Spring 2025
From the desk of Todd Applegate
Dear Poultry Science friends,
One year in the new building, and it is amazing what the space is doing to build recognition of poultry’s role within agriculture; the need for future investment in students, outreach and research; and what that means for Georgia’s economy locally and globally. If you haven’t had a chance to tour our new space, please reach out.
We hope to introduce a new alumni and friends event in April prior to G-Day – so tune in to our social media channels for details.
Upcoming events
March 26, 2025 - Tifton, GA
Deep South Poultry Conference
The conference provides educational programming for poultry producers in south Georgia, with an emphasis on broiler and breeder management.
For more information, please email Dr. Claudia Dunkley or Dr. Casey Ritz. Watch our socials for more details!
For more information, please email Dr. Claudia Dunkley or Dr. Casey Ritz. Watch our socials for more details!
April 15-17, 2025 - Athens, GA
Hot Weather Management Workshop
This workshop emphasizes new technology and basic hot weather ventilation procedures for poultry house design and operation. Topics focus on optimizing broiler performance during hot weather while minimizing costs.
Contact Mike Czarick or Dr. Brian Fairchild for more information. Watch our socials for details!
Contact Mike Czarick or Dr. Brian Fairchild for more information. Watch our socials for details!
May 6, 2025 - Online Event
Georgia Precision Poultry Farming Conference
At this event, industry professionals, researchers, and producers come together to learn and discuss how precision farming technologies will impact the poultry industry.
For more information, please contact Dr. Lilong Chai or Dr. Casey Ritz. Watch our socials for more details!
For more information, please contact Dr. Lilong Chai or Dr. Casey Ritz. Watch our socials for more details!
Student spotlights
Adeline Bennett
Adeline Bennett, a sophomore from Jenkins County, is currently majoring in Poultry Science at the University of Georgia, with a certificate in International Agriculture.
Ashley Peacock
Fourth-year student Ashley Peacock is majoring in Animal Health at the University of Georgia and is completing her first year of veterinary school as part of the Animal Health fast-track program.
In the news
A Doctor's Journey
Dr. Colby Ruiz was a teenager when he watched his first surgery. He volunteered in the operating room at Valdosta’s South Georgia Medical Center, where his parents worked as nurses. Ruiz could have ended up in any of the hospital units except, at 14, he really didn’t want to wear the pink “candy striper” uniform of most hospital volunteers. When Ruiz learned that OR volunteers wore green, he was all in.
Top Research Stories
As the new year approaches, it’s time to reflect on 2024, a year full of exciting research achievements at the University of Georgia. UGA researchers have made their marks examining crucial topics like the health of water resources and urban infrastructure in the face of climate change, the causes of higher suicide rates among young Black men, and an alarming trend in rates of Type 2 diabetes, among other groundbreaking work. Let’s take a closer look at 12 of the most impactful stories of the past year.
Hurricane Helene Impacts
Hurricane Helene wrought sweeping devastation across Georgia’s agricultural sector in late September, leaving an indelible mark on both the land and the people who tend it, bringing focus to vulnerabilities in Georgia’s farming industry and the need for more robust safety nets. In addition to the physical destruction, the hurricane took an emotional toll on Georgia’s farmers. In response, UGA Extension has prioritized mental health support.