In April 2023, researchers at Cargill, a global protein provider based in Minnesota, completed a study in which they evaluated egg-wash sanitizers and reduction of salmonella contamination in turkey eggs.
The goal was to reduce any possible contamination in breeder eggs without impacting hatchability using an improved sanitation process. The study concluded that, of the six products tested, a certain peroxide was the most effective egg sanitizer by more than 73 percent. None of the sanitizers tested caused damage to the cuticle, and in each case, salmonella did not penetrate the egg.
This self-funded research represents just one example of poultry producers’ serious commitment to food safety. The Poultry Federation’s annual Food Safety Conference, which takes place each spring in Hot Springs, is one of the industry’s leading events related to food safety. Shane Acosta, assistant vice president and general manager at Cargill in Springdale, helped launch the event in 2013 and, as a longtime board member of the Poultry Federation, has led the conference each year.
Shane Acosta
“The annual Food Safety Conference is one of the better conferences in the country that brings together industry leaders, allied members, academia, food safety experts, food service and retail personnel to address key topics to improve the overall safety of our products from the producer all the way through to the end consumer,” he said. “This conference supports the entire industry in providing resources to continue to improve the safety of our global food supply chain.”
The conference also represents the symbiotic relationship the federation enjoys with its member processors. Since its launch as the Arkansas Poultry Federation in 1954, the organization has taken on Missouri and Oklahoma and now represents 22 poultry and egg company members and more than 350 allied members across the United States that have operations within its footprint. Members represent all segments of the poultry and egg industry, from live production and hatcheries to marketing and ancillary service and support.
Simply put, for processors, the Poultry Federation is much more than a mere advocacy group.
“The Poultry Federation serves as a cornerstone in molding and safeguarding the poultry and egg industry throughout Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma,” Acosta said. “As a multi-state trade organization, TPF assumes the vital role of being the linchpin between industry stakeholders, governmental entities and the wider community.”
Acosta said the foundation provides robust advocacy, educational initiatives, economic development endeavors, regulatory compliance assistance and fosters industry collaboration.
“TPF empowers its members to adeptly navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities and actively enrich the prosperity of the communities they serve,” he said. “I have been a part of the board of directors for over 10 years and have never been a part of a more robust organization. At a state level, my biased opinion is that there is no other industry advocacy group with as much impact to the industry it serves as the Poultry Federation.”
Marvin Childers, president of the Poultry Federation, said Acosta has been a diligent advocate in his own right for the group.
“He has served in every officer capacity and led our Food Safety Conference since its inception,” he said. “Shane is always willing to take on the task, no matter what it is. Shane and Cargill are generous when it comes to food donations, and they provide annual gifts to various food pantries throughout the state. Shane is one of our most active members and provides leadership to our incoming board members.”
Toby Tapp, complex manager at Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ Danville facility, said the nonprofit group is a true champion for the industry.
Toby Tapp
“The Poultry Federation understands how important poultry is to our economy and the thousands of Arkansans who work in our industry,” he said. “Arkansas poultry farmers and producers like our company depend on the federation as an industry partner who understands our business and the challenges we face.”
Tapp said the federation is a unifying voice for the poultry industry and its audience, be it the public at large, the governor’s office and state legislature, regulatory and government agencies, or even local government in the communities served by the industry.
“The Poultry Federation makes sure our position is heard and the impact of our business is communicated to the people and organizations who influence decisions impacting the Arkansas poultry industry,” he said.
Tapp has been an active partner with the Poultry Federation, serving in multiple roles on its board and being one of its most active participants at the group’s annual Poultry Festival.
“Toby has been one of my closest allies when issues arise,” Childers said. “He participates in all of our events and makes sure the Wayne-Sanderson Farms team is involved.”
In Danville, Tapp oversees an operation that can process 650,000 birds a week and includes a processing plant for fresh chicken products, as well as a hatchery and feed mill. Construction recently started on a new $43 million mill that will be able to produce almost 9,000 tons of feed weekly and serve the needs of 123 local farms when completed.
“We’re very excited to start construction on the new Danville mill,” Tapp said. “As the tallest structure in the area, it will be a local landmark. We expect to be operational and serving local growers in spring of 2025. The new mill will feature expanded storage and can mix and batch feed at 160 tons an hour. In 10 minutes, we can have a truck loaded and on the way to the farm.”
That is good news for the millions of chicken consumers in Arkansas and beyond. In 2022, broiler chicken was the most consumed type of meat in the United States, essentially doubling beef and pork, Statista states. The lead is expected to grow between now and 2033.
Turns out, chicken is what’s for dinner.
“Chicken is the most popular protein in the country, and demand continues to increase, so we’re looking forward to more growth and success in the years ahead,” Tapp said. “Working with the federation and our industry partners to address issues that affect our business, continuing to innovate and modernize farm and manufacturing processes, staying on top of consumer trends, and tapping into consumer desire for new products — these are both challenges and opportunities for us.”
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