David Caldwell

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New instructors cultivate poultry youth programs

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By Jessica Wesson
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences are taking steps to further connect the state’s youth with the thriving Arkansas poultry industry.

NEW IN POULTRY — Andrew Bolton joined the Cooperative Extension Service as an instructor in November 2023.

The Department of Poultry Science recently hired two new poultry science instructors, hoping to bolster statewide recruiting efforts.

Andrew Bolton

Andrew Bolton joined the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the Division of Agriculture, as an instructor in November 2023. In his new role, Bolton manages poultry youth activities across the state through 4-H and similar poultry youth programs. 4-H is designed to prepare young people to meet the challenges in their communities and provide youth with the skills to lead for a lifetime. 

“Andrew has an impressive background as a high school ag teacher and Pulaski County extension agent. Both experiences have prepared him well for this role in our program,” said David Caldwell, poultry science department head and director of the Center for Excellence for Poultry Science.

Bolton’s duties include coordinating the 4-H Poultry Chain distribution, conducting the 4-H poultry BBQ contests, poultry judging contests and assisting with in-school poultry projects.

“This is a vitally important position for stakeholders and youth throughout the state, and we clearly expect that Andrew’s leadership of these programs will allow them to be impactful and productive,” Caldwell added. “We are very glad he decided to join our program, and I look forward to working with him in the coming months and years.”

Bolton said he is excited to be part of a program that gave him his start in agriculture.

“I got my start in agriculture raising broilers for the state fair and judging poultry in FFA, so it’s exciting to get back to having a hands-on role in those events,” he said.

Bolton received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education from the University of Arkansas.

RECRUITMENT CHIEF — Joshua Gilstrap joined the department on Jan.1. He is responsible for student recruitment and retention in the academic department for Bumpers College. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

Joshua Gilstrap

Joshua Gilstrap joined the department on Jan.1. He is responsible for student recruitment and retention in the academic department for Bumpers College.

“Having a robust undergraduate enrollment is very important for assisting our industry stakeholders with employment and staffing needs,” Caldwell said. “We are confident that Josh’s approach will allow us to meet our enrollment goals as a department.”

Gilstrap will work alongside Arkansas FFA and agriculture education teachers to conduct poultry judging contests and workshops for students. His other duties include high school visits, hosting prospective students on campus and developing the University of Arkansas Poultry Judging Team.

“He’s had a distinguished career as an agricultural education teacher in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, and he has extensive experiences with FFA programs with a specific emphasis on poultry CDE competitions like poultry judging,” Caldwell said. “Josh’s main responsibilities involve directing programs for new undergraduate student recruitment. His experience leading high school FFA programs makes him uniquely qualified for this role with us, and we are already seeing new momentum within our recruitment program.”

Gilstrap said he is eager to give back to the poultry industry because of its impact on his life.

“As an agricultural teacher, I always enjoyed training teams and teaching about the poultry industry,” Gilstrap said. “I am excited to continue to help the next generation learn and grow into the industry leaders of the future.”

Gilstrap received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Arkansas and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Southern Nazarene University.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

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New poultry extension specialist brings love of teaching to Arkansas

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By Jessica Wesson
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Poultry science extension specialist Zac Williams is passionate about education, both in the poultry house and in the classroom.

POULTRY SCIENCE — Zac Williams, poultry science extension specialist and assistant professor, is a new faculty member with the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

“I enjoy teaching, whether that be through extension programming or in the classroom,” Williams said. “Being able to relay knowledge from the scientific community to producers and students makes me feel like I’m making a difference.”

Williams joined the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and poultry science department as an assistant professor in June. In his new role, Williams provides poultry education and outreach through the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, with a focus on connecting with the commercial poultry industry in Arkansas.

“We are very excited to have Dr. Zac Williams join the faculty in the Department of Poultry Science and Center of Excellence for Poultry Science,” said David Caldwell, poultry science department head and director of the Center for Excellence for Poultry Science. “Thus far in Zac’s career, he has worked closely with the commercial industry in Tennessee and Michigan. We fully expect that he will develop strong relationships with our industry stakeholders here in Arkansas.”

Williams also conducts research for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and will teach through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. The extension service and experiment station are the outreach and research arms of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The Division of Agriculture, with the Bumpers College, provides the traditional land grant triad of teaching, outreach and research.

“We look forward to working with Zac as he develops strong, industry-focused research, teaching and outreach programs here,” Caldwell said.

Focus on producers

Williams’ research program will focus on how producers respond to animal diseases coming from outside the United States. He wants to find ways to improve depopulation and composting in affected flocks. His research also includes investigating litter management practices for improved microbial community development and developing on-farm tools that can quickly identify bacterial species.

“I’m really excited about working with the team of faculty, staff and students in the poultry science department and the university and seeing where I can fit in and contribute,” Williams said. “I’m also excited about being so close to a large percentage of poultry production and the challenges and opportunities that will arise.”

Williams received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in poultry science from Mississippi State University. He earned a Ph.D. in poultry science from Auburn University.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

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Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing to host poultry welfare symposium Oct. 12

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By Jessica Wesson
Center of Excellence for Poultry Science
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing will host its 8th annual symposium on Oct. 12 in a hybrid format, with speakers focusing on poultry welfare and what the industry is doing to increase knowledge in this area.

CFAW Symposium 2022 speakers - Amelia Woods. Photo provided by Department of Poultry Science

There is no cost to attend either in-person or online. The Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization, PAACO, will be offering seven continuing education credits for those in attendance.

The event runs from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The in-person event will be held at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences,1371 W. Altheimer Dr. in Fayetteville, and lunch will be provided.

Registration is available online.

