NORTHAMERICANGAMEBIRD.COM [email protected] THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GAMEBIRD ASSOCIATION MARCH 2023 • APRIL 2023 Convention Award Winners Hunting Club Conference Announcement And More! CONVENTION WRAP-UP
NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 3 04: Directory 05: President’s Report 06: NAGA Sponsors 07: Executive Director’s Report 08: Allies & Partners 09: Communications Director’s Report ARTICLES 10: NAGA Convention News 12: NAGA Convention Banquet Features Awards and Fun 14: NAGA’s Second Hunting Club Conference Goes to Manhattan IN EVERY ISSUE 16: Industry Insight – 1 18: Industry Insight – 2 20: Nutrition Notes 23: Disease Report 29: Classifieds, Announcements & New Members 30: Calendar of Events NAGA News is published every two months: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October and November/December by the North American Gamebird Association. © 2023, NORTH AMERICAN GAMEBIRD ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COVER PHOTO BY PHOTONEER, ISTOCK MARCH/APRIL 2023 14 20 10 12
4 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS OFFICERS Peg Ballou – Ohio President Mike Martz – Pennsylvania 1st Vice President Sarah Pope – Wisconsin 2nd Vice President Brian Beavers – Kansas Immediate Past President & Treasurer Rob Sexton – Ohio Executive Director Britney Booth – Alabama Communications Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS WITH STATE AND TERM ENDING Sam Ballou – Ohio (2024) Dan Barngrover – Kansas (2024) Rick Kuhl, Jr. – New Jersey (2024) Michele Bovey – Idaho (2024) Andy Hairston – Idaho (2025) Rick Kuhl – New Jersey (2025) Scott Meyer – Minnesota (2025) Tim Zindl – Wisconsin (2025) Brian Beavers – Kansas (2026) Mike Forsgren – Minnesota (2026) Troy Laudenslager – Pennsylvania (2026) Bill MacFarlane – Wisconsin (2026) NAGA BOARD COMMITTEES AUCTION COMMITTEE Rick Kuhl, Jr., Chair, Kim Zindl, Carrie Wierzba, Michele Bovey, Jeff Hughes, Dan Barngrover, Alli Hughes AUDIT COMMITTEE Michele Bovey, Chair, Andy Hairston, Sam Ballou, Mike Forsgren, Sarah Pope CONVENTION COMMITTEE Rick Kuhl, Sr., Chair, Sarah Pope, Rob Sexton, Chad Hughes, Mike Martz, Mike Forsgren, Brian Beavers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Peg Ballou, Chair, Brian Beavers, Mike Martz, Bill MacFarlane, Rick Kuhl, Sr., Sarah Pope EXHIBITS COMMITTEE Brian Beavers, Chair, Rick Kuhl, Jr., Britney Booth, Rob Sexton HEALTH COMMITTEE Bill MacFarlane, Chair, Tim Zindl, Sam Ballou, Rob Sexton, Scott Meyer, Troy Laudenslager, Mike Martz, Mike Forsgren, Brian Beavers, Carol Cardona, Kaitlyn St. Charles, Abby Schuft, David Frame, Loretta Omland, Chris Theisen, Peg Ballou, Royd Hatt, Rich Schambow, Charlie Mann HUNTING CLUB CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Mike Martz, Chair, Dan Barngrover, Michele Bovey, Bernadette Gilliland, Keith Houghton, Jeff Hughes, Sarah Pope, Sam Ballou, Brian Beavers, Ben Avery, Peg Ballou, Avery LaCombe, Brian Beavers, Paul Robertson, Chuck Purgason, Randy Terry, Terry Kriz, Taylor Williams, Britney Booth MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Sarah Pope, Chair, Peg Ballou, Sam Ballou, Dan Barngrover, Michele Bovey, Mike Forsgren, Bernadette Gilliland, Andy Hairston, Rick Kuhl, Jr., Rick Kuhl, Sr., Bill MacFarlane, Mike Martz, Scott Meyer, Tim Zindl, Jenny Rothmeier NOMINATING COMMITTEE Tim Zindl, chair- Rich Kuhl, Sr., Dan Barngrover, Andy Hairston, Scott Meyer PUBLICATIONS Mike Martz, Chair, Britney Booth, Bernadette Gilliland, Mike Forsgren, Brian Beavers SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Jeff Hughes, Chair, Andy Hairston, Carrie Wierzba, Scott Meyer, NAGA FOUNDATION BOARD Brian Beavers, Chair, Peg Ballou, Jeff Hughes, Bill MacFarlane, Bernadette Gilliland STAFF EDITOR: Britney Booth [email protected] PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING: Rob Sexton [email protected] GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jim Walsh PRINTING HOUSE: The Herald, Inc. IN EVERY ISSUE DIRECTORY CONTACT North American Gamebird Association 5195 Hampsted Vil. Ctr., PMB 242, New Albany, OH 43054-8331 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: northamericangamebird.com NAGA MISSION STATEMENT The North American Gamebird Association’s mission is to protect, promote and sustain a positive environment in which gamebird producers and hunting preserve operators can grow their businesses through monitoring and influencing of legislation, informing and educating our members on current industry trends and issues and promoting and sustaining our hunting heritage through increased public awareness.
100 more in 2024! BY PEG BALLOU, NAGA PRESEIDENT The energy evident at the NAGA Convention in New Orleans was astonishing. Beyond the fun side events like The National WWII Museum, the Riverwalk and Bourbon Street, we enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones, eating good food and listening to great speakers, including some exciting new vendors. With these new folks, as well as our faithful standbys, we had a record attendance for recent years. And our attendees were willing to bid in our record-breaking auction, raising well over $20,000 for scholarship and Foundation funds. For us, this was a return to where our NAGA journey began. Talking with old friends, I realized I’m one of the “old faithfuls.” In fact, I’m so old that I remember when conditioner was called cream rinse. Telephones had party lines and seven numbers. Only the first two were letters — YUkon 8-2503 was the earliest. I’m so old I remember when ice cream came in true half gallons. You had to get up to change channels or turn off the TV. You still got change from McDonald’s. I remember when the attendance at our conventions was more than our entire membership is now … Ouch. That last one isn’t quite so funny. It’s indeed quite serious. We need to reverse this trend, and I need your help. My goal is 100 More in 2024! We can do it; we have the resources if we have the will. We’ve lost some members through death or attrition. But some of our former members have wandered away. There are others who don’t see the value in membership. We need to share what we’ve accomplished this last year, and to that end we’ll be developing a new membership brochure to brag on our accomplishments a little. If you don’t remember what those are, you haven’t been paying attention! Some of our committee members feel like they have gone from one Zoom meeting to the next, working hard to develop these programs. Let me remind you. We have: • Provided biosecurity education throughout the 2015 and current AI outbreaks. • Represented our industry in Washington concerning low path indemnification. • Ensured that hunt clubs were able to operate during Covid restrictions on an even playing field with other recreational organizations. • Developed the Secure Upland Gamebird Supply (SUGS) Plan for moving birds within AI-affected areas. • Worked with the USDA to ensure fair indemnity values for producers depopulated due to AI. • Worked cooperatively within the organization to provide birds to clubs whose suppliers were AI affected. • Began the NAGA Gamebird Spotlight livestream, bringing ideas, information, issues and inspiration to the industry. • Held an uplifting networking opportunity annually for gamebird suppliers. • Provided advocacy in AI depopulation and restocking programs. • In 2022, we held a Hunting Club Conference specifically for that facet of our organization. Another is coming to Manhattan, Kansas in 2023. I’m developing some incentives you can earn only by bringing members into the organization. Watch your email and the livestream for further details. Meanwhile, check your client list to see who is not a member, and who you could encourage into the flock. Together we can grow by 100 more in 2024! Pure French Red Leg IN EVERY ISSUE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
