Blake Rollins Talks Avian Flu, Automation & the Future of Arkansas Poultry

Rollins served as a legislative assistant and counsel to U.S. Sen.John Boozman and as counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Jason Burt)

What technological innovations are you excited about when it comes to the future of poultry farming and processing?

The poultry industry is innovating at an incredible pace, especially in the areas of precision nutrition and automation. Precision nutrition allows producers to deliver exactly what is needed at each stage of development — boosting efficiency and overall flock health. A century ago, nearly 5 pounds of feed was needed to produce 1 pound of chicken. Since then, feed efficiency has improved dramatically, and less than 1.7 pounds of feed is needed to produce 1 pound of chicken today. Additionally, automation and robotics are being rapidly integrated into poultry production and processing — improving consistency, addressing labor challenges and enhancing animal welfare. It’s an exciting time to be in the poultry industry.

How important is poultry to the broader Arkansas economy, and are there sectors we might underestimate when thinking about its influence?

Poultry is the backbone of Arkansas agriculture — and a significant economic driver for the entire state. With nearly $7 billion in annual production value, poultry represents more than half of Arkansas’ agriculture cash receipts. The industry supports over 157,000 jobs and is powered by more than 6,500 farms across the state. Additionally, the industry extends far beyond poultry farms and processors. Corn and soybean farmers, truckers, feed mills, cold storage and many other industries are vital components of our state’s thriving poultry industry.

What have been the effects of avian flu so far on the poultry industry in Arkansas?

While highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has affected Arkansas, the state has been fortunate to see fewer outbreaks compared to some neighboring regions. That’s a credit to the strong biosecurity measures put in place by our members and the proactive leadership of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. At the federal level, we’re encouraged by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins’ [no relation] comprehensive strategy — investing in biosecurity, advancing research and providing relief to impacted producers. HPAI is a global challenge affecting more than 100 countries, and making progress requires a science-driven response.

How would tariffs affect the poultry industry in Arkansas?

Trade is vital to the poultry industry, and both tariffs and non-tariff barriers can have significant impacts. While tariffs are in the headlines, non-tariff trade barriers – such as restrictive import regulations disguised as consumer protections – can be just as disruptive and more challenging to address through traditional trade agreements. At the end of the day, fair trade helps everyone. A great example is chicken feet: While they may have limited value in the U.S., they are a delicacy in Southeast Asia. Trade allows us to create more value for the industry.

What federal legislation are you lobbying for that would help poultry manufacturers in Arkansas?

The Poultry Federation is closely following efforts to modernize USDA programs and regulatory reforms affecting animal health, food safety and international trade. Arkansas is fortunate to have Senator Boozman as the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. As a former member of his staff, I know how hard he works to address problems facing agriculture. His leadership is critical as we work to ensure federal policy reflects the needs of agriculture and rural communities.

Does the poultry industry in Arkansas have enough workers or is it facing labor shortages, as some other industries are?

With more than 157,000 jobs tied to the poultry industry in Arkansas, we’re constantly seeking skilled and motivated individuals. That’s why workforce development is one of our key priorities. We’re proud partners of “Be Pro Be Proud,” which seeks to connect students to skilled trades and technical careers. Additionally, for students pursuing collegiate degrees, The Poultry Federation awards nearly $150,000 in scholarships yearly. Whether your interest is in engineering, nutrition, robotics, environmental science or law, there’s a place for you in the poultry industry.