Aviagen North America executive named Industry Leader of the Year

The Poultry Federation has selected Aviagen’s Business Unit Manager for North America Billy Hufford as the 2022 Industry Leader of the Year.

The goal of this accolade is to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of poultry and egg business executives. Hufford was chosen based on his more than two decades of industry leadership and commitment.

At a recent ceremony, Marvin Childers, president of The Poultry Federation, and Holly Duval, director of marketing and business development, presented Hufford with a commemorative gold lapel pin and a crystal award.

Growing up in rural northwest Arkansas, poultry has always been a part of Hufford’s life, and his passion for the industry is evident.

He dedicates his time and effort to furthering the sustainability of the industry for future generations, and can often be found sharing his experience and insight with students at the University of Arkansas Poultry Science department and other academic institutions.

Hufford’s diverse resume spans more than 20 years of management experience in the poultry breeding, swine and food industries.

Before joining Aviagen in 2017, he served in various levels of management roles for well-known industry players including Hubbard LLC, Cobb Vantress, McKee Foods (maker of Little Debbie) and Seaboard Foods Inc.

He holds a bachelor of science degree in Agriculture Education from Oklahoma State University.

He comments, “I am humbled and grateful to the Poultry Federation for this award, and feel honoured to be part of an organization that shares the passion of myself and my company for feeding the world for today and tomorrow and contributing to the preservation of our planet.”

Marc de Beer, president of Aviagen North America, adds, “We are proud of Billy for achieving this honour, and thank the Poultry Federation for recognizing him. Aviagen values our longstanding collaboration with this noteworthy organization and the good work it does in promoting the interests of our industry.”