IN EVERY ISSUE SPONSORS NAGA SPONSORS DIAMOND SPONSOR MEMBERS Beavers Game Farm LLC Elkhorn Farms & Hatchery, Inc. Kuhl Corporation MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc. Oak Ridge Pheasant Ranch, Inc. SPONSOR MEMBERS 3T Products LLC 5R Game Birds Addieville East Farm ADM Animal Nutrition, Inc. Alwerdt’s Pheasant Farm Avery Outdoors Blaha Pheasant Farm Boothill Game Birds LLC Dawe’s Laboratories Ruff Land Performance Kennels Decker Pheasants Div - Ag Inc. Dutch Country Pheasants Exclusive Hunting Club Flying B Ranch Forsgren’s Pheasant Farm, Inc. Fuzzy’s Pheasant Farm Gisi Pheasant Farms LLC Harper’s Game Farm Hidden Valley Pheasantry & Warriors Mark Iuka Feeds Krug’s Northwood Game Birds, Inc. Lake Elaine Game Farm, LLC Little Canyon Shooting Longtail Farms Mahantongo Game Farms LLC Martz’s Game Farm FLP Metzer Farms MTM Pheasants Murray McMurray Hatchery National Band & Tag New Feathered Flyer Prairie Land Gamebirds, Inc. Purely Poultry Ringneck Ranch, Inc. Romeo Bravo Software RTS Strategies Shady Knoll Gamebird Farm & Hunting Preserve Sharon Pheasant Farm Show-Me-Birds Hunting Resort, LLC Spring Farm, Inc. Star Labs/Forage Research, Inc. Stromberg’s Chicks & Game Birds Trace Pheasantry, Inc. Whistling Wings, Inc. Wild Wings of Oneka Wings North Hunting Club and Sporting Cla York Ag Products Inc. Mahantongo Game Farms has been raising game birds since 1935. In 2007, the owners of Mahantongo Game Farms formed 3T Products with the mission of offering one-stop shopping for quality products at fair prices. The acquisition of BF Products in 2012 further expanded their product lines and services. Their goal is to utilize their vast experience and combined volume to provide both proven and new products that will help enhance the game bird and other industries. • Superior Quality Pheasants & Chukar Partridge (Hungarian Partridge & Bobwhite Quail available upon request) • Affordable delivery of eggs anywhere in the world • Pro-Rated delivery charges for started & mature birds • NPIP Certified and A.I. Monitored EGGS CHICKS STARTED & MATURE 4 Million Eggs Produced Annually & Over 460,000 Raised on Site Distributors of Game Bird and Poultry Products NETTING HEX-WIRE WELDED WIRE SHADE CLOTH FEEDERS SPECS NESTS CRATES 559 Flying Eagle Rd Dalmatia, PA 17017 Phone: 800-982-9913 Fax: 570-758-2095 www.PAgamebirds.com 1099 State Route 225 Dalmatia, PA 17017 Phone: 866-439-4660 Fax: 866-538-1789 www.3TProducts.com www.ADMAnimalNutrition.com. For more information, please call Troy Bjorge at 320-412-9957. Performance Proven Game Bird Feeds Research proven • field proven • nutritional, technical, and general management support Logos are © of ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc., Quincy, IL 62305-3115 USA www.admani.com • 866-666-7626 For art questions: call Tracie Hall at 217-231-2239 or [email protected] 732 553 174 553 138 732 159 Pantone Color Swatches Supporting Color Pallette Typeface/Font Condiment
IN EVERY ISSUE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Times of Crisis Can Bring Out the Best in People BY ROB SEXTON, NAGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR It’s often been said that hard times reveal the character of people. Leaders like Lincoln, Roosevelt and Churchill were shown to be people of tremendous talent and character during some of the most perilous times the world has known. On a more personal level, hard times also tend to reveal who our real friends are. Years ago, I found this out firsthand when friends reached out with real job referrals when I was looking for work. It’s easy to be friends when times are good. They don’t call them “fair-weather friends” for nothing. But when times are hard, friendships can require sacrifice, and that’s when the wheat gets separated from the chaff. I’m writing this column the day after returning from the NAGA Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, where we had our most successful convention — by several measures — in at least 10 years. Attendance was up, rebounding from the low point of the Las Vegas convention, which was hamstrung by Covid-related complications. The agenda from top to bottom received great reviews from attendees. And the auction was a fantastic success, as an enthusiastic crowd battled back and forth, raising money for the organization by outbidding each other in a fashion that revealed their passion for the cause. The question that repeatedly occurred to me throughout the week, though, was why? Why was attendance up? Why were people so much more engaged? Why such enthusiasm? After all, 2022 turned out to be a hard year. With Covid concerns finally fading, we had high hopes for an easier year, but the distant concerns about the pandemic gave way to very real concerns on our own doorsteps as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza became the most urgent issue for gamebird businesses. Beginning in the spring and continuing 10 months later, gamebird hunting preserves and farms have been impacted, either directly as they received positive tests for the disease, or indirectly as hunt clubs were unable to find birds in the tightest bird market in recent memory. While some of NAGA’s largest producers worked to sort through depopulation, disposal and disinfection, their customers were scrambling to find birds to get them through the hunting season. Along the way, however, various events have revealed the real culture of the gamebird industry and the members of the North American Gamebird Association. It has been written that water doesn’t taste nearly as good as when a person is truly thirsty and parched. In 2022, NAGA members provided each other with assistance and mercy to ensure the survival of multi-generational farms and hunting businesses. Surplus birds were found, resources were provided and even business practices were shared. And not all of this was confined to disease-related challenges, as people drove to other farms to help restore pens that had collapsed during winter snow and ice storms, for example. Again and again, people came through for one another. As NAGA’s Executive Director, I became aware of some of these acts of kindness as they were occurring. But in New Orleans, I became aware of many more actions that happened behind the scenes. Many times, organizations and businesses will refer to themselves as families. But all too often, these are just hollow words and platitudes people say during good times. It has been said many times that NAGA members are both competitors and friends — and both can be true. But it has been demonstrated that there is something special in the NAGA ranks that has been magnified by the crisis at hand. I’ve watched those who were impacted early on share their hard-won experience with the newly impacted in the hopes of making things just a bit easier. I’ve heard reports of people sharing their contacts with government officials, appraisers, contractors and others, in the hope of helping a competitor be restored quickly. These acts revealed the truth in that often-used term “family.” In New Orleans, the atmosphere was indeed like a family gathering. Not everyone sees eye to eye all the time. Sometimes businesses have disagreements. But ultimately, they stand together against the storm. And that’s what’s happening inside NAGA, and what made this New Orleans event so special. NAGA will hold its second Hunting Club Conference July 17 – 19, 2023 at the Bluemont Hotel in Manhattan, Kansas, on the doorstep of Kansas State University. I hope you’ll join us there to find out firsthand what this family is all about. It’ll be good for your business and your spirit. NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 7
IN EVERY ISSUE NAGA CONSERVATION PARTNERS & ALLIES 8 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS ANIMAL AGRICULTURE ALLIANCE animalagalliance.org BIRD SHIPPERS OF AMERICA birdshippers.org CONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN’S FOUNDATION congressionalsportsmen.org MIDWEST POULTRY CONSORTIUM mwpoultry.org NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EGG FARMERS eggfarmers.org NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION nssf.org PHEASANTS FOREVER /QUAIL FOREVER pheasantsforever.org QUAIL AND UPLAND WILDLIFE FEDERATION quailforever.org quwf.net SPORTSMEN’S ALLIANCE sportsmensalliance.org
NAGA Closes Out 2023 Convention in New Orleans BY BRITNEY BOOTH, NAGA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR You may notice this issue of NAGA News has arrived in your mailbox a little later than usual. That’s due waiting to including content from our 2023 Convention, of which, the books are officially closed. Although the days seemed to pass by like a whirlwind, I can say that the convention is just as much fun as it is business for attendees. From the welcome reception hosted by MacFarlane Pheasants Inc., to more educational seminars than you could shake a stick at, the nightly hospitality room and plenty of sight-seeing opportunities, the convention gained rave reviews from firsttime attendees, seasoned convention goers and exhibitors alike. Along with all of the fun and education of the conference, the final-night’s banquet and auction serves as a time to honor members (more on pages 12-13) as well as one of the main fundraising events for the North American Gamebird Foundation (NAGF), which was established to undertake research and educational projects (including scholarships) to better conserve, improve, perpetuate and promote the great outdoors, our natural resources and outdoor recreational experiences through informing and educating the public. It’s also the arm of the NAGA that fights legislative battles for our hunting rights. This year, the live and silent auctions, along with raffles, brought in more than $20,000 for NAGA and NAGF! Read more on pages 10-11. As a reminder, this year’s NAGF scholarship applications are due on May 15. You can read details about the application process on page 27 or visit NorthAmericanGamebird.com/NAGF/NAGFS-JohnMullin-Scholarship. Plans for NAGA’s 2nd Hunting Club Conference are well underway, and we hope you’ll join us in Manhattan, Kansas in just a few months! Read details about the Conference on pages 14-15 or visit NorthAmericanGamebird.com for more information. NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 9 IN EVERY ISSUE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR’S REPORT PLANS FOR NAGA’S 2ND HUNTING CLUB CONFERENCE ARE WELL UNDERWAY, AND WE HOPE YOU’LL JOIN US IN MANHATTAN, KANSAS IN JUST A FEW MONTHS!
