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 $2,047,867 to participating universities.
This year's poultry science program support grants were awarded to:
University | Grant Amount | Grant Made Possible By: |
---|---|---|
Auburn University | $27,571 | Ingram Farms |
Mississippi State University | $32,025 | Sanderson Farms |
North Carolina State University | $33,695 | Stanley & Dorothy Frank Family Foundation |
Texas A&M | $46,333 | Tyson Foods |
University of Arkansas | $34,642 | Monty and Margot Henderson Student Recruiting Fund |
University of Georgia | $25,734 | Leland Bagwell Education and Innovation Fund |

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.
2021 Recipients
Institution | Grant Amount | Grant Made Possible in Part By: |
---|---|---|
Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College, Ga. | $1,000 | Don Dalton Student Recruiting Fund |
California State University - Fresno | $4,600 | Agri Stats, Inc. |
Clemson University | $2,570 | Leland Bagwell Education and Innovation Fund |
Iowa State University | $4,620 | West Liberty Foods |
Louisiana State University | $7,000 | Sanderson Farms |
Missouri State University | $7,000 | Simmons Foods |
Modesto Junior College, Calif. | $4,620 | USPOULTRY Staff |
Middle Tennessee State University | $10,000 | Pilgrim's |
North Carolina A&T State University | $2,500 | Stanley & Dorothy Frank Family Foundation |
Pennsylvania State University | $7,900 | Perdue Farms |
Purdue University, In. | $7,000 | Jay Houchin Family |
Sam Houston State University, Texas | $7,000 | Jerry and Cherie Moye |
Southern University, Louisiana | $4,620 | Pilgrim's |
Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas | $4,600 | Frost PLLC |
Tennessee Technological University | $1,677 | Hubbard Farms Charitable Foundation |
University of Mount Olive, N.C. | $4,620 | Perdue Farms |
University of North Georgia | $7,000 | Leland Bagwell Education and Innovation Fund |
University of Tennessee - Martin | $5,000 | Pilgrim's |
University of Tennessee | $2,163 | Centurion Poultry |
Wilkes Community College, N.C. | $7,000 | Case Foods |

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
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:
- Genetics
- Nutrition
- Feed Mill Operations
- Poultry Housing
- Pullet, Breeder and Hatchery Management
- Commercial Egg Production
- Broiler and Market Turkey Management
- Live Haul
- Diseases
- Processing
- Food Safety
- Further Processing
- Packaging
- Rendering
- Waste Management
- Human Nutrition


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.