CPF names Member of the Year

The California Poultry Federation (CPF) has chosen Billy Hufford, business unit manager for North America, as the 2022 “Allied Member of the Year.” Hufford, who serves as a CPF board member, was selected unanimously out of several nominations due to his exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the promotion and improvement of the poultry industry in the Golden State and beyond. He was honored in a special ceremony on Sept. 15, and his wife Amy, was also called onto the stage.

“We congratulate Billy, who is unquestionably deserving of this award. He has supported California’s poultry industry in numerous ways, including through his work at Aviagen, where he advocates for legislation to help the industry in California and the entire North American region,” said Bill Mattos, president of the CPF. “I am honored to accept this recognition, and value the Federation and their endeavor to serve as an advocate for the poultry industry,” remarked Hufford. “I am passionate about poultry, and will continue to devote my time and energy to the mission to secure a better future. Aviagen and I share with the CPF a commitment to helping producers feed the world with a healthy, affordable source of protein, while working to continue to improve the impact of production on our planet.” 

“We are proud of Billy for achieving this well-deserved accolade, and appreciate the Federation for honoring him in this way,” commented Aviagen President of North America Marc de Beer. “Billy is firmly committed to the industry, and his customers often praise his dedication and service, always ready to help them get the best from the birds and improve their bottom line.”

This is not the first time this year Hufford has been acknowledged for his commitment to poultry. Earlier this year he received the 2022 “Industry Leader of the Year” award from the Poultry Federation in Arkansas. Hufford was born and raised in rural northwest Arkansas, and poultry has always been a part of Hufford’s world. He is committed to promoting the sustainability of the industry for future generations and often shares 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 companies within the industry. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Agriculture Education from Oklahoma State University.