Fieldale Farms Corporation

Dr. Dave Wicker, Former Vice President of Live Operations at Fieldale Farms Corporation, was honored with the 2024 Poultry Science Association (PSA) Distinguished Poultry Industry Career Award, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). The award recognizes outstanding contributions by an industry leader. In addition to sponsoring the award, USPOULTRY also makes an annual contribution to the PSA Foundation on behalf of the recipient. “USPOULTRY is delighted to honor industry leaders embodied by David. He has devoted numerous years of his career to finding solutions for poultry and egg industry issues, including improving broiler production sustainability. We believe that David’s work has truly helped to grow and improve our industry,” said Nath Morris, president of USPOULTRY. "For over 28 years at Fieldale Farms, Dr. Dave has shown his outstanding dedication, exceptional talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His contributions inspire us all and set a remarkable standard for our team. Congratulations, Dave and thank you for your exceptional work!" said John Wright, COO of Fieldale Farms. Dr. Wicker initiated a graduate program at Degussa Corp. that allowed students to tour amino acid, vitamin and mineral plants, enhancing their industry knowledge and interactions. At Fieldale Farms, he established a successful grower program known for its low turnover and effective growers. From 1982 to 1994, Dr. Wicker sponsored up to five amino acid research trials annually, organized two technical symposiums each year, and delivered 10 to 15 customer presentations. These efforts, which included offering free amino acid analysis, advanced the use and knowledge of amino acids in the poultry industry. His work contributed to many nutritionists formulating diets based on amino acids by the late 1980s. Dr. Wicker continues to collaborate with amino acid experts to improve broiler production sustainability and reduce feed costs. Dr. Wicker has been on the South Carolina Poultry Federation Board of Directors since 2006, serving as chairman from 2012 to 2013. He is also a member of the National Chicken Council (NCC), where he participates in the Grow-Out Committee; the Animal Welfare Guidelines Revision Committee; and the National Animal Health Monitoring System Committee. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct assistant professor at Clemson University and has been involved in review and advisory committees for the University of Georgia's Department of Poultry Science. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the South Carolina Department of Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship Competitive Grant Program. Dave, we thank you for your years of dedication to the advancement of poultry science and welfare!

Fieldale Farms is honored to be recognized by the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) as part of their Business History Initiative for our part in molding the poultry industry in Georgia for the last 50+ years. GHS President and CEO, Dr. W. Todd Groce, expressed his excitement for recognizing Fieldale Farms and sharing the company's story of success and excellence with fellow Georgians. "Fieldale is an important part of our state’s history and economy. It is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished with extraordinary leadership, careful succession planning, a great product, and first-rate customer service. It is truly the iconic representative in the poultry industry.” A recent dedication ceremony to reveal the historical marker to commemorate this honor was held at Poultry Park in Gainesville, GA, a space that pays homage to the area's involvement in the poultry industry. Speakers included Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO, Georgia Historical Society; Gus Arrendale, CEO, Fieldale Farms; and Tom Hensley, President, Fieldale Farms. Each year GHS selects iconic companies and institutions throughout the state to be honored through its Business History Initiative. Those selected are leaders and pioneers in their respective fields that have made significant contributions to the state of Georgia. By choosing these companies and institutions, GHS seeks to teach Georgia students, citizens, and tourists alike about the pivotal role these organizations have played in the economic, cultural, and social development of Georgia and the United States. “Receiving a historical marker is like holding a piece of time, a tangible reminder that our stories matter and our past shapes our future,” said Fieldale Farms President Tom Hensley. “This is a great honor to our founding families and the exceptional community we are proud to call home.”