Arkansas Poultry Researchers Among Poultry Science Association Honorees

Jul 21, 2026

We may overlook the countless factors that account for a good chicken dinner, but researchers with the U of A Division of Agriculture think about it every day.

From the hatchery to the processing line, and all areas in between, the scientists continually seek solutions to evolving challenges in poultry production, Arkansas' largest agricultural sector. Broilers, chicken eggs and turkeys account for about $7 billion in Arkansas cash farm receipts, according to the latest Arkansas Agricultural Profile.

The Poultry Science Association, a 118-year-old professional organization with approximately 2,000 members, recently recognized several people with the Division of Agriculture for the work they do to improve the poultry industry.

Casey Owens, a professor of poultry processing and products in the Department of Poultry Science and the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, has dedicated her career to both research and education in poultry science, with an emphasis on the production and processing factors affecting poultry meat quality and the development of technologies to detect them.

Owens was named a Poultry Science Association Fellow, the highest honor bestowed by the association, and was also presented with the Novus International Teaching Award July 12 at the conclusion of the association's annual meeting, this year in Toronto.

Source : uark.edu

Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.