North American Gamebird Association members gathered in New Orleans from February 6 – 8, 2023, for the group’s annual NAGA Educational Conference & Convention. Gamebird producers and hunting club owners from across North America gathered at the Astor Crowne Plaza, located in the French Quarter, for three days of information-packed presentations and a convention complete with vendor booths. For three days, attendees heard a host of information-packed presentations that addressed many of the significant challenges facing the gamebird producer and hunting preserve industries. PRESENTATION TOPICS INCLUDED: • Ventilation in brooder barns • The H-2A Visa program • Indemnity values from the USDA • A pheasant cooking demonstration by Certified Master Chef Alfonso Contrisciani, AAC, Oliver Farms and Executive Chef Otto Borsich • Predator management • Gamebird transport and NPIP requirements to ship • Pricing your birds for profit • Avian Influenza transmission and biosecurity • How to Disagree Agreeably, presented by Merle Heckman, a Dale Carnegie Training and Professional Development Specialist • Pen designs for all weather conditions • And more! Attendees were invited to a welcome reception hosted by MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc. on Sunday night, as well as a nightly hospitality suite hosted by Dan and Jen Barngrover from Longtail Farms for the remainder of the convention. Attendees enjoyed the convention’s built-in sightseeing time on Tuesday afternoon, as many set out to enjoy the sightsee 10 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS NAGA HOLDS 2023 ANNUAL CONVENTION IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA BY BRITNEY BOOTH, NAGA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
ing, shopping and food New Orleans is known for. THE 2023 CONVENTION ALSO INCLUDED A TRADE SHOW WITH EXHIBIT BOOTHS FEATURING: • 3T Products • ADM Animal Nutrition • Central Confinement Services • Clear View Enterprises • Hatch Tracker • Hawkhead, Kuhl Corporation, National Band & Tag • Nutritional Health Applications • LLC, Romeo Bravo Software • Star-Labs/PrimaLac • Stromberg’s Chicks & Gamebirds/Mann Lake Ltd. The event concluded on Wednesday night with a delicious buffet-style dinner, presentation of NAGA service awards, a fundraising auction to benefit the North American Gamebird Foundation and gun raffle drawings. Ruff Land Performance Kennels won the Sponsor Member gun raffle, a Weatherby semi-auto 12-gauge and Troy Bjorge with ADM Animal Nutrition won the raffle gun, a Weatherby 12-gauge over-and-under. Troy generously donated the gun back to the live auction, where Lloyd Marks of Milford Hills purchased it and then donated it back again, after which Rick Kuhl of Kuhl Corporation purchased it. The NAGA Awards Banquet Auction and Raffle raised more than $20,000 for the Foundation and the organization this year! 2023 NAGA EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION SPONSORS INCLUDED: • Welcome Reception: Star-Labs/PrimaLac • Break Sponsor: Kuhl Corporation • Lunch Sponsor: Romeo Bravo Software • Banquet Sponsor: Elkhorn Farms & Hatchery Inc./Elkhorn Lake Hunt Club 2023 FUNDRAISING AUCTION DONORS INCLUDED • 3T Products • ADM Animal Nutrition • Beavers Game Farm • Black Slough Conservation Club • Britney Booth • Dutch Country Pheasants • Elkhorn Farms & Hatchery Inc./Elkhorn Lake Hunt Club • Flying B Ranch • Forsgren’s Pheasant Farm Inc. • Hawkhead • Krug’s Northwoods Game Birds • Kuhl Corporation • Lake Elaine Game Farm LLC • Little Canyon Shooting, Inc. • Longtail Farms • MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc. • Martz’s Game Farm • Metzer Farms • MTM Pheasants • National Band & Tag Co. • Oak Ridge Pheasant Ranch Inc. • Prairie Land Gamebirds Inc. • Ruff Land Performance Kennels • Shady Knoll Gamebird Farm & Hunting Preserve • Stromberg’s Chicks & Gamebirds/Mann Lake Ltd. Plans are already underway for the 2024 event, which will take place January 22 – 24 in Orlando, Florida at the Holiday Inn Disney Springs. NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 11 SERVING KS, OK, TX & NM Specializing in Gamebird Feeds for Chukar, Pheasant & Quail Randy Dowling ✔FOR ALL YOUR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS ✔ BULK OR SACK DELIVERY 100 Maple St., Pratt KS 67124 • (800) 672-5508 [email protected]
NAGA CONVENTION BANQUET FEATURES AWARDS AND FUN Each year the NAGA Convention closes with the annual Awards Banquet, where the previous year’s accomplishments are recognized and money is raised to support the missions of both NAGA and the North American Gamebird Foundation, which provides scholarships, conducts research and funds legal work on behalf of the gamebird industry. After an extremely successful convention, the banquet crowd was in a fun and generous mood as members bid on silent auction items, bought last-minute tickets for the gun raffle and prepared for the live auction that closed the event. Before any of that, however, the organization took time out to recognize the contributions of several of its volunteers. BOARD AWARDS NAGA’s 12 board members serve threeyear terms on a staggered basis, which means that each year the general membership selects four members. As part of this process, the organization recognizes those who just completed their three-year terms. Dr. Doug Anderson of the Georgia Poultry Lab has been a longtime and valuable advisor to NAGA, specifically serving on the Health Committee. In 2019 the membership understood his value to gamebird businesses by electing him to the Board of Directors. Although Doug wasn’t able to attend the Awards Banquet, he was recognized for his service. NAGA Sponsor Member Mike Forsgren of Minnesota’s Forsgren’s Pheasant Farm completed his first term on the NAGA Board of Directors. Mike became active with NAGA as part of a trip to Washington, D.C. to persuade members of Congress to support indemnity for Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza. In recent years, Mike has also become an active member of the NAGA Health Committee and was reelected to the board for another term. Longtime Board Member and Sponsor Member Bernadette Gilliland of Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Pheasantry and Warriors Mark Wingshooting and Lodge completed her term on the NAGA board. Bringing the valuable perspective of both a pheasant producer and hunting preserve operator, Bernadette will now serve on the board of the North American Gamebird Foundation. Former NAGA President and Diamond Sponsor Bill MacFarlane completed another term on the NAGA board. As Chairman of the NAGA Health Committee, Bill has been essential in leading the organization’s response to Avian Influenza. As the scope of NAGA’s involvement in response to the disease expanded, Bill, who has been reelected to another term, shouldered additional responsibility, chairing the Special Indemnity Committee. MEMBER OF THE YEAR The Member of the Year Award is given annually to recognize the contributions and dedication of a NAGA member in service to the organization above and beyond normal expectations. NAGA’s Nominating Committee chose NAGA 12 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS NAGA NEWS MIKE FORSGREN BERNADETTE GILLILAND BILL MACFARLANE
