Speakers and panelists provided insight into the “Future of Eggs” and more during the AEB UEP Joint General Session at the Annual Meeting.

Noted political analyst and Senior Editor of The Cook Political Report, David Wasserman presented his Retail Theory of American Politics and an astute and unique analysis of the November elections.

In a fireside chat with AEB President Emily Metz, NBC Today Show’s Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Expert Joy Bauer shared the reasons she loves eggs. Bauer said she is confident the myths about eggs and cholesterol can be corrected and, in fact, momentum is building in that direction.

A consumer panel shared how they purchase and cook eggs and discussed related challenges. The conversation, facilitated by ethnographer Brad Bennett, revealed consumer perceptions and highlighted the need for more consumer education on egg types and labels. AEB will conduct similar focus groups in the upcoming months.

Former NBA Star Muggsy Bogues inspired attendees with his underdog story and determination fueled by hard work, accountability and communication. Since leaving the NBA, Bogues works with his nonprofit Always Believe Inc., helping underserved youth and their families.

Facilitated by AEB’s Nate Hedke, Andy Johnson from West Liberty Foods and Svetlana Pena, Hormel Foods, related their experiences working with AEB’s Eggcelerator Lab to bring egg-related products from concept to design to market.

Doug Mack from Versova and Kristin Tupa from Cargill talked about the  US-RSPE framework for sustainability and the benefits of all industry stakeholders aligning around using this tool for sustainability reporting.

Chad Gregory provided the anticipated benefits of the cage-free transition study, which is also supported by the Food Industry Association (FMI). Michigan State, Purdue and Kansas State Universities are conducting the research, which is expected to be completed in the next few months.

Chris Pierce from Heritage Poultry Management and Tony Wesner from Rose Acre Farms shared their experiences with HPAI. UEP’s Oscar Garrison facilitated “HPAI Now and in the Future,” stating that HPAI is not going away soon. Garrison encourages producers and allied industry partners to collaborate and develop innovative solutions for HPAI issues.