June 9, 2023

 

Aviagen North America welcomes international students to poultry production school in Alabama, US

 

Aviagen® North America recently welcomed students from around the world as they gathered for the ongoing 2023 Production Management School held in Huntsville, Alabama, the United States, the company announced last month.

 

From May 28 to June 24, the event will unite 35 students representing 22 different countries in Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, Turkey, Middle East and Africa. The programme is designed to empower participants with the latest knowledge and best practices in the art of successfully managing breeder and broiler operations. As the North American School commemorates its 60th anniversary, the occasion was further distinguished by some notable "firsts" that promise to make this year's learning journey exceptional, Aviagen said.

 

Initially known as the Arbor Acres Production Management School, the event was first held in 1963 in Connecticut. Since then, it has grown in size and scope, and is now held annually in Huntsville. Since its inception, the school has nurtured the growth of over 2,000 students hailing from more than 100 countries, all of whom have successfully completed the programme. This legacy exemplifies the school's commitment to excellence and its global impact in shaping successful poultry professionals.

 

The Production Management School stands out due to its holistic approach to poultry science. As the industry's longest-running programme of its kind, it offers a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of breeder and broiler operations, Aviagen highlighted. The curriculum includes seminars, workshops and field experiences led by experts who are passionate about helping customers take their expertise to the next level and achieve the most with their Aviagen flocks.

 

Students benefit from the wealth of experience of Aviagen and guest lecturers specialised in veterinary care, nutrition, genetic research and development, production and farm management, hatchery and incubation. Participants are able to reinforce classroom theory with hands-on field experiences at breeder and broiler facilities throughout Alabama.

 

Outside the classroom, students are provided abundant opportunities to become acquainted and form valuable connections. With a diverse array of instructors and attendees, students gain valuable insights from the varied experiences of their international peers. The impact is multiplied as students return to their respective operations, armed with newfound knowledge and insights to share with their colleagues, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts the global poultry industry.

 

This year, the Production Management School returned to in-person instruction for the first time since the COVID pandemic in 2019. Over the past three years, Aviagen transitioned the school online, leveraging innovative technology to pioneer the industry's first virtual Production Management School.

 

This year's attendees would be the first to experience Aviagen's remote customer service system, featuring augmented-reality smart glasses. The system enables students to virtually tour facilities that were previously closed to visitors due to biosecurity restrictions. Aviagen recently implemented this technology to bring their specialists directly to customer facilities, providing real-time and immediate assistance to address challenges and offer expert advice to enhance bird performance, efficiency and welfare.

 

This year, the school's immersive experience is further enhanced through engaging exercises at the Elkmont Veterinary Lab. Additionally, for the very first time, students will have the opportunity to explore the Aviagen feed mill in Pikeville, Tennessee, renowned as one of the world's most advanced feed processing facilities.

 

"Our North America Production Management School continues to push boundaries, embracing technology and providing unparalleled practical experiences to ensure students receive a comprehensive education that empowers them to excel in their roles as industry professionals and leaders," said Marc de Beer, president of Aviagen North America. "As we prepare to welcome our exceptional students, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to foster "breeding success together," forging a path toward a prosperous future."

 

- Aviagen