President Peg Ballou to receive the 2022 Member of the Year award in recognition of her tireless efforts to expand the organization’s membership. In 2022, Peg saw her vision for a summer conference dedicated exclusively to hunting preserves come to fruition. The first NAGA Hunting Club Conference, held at Deer Creek State Park in Ohio, was by all measures a success, drawing 64 people from 17 states. At the same time, Peg launched Gamebird Spotlight, a weekly livestream that is also broadcast on Facebook and YouTube. Peg hosts the weekly program and creates most of its content. The livestream has drawn as many as 100 people for some topics, and she hopes to grow it into a useful tool for members and the organization at large. Along with these two projects, Peg has led the organization as it confronts the current Avian Influenza crisis, appointing special committees to tackle key projects, including industry continuity and indemnity. For all these reasons, NAGA expresses its appreciation for Peg Ballou, its 2022 Member of the Year. PERSON OF THE YEAR Sometimes you have to adapt to special circumstances. Such is the case with the presentation of the Person of the Year, an award that hasn’t been previously given. In discussing candidates for the Member of the Year, one name continuously rose to the top of the list: Dr. Carol Cardona of the University of Minnesota, who serves as Professor and Pomeroy Endowed Chair in Avian Health in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Carol is indispensable to NAGA and the gamebird industry. She coordinated the formation of the Secure Upland Gamebird Supply (SUGS) Plan and serves as a member of and key advisor to the NAGA Health Committee. More importantly, Carol has been a tenacious advocate for the family farms that make up our industry, helping the organization cultivate crucial relationships with key government officials during these challenging times. Dr. Cardona provided an early warning to NAGA about the approaching 2022 Avian Influenza crisis, and she and her talented team have helped the organization craft strategies to improve biosecurity, plans to deal with disease outbreaks and quick reactions to enable affected farms to reopen as soon as possible. The challenge for NAGA is that the Member of the Year Award is given to people actually in the gamebird business who are members of NAGA. Not easily thwarted by this technicality, NAGA President Peg Ballou asked the organization to recognize Dr. Carol Cardona for her invaluable counsel to the gamebird industry as the first NAGA Person of the Year. Unfortunately, Carol wasn’t able to attend the annual convention in New Orleans, where the award was revealed in secret at the Awards Banquet by Peg and Bill MacFarlane. Instead, Peg had the pleasure of bestowing this special recognition to Dr. Cardona at the Pennsylvania Game Breeders and Hunting Preserves Conference held in State College, Pennsylvania on February 23. Peg’s presentation also included a video recording of special appreciation from Bill. NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 13 PEG BALLOU DR. CAROL CARDONA
NAGA’S SECOND HUNTING CLUB CONFERENCE GOES TO MANHATTAN One of the most important announcements during the NAGA Convention in New Orleans, February 6 – 8, 2023, was the location of a summer Conference dedicated exclusively to hunting preserves and clubs. The second NAGA Hunting Club Conference will take place July 17 – 19, 2023, in Manhattan … Kansas, otherwise known as The Little Apple. NAGA’s Convention Committee recommended, and the full Board of Directors approved, holding the new event in Manhattan due to its proximity to Kansas State University, which has programs for both gamebird propagation and hospitality. The event will be hosted at the Bluemont Hotel, which is located across the street from the campus. “Holding the Hunting Club Conference in Manhattan made sense in every way possible,” said NAGA President Peg Ballou. “We hope to expose Kansas State students to the gamebird industry, and give hunting clubs a chance to meet potential interns and employees.” With the big announcement made, plans are coming together quickly. Ballou appointed NAGA First Vice President Mike Martz to chair the event, and selected a committee of board members and Kansas gamebird business owners, along with attendees of last year’s Hunting Club Conference, to plan the event from top to bottom. THE NAGA HUNTING CLUB CONFERENCE COMMITTEE INCLUDES: • Mike Martz, Pennsylvania, Chairman, NAGA First VP • Ben Avery, Kansas • Peg Ballou, Ohio, NAGA President, 2022 Conference Sponsor and attendee • Sam Ballou, Ohio, NAGA Board Member, 2022 Conference Sponsor • Dan Barngrover, Kansas, NAGA Board Member, 2022 Conference Hospitality Host and attendee • Brian Beavers, NAGA Treasurer and Board Member, 2022 Conference Sponsor 14 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS
• Michele Bovey, Idaho, NAGA Board Member, 2022 Conference Sponsor and attendee • Bernadette Gilliland, Pennsylvania, North American Gamebird Foundation Board Member • Keith Houghton, Kansas, former NAGA Board Member, 2022 Conference attendee • Jeff Hughes, Minnesota, NAGF Board Member, 2022 Conference attendee • Terry Kriz, Nebraska, 2022 Conference attendee • Avery LaCombe, Kansas, 2022 Conference attendee • Sarah Pope, Wisconsin, NAGA Second VP, 2022 Conference Coordinator, Sponsor and attendee • Chuck Purgason, Missouri, 2022 Conference attendee • Paul Robertson, Missouri, 2022 Conference Exhibitor for Romeo Bravo Software and attendee • Rob Sexton, Ohio, NAGA Executive Director, 2022 Conference Coordinator and attendee • Randy Terry, Texas, 2022 Conference attendee Taylor Williams, Wisconsin, 2022 Conference attendee “While a committee of this size would normally just be unwieldy, the members of this group have been chosen carefully,” explained Martz. “We’ve got people in Kansas who will have the relationships to maximize attendance from nearby gamebird businesses. We’ve got some of last year’s attendees who know what went right and how to improve on things to make the event even better. And we’ve got a group of NAGA Board Members who are dedicated to ensuring this year’s event will be a great success. We will be dividing up responsibilities that play to our individual strengths.” Together the group will plan out the conference agenda, sponsor and exhibitor opportunities and strategies to attract a crowd significantly larger than the inaugural Ohio event. “Our goal is more!” exclaimed Ballou. “We’re after more attendees, more exhibitors and more sponsors anxious to be seen by gamebird hunting club owners. NAGA fights on behalf of all gamebird businesses, and this conference is our chance to showcase that value to this important segment of our industry. Attendees who are not current members of NAGA receive a one-year membership to the organization as a benefit,” she added. Conference registration is $350 per person if registered by 5/31/2023, and $375 per person if registered on or after 6/1/2023. This fee includes meals and the Tuesday night banquet and auction. A guest fee of $175 guest/spouse will be available for anyone 16 years or older who isn’t a registered convention attendee but who would like to attend the social events, meals and breaks. The event will be held at the Bluemont Hotel. Room reservations are available at a discounted rate of $115 per night. Conference sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available as well, with benefit levels provided on the website. Visit NorthAmericanGamebird.com for more information and to register. Dutch County Pheasants 620-363-1970 John Booth 3890 Nebraska Rd. [email protected] Moran, KS 66755 Sales Location Dennis K D utch County Pheasnat s Game Bird Sales
