The Turkey Talk Show

Poultry Perspectives: Europe and the US

Episode Summary

Sheila reminds everyone to book their hotel and register for the ITF Summer Meeting "Camp Gobblewood" coming up on June 9th and 10th. Gretta and Sheila share a funny train story from France and then introduce John Ralph with Aviagen Turkeys. John dives into the differences between the Europe and the United States when it comes to breeding lines, raising turkeys, etc. Kylie Sherrill then joins the conversation to talk flies. The weather is warming up and the flies have started producing. Now is the time to start your integrated pest management program!

Episode Notes

Sheila kicks off the show by reminding everyone to book their hotel and register for the ITF Summer Meeting on June 9th and 10th. Sheila and Gretta then relive a funny moment while traveling in France. 

Sheila introduces John Ralph with Aviagen Turkeys and asks about the differences between the United States and Europe.

Europe's market is two different markets - the heavy sector and the medium sector. They strive to provide what their customers need and want. 

Germany raises the heavy B.U.T6 - which they grow to 21kg = 46 lbs. Which will go in for de-boning. The BBQ market is a big driver in Germany. France is a medium market - they produce a smaller bird and mix males and females in the barn. They will market the females at 12 weeks and then give the toms the rest of the barn. In England they focus on the Christmas bird. 

Aviagen has two breeding programs - one in the US and one in the UK. Aviagen continues to invest strongly in it - they are expanding what they do in the breeding program. They are always looking for information on how the turkeys are doing in the field. Data helps them verify and direct next steps. 

Sheila and Gretta talk about planting season. 

We welcome Kylie Sherril with Central Life Sciences. When it comes to flies - we need to be intentional with our actions. Plan ahead and have a backup plan in place.

Three steps to get ready for flies:

  1. What did you hold over from winter? Litter, manure, etc. Have a plan for it.
  2. Have in mind when you will start the bulk part of your program. 
  3. Be prepared and have your supplies.

Thank you to our proud industry sponsors: Tyson Foods, West Liberty Foods and Zoetis.

Call to Actions:

  1. Plan. Review what you did over the winter.
  2. Be intentional.
  3. Know you can change the plan.
  4. Register for your local meetings.