The Poultry Federation has named Michael Kidd as its 2014 Industry Leader of Year. Kidd is the director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and head of the Department of Poultry Science at the University of Arkansas,
“It’s an absolute personal honor,” said Kidd. “I can’t get over being honored like this. We are working hard to get more students trained to become great leaders and placed in key industry jobs, as well as supporting our research and extension programs.”
The Poultry Federation is a tri-state trade organization representing the poultry and egg industries in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Kidd was recognized during the 55th Annual Poultry Festival in Rogers. The award, which has been presented since 1955, recognizes the outstanding achievements of poultry and egg executives and their contribution to the industry.
“Dr. Kidd has revitalized the Poultry Science Department at the University of Arkansas by increasing the number of students and increasing their participation,” said Marvin Childers, president of the federation. “He has led efforts to have the department become more engaged with the industry. Dr. Kidd supports the industry with research. In doing this, he is also developing future poultry industry leaders.”
Kidd has been a lab tech for Hudson Foods, a research director and research manager for Nutri-Quest, has consulted in more than 30 countries, and has more than 355 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He has served as president of the Poultry Science Association and department head at the Department of Poultry Science at Mississippi State University.