Gamebird Pricing Panel Presentation Recap BY MIKE MARTZ, NAGA FIRST VICE PRESIDENT The 2023 NAGA Conference included discussions of many interesting topics. On February 8, the topic of gamebird pricing was presented in the form of a panel discussion with Sarah Pope (MacFarlane Pheasants), Brian Beavers (Beavers Game Farm) and Mike Martz (Martz’s Game Farm). With skyrocketing feed costs, extremely high inflation — particularly in the agriculture sector — and volatile prices due to supply chain issues, this topic may be more important now to gamebird growers than at any point in the history of the gamebird industry. This article will touch on some of the topics the panel discussion covered. FIGURING OUT EXPENSES This topic was discussed in detail and revolved around the “1/3, 1/3, 1/3 principle,” which helps with calculating expenses for a medium-sized to large game farm. Roughly 1/3 of expenses will be feed, 1/3 labor and 1/3 other. The only thing the “1/3 other” does not include is capital improvement projects for infrastructure, such as building or rebuilding new pens, brooder barns and so on. Figuring out feed is simple enough: Take total feed expenses for the season and divide by the number of mature birds sold. For those who sell a large number of started birds, this must also be taken into account. Figuring out labor is very similar, in taking the total labor expense for the year and dividing by number of mature birds sold. With this approach, some things to consider are once again the amount of labor into started birds, as well as those who sell large numbers of eggs and chicks. The last “1 /3” could be done from a macroeconomic standpoint in just figuring that the last 1 /3 of expenses would be comparable to somewhere between the feed cost and labor cost. Given that the cost of feed has dramatically increased over the last two years and labor has increased moderately in comparison to feed, many farms may find that this “1 /3, 1 /3, 1 /3 principle” is skewed a little higher toward feed rather than labor. Individual game farms need to figure this out for themselves. In addition, with volatile prices in other areas of the business, it’s important to push the pencil and figure out other expenses from a microeconomic standpoint when possible in order to make sure that the last 1 /3 of expenses is in the ballpark of being accurate. For smaller game farms that are more family farms with less overhead, the figures often vary, whereby feed and other expenses are usually the main drivers. The calculations for this, according to Mike Martz’s figures, came out to be roughly 40% to 45% feed expense, 15% to 20% labor expense, and 40% to 45% other expenses. The presenters made sure to nail down the point that every game farm is unique and has different variables that may skew these numbers, depending on the objectives of each farm. FEED COSTS Each panel member mentioned that feed has been our biggest driver in the increased prices of gamebirds over the last two or three years. For most growers, feed prices have nearly doubled since 2020. Much of this is due to increases in the price of grain, although other factors, such as minerals and other ingredients, have skyrocketed in price for the feed mills. In addition, the price of diesel fuel and supply chain issues, as well as other general inflationary measures, have taken a toll on feed companies. One potentially helpful tip brought up in the presentation was to forward-contract feed around harvest time. By doing this, growers will normally beat the market price for the following growing season. This also allows the opportunity to set prices accordingly, given that most growers set their prices for the following season around January 1. LABOR It is no secret that labor has been an issue for many businesses across the United States as well as other countries since the Covid-19 pandemic. Many growers at the conference have been forced to increase labor rates by 20% to 25% since March 2020 due to labor shortages. In addition, many farms have been forced to use H-2A 16 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS IN EVERY ISSUE INDUSTRY INSIGHT
workers or go through agencies in order to get migrant help to cover this shortage. The mantra that migrant help is “cheap labor” is a myth, although many growers have concluded that the majority of migrant workers are excited to be working in the U.S., have a strong work ethic and are major assets in filling the labor void. The panel advised growers to set their labor rates at the turn of each year in order to make better-informed pricing decisions. ENERGY COSTS The panel touched on the energy cost increases associated with raising gamebirds. Once again, if you consider the average combined increases of electricity, propane, gasoline and diesel fuel, these costs have gone up 50% to 75% since early 2021. (Electricity brings the weighted average lower.) These increases have also prompted growers who deliver birds to reinvent their delivery fees and attempt to piggyback deliveries to multiple locations whenever possible in order to reduce the burden on the customer. INTEREST RATES Sarah Pope brought up the need for growers to look at interest rate increases. In order to tame inflation, the Fed dramatically hiked rates over the course of 2022. And although rate increases are slowing, it is likely that the Fed will continue to raise rates (albeit at a slower pace) into 2023. This dramatically affects those who use commercial lines of credit in their non-cash-flow season and also will affect large capital improvement projects. SUMMARY: “WE ARE IN THIS BUSINESS TO MAKE MONEY” Brian Beavers said it best: “I’m in this business to make money. With the amount of work I put into my business, I might as well go get an easier job if I’m not making the profit I want to make.” All three panel members reinforced this mentality. There was general agreement that the following business principles should not be overlooked when setting prices: 1. If you’re not making a decent profit, why be in this business? Growers have a tremendous amount of risk, as well as the stresses of a 24/7 business with live animals. As my wife says, “You’re kind of like an ER doctor who’s on call 24/7, 365 days a year.” 2. You cannot be fearful. It’s essential to raise your prices accordingly in order to ensure the survival of your business. We all love our customers. Many of us have close bonds and friendships with those we do business with. However, these feelings of loyalty cannot affect how pricing is calculated. This does not mean we’re in the business of price gouging. Set a price at which you can make a comfortable living and also raise quality gamebirds without cutting corners. 3. Without proper pricing, growers are hurting not only themselves, but also hurting the industry they serve. In order to keep up with infrastructure, good biosecurity and a quality product, it will be difficult to stay in business for the long term if the markup on your gamebirds is too low. Finally, unless you set prices that set up your business for success, the next generation will be at an extreme disadvantage when it is time to pass the torch. oakwoodgamefarm.com GUARANTEED LIVE DELIVERY Experts For Ringneck Pheasant & Chukar Partridge Chicks & Eggs PO Box 274 •Princeton, MN 55371 niteguard.com Protection Against Night Time Predator Animals 800.328.6647 When the sun goes down, Nite•Guard begins to flash. The “flash of light” is sensed as an eye and becomes a threat to the most ferocious night animals.
