WHAT HAPPENED: Hormel Foods, based in Austin, MN, has joined the National Chicken Council as an allied leader member company. Chad Randick, Vice President of Government Affairs, will serve as the official representative to NCC.
ABOUT HORMEL FOODS: Founded in 1891 by George A. Hormel in Austin, Minnesota, Hormel Foods has grown from a small regional meatpacking business into a global branded food company and a member of the Fortune 500. While the company remains rooted in its Midwestern heritage, it has expanded its reach to serve consumers around the world.
Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Applegate, Columbus, Fontanini, Ceratti, and Sadler’s Smokehouse. Today, Hormel Foods continues to focus on providing high-quality, convenient, and nutritious food products while building on its long-standing commitment to innovation, quality, and integrity.
To learn more about Hormel Foods, visit their website here.
The Tennessee Poultry Association Annual Meeting & Summer Getaway recently took place last week at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The event featured industry networking, auctions, and guest speakers including NCC’s Ashley Peterson who spoke to the group about regulatory issues facing the broiler industry, food safety and broiler health and welfare. Thank you, Tennessee Poultry, for the invitation!
NCC features in a short spotlight column the official representative from each of our Allied Leader and Allied Member companies. This week’s Allied Leader Spotlight is Austin Jasek, Technical Account Manager, Poultry at Zinpro.
We asked Austin three questions:
In 2-3 sentences, describe what good or service your company provides to the broiler industry.
Zinpro® manufactures performance trace minerals bound in a 1:1 ratio with amino acids. Our science, service, and support create a partnership with customers that advances bird health and performance. Our broiler support tools include the Zinpro® Perfect Carcass® Tool for reducing condemnations and maximizing profits, and the Zinpro® H2O Water Analysis Program™, which helps producers understand water’s impact on flock performance.
Can you briefly describe your position and responsibilities within the company?
As a Technical Account Manager, Poultry at Zinpro, my primary focus is supporting customers and building strong, lasting relationships across their organizations. Working with a diverse range of customers provides opportunities to learn, grow, and develop solutions that help them achieve their goals. My background in poultry nutrition and research allows me to provide science-based recommendations and support informed decision-making. In addition to customer-facing responsibilities, I enjoy serving on graduate student committees and helping organize the Arkansas Nutrition Conference, which allows me to engage with and support the next generation of poultry industry professionals.
What is your favorite chicken dish?
Grilled Marinated Chicken Thighs – marinate 3-4 hours in blend of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, honey, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. A nice flavor that pairs well with just about anything.
NCC President George Watts (R) with Jamie Whitten, a Democratic U.S. Representative from Mississippi who served in the House for 53 years (1941–1995). He was the powerful chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations from 1979 through 1992. He previously led its Agriculture Subcommittee for decades, earning the nickname “the permanent secretary of agriculture.” Today, USDA’s Whitten Building is named after him. Photo from 1986.
