Poultry Science Department Funding

The USPOULTRY Foundation has played a vital role in helping our poultry science department recruit students and, subsequently, continue to provide capable young managers to the poultry industry.

Dr. David Caldwell
Poultry Science Department Head
University of Arkansas

The USPOULTRY Foundation funds recruitment and retention efforts at colleges and universities with poultry science departments. Established in 1994, the Foundation has contributed $2,554,233 to participating universities.

This year's poultry science program support grants were awarded to:

University Grant Amount
University of Arkansas $29,699
Auburn University $30,143
University of Georgia $28,875
Mississippi State University $27,987
North Carolina State University $32,868
Texas A&M University $50,428
Auburn University Poultry Science Department
Penn State Poultry Science Club members.

Industry Education / Recruitment

The Foundation's support has been essential to the growth of our program. The student recruiting grants have enabled us to triple enrollment in poultry-related courses, which are training the next generation of industry leaders.

Suzanne Bentley
Academic & Career Coordinator
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

The Foundation added Industry Education Recruitment Funding under its umbrella in 2004. The Fund supports student recruitment at colleges and universities that encourage careers in the poultry industry. Any institution of higher education in the United States that offers an identifiable poultry program or can show plausible ways of connecting students with the poultry industry is eligible to apply for a recruitment grant of up to $7,000.


2024 Recipients
Institution Grant Amount
California State University, Fresno, California $7,000
Clemson University, South Carolina $2,600
Cleveland Community College, North Carolina $7,000
Delaware Valley University $7,000
Hannibal-LaGrange University, Missouri $7,000
Iowa State University $4,000
Modesto Junior College, California $7,000
North Carolina A&T State University $3,785
Ohio State University $4,000
Pennsylvania State University $10,000
Sam Houston State, Texas $3,500
Stephen F Austin State University, Texas $6,000
Tennessee Tech University $7,000
University of California - Davis $4,620
University of California - Merced $7,000
University of Delaware $2,060
University of Maryland $5,650
University of Mount Olive $5,500
University of North Georgia $10,000
University of Tennessee $5,500
University of Wisconsin $1,000
Wilkes Community College, North Carolina $7,000
Educational graphic
West Liberty Foods Chairman and USPOULTRY Board Member Paul Hill presents a $4,620 student recruiting grant to Iowa State Department of Animal Science Assistant Professor Dawn Koltes and Student and Poultry Interest Group President Katelyn Boeding. Joining in the presentation was Iowa Turkey Federation Director of Communications Morgan Minnehan.

Research Support

USPOULTRY and the Foundation annually allocate approximately $1 million to research grants that benefit all phases of poultry and egg production and processing, bird health, food safety and environmental management.

More than $3 million is currently invested in ongoing research. The grants also support graduate students who will be our future industry leaders and scientists.

The grants were made possible in part by gifts to the USPOULTRY Foundation from companies, individuals and families, in addition to funds earned over the years at the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

research lab photo
Research

The data generated from the research conducted by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation provides industry members with information that is not only useful immediately but also creates the base for conducting future research on tomorrow's problems. Research summaries are posted on the USPOULTRY website, www.uspoultry.org, and promoted in the industry press.

How the Process Works

Research proposals are judged by a 15-member panel comprised of industry scientists and technical specialists who represent a cross section of disciplines and responsibilities. Panelists evaluate the proposals to determine their value and potential benefit to the poultry and egg industry.

The group's recommendations are referred to USPOULTRY and Foundation boards of directors for funding. In the past, approximately 20 percent of the proposals submitted have received funding. This funding rate exceeds that of most other research grant programs.

Funds can be used for graduate students, technicians, research supplies, and work and meeting travel. Up to 15 percent overhead is allowed. Funds cannot be used for faculty salaries or equipment.

Areas of Need

Proposed research projects should provide information that has the potential to resolve real industry problems. Some of the ongoing needs are:

  • Animal Welfare
  • Breeder Management
  • Meat Bird Management
  • Commercial Egg Production
  • Diseases
  • Environmental Management
  • Food Safety
  • Hatchery Management
  • Nutrition
  • Processing
  • Employee Safety & Health
Research Tubes image
Students at FFA meeting

Student Outreach

Today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. The USPOULTRY Foundation recognizes that attracting top young managers, leaders and scientists will have a tremendous impact on the future of the poultry industry. Therefore, USPOULTRY sponsors and participates in a number of programs designed to assist students interested in the poultry industry. Each program focuses on the development of the students' understanding of the industry.

image of students