Ventilation in Brooder Barns to Improve Chick Development BY JEFF MAY, CLEAR VIEW ENTERPRISES In early February, I had the privilege of presenting a talk to the attendees at the NAGA Convention. I am grateful to have that relationship with an excellent group of people. My presentation was on ventilation and brooding hatchling birds, subjects that have interested me since I managed a turkey farm in Virginia in 1983. In my presentation, I challenged the audience to dry a brooder barn even on a rainy day. Ventilation moves cleaner, dryer and colder air from outside the brooder to inside the brooder, moving moist, toxic air out. But if it’s raining, how can the air be dried? When air warms, it expands, which enables it to hold more water. The technical term is relative humidity. But suffice it to say that when air is warmed by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it can hold twice the water. That air can now hold about a pound of water for every 1,000 cubic feet of volume. We use this principle to pick up the water from the litter and carry it out of the brooder. Few ventilation presenters talk about the mixing of air inside the building. I learned this concept many years ago from my mentor, Dr. Peter Poss. He explained that not only do we have to bring the cold air into the building and warm it up, but we have to mix it with the air that’s inside the building to lift the moisture from the litter into the air. Use horizontal air movement to accomplish this. This can be done with stir fans placed every 20 feet pointing toward the east end of the building. Run these fans just long enough to get the spider webs on the wall to move. Then repeat as needed to prevent the heat from building up on the ceiling. Let’s examine the relationship between chick development and ventilation. Chick development in the brooder can be broken down into three stages. The first stage is the time from the hatchery incubation to placement, and focuses on the first feeding. In this stage, meaning the first few days of the chick’s life, the goal is to get the birds off to a good start and adjust them to the environment of the brooder. The main goals are to go from the 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit of the incubators to a cooler temperature, and to get the birds to eat. In the second stage, we look at feather growth. Feather growth must be considered because the birds need feathers to regulate their temperature. The bird is being trained to be able to keep warm or cool itself with its feathers. Preening is important. In the third stage, the focus is on preparing the birds for the outdoors. Preparing birds for the outdoors is not something you do in the last three or four days before you turn them out. Instead, it begins during the chick’s first week. It’s essential to understand this. So how does ventilation improve chick development? Chick development can be measured in two parts: observable and unobservable. Observable chick development is defined by lower mortality, greater vitality and better feathers. With unobservable development, the chick has a healthier gut, stronger bones and a sounder immune system. Now, think of the first stage of the brooder as an extension of the hatcher, which is that place between the incubator and the brooder and where the bird is coming out of the egg and learning how to exist in a world utterly different from inside the eggshell. From the beginning of the brood, you’re starting to train the birds to thrive outside, and in that process, you’re regulating heat loss. The bird produces heat and waste when it eats and drinks — these must be managed and carried away from the bird. A hot bird will drink water, but it doesn’t eat very well, and ventilation becomes critical. Keeping air moving and exchanging the air are essential to help the bird adjust to the temperature changes. We need the birds to realize that they can keep themselves warm. Brooder stoves provide an excellent way to regulate heat loss, since you don’t want the bird to cool off too fast. To help the bird cool off, drop the temperature in the brooder 1 degree or so per day, starting on day two. By the end of the first week, you’re down to 95 degrees. Using this same approach, by the end of the second week, you’re down to 87 18 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS IN EVERY ISSUE INDUSTRY INSIGHT For every 20-degree rise in air temperature, water holding capacity doubles holds 16 gallon water —maximum capacity Air at 60°F and 100% relative humidity holds 30 gallon water —maximum capacity Air at 80°F and 100% relative humidity holds 60 gallon water —50% of maximum capacity Air at 80°F and 50% relative humidity
degrees. By the end of the third week, you’re down in the high 70s. Moisture comes from the water expelled by the birds, along with carbon dioxide when they breathe. Make sure you are running your ventilation enough to carry away this moisture. Ultimately, you’re adding water to the barn every day, and most of that stays in the environment, so the only way out is through the fan. If the brooder isn’t well ventilated, humidity increases, and the birds get uncomfortable. Two-day-old birds produce heat and moisture, and that heat and moisture must be carried away. The standard developed by the broiler industry is that 800 pounds of birds will excrete 10 gallons of water per day. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of keeping your bedding thin enough so moisture can move out. If your litter is too deep, the water will get trapped in the bottom, then create ammonia, which will become more of a problem than the moisture itself. I recommend that you measure the amount of water that’s going into the brooder each day and run you ventilation fan enough to remove that water from the brooder. How do you know how much? If you can heat the air 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then that dryer air should carry the water away. But you need to bring small amounts of air into the brooder, warm it and mix it in the brooder. This is done with a cycle timer. (See illustration below.) Also, get another cycle timer to run your stir fans. Basically, you need about 80,000 cubic feet of air exchange to carry 10 gallons of water from the brooder. That means a 12-inch fan running 20 seconds every 5 minutes. More water requires more time or a bigger fan. What if it’s too warm outside? At night, it always cools down some, and that’s the time to bring cooler air in and circulate it around to remove moisture. Good ventilation is vital in cooling the birds, controlling the relative humidity and keeping the litter in good form. A clean environment is essential to healthy chick development. NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 19 Photocell Censor Turn to Select ON Time Power Indicator Turn to Select OFF Time Grounded Outlet
New Year, New Chicks, New Feed BY RANDALL DOWLING, MANAGER, IUKA FEEDS I have been at Iuka Feeds for more than 20 years and manager for the last 15 years. The gamebird industry has been a priority for us at Iuka Feeds. We work with producers in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado. It has been a pleasure to work with all the producers we have serviced over the years.We are members of NAGA, Kansas Sport Hunting Association, Pheasants Forever and Kansas Livestock Association. This article is about some random thoughts and topics that may be useful to some gamebird producers. Those of you who have been in business for a number of years will be familiar with this. As we all are looking forward to a new year of raising gamebirds, there are plenty of topics to take into consideration. FEED Feed is a major expense in your gamebird operation, and it appears the overall cost of feed is not getting any cheaper, nor is the cost of delivery from the feed mill to your farms. Your feed supplier is facing many of the same challenges you are: increases in labor and equipment costs and the general increased costs of doing business. A best cost ration means that feed is formulated to deliver the best results without extra cost. But cheap feed means poor results. Your birds need to fly strong, and an all-carbohydrate diet of corn the last days before a hunt will jeopardize the bird’s performance. Another thing to consider is that if you blend your complete feed ration with corn or milo, you are also blending down all of the vitamins and minerals also. One thing to remember: A chicken ration is not a gamebird ration. You are raising athletic birds, not chickens. BUILD A REL ATIONSHIP WITH YOUR FEED SUPPLIER. If at all possible, have your feed supplier review your feed rations with you. This is a good opportunity to ask questions about the feed and learn if the feed is best designed for your operation — pheasant ration, quail ration or proper feed for any other types of gamebirds you would be raising on your farms. If you’re raising multiple species of gamebirds with limited space for feed storage, this can be challenging for your feed provider. You will need custom rations developed to meet the nutrient requirements for your farm. If you’re using medications in your feed, make sure these medications are designed for the proper application. It’s highly recommended to work with a good veterinarian, preferably one who’s knowledgeable about gamebirds or poultry. If you ever need a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) for certain controlled medications, your veterinarian will be familiar with your operation. If you do need to have feed made with a VFD medication, it is required that the veterinarian has visited your farm at least once per year. FEED STORAGE One thing to consider is feed storage. This is a good time to make sure your feed storage bins have been thoroughly cleaned out of any old feed. Feed has a tendency to cake up IN EVERY ISSUE NUTRITION NOTES 20 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS
