Renowned 18th century American inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
This sentiment also resonates within our industry, where investments in knowledge pay dividends in bird performance and welfare, as well as sustainability for the environment and the businesses of the world’s poultry producers.
Global Production Management Schools on two continents
Aviagen® is dedicated to advancing poultry management worldwide by actively sharing knowledge through various programs. These include seminars, workshops, roadshows and more. A prime example is our annual global Production Management Schools held in both Europe and North America, inviting customers from around the globe. Participants become part of a global community of alumni committed to excellence in poultry production.
Organized by Taylor Davis, Digital Marketing and Events Specialist, our month-long global Production Management School in the US has recently marked its 61st anniversary. Held annually in Huntsville, Ala., this school attracts an average of 35 students from over 20 countries, equipping them with the latest flock management insights.
To enhance flexibility for North American customers, Aviagen has introduced multiple shorter course modules alongside the existing longer global school.
Managed by Niamh Halley, our School Director and Global Technical Transfer Manager, the Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA) School, formerly the EMEA School, has been welcoming students since 2012. To date, the School has hosted participants from over 74 countries, with more than 100 attendees annually across the breeder, broiler and hatchery and incubation management modules.
Beyond our annual North America and EMEAA Schools, Aviagen hosts regional schools in China, Brazil and India, with upcoming plans for schools in our Turkey, Middle East, Africa (TMEA) region later this year. We also engage with customers globally through webinars, seminars, workshops, and roadshows, sharing the latest advice and developments in poultry management.
All Aviagen Schools offer a balanced blend of theory and practical, hands-on learning to help attendees take their skills to the next level. Focusing on ways to improve production through best practices and management efficiencies, the Schools explore breeder and broiler management essentials, including hatchery, incubation, diet and nutrition, veterinary care, environmental optimization, and much more. Consisting of the most relevant and up-to-date information, course content is designed to ensure the best-possible care for birds from hatching egg, embryo and through all life stages.
Led by Aviagen and external experts who are all leaders in their fields, our schools empower participants to excel in their roles, as all learning is directly applicable to their daily work. What’s more, following the principle of “train the trainer,” students take home these valuable skills and share with their teams, widening the net of global colleagues trained and heightening health, welfare and productivity of breeders and broilers worldwide.
Aviagen welcomes an average of more than 135 customers to its Schools each year, with plans to develop this network of learning even further.
Alan Thomson, Group Vice President of Aviagen's Global Technical Operations, explains, "An investment in education is an investment in our future, and in that of our industry. We are committed to empowering customers through sharing knowledge and advice on application of best practice, latest industry innovations and fostering lifelong global connections among industry professionals.”
Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates once said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Aligned with this philosophy, our Aviagen Schools and various learning initiatives aim to ignite a lifelong passion for knowledge and industry relationships with our customers. These opportunities promote continuous advancement in bird welfare, performance, and environmental sustainability, ensuring a better future for generations to come.