PSA Shares Vision at Premier Industry Event
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE)—the world’s largest annual poultry, egg, meat, and animal food industry event—is a premier gathering for discovering business solutions, networking with industry colleagues, and learning about the latest technological advancements and challenges facing the industry.
The 2025 event, held during the final week of January, attracted approximately 31,000 attendees, including domestic and international decision-makers. With 1,300+ exhibitors spanning more than 598,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Poultry Science Association’s (PSA) annual exhibition and participation provide access to thousands of poultry industry professionals. However, PSA President Dr. Martin Zuidhof emphasizes that the event is also a key opportunity to showcase PSA’s vision—to be the world’s most respected resource for poultry science. “Science drives the best decisions in the world, and we aim to contribute to the quality of those decisions,” says Dr. Zuidhof. “I had many conversations with people, sharing insights such as tips on data collection and how to apply findings from poultry research.”
Dr. Zuidhof explains that maintaining a consistent presence at IPPE is critical to PSA’s mission. “We are committed to providing the science that underpins the quality of the production systems that deliver safe, wholesome, and affordable food to the world.”
Education at IPPE Aligns with PSA’s Mission
A key aspect of IPPE that complements PSA’s mission is its extensive educational programming. This year’s event featured more than 80 hours of educational sessions, covering topics such as animal agriculture sustainability, food safety, worker safety, animal food industry trends, poultry market trends, and more.
Dr. Lisa Bielke, PSA’s second vice president, highlights the role PSA plays in fostering connections between academia and industry scientists.
"One of the great things PSA does is bridge the gap between academia and industry in a variety of ways. Attending the trade show and participating in events like the International Poultry Scientific Forum (IPSF) meeting increases PSA’s visibility and helps facilitate important connections.”
Additionally, IPPE’s student programs provide PSA with opportunities to engage with the next generation of poultry scientists. One example is PSA’s role in facilitating the IPSF student competition.
“One of PSA’s key goals is to support and develop future poultry scientists,” Dr. Bielke explains. “Being present at IPPE allows us to show students that PSA is here for them. Our strong industry connections also help us understand how students should be trained to enter the poultry sector successfully.”
PSA Board Meeting: Setting the Course for 2025
Prior to IPPE each year, PSA hosts one of its most significant board meetings. Dr. Bielke notes that this year’s meeting focused on budgeting and administrative actions necessary for PSA’s continued success. The board also outlined PSA’s trajectory for 2025 and explored ways to enhance membership benefits. “Importantly, we reviewed what worked well last year and what adjustments are needed to improve our effectiveness,” Dr. Bielke adds.
During the meeting, PSA’s committees also provided reports on their activities over the past six months and outlined action items leading up to PSA’s annual meeting.