HARRISONBURG—National Chicken Month may be celebrated by U.S. consumers every September, but for a full century, Virginia’s egg producers and poultry farmers have benefited from year-round support offered by the Virginia Poultry Federation.
The nonprofit statewide trade association celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding with a festival at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds on Sept. 13.
The VPF supports a poultry industry that includes more than 1,000 family-owned farms, directly and indirectly supports more than 60,000 jobs, and contributes more than $17 billion to the state economy.
In August 1925, 187 agricultural leaders and poultry producers from across the commonwealth organized the original federation during a poultry field day at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Today, VPF represents all sectors of the poultry community, including poultry and egg farmers and businesses that operate processing plants, feed mills, hatcheries and other operations.
“As we celebrate this milestone, each member of our poultry community can take pride in feeding the world using science and technology developed over the past century,” said Hobey Bauhan, VPF president. “Thanks to commercialization of scientific research, the feed conversion for broiler chickens in the U.S. has gone from five to less than two. This is just one of many advancements that enhance our environmental sustainability and ability to provide healthy protein for a growing population.”
In the past, it took 5 pounds of feed for the bird to gain 1 pound.
“Now it takes less than 2 pounds of feed to gain a pound of chicken,” explained Tony Banks, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation. “Over the decades, there have been improvements in poultry diet, breed genetics and husbandry—better controlling poultry house climate and lighting so you’re providing a more conducive environment for weight gain. Plus, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in minimizing avian disease.”
During the festival, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr presented a proclamation from Gov. Glenn Youngkin regarding the VPF’s anniversary.
“The VPF has been a steadfast advocate for policies and initiatives to ensure its success,” the proclamation said. “And their extraordinary efforts have helped the poultry industry to become the largest agricultural industry in the commonwealth and an important part of local economies and communities throughout Virginia.”
The proclamation also noted the VPF advances its mission through effective government and public relations, youth programs and educational activities. Visit vapoultry.com to learn more.
Media: Contact Bauhan at 540-478-8199 or Banks at 804-290-1114.
