John’s Creek, GA (October 25, 2018) – At United Egg Producers’ (UEP) annual board meeting and executive conference, held in Maui, HI, the organization celebrated four individuals who have made a lasting impact on the U.S. egg farming community. The annual conference marked the 50^th anniversary of UEP’s work in representing the nation’s egg farmers.

Jeff Armstrong, Linda Reickard, Kurt Lausecker

Linda Reickard worked for UEP for over 35 years, serving in many roles including meeting planner, EGGPAC coordinator,  and accounts receivable. She began working for the Midwest UEP region in May of 1977.  In 1998, after the consolidation of the regional offices, Reickard continued to work for UEP from Eldridge, Iowa, until retiring in 2012.  Reickard, known for her loyalty and kindness, was an invaluable employee and remains a member of the UEP family.

In 1999, UEP asked Dr. Jeff Armstrong to establish an independent Scientific Advisory Committee for Animal Welfare. Dr. Armstrong, serving as the head of Animal Sciences at Purdue University, selected a committee comprised of distinguished animal scientists and veterinarians to create science-based guidelines for hen welfare.  These guidelines served as the foundation for the UEP Certified animal welfare program which was established in 2002.  Dr. Armstrong chaired the Scientific Advisory Committee until 2011 and is currently the president of California Polytechnic State University.

Kurt Lausecker moved to the United States from Germany in 1978 with his wife, Gertrud, and established Daylay Egg Farm in Raymond, OH, and currently operates Nature Pure Farm.  He has been a friend, supporter and member of UEP for more than 35 years.  Lausecker served in multiple leadership roles in the Midwest region, including chairman from 1992 to 1993.  In 1998, Lausecker chaired the UEP Long Range Planning Committee, which led to the much-needed consolidation of UEP regional offices to a headquarters in Atlanta, GA.

Longtime UEP member and industry leader Gregg Clanton received the organization’s highest honor posthumously: Egg Producer of the Year. Clanton had served on the board since 1997 before his passing in February 2018. During the 2015 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza crisis, he served as chairman for the Biosecurity Taskforce, which was formed to provide industry leadership and direction.  Clanton’s wife, Anna, and daughters, Julia and Nicole, of Williamston, SC, received the award on his behalf.