The Annual Poultry Processors Workshop co-hosted by The Poultry Federation and the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Poultry Science will be held October 6-7. The two-day educational event addresses current issues for the processor including HACCP, QA, and environmental personnel. The first day of the conference will be held at Springdale Holiday Inn. The second day of the conference will be held at the University of Arkansas, Center of Excellence for Poultry Science in Fayetteville. The conference continues its long-standing tradition of bringing together poultry processors to discuss everyday issues of the poultry industry. Traceability, Plant Floor Data Collection, Performance Based Sanitation, Impact of Export Markets, Employee Retention and Training, and New Performance Standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter are just a few of the topics to be addressed. Other activities include a Supplier Showcase, reception with door prizes, and a golf tournament. The Supplier Showcase and reception has always been a key event and well attended throughout the years and continues to grow. Topics and speakers are as follows.
Wednesday, October 6
-Welcome by Rob Tanksley, Tyson Foods
-Traceability by Sheila Crossno, O.K. Foods
-Plant Floor Data Collection by Mike Sardinha, CAT2
-Performance Based Sanitation by Bob Galbraith, HACCP Consulting Group
-GIPSA Poultry Contracts by Elizabeth Rumley, UA National Ag Law Center
-Campylobacter Methodology by Dr. Pam Blore and Dr. Dan Donoghue, Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, University of Arkansas
-Poultry Federation Update by Marvin Childers, The Poultry Federation
-Impact of Export Markets by Duane Rhodes and Dawnna Bowen, Tyson Foods
-Employee Retention & Training by Lonnie Coates, Simmons Foods
Thursday, October 7
-University Welcome and Introduction of Dean Michael Vayda by Dr. Michael Kidd, Center of Excellence for Poultry Science
-The UA Division of Agriculture by Dr. Milo Shult, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture
-USDA Springdale District Update by Jim Robert Bane, Deputy District Manager and Eric Thompson, Supervisor EIAO
-Salmonella Initiative Program / New Performance Standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter by Dr. Alling Yancy, US Poultry and Egg Association
Conference registration fee is $60 for TPF members; $75 for non-members; $25 for university personnel; students are complimentary. Onsite registration is available for $15 additional charge. Exhibitor table top space fee is $100 for TPF members; $200 for non-members. The workshop golf tournament will be held at Springdale Country Club on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 1:00 p.m. Individual entry is $80 per person or $320 per team. For more information on the workshop, contact Paulette Binkley at The Poultry Federation at 501-375-8131.