in the corners and become moldy and have harmful bacteria and mycotoxins. Old feed will have an odor that will penetrate through new feed. The main thing you don’t want to have happen is your new chicks be turned off of the feed. This will definitely cause starve-outs. To help retain the integrity of the feed there are products available on the market. We use Myco CURB. This is a mold inhibiter to help preserve nutrient values and the quality of the feed by reducing mold contamination. This is added at a low inclusion rate of 2lbs- 5lbs per ton. This product is used in both bulk feed and bagged feed. A well-ventilated bin is recommended for feed storage. Take into consideration that pelletized feed will contain a certain percentage of moisture; somewhere around 6% to 10%. A ventilated bin will help keep your feed in good condition and prevent it from heating up. If you are receiving bagged feed, maintain a designated area for storage. This area should be free from any debris where rodents and varmints can live. Make sure to have plenty of mouse bait put out. Mice and rats love fresh feed. The overall point is: Take care of your feed. It is too expensive to waste. FEED DELIVERIES Biosecurity is essential on your farm. It is also just as important to those who make feed deliveries. Provide a copy of your biosecurity policy to your feed provider so the delivery drivers are informed of your expectations while they’re on your farm. Your feed provider should also have their own biosecurity protocol. Plan for visitors on the farm. There are times when it is necessary for your feed representative or other salespeople to come onto your farm. If at all possible, have your meetings at an off-the-farm location. FEED NUTRITION 1. Start your chicks with a quality starter feed for five or six weeks. This is the most crucial time of development for the chicks. At this time, you can start to transition them to a grower ration. Here’s a recommendation for starter feed for chicks: • Quail: 1 pound of starter feed. • Chukar: 1.5 pounds of starter feed. • Pheasants: 2 pounds of starter feed. • This will get the chicks to the transition stage. 2. Always provide fresh, clean water for your birds. If you are using the black water pans in the flight pens, just be aware on a hot, 100-degree day the water in those pans will reach temperatures above 100 degrees. I have conducted tests on this. Gamebirds prefer water not over approximately 85 degrees. 3. Do not overpopulate the brooder house. Overpopulation will lead to social disorders such as birds pecking at each other, and also puts additional stress on the birds, which can lead to a coccidiosis outbreak. 4. A well-maintained farm will have fewer problems and will be successful. I do not consider myself an expert by any means, but have dealt with a lot of these issues over the years. All of us at Iuka Feeds hope that everyone will have a successful year. If anyone would like to explore more about these subjects, please feel free to contact me. Randall Dowling Iuka Feeds Pratt, Kansas 620-388-1728 NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 21 LITTLE CANYON SHOOTING P R O D U C I N G U P L A N D G A M E B I R D S F O R T H E N O R T H W E S T Pheasant • Quail • Chukar E G G S • CHIC K S • S T A R T E R • F L I G H T R E A D Y Delivery Available Field Trials • Hunt Tests • Hunt Preserves • Propagation • Restocking You are guaranteed to get the birds when you buy from folks that hunt the same birds. We operate hunting clubs in Washington and Idaho. References Available / Prices on Request NPIP #46 / Tested and Clean Andy Hairston POB 28 44854 Little Canyon Road Peck, Idaho 83545 208.486.6235 www.littlecanyonshooting.com [email protected] ID • WA ID • WA
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Avian Influenza BY F.D. CLARK, DVM, PH.D., DACPV EXTENSION VETERINARIAN AND ASSOCIATE CENTER DIRECTOR OF EXTENSION FOR POULTRY SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS Avian Influenza, commonly known as “ bird flu,” is a highly infectious and contagious viral disease of birds caused by Type A influenza viruses. The virus is a small- to medium-size RNA virus of the family Orthomyxoviridae. Many wild bird species, including migratory waterfowl — ducks and geese — and shorebirds are the reservoirs for the virus. Avian Influenza viruses are classified as “Low Pathogenic” (LPAI) or “Highly Pathogenic” (HPAI) based on their genetic features and the severity of the disease in poultry. LPAI viruses usually do not cause illness, whereas HPAI viruses spread rapidly and cause high mortality in poultry. There are many different subtypes of the influenza Type A virus. The virus has two types of proteins that project from the surface of the virus. These proteins are hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). With 16 different H proteins and 9 different N proteins, many different combinations of H and N proteins are possible. In February 2022, H5N1 HPAI was detected in a poultry flock in the U.S.A. Since then, the disease has been detected in wild birds, commercial poultry flocks, gamebird flocks and backyard flocks in 47 states. More than 760 premises have been conNAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 23 IN EVERY ISSUE DISEASE REPORT DISPOSABLE SHOE/BOOT COVERS WORN ON FARM AND SPRAYED WITH DISINFECTANT PRIOR TO POULTRY HOUSE ENTRY. DISPOSABLE COVERALLS, BOOTS, HAIR NET AND GLOVES WORN ON FARM.
firmed and more than 58 million birds have been destroyed due to the disease. Surveillance and control efforts are continuing. SYMPTOMS Avian Influenza has a variable incubation period in birds, depending on the virus dose, poultry species infected, route of exposure and several other factors. The symptoms exhibited by an infected bird vary and depend on the pathogenicity of the virus. Some of the possible symptoms are depression, diarrhea, dehydration, appetite loss, weight loss, huddling, a drop in egg production and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sneeze and sinusitis. The virus is shed in oral secretions, respiratory secretions and feces, and birds can become infected directly from infected birds or indirectly by contact with fomites such as boots, clothing, equipment and other items that have been contaminated with the virus. Lesions observed in birds include bloody nasal discharge, facial swelling, blue discoloration of the face, under-theskin hemorrhaging, tracheal inflammation, nasal inflammation and hemorrhages on the shanks and in the proventriculus, which is part of the bird’s digestive system. There is no acceptable or practical treatment for poultry infected with HPAI. Avian Influenza viruses do not usually affect people. However, rare cases of human infection from certain strains of Avian Influenza viruses have been reported. BIOSECURITY PRACTICES FOR FLOCK OWNERS The potential losses and costs associated with Avian Influenza outbreaks make it extremely important for gamebird producers, poultry growers and small poultry flock owners to protect their flocks against AI and other diseases. Gamebird owners have challenges since their birds are often kept in outside pens, where infected wild birds could contaminate the facility. One of the most important tools that can be used to prevent Avian Influenza is “biosecurity”. Biosecurity can be defined as all practices and procedures that can be used to prevent or lessen the introduction of disease organisms into a flock. These practices include developing a plan for the premise that is based on scientific principles — a plan that is communicated to everyone, that everyone follows consistently, that can be adapted as necessary and that has clear written objectives that are followed 100% of the time. Training needs to be done so that everyone understands and follows the plan. Audits need to be conducted to make sure that the plan is being implemented and followed. Some of the biosecurity principles that should be incorporated are as follows: 1 Keep No Visitors and/or Restricted signs posted at the farm entrance and on the doors of each poultry building. Do not allow unnecessary visitors on the farm or in the houses. 2 All farm personnel should wear separate clothing (including shoes, boots, hats, gloves and so on) on the farm. Clothes used on the farm should stay on the farm. 3 Completely change all clothing after caring for the flock, and wash hands and arms thoroughly before leaving the premises. 4 Do not visit other poultry farms or flocks or have contact with any other species of birds. 24 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS IN EVERY ISSUE DISEASE REPORT A DISINFECTION SUPPLY STATION SET UP AND READY FOR USE.
