Workshop set Monday for poultry producers

GENTRY — All area poultry growers are invited to a “Saving Energy Dollars in the Poultry House” workshop from 3 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 25, at the Gentry Public Library.

Representatives from seven companies - Ag-Seal, Sealant Tech, Once Lighting, NextGen Lighting, LumaVue Lighting, Spavinaw Stove Company and Lee Energy - will be on hand to talk to growers one-on-one about sealants, lighting and alternative heating systems.

At 6:30 p.m., Susan Watkins, Arkansas extension poultry specialist at the University of Arkansas, will present a lighting program based on several years of research at the university’s farm.

A meal will be served during the programs for the convenience of growers who are on a limited time schedule.

“We don’t like to think about the winter heating costs in June, but reality is: if we (growers) are going tomake stove or sealant improvements in our houses to reduce the utilities cost, we have to think about it now so we can get it done between the next two broiler flocks,” said Bev Saunders, Poultry Partners manager. “I hope growers in the region will take advantage of this education program to help them make these important and expensive decisions.”

There is no charge for the program. It is hosted by Poultry Partners, Winrock International and the USDA.