WESTSIDE — The Poultry Federation and Poultry Partners, Inc., are bringing the two organizations’ annual symposiums together at the 2012 Annual Spring Symposium on Wednesday, April 25, at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers.

Poultry growers, along with live production personnel, service technicians and grow-out managers, are invited to attend and participate free-of-charge in any and all sessions of the conference, including the vendor trade show. A dedicated session for growers will begin at 3 p.m., to be followed by grower discussions at 5:15 p.m. and dinner at 5:30 p.m.

Topics and speakers for the 3 p.m. grower session include:

◊Why seven-day performance is important and how do we optimize it? - Dr. Leonard Fussell, Cobb-Vantress;

◊Opportunities for improving poultry houseefficiency - Michael Czarick, UGA;

◊Update on EPA farm inspections - Jamie Burr, Tyson Foods.

Oklahoma growers will be able to earn their annual state-required class requirements (three hours) by attending the event.

The combined vendor trade shows will create one of the largest local poultry trade shows in Northwest Arkansas. The trade show has over 50 exhibitors and over 400 attendees. The vendor exhibits will be combined on one large show floor in the Grand Ballroom of the convention center. The operations of the combined conference are being handled out of The Poultry Federation office in Little Rock.

To register for this free symposium, growers are asked to contact The Poultry Federation office at 501-375-8131 or by calling the University of Arkansas Poultry Science Center at 479-575-7118. Online registration is also available at: www.ThePoultry-Federation.com. Seats arelimited and pre-registration is encouraged.

“The Poultry Federation is very pleased about joining forces with Poultry Partners, Inc., on this event,” stated Marvin Childers, The Poultry Federation president. “Combining the conference and vendor show is something our industry members and exhibitors have discussed for several years. The consolidation will allow us to build on the synergies of the two organizations, as well as provide a benefit to the industry.”

“Poultry Partners, Inc., is very excited about combining the two spring symposiums,” commented Bev Saunders, manager for the group. "The consolidation will provide a more diverse event for area growers and allow for more educational opportunities for attendees. We encourage allpoultry growers to attend and take advantage of the offerings.”

The Poultry Federation is a tri-state trade association representing the poultry and egg industries in Arkansas, Missouri andOklahoma. Offices are located in Little Rock, Jefferson City, Mo., and Oklahoma City, Okla.

Contact the Little Rock office at 501-375-8131 for additional information or visit www.thepoultryfederation.com.

News, Pages 5 on 04/18/2012