Author: John Fourqurean
Planning Unit: McLean County CES
Major Program: Poultry/Small Flocks
Plan of Work: Livestock Production
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
In August of 2022 the McLean County Extension Service hosted the Poultry Expo at Myer Creek Park in Calhoun, KY. The Expo was moved from February 2022 because of a outbreak if Avian Influenza. This region is in the migratory flyway and during that time of year it is not a suitable time due to the possible spread of AI so it was moved to August. This Expo is held every other year and includes a trade show, educational meetings and a sponsored lunch featuring a poultry product produced locally. This years speaker was Mike Czarick, University of Georgia Poultry Specialist. Over a hundred and fifty producers attended the Expo to visit 20 vendors in the trade show and hear Mr. Czarick. Tyson and Perdue also sent members of their live production units to better understand ventilation problems producers experience.
Several producers commented on how great it was to get Mr. Czarick in Mclean County as he is a world renowned expert on ventilation, traveling all across the US and many foreign countries to provide expert consultation to Poultry producers. This agent was also able to secure some matching funds from the Mclean County Ag Development Board to help with Mr. Czarick's expenses to stay a extra day and visit poultry houses in McLean County. This agent also worked with Perdue to provide educational opportunities for flock advisors in this area to see and identify actual problems within the poultry houses. A highlight of the farm visits was the use of a infrared camera to identify hot spots or poorly insulated parts of the chicken houses. This program has gained popularity over the last few years and in the off years the McLean County Extension Service is looking to bring a poultry specialist in to work with producers on specific problems that are unique to poultry production.
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