Aviagen®, the world’s leading poultry breeding company, is pleased to announce that Cory Shadden, Aviagen’s grandparent breeder manager in Elkmont, Ala., was presented with the “30 Under 30” award in January at the 2016 International Poultry and Production Exhibition (IPPE) in Atlanta.
Designed to recognize leadership qualities in young poultry professionals, the 30 Under 30 award was presented by John Starkey, president of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, which is a sponsor of the IPPE. The goal of the 30 Under 30 program is to promote leadership development in young leaders by engaging them in valuable technology and educational programs.
Shadden’s management talents, demonstrated at an early age, have helped him to earn this prestigious industry award, according to Wayne Lollar, Aviagen’s director of grandparent production for Ala. and Tenn. “Shadden is directly responsible for nearly 20 employees in 70 locations of grandparent breeder hens in Alabama and Tennessee, and I’m proud of his achievements. His moral clarity and abilities as a natural leader have allowed him to build this successful team of professionals, who have earned respect within Aviagen and throughout the global poultry industry.”
An Aviagen employee for five years now, Shadden was hired as a grandparent hen specialist upon graduating from Auburn University in 2010, with a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Economics and minor in Poultry Science. Within two years, Shadden was promoted to grandparent breeder manager for Alabama and Tennessee. Growing up on a broiler and cattle farm in Hartselle, Ala., Shadden’s experience with the poultry and livestock began at an early age.
“I love working with our team and contract growers, as together we tackle the poultry industry’s diverse challenges. These daily challenges keep me thinking outside the box,” explains Shadden. “I believe the best contribution I can make to Aviagen is to lead by example of a strong work ethic and willing attitude.”
