News & Updates

  • Hardee’s introduces its Nashville Hot Chicken
    FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Hardee’s® is turning up the heat, and welcoming a new Nashville Hot Chicken to the menu. It will be joining Hardee’s Hand-Breaded Chicken platform to include kicked-up versions of Hardee’s favorites like Nashville Hot Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Nashville Hot Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, and Nashville Hot Hand-Breaded Chicken Biscuit at participating locations. “At Hardee’s, we’re all about offering the homestyle foods our guests crave. We’re expanding our famous chicken lineup with just the right amount of spice,” said Mallory Jones, director of brand marketing for Hardee’s. “The flavors speak for themselves. While there’s a nod to our Tennessee headquarters, we know guests across the country will love this new flavor.” The new menu items began on Sept. 13 and are available both in store and in the Hardee’s App, where My Rewards members can redeem an in-app only offer for BOGO for $2 hand-breaded chicken sandwiches (regular, BLT or Nashville Hot). The Nashville Hot Chicken platform will be a permanent fixture on the Hardee’s menu, the company said. For more information, visit www.hardees.com. The post Hardee’s introduces its Nashville Hot Chicken appeared first on poultrytimes.com. ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-21By Staff Author
  • Time to celebrate – it’s National Chicken Month!
    GAINESVILLE, Ga. — September is a great month. Do you know why? College football has started back, sure; I’ll give you that one. But it is also National Chicken Month. An industry economic impact study noted that the U.S. chicken industry provides more than 1.5 million jobs, almost $95 billion in wages and approximately $417 billion in national economic activity. Chicken is a big deal. Both nationally and internationally. For this September, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service provided a special feature on the nation’s chicken exports. U.S. chicken exports equal about $4.4 billion and 16 percent of global production, FAS reports, adding that more than 145 different countries imported such items as frozen chicken leg quarters and thighs during the past year. “As fall approaches, September celebrates the most-consumed meat in the United States: chicken. Two-thirds of U.S. chicken are raised in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas,” FAS said. What is your favorite type of chicken product? “While U.S. consumers prefer chicken breast meat, internationally dark meat is widely consumed and desired,” FAS added. Chicken exports are also viewed by many nations as an affordable protein source. FAS noted that while, “most U.S. chicken meat exports are ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-21By Staff Author
  • Novus International announces director transition for EMEA
    CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Novus International has announced the upcoming retirement of Dr. Uwe Ranft from his role as managing director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and global strategic accounts. Dr. Volker Seidl will succeed him, bringing 20 years of extensive experience to the role. “Novus has been fortunate to have Uwe with us for the past 20 years, with 14 of those at the helm of the commercial business in EMEA,” said Ed Galo, Novus senior vice president & chief commercial officer. “Under his leadership, Novus has strengthened its relationships with key accounts and grown its position as a leader in intelligent nutrition solutions throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We can’t thank him enough for his years of service and dedication to his customers and colleagues.” Seidl joined Novus as the director of global strategic accounts in 2021. At the time, his extensive experience in the chemical and animal nutrition industries included head of sales excellence and head of global key account management at BASF Animal Nutrition. In his new role, Seidl will help guide Novus’ commercial strategy within EMEA. In addition to his accountability for the global strategic accounts business, he’ll manage the EMEA ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-20By Staff Author
  • Ralco appoints Bader as president and CEO
    MARSHALL, Minn. — Ralco Nutrition Inc. announced that Glenn Bader has been promoted to the role of president and CEO, replacing current president and CEO Brian Knochenmus, who will continue as owner and chairman of the board in addition to his duties as chairman of the board of The trū® Shrimp Companies Inc. Bader steps into this role with more than 20 years of leadership and general management experience, having spent 13 years with Ralco and 17 years prior at The Schwan Food Co. “It’s a great honor to serve our employees and our customers in this new role,” Bader said. “Ralco has amazing people dedicated to providing livestock and crop producers with a better way to raise food to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s consumer. There is no greater purpose or more noble work, and I’m looking forward to leading the Ralco team as we continue to innovate and bring new solutions to an industry that faces constant challenges.” “We are fortunate to have someone like Glenn to lead Ralco into its next phase of growth,” Knochenmus said. “Glenn has been a key leader in this company for many years and placing him in this role allows me ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-20By Staff Author
