Little Rock, AR – June 22, 2024 – The Poultry Federation (TPF), a multi-state trade organization representing the poultry and egg industry in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, proudly hosted its 64th Annual Poultry Festival. Themed "A Galactic Eggspedition: Beyond the Frontier," the event took place at the Rogers Convention Center in Rogers, Arkansas, on June 21-22, 2024. This stellar gathering brought together industry professionals and friends from across the country to celebrate and honor contributions to the poultry and egg industry.
For over six decades, TPF has celebrated the industry with this annual festival, and this year was no exception. Over 4,000 tickets were sold, significantly impacting the Rogers economy by an estimated $2.5 million.
“Destination Rogers and the Rogers Lowell Chamber were thrilled to host the 64th Annual Poultry Festival in our community. This event brings together the hardworking professionals of the poultry and egg industry, and it's an honor for our city to be the gathering place for such a significant occasion. We are grateful to The Poultry Federation and everyone who attended for their contributions to our local economy and for making this event such a success,” stated J.R. Shaw, Executive Director at Destination Rogers.
Sporting Events
The two-day festival kicked off with a series of sporting events. The golf tournament in Bella Vista saw 72 teams competing, the trap shoot tournament at Outlaw Ridge hosted 122 participants, the bass tournament on Beaver Lake attracted 90 fishermen, and the ladies enjoyed either a tour at Crystal Bridges or a canvas painting session at Painting With A Twist.
Pictured Left to Right: Tommy Duncan, Top Gun Winner of the 2024 Trap Shoot Tournament with Cole Vardeman of Huvepharma
Pictured Left to Right: Brack Beeks and Landon Edwards, 1st Place Total Weight winners at the 2024 Bass Tournament
Industry Awards
On Friday evening, the annual Industry Awards were presented, recognizing individuals for their significant contributions to the poultry and egg industry. This year’s honorees were:
- 2024 Industry Leader of the Year: Toby Tapp, Complex Manager at Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ Danville facility.
- 2024 Allied Sales Rep of the Year – Live Side: Kyle Avey, Senior Account Manager with Phibro Animal Health Corporation.
Scholarship Auction
The 28th Annual Allied Industries Scholarship Auction raised an impressive $126,600, surpassing previous records. These funds will provide scholarships to students in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma who are pursuing careers in the poultry and egg industry.
“Our members understand the importance of investing in future industry leaders. The overwhelming support from our members allows us to continue providing scholarships to deserving students across the tri-state region,” said Holly Duval, Director of Marketing and Business Development.
All Member Cooking Competition
The Annual All-Member Cooking Competition saw 35 companies participating. Teams transformed the parking lot into a galactic eggspedition filled with creative booth decorations and delicious food. This year’s competition featured a variety of cooking methods and flavors, with teams vying for the coveted Grand Champion award.
Grand Champion – Poultry Division, Pilgrim’s Pride
Grand Champion – Allied Division, TOLM Group
Arkansas 4-H State Barbecue Cook-Off
The cooking competition also served as the site for the Arkansas 4-H State Barbecue Cook-Off, featuring 16 youth participants. The finalists in the Chicken and Turkey Divisions were:
Chicken Division
- Reserve Broiler: Logan Pace, Johnson County
- Grand Broiler: Sarah Lamb, Howard County
Turkey Division
- Reserve Turkey: Coleson Turner, Sebastian County
- Grand Turkey: Laney Slate, Sebastian County
Participants competed at the county level to qualify for the state competition. The winners will advance to the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, in November.
A generous $10,000 donation from Vander Graaf (VDG) supported the Arkansas 4-H by providing lodging, grills, aprons, awards, and travel funds for the state champions to attend the national conference. “Our experience sponsoring the 4-H BBQ contest was extraordinary. It was not only a culinary competition but also an educational and creative experience,” said Rick Zander of VDG.
Concert and Entertainment
The festival concluded with a concert at the Walmart AMP, featuring headliner Chris Lane with opening acts Danielle Bradbery and Marybeth Byrd, providing an enjoyable end to a successful weekend.
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The Poultry Federation is a multi-state trade organization representing the poultry and egg industries in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Its mission is to promote and protect the interests of the industry and its members through advocacy, education, and member services.
Media Contact:
Holly Duval
Dir. Of Marketing & Business Dev.
(T) 501.375.8131
(M) 501.326.7715