“In a state that is one of the nation’s largest producers of broilers and turkeys, poultry health and welfare are top of mind for us,” aid Shawna Weimer, director of the Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Our speakers are bringing a broad set of perspectives on this issue and no matter how long we’ve been in this field, there’s always something we can learn from our colleagues.”

The agenda:

  • 9 a.m. — Welcome — David Caldwell, director of Center for Excellence of Poultry Science and Weimer.

  • 9:15 a.m. — “Thinking Outside of the Box to Tackle Poultry Welfare: A Nutritional Immunologist's Perspective”— Elizabeth Bobeck, associate professor at Iowa State University.

  • 10 a.m. — “Enriching the Environment for Broilers”— Leonie Jacobs, assistant professor at Virginia Tech.

  • 11 a.m. — “Birds Flying High: Cage-free Houses and Skeletal Welfare of Laying Hens” — Prafulla Regmi, assistant professor at the University of Georgia.

  • 11:45 a.m. — Lunch

  • 12:45 p.m. — “Poultry Welfare Adulting: Where, What, How” — Amelia Woods, poultry welfare manager, PAACO.

  • 1:45 p.m. — “Current Issues in Turkey Welfare” — Brian Wooming, DVM, Cargill veterinarian.

  • 2:45 p.m. — “Communication, Culture, and the Five Domains” — Dallas Wynn, senior manager of animal welfare for Tyson Foods.

  • 3:30 p.m. — Poultry Welfare and the Building of Customer Relationships - Whitny Haley, Director of Animal Welfare for Simmons Foods.

  • 4:15 p.m. Closing remarks — Weimer.

To learn more about the Center for Food Animal Wellbeing, visit https://foodanimalwellbeing.uada.edu/.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.

About the Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing

The University of Arkansas has a deep-rooted relationship with the food animal industry in the areas of outreach and applied research. The Tyson Center for Food Animal Wellbeing (CFAW) team works closely with three units within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture: the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, the Department of Animal Science, and the National Agricultural Law Center. The CFAW goal is to improve animal health, handling, and productivity through husbandry practices that optimize animal welfare.

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Poultry Science Department Head Honored as Fellow of the Poultry Science Association

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FELLOWSHIP — David Caldwell, department head of the poultry science department and director for the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, was awarded a Fellowship by the Poultry Science Association in July 2022. (Photo provided by Poultry Science Association)

SAN ANTONIO — Straight out of high school, David Caldwell didn’t envision a career in poultry science, yet he has been honored by the Poultry Science Association as a Fellow for his contributions to the field of poultry science and service to the organization.

The Texas native grew up in the small farming community of Taylor, where he was involved in FFA. Caldwell had broilers and layers but wasn’t convinced that poultry science was his future.

“I didn’t leave high school completely sold on poultry science,” said Caldwell, director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and poultry science department head. “I actually began my undergraduate career as a wildlife biology major at Texas A&M University.”

In his second semester at Texas A&M, Caldwell discovered the job placement rate for his chosen major was not very high, so he decided to switch it up.

“I walked across campus to where the agriculture majors were housed, and that afternoon I became a poultry science major,” Caldwell said. “It stuck. I’ve been here ever since.”

After graduating with his B.S. in poultry science at Texas A&M in 1991, Caldwell pursued his graduate degrees.

“When I was working in the lab as an undergraduate and graduate student, I developed an appreciation and a keen interest in research,” Caldwell said. “That really drove me down the path toward academia and ultimately becoming a faculty member.”

He graduated from Texas A&M in 1997 with his M.S. and Ph.D. in veterinary microbiology. Right after graduation, Caldwell joined the faculty of the Department of Poultry Science at his alma mater.

“It was really nerve-wracking to join as an assistant professor, but I enjoyed the fit,” Caldwell said. “I enjoyed teaching, mentoring graduate students and conducting research that carried impact for our industry stakeholders.”

PSA a resource for success

The Poultry Science Association has played a large role in Caldwell’s professional development and career success. He joined the organization as a college student in 1991, and it has been a resource for him ever since.

“In 2008 I received what was then called the Land O’ Lakes/Purina Mills Teaching Award from the Poultry Science Association,” Caldwell said. “Teaching was always very important to my career. I’ll never forget being recognized with that award.”

Caldwell also served PSA as an at-large director between 2009 and 2012, was elected to the Executive Board in 2013 and served as president of the organization in 2015-2016. On top of all his accomplishments and service in PSA, Caldwell was inducted as a PSA Fellow at the 2022 Annual Meeting in July.

“The highest distinction that is given to a Poultry Science Association member is to be named a PSA Fellow,” said Karen Schwean-Lardner, 2022 Poultry Science Association president. “David Caldwell has contributed so much to this association, in his time given to serve on the Board of Directors, committee assignments and much more. He is also an outstanding scientist and is committed to student teaching throughout his career.”

Caldwell said he was surprised by the award.

“It wasn’t until I attended the PSA Annual Meeting in 1995 in Canada that I noticed Fellows being inducted,” Caldwell said. “I could see how much it meant to those individuals being inducted. It’s nothing I would have ever expected, but I am very honored. It means a great deal to me.”

“We are thrilled for Dr. Caldwell to be recognized by PSA. Dr. Caldwell has contributed enormously to the poultry industry during his career and has provided exemplary leadership to the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science,” said Jean-Francois Meullenet, associate vice president for agriculture for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and interim dean for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor. Congratulations to him!”

Established in 1908, the Poultry Science Association is a professional organization consisting of approximately 2,000 educators, scientists, extension specialists, industry researchers, administrators, producers, and college students who are committed to advancing the poultry industry.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.