The Poultry Federation Celebrates Successful 66th Annual Poultry Festival

The Poultry Federation (TPF) proudly hosted its 66th Annual Poultry Festival on June 12-13, 2026 in Rogers, Arkansas, bringing together poultry industry professionals, families, students, and supporters from across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma for a weekend of networking, competition, scholarship fundraising, and celebration.

This year's Route 66-inspired theme, "All Roads Lead to Here," welcomed thousands of attendees to Rogers for one of the poultry industry's most anticipated annual events.

Festival activities saw tremendous participation, including 428 golfers competing across three courses, 140 trap shooters, and a record-setting 38 teams participating in the 30th Annual All-Member Cooking Competition (AMCC).

A highlight of the festival was the 30th Anniversary of the All-Member Cooking Competition, which showcased the creativity, teamwork, and culinary talents of poultry and allied industry members.

The 2026 Grand Champions were:

• Poultry Division Grand Champion: Tyson Rogers
• Allied Division Grand Champion: Reliable Poultry Supply

2026 Grand Champion - Poultry Division: Tyson Rogers

2026 Grand Champion - Allied Division: Reliable Poultry

The festival once again hosted the Arkansas State 4-H Cooking Competition, sponsored by Van der Graaf, providing youth an opportunity to demonstrate their culinary skills while learning more about poultry production and food preparation.

2026 State Winners included:

Broiler Division

• Champion: Nate Bucci, Pope County
• Reserve Champion: Maggie Hutton, Lonoke County

Turkey Division

• Champion: Evan Cloud, Hot Spring County
• Reserve Champion: Grace Tustison, Lonoke County

The 30th Annual Scholarship Auction generated $102,821, with proceeds supporting students pursuing degrees that will lead to careers in the poultry and egg industry throughout Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

Since its inception, the scholarship program has helped hundreds of students achieve their educational goals while strengthening the future workforce of the poultry industry.

Industry Leaders Recognized

During the festival, The Poultry Federation recognized two outstanding individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the poultry industry.

Allied Leader of the Year for Production: Keith Childress, CEVA

In presenting the award, TPF President Blake Rollins praised Childress for his unwavering commitment to the industry.

"This year's recipient is no stranger to anyone in this room. His passion for the poultry industry is evident in everything he does, and his positive attitude is contagious. He has been a tremendous volunteer for both the industry and The Poultry Federation over many years. He continues to generously serve on TPF's Scholarship Committee, and I believe he has attended more Poultry Festivals than just about anyone."

Industry Leader of the Year, Keith Smith, Keith Smith Company, Inc.

Presenting the award, Mark Weathers highlighted Smith's extraordinary leadership, service, and integrity.

"Keith has helped strengthen the poultry industry through his business leadership, his service, and his integrity. He has consistently stepped up to support companies during difficult situations, earned the trust of partners across the industry, and provided steady leadership during an important transition period for The Poultry Federation."

Weathers also recognized Smith's service as Chairman of The Poultry Federation Board of Directors, where he helped guide the organization through the retirement of longtime President Marvin Childers and the leadership transition that culminated in the hiring of Blake Rollins as President.

Pictured Left to Right: Mark Weathers of Simmons Foods, Keith Smith of Keith Smith Company, Inc. and Blake Rollins, TPF President

The festival concluded with a special performance by country music favorite Diamond Rio, providing attendees with an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

"The success of the Poultry Festival would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, activity teams, cook teams, volunteers, and attendees," said Rollins. "Their dedication continues to make this one of the poultry and egg industry’s premier events."

The Poultry Federation extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the 66th Annual Poultry Festival a tremendous success.

Plans are already underway for the 67th Annual Poultry Festival, scheduled to take place on June 11-12, 2027, in Rogers, Arkansas, with the theme "The Greatest Empire."