During the USPOULTRY chairman's reception at the 2026 International Poultry Expo Awards were presented for service to the industry:-

USPOULTRY Workhorse of The Year

• Mike Levengood, VP Animal Care Officer and Farmer Relationship Advocate at Perdue Farms was named Workhorse of the Year.

Nath Morris president of USPOULTRY noted, “It is great honor to present this distinguished award to Mike in recognition of his dedicated service to the both the poultry and egg industries and USPOULTRY.”  Morris added, “Mike has made a lasting and meaningful impact on both the industry and our association.”

USPOULTRY Lamplighter Awards:

• Joel Brandenberg, retired president of the National Turkey Federation for expanding marketing effort, strengthening export partnerships benefiting turkey producers and processors.

• Bill Kinross publisher of Food Processing and Meeting Place

• Kim Rice of Rose Acre Farms with responsibilities for food safety, regulatory compliance and laboratory operations.

• Dr. Angie Siemens a food safety expert and consultant with numerous industry responsibilities with producers including Smithfield Foods and Oscar Meyer.

• Gwen Venable Executive VP of Expo and Communication Services for USPOULTRY and the driver for the Poultry Expo.  She is active in strategic communication marketing and public relations.

• Dr. Jeanna Wilson affiliated with the University of Georgia, Department of Poultry Science is an internationally recognized specialist in broiler breeder management and aspects of flock production and incubation.

Commenting on the recipients of the 2026 Lamplighter Awards, Jonathan Cade of Hy-Line International and outgoing president of USPOULTRY noted, “The dedication to service of this year’s Lamplighter Award recipients has been invaluable in driving the poultry industry forward.  We value their contribution and we sincerely appreciate their service to the industry.”