U.S. agricultural cooperative United Egg Producers (UEP) recognized Dr. Joy Mench, former University of California, Davis (U.C. Davis) Professor, and Stephen Herbruck, egg producer Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch Board Chairman, with awards at the American Egg Board (AEB) and UEP 2022 Joint Annual Executive Conference for their impact on the egg industry.
President’s Award
Prior to her retirement, Mench worked in the avian sciences and animal science departments at U.C. Davis from 1995 to 2016. While there, she served as Director of the Center for Animal Welfare and published multiple books and publications concerning hen welfare.
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Additionally, Mench served as an inaugural member of UEP’s independent scientific advisory committee and chaired the committee from 2017-2020. The committee includes hen welfare experts and veterinarians who contributed to UEP’s animal welfare program and continue to offer guidance to the organization.
“We are grateful for Joy’s continued commitment to our organization,” stated Chad Gregory, UEP President and CEO. “Her leadership and expertise have been invaluable as UEP seeks to advance its UEP Certified animal welfare program.”
Egg Producer of the Year
Herbruck is chairman of Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch and a fourth-generation egg producer. He founded agribusiness management solutions company Poultry Management Systems in 1981 and helped Herbrucks adopt the technology on its farms.
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While Herbruck currently serves on UEP’s board, he has also served on many of the organization’s committees including Animal Welfare and Government Relations for over 20 years.
“Steve has been integral to UEP’s success in navigating the changes taking place in the egg industry,” stated Gregory. “We are extremely thankful for the dedication and the excellence he has brought to his leadership roles at UEP.”
Board officers
At the conference, UEP also elected new board officers, including Craig Giroux of New York, Chairman; Mike West of California, Vice Chairman; JT Dean of Iowa, Treasurer; and Sherman Miller, Mississippi, Secretary.