5 Keep all poultry houses securely locked. Lock all houses from the inside when working. 6 All equipment, crates, coops and so on should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after use. 7 All essential visitors (owners, feed delivery personnel, poultry catchers and haulers, service men and others) are to wear protective outer clothing, such as coveralls, boots and headgear prior to being allowed near the poultry flock or farm. Hand sanitizers should also be used. Visitors should sign a logbook or other record upon entering the farm. 8 Monitor all vehicles (service, feed delivery, poultry delivery or removal and so on) entering the premises to determine if they have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This includes disinfection of the tires and vehicle undercarriage. 9 Submit sick and dying birds to a diagnostic laboratory for proper diagnosis of the problem. All growers should contact their flock supervisor and follow their instructions. Consider all mortality as HPAI until proven otherwise. 10Dead birds are to be disposed of using approved methods. 11Any person handling wild game (especially waterfowl) must completely change clothing and shower or bathe before entering the premises. 12Do not borrow equipment, vehicles or other items from another poultry farm. 13Do not visit areas where Avian Influenza is a problem. 14Remember to use basic hygiene (as recommended by health experts) to prevent contracting any influenza virus. This includes covering your mouth when you cough and/or sneeze and then washing your hands with soap and water afterwards. 15Properly handle and cook all poultry for consumption to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Biosecurity is the responsibility of everyone. It should be simple and practical. The HPAI virus only has to breach biosecurity protocols one time to create a devastating and costly problem. Biosecurity has to be practiced all of the time by everyone. HPAI continues to be a problem in the U.S.A. It is a costly, highly contagious disease of poultry that has caused devastating economic losses. It is imperative that biosecurity be practiced to protect your flock and those of your neighbors and colleagues in the industry. If you have poultry on your farm that are sick and/or dying, see any unusual signs in your poultry or have questions concerning Avian Influenza, get help by contacting your local county agent, veterinarian, livestock inspector or state veterinarian. Or call the USDA sick bird hotline at 866-536-7593. SPRAYING TIRES WITH DISINFECTANT PRIOR TO ENTERING GATE TO POULTRY FARM.
26 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS TAKE A FRIEND HUNTING. If just 1 in 3 hunters create a new hunter, we’ll build a strong future for the way of life we love. So join the +ONESM Movement and be the one. Take someone hunting who’s never been. For tips, videos and other resources to help make that fi rst hunt a success, visit LetsGoHunting.org™ IT TAKES A HUNTER TO MAKE A HUNTER.
North American Gamebird Foundation Scholarship APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR JOHN MULLIN SCHOLARSHIP The North American Gamebird Foundation (NAGF) is once again offering the John Mullin Memorial Scholarship. The deadline to apply is May 15. JOHN MULLIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The John Mullin Memorial Scholarship awards up to five $1,000 post-high school scholarships in the name of the late John Mullin. Any NAGA member, or child or grandchild of a NAGA member, is eligible to apply. Applicants will be asked to submit the following information: 1. Completed application 2. One-page bio/essay explaining the applicant’s interest in gamebird production, hunting preserve or other shooting sports operations, along with their career interests and goals 3. If in high school, a transcript of their grades 4. If in high school and accepted to a college or university, a copy of the letter of acceptance 5. If in college, a transcript of their grades 6. Verification of SAT or ACT scores Scholarship applications submitted by May 15 will be reviewed by the NAGF Scholarship Committee. Funds will be sent directly to the learning institution of the recipients. Please visit northamericangamebird. com/nagf/nagfs-john-mullin-scholarship to apply online, or to download the application form to mail in. Any questions may be sent to info@northamericangamebird. com. NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 27 SCHOLARSHIP Chad Hughes 19379 Homestead Road · Pine City, MN 320.629.4868 · [email protected] European shoot 3rd Sunday of every Month BILLIONPHOTOS, ADOBESTOCK
NAGA HUNTING CLUB CONFERENCE Bluemont Hotel Manhattan, Kansas ENJOY A FULL SCHEDULE OF INFORMATIVE PRESENTATIONS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFICALLY TARGETED TO HUNTING PRESERVE AND CLUB OPERATORS. northamericangamebird.com Bluemont Hotel Manhattan, Kansas CLUB CONFERENCE July 17-19, 2023
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS SPONSOR Flying B Ranch – Grangeville, ID BGO, HPO, KO, Prodicer, SC Exclusive Hunting Club – Edgerton, WI Purely Poultry – Durand, WI Hatchery, NPIP, Supplier Shady Knoll Gamebird Farm & Hunting Preserve Asheboro, NC Hatchery, HPO, NPIP, Producer BUSINESS Valleyview Pheasants – Tigerton, WI Association, BGO BASIC Carlos Santiaga – Utica, NY Colchis Bird Farm – Sublette, KS HPO, Producer Covey Rise Lodge – Husser, LA Creek Thunder Kennels – Hannover, ND Devin Mulford – Palside, CO Jeff Baylor – Las Animas, CO FT, KO, NPIP, Producer Mueller Gamebirds – Red Bud, IL Producer Pennyrile Game Birds – Crofton, KY Producer Prairie Game Birds – Sedgwick, KS Prairie View Ringnecks – Presho, SD Producer Privett Hatcherry, Inc. – Portales, NM Rogers Hunt Club – Ohio, IL HPO Sammy D. Gavito – Harligen, TX Producer Steve Van Dyke – Hudsonville, MI TDP Pheasants – Minersville, UT HPO, Producer, SC Top Flight – Houston, TX Whitetail Nurseries – Garland, TX HPO, Producer Wil-Nor Outdoors – Dittmer, MO HPO, KO, SC INTERNATIONAL Silver Maple Gamebirds – Millbank, ON Hatchery, Producer IN EVERY ISSUE CLASSIFIEDS • ANNOUNCEMENTS • NEW MEMBERS NAGA NEWS • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • 29 JANE FAIZULLIN
30 • MARCH 2023 / APRIL 2023 • NAGA NEWS IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2023 APRIL 10-11 North Central Avian Disease Conference Minneapolis Convention Center – Minneapolis, MN midwestpoultry.com/attendees/ ncadc/ 11-13 Midwest Poultry Federation Convention Minneapolis Convention Center – Minneapolis, MN midwestpoultry.com 21 South Eastern Gamebirds & Hunting Preserve Association Annual Short Course and Conference Shady Knoll Gamebird Farm – Asheboro, NC segamebirds.us MAY 4-5 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit Arlington, VA animalagalliance.org/initiatives/ stakeholders-summit JULY 17-19 NAGA Hunting Preserve Conference Manhattan, KS northameriangamebird.com SEND US YOUR CALENDAR ITEMS! Attention conservation organizations, state and regional gamebird associations and other industry-related groups. NAGA News would like to list your upcoming banquet or event in our Upcoming Calendar of Events. Simply submit event information including date, time, place, organization name, contact and website to editor@northamericangamebird. com. Please remember the magazine prints well in advance of the publication date. 2821 S. U.S. Hwy 51 Janesville, Wisconsin 53546 Phone: 608-757-7881 Toll Free: 800-345-8348 www.pheasant.com CHINESE RINGNECK KANSAS RINGNECK MANCHURIAN RINGNECK CROSS MELANISTIC MUTANT CHUKAR PARTRIDGE FRENCH REDLEG PARTRIDGE HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE ® SALES Vice President of Operations • Sarah Pope [email protected] Mature Bird Sales • Sarah Baker [email protected] Day Old Chick Sales • Natassia Gonzalez [email protected] Food Product Sales • Karina Haas [email protected] Visit our food product website at: www.pheasantfordinner.com TECHNICAL ADVICE Vice President of Production • Chris Theisen [email protected] Director of Production • Troy Cisewski [email protected] Director of Food Products • Shayne Noller [email protected] DAMIAN KUZDAK
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Available at your local Kalmbach Feeds® dealer kalmbachfeeds.com • 888-771-1250 TAKE FLIGHT with our LINE OF FEEDS POULTRY PREBIOTICS PROBIOTICS ENZYMES ESSENTIAL OILS IMMUNITY • GUT HEALTH LIFEGUARD® Wild Flush® THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GAMEBIRD ASSOCIATION North American Gamebird Association 5195 Hampsted Vil. Ctr., PMB 242 New Albany, OH 43054-8331 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Mansfield, OH Permit no. 540