The UEP’s President’s Award and the Egg Producer of the Year awards have recognized and celebrated exceptional contributions and achievements in the egg industry. These prestigious awards honor individuals who exemplify excellence and showcase their commitment to advancing egg production.

The President’s Award honors those who have profoundly impacted UEP and the egg farming community. UEP is thrilled to recognize this year’s President’s Award honorees, Dr. David Swayne, Dr. John Clifford, Dr. Travis Schaal, Dr. Craig Rowles and Dr. Mickey Rubin, for their work on the HPAI Vaccine Task Force. The taskforce was formed to lead industry efforts in preventing HPAI from infecting egg farms, including the development of a recommended vaccination plan, which was submitted to USDA.

Mike West is the 2025 Egg Producer of the Year, UEP’s most distinguished award. Mike studied Poultry Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Mike began his career with the company in 1998 in the agriculture side of the business, transitioned to the propane business after five years, and then subsequently moved into the executive suite in 2008, becoming President and CEO of JS West in 2018. Mike is a firm community and industry supporter, serving on many boards including: Modesto Rotary, Past Chair of the Memorial Hospital Foundation, past Chair of NuCal Foods and is the current UEP Chair. Mike and his wife, Cathy, have been married for 26 years and they have two sons.