The 2024 Poultry Protein & Fat Seminar, hosted by USPOULTRY in Nashville, Tennessee, focused on leadership, innovative wastewater management and the integration of young professionals in the rendering sector. Key speakers, including Kenton Betz, Dr. Brian Kiepper and Donell Kleiboeker, covered the following themes:
Leadership in Rendering: Kenton Betz from Darling Ingredients highlighted the importance of fostering genuine relationships and prioritizing employee well-being. He emphasized values like safety, inclusion and personal growth, asserting that cultivating trust and focusing on core competencies can significantly enhance confidence in the workplace.
Wastewater Treatment Innovations: Dr. Brian Kiepper of the University of Georgia presented on wastewater pretreatment, focusing on dynamic chemical processes such as dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems. He stressed that each poultry wastewater facility may require unique treatment protocols due to evolving conditions, underscoring the importance of adaptable treatment methods.
Attracting Young Professionals: Donell Kleiboeker, a young operations analyst at 3D Corporate Solutions, discussed the under-recognized yet crucial role rendering plays in sustainability and environmental stewardship. He highlighted the need to better publicize the rendering industry’s contributions to sustainability and attract young talent to the field.
Overall, the seminar underscored rendering’s essential contributions to environmental goals and aimed to inspire leadership and innovation within the industry.
