University to welcome international poultry group

"This meeting is traditionally held at universities having an interest in poultry teaching or research," said Dr. Tom W. Smith, professor of poultry science, who is helping to coordinate the event. "This is the first time the meeting will be held at Mississippi State."

Smith said 800-900 of those attending will be researchers, educators, and government representatives who have registered for the varied programs. The remainder will be spouses and children, for whom a series of special events and programs has been planned.

Participants will be from the United States, Canada, the Far East, Europe, Central and South America, and other nations.

Smith said the meeting has additional significance for Mississippi this year. “In 1994, poultry production will be our No. 1 commodity for both total economic impact and farm value.”

The state ranks fifth in U.S. broiler production and 17th in egg production, with approximately 70 percent of commercial eggs and 90 percent of broilers sold outside the state.

According to current figures, the Mississippi poultry industry has an estimated $700 million invested in production, processing, and marketing facilities and equipment. Annual employee payroll and producer payments total approximately $270 million.