LITTLE ROCK, AR, JULY 31, 2008: The Poultry Federation announces its fall line-up of 2008 annual conferences and dates: Arkansas Nutrition Conference September 9-11; Turkey Meeting September 12-13; and Processors Workshop October 8-9. Registration and more information are available on the Federation’s website: www.thepoultryfederation.com.

Annual Arkansas Nutrition Conference will be held at Embassy Suites, Rogers and is sponsored by the Feed Manufacturers Committee of The Poultry Federation and the University of Arkansas. An extensive and impressive list of domestic and international industry speakers are scheduled. Over the years, this conference has been regarded as one of the best educational conferences in the industry world-wide. “This year's conference will focus on the current challenges with feed costs and improving nutritional efficiencies,” said Dr. Benton Hudson of Tyson Foods and this year’s conference chairman. Additional activities include a golf tournament and a tour of University of Arkansas Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. Topics and speakers are as follows.

Tuesday, September 9

-Understanding and Utilizing Amino Acids by Robert Payne, Evonik-Degussa Corp.

-The Impact of Commercial Lighting Programs and Their Interaction with Nutrient Density (Amino Acids and Energy) by Henry Classen, University of Saskatchewan.

-The Importance of Formulating Diets based on the Digestible Amino Acid Content of Raw Materials by Robert Payne, Evonik-Degussa Corp.

-Reducing the CP of Broiler Feeds – What are the Opportunities and Limitations? by Lee Southern, Louisiana State University.

-The Thrill of Discovery – On Purpose and by Accident by David Baker, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Wednesday, September 10

-Poultry Nutrition in Europe by James Bentley, Hubbard Breeders.

-Poultry Nutrition in Israel by Nurit Sapir, Y. Brown & Sons, Israel.

-Poultry Nutrition in Russia by Bob Schwartz, Schwartz Consulting Services.

-International Speaker Roundtable by all speakers.

-Keynote Address by Dr. Don Jackson, President & COO of Foster Farms.

Thursday, September 11

-Production and Managerial Factors Influencing Caloric Efficiency of Growing Broilers by Robert Teeter, Oklahoma State University.

-Formulating Feed for Organic Poultry by Bob Schwartz, Schwartz Consulting Services.

-Embryonic and Post Hatch Skeletal Development in Broilers by Mike Lilburn, Ohio State University.

-Animal Welfare – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by Roy Mutimer, Cobb-Vantress, Inc.

-Calcium and Phosphorus in Broilers by Rosalina Angel, University of Maryland.

-Industry Challenges – Are Feeding Programs Changing? by Mike Donahue, Agri Stats, Inc.

Annual Turkey Meeting has changed its location and will meet for the first time at Thousand Hills in Branson, MO. “Every year we work hard to put together a meeting for attendees to gain new knowledge in the industry, said John Smalley of Powell Milling and this year’s meeting chairman. “Plus it’s a great environment to meet all industry representatives.” Other activities planned include: a golf tournament, horseshoe pitching tournament, and skeet shoot. Topics and speakers are as follows.

Friday, September 12

-The Cost of Poor Performance by Dr. Jim Stockham, Butterball LLC.

-Today’s Cocci Challenge by Dr. Steven Clark, Alpharma.

Saturday, September 13

-Federation/Industry Update by Marvin Childers, President, The Poultry Federation.

-National Turkey Federation Update by Paul Hill.

-Animal Welfare Program by Laura Hagedon, Ag-Forte.

-Living with Animal Welfare by Jason Witte, Cargill.

-Economic Outlook by Dr. Tom Elam, Agricultural Economist.

The Annual Processors Workshop will be held in Fayetteville and is a two-day educational event addressing current issues for the processor including HACCP, QA, and environmental personnel. 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. Booth registration for the Supplier Showcase is limited and companies are encouraged to sign up early. “The processors workshop is one of the few opportunities plant people get to network with others in the industry, learn more about current events that affect our business directly and see what new and innovative products are being offered by vendors,” said David Young of Tyson Foods and chairman of the committee. Topics and speakers are as follows.

Wednesday, October 8

-Welcome by Jerry Moye (Cobb-Vantress) and Chairman of the Board, The Poultry Federation.

-Atmospheric Stunning by Dr. Yvonne Thaxton, Mississippi State University.

-CO2 Stunning by Dr. Nari Nayini, Praxair, Inc.

-Recycling by David Young, Tyson Foods.

-OSHA &VPP by Paul Hansen, U.S. Department of Labor.

-Federation Update by Marvin Childers, President, The Poultry Federation.

-Keynote Address: Animal Welfare by Dr. Chris Ashworth, Monsanto.

Thursday, October 9

University Welcome by Dr. Walter Bottje, Center Director, University of Arkansas Center of Excellence for Poultry Science.

USDA Springdale District Update by Dr. Marcia Endersby, Springdale District Manager, FSIS.

-Multiple Hurdles for Salmonella by Dr. Dan Zelenka, Tyson Foods.

-Finish Chillers and Post Chill Factors by Shane Calhoun, Pilgrim’s Pride.

-Industry Perspectives & Issues by National Chicken Council/U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

The Poultry Federation is a 3-state trade organization representing the poultry and egg industries in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Offices are located in Little Rock, AR, Jefferson City, MO, and Oklahoma City, OK. The purposes of the Federation are to promote and protect all poultry interests relating to production, distribution, merchandising and consumption of poultry and poultry products; to disseminate information relating to the various phases of the poultry industry in order to improve and expand markets; to increase efficiency in production and marketing; to encourage and support research in production and marketing of poultry; and to encourage and support youth programs in poultry work.

According to the National Agriculture Statistics Services of the U.S Department of Agriculture, in 2007 Arkansas ranked second and Oklahoma ranked eleventh nationwide in broiler production; Arkansas ranked third and Missouri ranked fifth nationwide in turkey production. Also in 2007, Arkansas ranked eighth in egg production. Arkansas is the only state nationwide ranked in the top 10 of all 3 categories of broiler, turkey, and egg production.

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Contact: Paulette Binkley
The Poultry Federation
321 South Victory
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501.375.8131