SPRINGDALE, Ark.– As part of Tyson Foods' commitment to proper treatment of farm animals, today the company announced the formation of an independent Farm Animal Well-Being Advisory Panel. Members will serve as advisers to the Tyson FarmCheck program, a comprehensive initiative designed to ensure responsible care and overall well-being of farm animals.
Each panel member is a leader in his or her field and was invited to join the panel because of their demonstrated interests across a broad range of issues related to raising farm animals responsibly. Panel members will help to determine research priorities and suggest ways to improve the audit program. Their participation is not a public endorsement of the FarmCheck program, Tyson Foods or any specific animal well-being program.
Tyson Foods launched the FarmCheck program initiative in October 2012 to focus on a broad array of animal well-being issues. In addition to the advisory panel of experts, the FarmCheck program includes:
• auditing the treatment of animals at livestock and poultry farms that supply the company
• using research to identify potential new and better methods for animal care and handling
• reaffirming Tyson's commitment to animal well-being issues with a dedicated senior management team
"The FarmCheck program continues our long-standing commitment to responsible farm animal care," said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. "This Advisory Panel is a diverse group of experts who bring valuable perspective on animal well-being. They will help shape the future of the program and ensure its effectiveness."
Members of the panel include:
• Ryan Best, 2011-2012 president, Future Farmers of America
• Anne Burkholder, cattle feedlot owner
• Ed Cooney, executive director of the Congressional Hunger Center
• Gail Golab, Ph.D., DVM, director of American Veterinary Medical Association's Animal Welfare Division
• Temple Grandin, Ph.D., professor of animal science, Colorado State University
• Karl Guggenmos, dean of culinary education, Johnson & Wales University
• Tim Loula, DVM, co-founder and co-owner of Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minnesota
• Miyun Park, executive director, Global Animal Partnership
• Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs, National Chicken Council
• Richard Raymond, M.D., former U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Food Safety
• Janeen Salak-Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor in Animal Sciences, University of Illinois
• Janice Swanson, Ph.D., chair and professor, Animal Behavior and Welfare, Michigan State University
• Bruce Webster, Ph.D., professor of poultry science, University of Georgia
Each panelist will serve independent of their professional affiliations and will bring their unique perspectives to bear in the FarmCheck™ program. Their individual biographies are available at http://bit.ly/10AxJgd.
A one-page summary about the FarmCheck™ program is available at http://bit.ly/12DHOMr.
About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to be involved with son Don Tyson leading the company for many years and grandson John H. Tyson serving as the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tyson Foods produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. The company provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
Source: Tyson Foods, Inc.
