While celebrating the past, UEP members also looked to the future with the election of officers and a new Board.  Officers are Brian Barrett, chairman; Tom Hertzfeld, Jr., 1^st vice chairman; Craig Giroux,   treasurer; and Mike West, secretary.  Glenn Hickman, Rob Knecht, Sherman Miller, and Jason Ramsdell were named at-large board members.

Committee chairs and UEP staff led the committee briefings, focusing on current challenges and issues.  Mark Oldenkamp, the Animal Welfare committee chair and Dr. Larry Sadler, VP of Animal Welfare,  provided updates on the UEP Certified program and facilitated discussion on program guidelines and outcome based measures for the cage-free program.   At the end of the briefing, Oldenkamp announced he is stepping down as chair and will be replaced by J.T. Dean.  UEP President Chad Gregory thanked Oldenkamp for his 14 years of service, applauding the advancements made under his leadership.

Cliff Lillywhite chaired the Food Safety Committee Briefing.  Oscar Garrison, UEP’s SVP of Food Safety, led the discussion on additional engagement with regulatory agencies, the scope of the Egg Safety Rule, and training resources for plant sanitation.

During the Government Relations Briefing, chaired by Tom Hertzfeld, Jr., Mark Perigen provided USDA  updates.  UEP’s Washington team, Randy Green and  Louie Perry, reported on D.C. policy and politics.

Steve George chaired the Environment Committee Briefing.  UEP consultant Tom Hebert gave an overview of issues and rule updates.  The Animal Health and Biosecurity Committee, chaired by Sherman Miller, received reports on Newcastle disease and low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) in California and Perry updated the committee on animal health funding in the farm bill.