergysolutions.com

Preserve, Cover II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-995-1607

Pro-Tech, 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-438-1707; www.pro-techinc.com

Reeves, Cover III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-854-5221; www.reevessupply.com

Space-Ray, 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-849-7311; www.spaceray.com

Star Labs, 8D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-894-5396; www.primalac.com

Tabor Group, 8D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-657-0509; www.aglights.com

VALCO, Cover IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .717-392-3978; www.valcompanies.com

Walco, 8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-438-1615

WeighTech, 8A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-457-3720; www.weightechinc.com


ethic of stewardship that so much progress has occurred.

The activist movement that be-gan in the 1960s and 1970s has evolved into an industry unto it-self, self-perpetuated by the envi-ronmental “crisis” du jour to jus-tify a constant drumbeat for more regulations and a steady flow of costly litigation. The typical pat-tern has been that activist groups sue EPA for not being stringent enough; EPA settles with the en-vironmental group; and the agen-cy pursues the activists’ agenda based upon the court-ordered settlement.

For example, the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), which many believe is beyond the scope of the Clean Water Act, has much to do with settlements of activists’ litiga-tion. In 1999, the settlement of a lawsuit against the EPA required the development of a TMDL for the Chesapeake by 2010 unless certain water quality targets were achieved by then. In 2009, settle-ment of another suit, filed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, led to the Bay TMDL adopted by EPA in 2010.

The Commonwealth of Vir-ginia estimates the Bay TMDL will cost as much as $10 billion to implement. However, EPA com-menced with the TMDL pursu-ant to a legal settlement without the cost-benefit analysis afforded regulations. In testimony before a House Agriculture subcom-mittee, EPA claimed the TMDL is not actually a regulation and that the start of the Bay cleanup cannot wait for such an analysis. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), who serves on the subcommittee, took strong issue with EPA’s state-ments. Rep. Goodlatte pointed out that Virginian’s have already spent billions of dollars on Bay cleanup activities and much

progress has been made toward a healthier Chesapeake. He criti-cized EPA for undertaking this massive federal action without a cost-benefit analysis.

EPA’s CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) regulation is another example of EPA overreaching and going after an environmental “problem” that is being largely addressed by the private sector and state regulatory and voluntary programs. EPA’s efforts to regulate poultry farms are tantamount to solutions look-ing for a problem. Regulating dry poultry litter operations as “point source” dischargers is like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. It just doesn’t fit very well.

The Clean Water Act requires EPA or authorized states to is-sue National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to “point sources,” in-cluding CAFOs, if they discharge to “waters of the United States.” However, the program was pri-marily intended and designed to regulate discharges of treated wastewater through a manmade conveyance. Even though the Clean Water Act’s definition of “point source” specifically lists CAFOs, it is a big stretch to place poultry farms that manage dry litter into the NPDES program. The definition was meant to cap-ture facilities that were designed to discharge pollutants through a manmade conveyance. Those familiar with dry-litter poultry farms know such operations may have a need to control so-called “nonpoint” source pollution; but direct discharges would be rare under any reasonable interpreta-tions.

Furthermore, in a state like Virginia it is a useless, but very burdensome paperwork exercise. In 1999, Virginia adopted a state law that requires most poultry farms to be covered by a “general

permit” governing all aspects of poultry litter management. It requires a phosphorus-based nu-trient management plan; proper litter storage; setbacks; record-keeping; and state inspections. An NPDES permit would not add any new BMPs; only vastly more monitoring, paperwork, reporting, citizen lawsuits and jeopardy for family farms trying to make a living while feeding the rest of us.

Virginia’s poultry industry, like that of the nation, has been a responsible, proactive environ-mental steward. Most poultry farms had nutrient management plans before they were mandat-ed by state regulations. Poultry companies have invested mil-lions of dollars in wastewater treatment plant upgrades and added the phosphorus-reduction enzyme phytase to poultry feed. Virginia Poultry Federation has contributed tens of thousands of dollars for research aimed at en-vironmental improvement. The federation has provided grants to local farm bureaus to purchase poultry litter spreaders to fa-cilitate markets for poultry litter outside of the poultry production centers.

Virginia’s poultry industry con-tinues to achieve environmental improvement through state regu-latory programs, locally adminis-tered conservation programs and actions being taken by poultry farmers and processors to protect our natural resources. Virginia’s poultry industry is committed to sound conservation practices that achieve environmental quality goals while maintaining a posi-tive economic climate for poultry farmers and processors. Incre-mentally strangling farms with too much government regulation jeopardizes what many take for granted: the World’s safest, most abundant supply of food.

•Bauhan(Continued from page 4)

CURTIS, Neb. — Both art and agriculture are represented at the University of Nebraska’s dedication of the new Ne-braska Agriculture Industry Education Center and Veterinary Technology Teaching Complex.

The Education Center building, dedicated Nov. 18 at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Neb., displays a 12-foot x 40-foot tile mural artwork created by tile artist Randy Hopfer of Tile Surface Impressions from Vancouver, Wash., and digital and conceptual artist Cheri Freund from Waukesha, Wis.

The tile mural includes timeless elements that represent the education offerings at the college. A satellite in orbit ex-presses worldwide communications and real-time data trans-fer to a combine working the fields. A hand extended with soil and a growing sprout represent the hands-on nature of agriculture, a large water droplet connects to the ever impor-tant water resources of Nebraska. Both food and feed crops are represented and tied to both the livestock and compan-ion pet need for veterinary technology. A simple handshake represents the relationships required for entrepreneurship within the local and worldwide communities.

After completing her agriculture focused digital artwork Freund worked with Hopfer of Tile Surface Impressions to manage reproduction of the artwork in tile and installation of the mural. The mural was produced onto porcelain tile and surrounded with solid color porcelain that frames the artwork and integrates flush with the wall, completing the entire design in line with the architect’s intent for the build-ing

Dean Weldon Sleight and faculty at NCTA envisioned art-work that would influence and inspire students at the college in the areas of agribusiness management, agriculture produc-tion systems, horticulture systems and veterinary technol-ogy. Their vision and input to the artwork inspired Freund as she used her digital fine art and conceptual skills to create this landmark work of art. Freund appropriately titled the tile art mural “Field of Choice.”

Tile Surface Impressions also completed a small version of the mural installed in the lobby of the Education Center along with tiles recognizing donors, enabling students, fac-ulty and visitors a place to appreciate the artwork up close.

When architects from Clark Enersen Partners designed the new Education Center as part of the campus expansion in Curtis, Neb., a mural was integrated into the wall face to communicate the learning opportunities at the college. A building rendering was completed showing possible mural subjects as a seed for their vision of the schools mission for the future.

U. of Neb. muralintegrates agriculture and artwork

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Poultry Times December 5 Edition