Tyson Foods creates new advisory panel

Posted: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 12:00 am

As part of Tyson Foods’ commitment to proper treatment of farm animals, the company has announced the formation of an independent Farm Animal Well-Being Advisory Panel.
Members will serve as advisers to the Tyson FarmCheck™ program, a comprehensive initiative designed to ensure responsible care and overall well-being of farm animals, according to a news release.
 Each panel member is a leader in their field and was invited to join the panel because of their demonstrated interests across a broad range of issues related to raising farm animals responsibly. Panel members will help to determine research priorities and suggest ways to improve the audit program.
Tyson Foods launched the FarmCheck program initiative in October 2012 to focus on a broad range of animal well-being issues.
Dr. Dean Danilson, who has been vice president of food safety and quality control for Tyson Foods, is now vice president of animal well-being programs.
In addition to the advisory panel of experts, the FarmCheck program includes auditing the treatment of animals at livestock and poultry farms that supply the company, using research to identify potential new and better methods for animal care, and handling and reaffirming Tyson’s commitment to animal well-being issues with a dedicated senior management team.
“The FarmCheck program continues our long-standing commitment to responsible farm animal care,” Tyson Foods president and CEO Donnie Smith said. “This advisory panel is a diverse group of experts who bring valuable perspective on animal well-being. They will help shape the future of the program and ensure its effectiveness.”
Members of the panel include 2011-12 Future Farmers of America president Ryan Best, cattle feedlot owner Anne Burkholder, Congressional Hunger Center executive director Ed Cooney, American Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Welfare Division director Dr. Gail Golab, Colorado State University professor of animal science Dr. Temple Grandin, Johnson & Wales University dean of culinary education Karl Guggenmous, St. Peter, Minn., Swine Vet Center co-founder and co-owner Dr. Tim Loula, Global Animal Partnership executive director Miyun Park, National Chicken Council vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs Dr. Ashley Peterson, former U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond, University of Illinois associate professor in animal sciences Dr. Janeen Salak-Johnson, Michigan State University Animal Behavior and Welfare Department chairman and professor Dr. Janice Swanson and University of Georgia professor of poultry science Dr. Bruce Webster.
Each panelist will serve independent of their professional affiliations and will bring their unique perspectives to bear in the FarmCheck program.
Tyson Foods Inc. is one of the world’s largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork. Tyson Foods is the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and is a member of the S&P 500.
The company’s headquarters is located in Springdale, Ark., with a processing plant, feed mill and hatchery located in Obion County.
More than 11,000 independent livestock and poultry farmers supply Tyson Foods.
The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family continues to be involved in the company. Don Tyson led the company for many years and John H. Tyson is serving as the current chairman of the board.

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