  • KFC Foundation funds $1M in community projects
    LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The KFC Foundation has announced that it’s funding $1 million in community projects, making wishes come true for 100 non-profit organizations nationwide. The KFC Foundation’s Kentucky Fried Wishes program supports communities by funding development projects on the wish lists of non-profit organizations. “We’re so inspired by the work of these incredible non-profits and honored to help serve joy by positively impacting hundreds of communities across the country with this funding,” said Emma Horn, executive director of the KFC Foundation. “With our Kentucky Fried Wishes program in its third year, we’re proud to double last year’s donation amount and help fund more community projects than ever before.” Since 2021, the KFC Foundation’s Kentucky Fried Wishes program has invested more than $1.6 million to support over 160 local non-profit organizations. This year’s grant recipients represent a mix of nominations by local KFC restaurant teams and non-profit self-nominations, spanning over 35 different states and supporting a variety of causes and communities, including: · Anson County Partnership for Children, located in Wadesboro, N.C., works to make the county a better place for the youth by raising the quality of early care and education, supporting families, advancing child health and expanding literacy. ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-19By Staff Author
  • CWT appoints Daniels director of Canadian sales and hatchery operations
    GAINESVILLE, Ga. — CWT Farms International Inc. announced the hire of Jay Daniels as its new director of Canadian sales and hatchery operations. In his new role, Daniels will focus on CWT’s current customer base and expanding relationships with new and existing customers in Canada. He will also help develop operational efficiencies for CWT’s sales team. “Jay brings a wealth of experience to our team, and we’re excited about his ideas to service and grow our customer base in the Canadian market,” said Ricky M. Smith, president of CWT Farms International. “We will deliver the personalized service our poultry clients have come to expect while helping them maximize their production and profitability.” Most recently, Daniels worked as a senior transportation specialist for a broiler breeding stock company. He brings 33 years of experience in management and supervisory roles in the poultry production industry, with broad experience in operations, production, planning, and logistics. Daniels attended the University of New Hampshire, earning an associate degree in business management, and Plymouth State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing. The post CWT appoints Daniels director of Canadian sales and hatchery operations appeared first on poultrytimes.com. ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-19By Staff Author
  • AFIA report details work toward ‘healthier world through animal nutrition’
    ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Feed Industry Association has released its annual “Our Industry, Our Promise” report, detailing the operational challenges facing today’s animal feed and pet food manufacturers and actions the AFIA is taking to address them. The report provides an analysis of the animal food industry’s contribution to the U.S. and global economies and the forces making it difficult to conduct business. It also provides an inside look at efforts underway to usher the federal regulation of animal food into the 21st century and steps the industry is taking to better protect animal and human health while producing safer, more sustainable food. “In recent years, the importance of advanced animal nutrition in ensuring the well-being of animals and human health has gained increased awareness,” said Mike Gauss, AFIA Board chair (2022-23) and president of Kent Nutrition Group Inc. “As consumers become more discerning about the origin and quality of the food they consume, the demand for healthier and more sustainably produced animal products has significantly risen. Our association plays a crucial role in meeting these demands.” The report focuses on work completed during AFIA’s fiscal year from May 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023, with sections on: · ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-18By Staff Author
  • CMS Mechanical Solutions moves into new headquarters
    GAINESVILLE, Ga. — CMS Mechanical Solutions Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of food and further processing equipment, and millwright services, has moved into its new 93,000-square-foot headquarters campus located in Gainesville, Ga. The expansion is due directly to the company’s fast growth in its first seven years of operation, the company noted. The complete campus, which has six times more square footage than its previous location, houses its business offices, manufacturing, warehousing, R&D, and training center. “This move was a significant next step to support current customer and manufacturing needs, our recent diversification into additional vertical markets, and future expansion plans into Latin America,” Heath Jarrett, CMS president, said. “Our new 7,700-square-foot office facility brings together our management, engineering, design, and administrative staff to foster collaboration and greater production efficiencies.” The modern business offices feature a team-inspired open floorplan with glass walls to allow natural light throughout the building, and spacious individual offices. CMS also made large capital investments in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. They have added a new laser with an auto-loading system, CNC press brake, CNC plate roller, two new manual lathes, two new mills, new table band saw, sand blasting room, nitrogen generator, water jet and two 150-horsepower ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-18By Staff Author
