When asked how students and young people can get a foot in the door of the poultry industry and gradually make a career of it, Sara Steinlage, DVM, initially gives a three-word answer: “Network, network, network.”
Steinlage, senior director of veterinary services for the Arkansas-based Simmons Foods, grew up in a state with very limited poultry production but has since found success in the industry. She shared her insights while speaking during the recent Kansas Ag Growth Summit, hosted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
“You’re going to have that opportunity across your career through college of having a chance to meet people that will come into your life and will talk about their careers. When they say it’s O.K. to give them a call or drop them an email to ask a question, take those opportunities to engage and ask questions,” she said. “They’re offering because they genuinely want to help that next generation.”
Many people in the poultry industry are more than happy to help the younger generations or those with an interest in the industry as it is a “chance to pay it forward.”
Steinlage herself had a number of mentors, which helped her to the successful career that eventually landed her a leadership position with the 17th largest broiler producer in the United States.
“Being a kid from Kansas, poultry was totally foreign to me,” she said, but while a student she got involved with the Midwest Poultry Consortium, which was a “pivotal” point in her professional life.
“It was through those experiences and the folks I met through that program … they connected me to my next internship and they connected me to people who will be lifelong mentors,” she said.
Steinlage also suggested attending conferences such as the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) and Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, which offer plenty of learning and networking opportunities.
In addition, Steinlage said, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more industry events have taken on a virtual format, which can make learning opportunities more accessible.
She also suggested visiting the websites of poultry industry associations, such as the National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and United Egg Producers.
“Start understanding and learning about who are their member companies, and then go do your research and make those connections. Utilize social media, utilize LinkedIn and really dive deep,” she says, adding that the poultry industry is not just an animal business, but also a “people business.”
Brian Ballard, general manager of the Cal-Maine Foods complex in Chase, Kansas, also spoke at the summit. He explained how Cal-Maine was an example of a company that wanted to nurture young people with an interest in the industry.
Ballard said Cal-Maine supports 4-H and FFA programs and often speaks to school groups to educate people about the egg sector. The company also regularly offers internships to students, he added.
