In this episode of Turkey Talk, Sheila and Greta are joined by Ryan Schnell of Aviagen Turkeys to discuss a simple yet highly effective management tool that every turkey grower can use to improve flock performance. Ryan introduces the acronym AWFUL; Air, Water, Feed, (Ugh) Pests, and Lighting. Which highlights five fundamental areas that have a tremendous impact on bird health, growth, and overall production. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the turkey industry, Ryan explains how consistent attention to these everyday management practices can prevent costly issues before they develop.
Ryan Schnell of Aviagen Turkeys joins Sheila and Greta to share a practical management framework that every turkey grower can use to improve flock performance. Built around the acronym AWFUL; Air, Water, Feed, (Ugh) Pests, and Lighting. Ryan explains how these five core areas influence bird health, growth, and overall flock success. Drawing from more than 30 years of experience in the turkey industry, he emphasizes that exceptional production doesn't come from one major innovation, but rather from consistently executing the fundamentals. Throughout the discussion, he encourages growers to be proactive instead of reactive, reminding listeners that many production challenges can be prevented by paying close attention to daily barn management and the behavior of the birds themselves.
The conversation begins with air quality, where Ryan stresses the importance of proper ventilation, temperature control, humidity management, and preventative maintenance. He explains that growers should let the birds "tell the story" by observing whether they appear comfortable, chilled, or heat stressed when entering the barn. He also highlights the importance of maintaining fans, belts, vents, fogging systems, and cooling equipment before periods of extreme heat arrive. Ryan then shifts to water management, noting that turkeys consume roughly twice as much water as feed, making clean, readily available water essential for health and performance. He shares fascinating insights into turkey behavior, explaining that birds often return to the same drinker every day, making it critical that every watering line remains clean and fully operational. The discussion continues into feed management, where consistent feed quality, proper feeder height, and good feed presentation help maximize intake while minimizing waste and preventing birds from consuming litter.
Ryan rounds out the AWFUL framework by discussing pest management and lighting, two areas that are often overlooked but can significantly impact flock performance. He explains how flies, rodents, and darkling beetles not only spread disease but can also damage facilities, making routine monitoring, documentation, and coordinated pest control efforts essential. Ryan even encourages neighboring farms to work together on rodent management programs to improve long-term effectiveness. Finally, he discusses the role of lighting, explaining that clean, functioning lights and a consistent lighting program support healthy bird behavior, feed consumption, and growth throughout every stage of production. By the end of the episode, listeners are reminded that successful turkey farming is built on mastering the basics. Paying attention to the small details every day rather than waiting until problems arise can improve bird welfare, increase efficiency, and ultimately lead to stronger flock performance and better production results.