  • USPOULTRY funded grants during spring research competition
    By Dr. Denise Heard U.S. Poultry & Egg Association TUCKER, Ga. — During the Spring 2023 Research Competition, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the USPOULTRY Foundation approved and funded seven new and innovative research projects. The research funding was approved by the boards of directors of both organizations, based on recommendations from the Foundation Research Advisory Committee. Research funded out of the Comprehensive Research Competition and Board Research Initiatives included studies for poultry specific diseases, food safety, animal welfare and breeder management. The following paragraphs serve as a brief synopsis of these projects. · “DNA Immunization as a Safe and Economical Vaccination Strategy Against Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) to Enhance Mucosal Protection in Primary Sites of Infection.” University of Georgia. Control of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) by vaccination is a critical step in maintaining healthy and profitable poultry production. Nearly all long-lived poultry in the United States is vaccinated against ILT. Commonly, either a recombinant vaccine of the Herpesvirus of Turkey (HVT) or Fowl pox virus (FPV) vectors or with live attenuated vaccines of the chicken embryo origin or tissue culture origin types are used. However, there are specific drawbacks with each of the current types of ILT vaccines. ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-15By Staff Author
  • Poultry groups applaud turkey trade tariff reductions with India
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai recently announced that India and the United States have resolved some outstanding trade disputes and tariffs on U.S. frozen whole turkeys, turkey parts and frozen duck are to be reduced. President Joe Biden and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sept. 8 in New Delhi, India, for the G20 Leader’s Summit. The two also met in June in Washington, D.C., for a state visit, during which trade tariffs were also discussed. “Resolving this last outstanding WTO dispute represents an important milestone in the U.S.-India trade relationship, while reducing tariffs on certain U.S. products enhances crucial market access for American agricultural producers,” Tai said in a statement. For poultry industry reaction, the National Turkey Federation and the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council released a joint statement noting that this agreement will reduce India’s basic tariff on frozen whole turkey, frozen turkey parts, and frozen duck from 30 percent to 5 percent. “The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council applauds the decision to lower the tariff on imports of U.S. frozen turkey parts, whole turkeys and duck by India. This is significant, positive action,” Greg Tyler, USAPEEC president and CEO, said. “We very much ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-15By Staff Author
  • NCSU study looks at wild turkey nesting and climate shifts
    GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says that when the first settlers landed in North Carolina, turkeys could be found everywhere within the state. Although, by the 1700s only a small number of turkeys persisted. The decrease in turkey populations was attributed to unchecked hunting, deforestation, and the obliteration of their habitats. This continued into the 1960s. The turkey population in North Carolina has returned because of the efforts of a restoration program put in place by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The program is comprised of live-trapping and moving turkeys to places and states from which they had previously vanished. A new study by North Carolina State University suggests that climate change might not affect the timing of turkey nesting. The study, “Timing of Turkey Nesting May not Shift with Changing Climate,” says “the findings suggest eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) could be vulnerable to shifts in climate, which could threaten the availability of their food sources, the amount of vegetation cover available to protect them from predators, and other factors.” Chris Moorman, professor in NCSU’s Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program said “there are implications here for turkey populations if individuals are inflexible ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-14By Rachel Danford
  • Avian influenza will be the theme for the 2024 Latin American Poultry Summit
