New Broiler House Brings Research to the Farm

Stephanie Beeman
Correspondent

ALLENWOOD, Pa. — A new research facility and program using Web-based technology to monitor poultry performance and health is being put into business at a family farm near Lewisburg, Pa.

The computer system — one of only five in action across the country — allows operators to evaluate different treatments in feed and water to maximize efficiency. Lancaster County-based Wenger Feeds is partnering with the Taylor family of South Creek Acres Farm and Sullivan Poultry of South Fallsburg, N.Y. on this research program based in a real farm setting instead of a laboratory.

Because data will be used to influence real production practices, it is important the research be done as close to actual farm conditions as possible. The Taylors’ house has a maximum capacity of 38,500 chickens, making it very close in size to standard poultry barns. After 40 days at the Taylor farm, the chickens will be trucked to Sullivan Poultry, South Fallsburg, N.Y. for processing.

“If there is an advantage to be gained,” said Jan Turner, who works as a live production manager for Sullivan, “we want to learn here, then take it to the farmers.”

An open house was held last week to introduce the technology and methods for collecting data to the community.

The broiler feed research facility has been constructed by Farmer Boy Ag Supply with five separate pens to allow for control and trial evaluations. As in other broiler houses, sections of short wire fencing will separate the pens, each holding about 7,000 chickens. Each individual pen will be equipped with its own water, feed and scale system isolated from the other trial groups. The computer system will collect daily weight and measure feed and water consumption so that the manager can track the progress of the flock.

The initial trial is comparing two protein levels and the effects on growth and final confirmation. Each trial will involve one breed and varying formulas. Each pen is equipped with two feed bins that are set on scales. When the supply in the bin falls below a certain level, the computer system will send an e-mail to the mill identifying the bin and formula needed to restock. This management tool will allow for efficiency in monitoring the daily operations.

The Taylor family owns the land and building and will oversee flock management as Wenger Feeds functions as the program coordinator and feed supplier. Dr. Kevin Herkelman, manager of the Technical Services Department will supervise the trials.

While Wenger Feeds has other similar on-the-farm research facilities, Dave Dell, vice president of sales and marketing, said that the family-owned company plans to expand overall research capabilities.

“We want to be a leader in nutrition solutions,” said Dell. “To do that, it’s important to continually research and develop new products for our customers.”

Associate Professor Michael Hulet of the Penn State said the research has the potential to identify the best feed ingredients for overall performance improvement.

Hulet said that while the university focuses on possible ways to reduce ammonia and phosphorus in the environment along with a broad area of interests, the research conducted at the Taylor farm will be specialized. Many small feed mills in Pennsylvania rely on Penn State for research, but Hulet said Wenger Feeds is unique because the company conducts its own feed studies.

Dell said Wenger Feeds has long wanted to be involved in a broiler research house but needed a good dependable grower and a flexible processor, each willing to work with smaller groups and a greater responsibility for tracking and reporting data.

Wenger’s found a strong partner in the Taylors. The family has been living at South Creek Acres Farm since 1954. Gary Taylor, 61, and his son Brett, 33, have been in the poultry business nearly five years and already have two barns operating on the farm. Gary Taylor retired from PennDot in June. His son, who had been working as an electrician since high school, recently made a career change.

“I’m here to raise chickens now,” said Brett.