    ATLANTA — Avian influenza will be the featured topic at the 2024 Latin American Poultry Summit. The theme, “A Look at Avian Influenza to Prevent Its Spread and Recover from the Damages It Caused,” will be explored through a robust program line-up featuring technical experts, key business leaders and university researchers from the Latin American poultry industry. The Summit is presented by the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo, and the Latin American Poultry Association. “Avian influenza has spread throughout the Central and South American region, creating additional urgency to protect the respective national industries,” said Paul Hill, West Liberty Foods, and chair of USPOULTRY’s International Committee, which helps organize the Summit. “Technical topics focused on the surveillance, prevention, management and eradication of avian influenza and additional diseases will be addressed at this year’s Summit.” Registration for IPPE and the Latin American Poultry Summit will open on Oct. 16. Register early and receive the early bird discount rate of $250 for the Summit. The 2024 IPPE show dates are Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. More information on the 2024 IPPE can be found at www.ippexpo.org, and information ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-14By Staff Author
  • Perdue Farms gives support to Maryland Food Bank
    SALISBURY, Md. — As part of its commitment to alleviate hunger in its communities, Perdue Farms has delivered an $80,000 grant and 11,000 pounds of nutritious chicken to support the Maryland Food Bank’s (MFB) hunger-relief programs on Maryland’s rural Eastern Shore. Much of the funding through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation and chicken will support the food bank’s Mobile Market Program. The financial gift will also support MFB’s FoodWorks Culinary Training Program and its School Pantry program serving Wicomico County Public Schools. The Perdue gifts are part of the company’s Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® outreach focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities where Perdue associates live and work, and beyond. The Mobile Market on the Shore, established in 2020 through gifts from the Perdue family and Perdue Foundation, offers a no-cost food shopping experience in communities where residents have limited access to grocery stores and affordable, healthy food. The Mobile Market also provides access to wraparound services that help put food-insecure Marylanders on the road toward self-sufficiency. The food bank currently has three Mobile Markets that travel across Maryland, with one dedicated to the Eastern Shore and two that serve counties in the ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-13By Staff Author
  • Tyson and Gatik to deploy autonomous trucks Ark. to optimize supply chain
    SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods Inc. and Gatik AI Inc. have announced a multi-year collaboration to deploy autonomous refrigerated box trucks to bolster Tyson routes in Northwest Arkansas. Operating 18 hours a day, trucks will deliver Tyson®, Jimmy Dean® and BallPark® products, among others, to the company’s distribution and storage facilities in the Rogers and Springdale, Ark., areas. The deployment will introduce Gatik trucks equipped with commercial-grade autonomous technology to the Tyson supply chain, operating on predetermined short-haul, repeated routes to support fast and efficient product flow from plant to storage facilities. In a nationwide truck driver shortage, these autonomous trucks are an innovative and safe way to add resources that will allow the company to elevate drivers to other transportation positions in the Tyson business, while ensuring continuous supply chain reliability. The collaboration will include multiple trucks with the potential for future expansion at other Tyson locations. The autonomous trucks are equipped with a 26-foot temperature-controlled box purpose-built to transport refrigerated and frozen goods quickly and safely and multiple sensor modalities that are custom-designed for fail-safe short-haul B2B operations. A safety driver will initially be present in the cab to monitor the autonomous system and take command of operating ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-13By Staff Author
  • NDA announces annual Poultry Photo Contest winners
    LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announces the winners of NDA’s annual Poultry Photo Contest. The contest was open to Nebraska 4-H and FFA members. The winning photographs are featured in a special 2024 digital calendar that includes biosecurity information poultry owners can use to protect their flocks from diseases. “Keeping backyard flocks healthy is important to poultry owners and the poultry industry,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “4-H and FFA members work hard to ensure that the animals in their care stay healthy and strong. The photos we received from this year’s poultry contest show healthy poultry living the good life in Nebraska.” The students submitting winning photos for this year’s contest include Kelsey Bunn, North Bend; Reagan Dinger, Roca; Sofie Farr, Farnam; Kaitlyn Flessner, Ord; Clara Krause, Hubbard; Charlie Meister, Springfield; Grant Meister, Springfield; Janae Oberg, Farnam; Jacob Rief, St. Paul; Charlotte Sanio, Lincoln; Kyla Wharton, Lincoln; and Ada White, Grand Island. “I would like to thank the 4-H and FFA members who entered this year’s Poultry Photo contest,” Vinton said. “Through your photography, you are showing people in a unique and creative way just how diverse the poultry industry is in Nebraska. Congratulations!” NDA’s 2024 ... read more
    Published on 2023-09-12By Staff Author