2025 Governor’s International Trade Award
Nova‑Tech Engineering was selected as one of five Minnesota companies to receive the 2025 Governor’s International Trade Award, a prestigious recognition honoring organizations that demonstrate outstanding success in exporting manufactured goods, agricultural products, processed foods, or services across global markets.
Entering its 40th year, this award highlights Minnesota companies that drive economic growth through international engagement and exemplify excellence in expanding into global markets. The recognition underscores the important role international trade and foreign investment play in strengthening Minnesota’s economy.
Nova‑Tech Engineering accepted the award on Friday, January 30 at a ceremony in Bloomington. A small group of team members attended alongside Landon Fries and Chris Gorans, who accepted the award on behalf of the entire organization. The honor reflects the collective dedication, innovation, and global impact that Nova‑Tech employees bring to their work every day.
The company was nominated by the Kandiyohi County Economic Development Committee, highlighting the strong partnerships Nova‑Tech continues to build within its local community. Additionally, Nova‑Tech’s long‑standing collaboration with the Minnesota Trade Office has supported its continued growth and expansion into new international regions.
According to an email sent to Nova-Tech team members from Landon and Chris, “This achievement is not about one event or one moment – it represents years of servant leadership, customer focus, inventive thinking, teamwork, and the pioneering spirit behind our first-generation products. You make a global impact through the work you do every day, and this award belongs entirely to you.”
Congratulations Nova-Tech Engineering!

Hatchery School
The Select Genetics Terre Haute hatchery hosted team members in mid-January for their internal Select Genetics LLC and Aviagen Turkeys Hatchery School!
The week was packed with hands-on learning in the classroom and the hatchery, team building, and lots of shared knowledge across the teams. The week concluded with a turkey carving contest — the perfect way to end a fun and productive week!
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it such a great experience!

Celebrating Across the Organization
This holiday season, teams across the organization gathered to celebrate, connect, and share in the joy of Christmas. From festive luncheons and themed parties to creative gift exchanges and family‑friendly gatherings, each location brought its own traditions and energy to the season.
These celebrations were a wonderful reminder of the strong relationships, camaraderie, and community that make our organization unique. Thank you to everyone who helped plan, host, and participate in these events! You created moments of laughter, appreciation, and togetherness that will carry us into the year ahead.
Below is a collection of photos highlighting the many ways our teams came together to celebrate. We hope you enjoy these glimpses of holiday spirit from across the organization!
All Company Party
Included attendees from Nova-Tech, MinnWest, and all wholly-owned companies.

PALS

Select Genetics | Osceola, IA

Select Genetics | Terre Haute, IN

Nova-Tech Updates
IPPE 2026
Our teams from Nova-Tech Engineering, Nova-Tech Poultry, and Nova-Tech Suzhou were proud to represent our organization at the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta. The event brought together poultry and protein industry professionals from around the world and provided a valuable opportunity to share insights, discuss hatchery automation solutions, and strengthen relationships across the industry.
We extend a sincere thank you to all Nova-Tech team members who attended and supported our presence at the show. Your collaboration, expertise, and dedication helped showcase the innovation and global reach of our poultry business. We also appreciate the many partners, customers, and industry colleagues who took the time to connect with us during the event. Together, we look forward to building on the energy and conversations from IPPE as we move through 2026.

Engineering & Manufacturing Momentum
Nova-Tech Engineering is operating at high capacity to meet a significant backlog of orders. The team is focused on the manufacturing and strategic placement of systems to keep pace with the current surge in poultry equipment demand.
Spotlight on Nova-Tech Poultry
The Nova-Tech Poultry division is currently preparing for the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, GA at the end of January. This event is a key opportunity for the team to connect with partners and showcase the latest equipment innovations on a global stage.
Expanding the ShrimpWorks Team
Growth with ShrimpWorks continues as new system contracts are finalized. To manage this increased scale, we are in the process of filling a new ShrimpWorks Division Manager position.
In Memory of Jeff Bonner
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jeff Bonner, Osceola Hatchery Manager and a cherished member of the Select Genetics team. Jeff was not only a highly skilled leader, but also an exceptional person whose passion for his work and care for his team left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
Jeff brought an infectious enthusiasm to the Osceola hatchery. He took immense pride in his facility, his people, and the important role they played within the broader organization. Colleagues consistently recall his dedication, his steady leadership, and the genuine interest he took in the well‑being of every individual who worked alongside him.
His impact was felt so strongly that, on the day of his visitation, the hatchery flew its flags at half‑staff as a tribute to Jeff’s life, service, and the deep respect he earned from his team and community.
Jeff’s loss is felt deeply across our company. We are grateful for the years he shared with us, the relationships he built, and the legacy he leaves behind. Our thoughts remain with Jeff’s family, friends, and the Osceola team as we honor his memory.

Spotlight on Benefits
Check your Benefit Elections
The benefits you selected during open enrollment are now in effect. If you have not already done so, take a moment to review your paycheck to ensure your deductions are accurate. If something doesn’t look right contact the Benefits Team promptly so they can help resolve it. Checking early helps prevent issues later, let’s make sure your benefits are working for you!
New TrueRX Patient App and Portal

TrueRX will be retiring their current member portal and app on March 1, 2026. If you are currently on a company health plan and utilizing TrueRX you should have received an email alerting you of this change. You will need to transition your account to their new app and portal, True RX+.
What does this mean for you:
- New account access: You will need to download the TrueRX+ app or visit the new web portal to set up your account before March 1, 2026.
- Enhanced features: The updated web portal and app offer easier navigation, prior authorization tracking, and the ability to live chat with a Health Strategist.
- Support along the way: Our team is ready to help you with any questions or assistance you may need as you begin using the new portal or app.
To get started today, please visit https://member.myplantruerx.com/login, your app store, or scan the QR code to download.

Empower Education Series

February Topic | Introduction to Tax Planning
Join Empower for a live webinar to get an introduction to tax planning. In this webinar Empower will discuss understanding types of taxes, tax filing information and forms, tax minimization strategies, and methods of and common tax filing errors.
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – 10am, 1pm, 4pm EST
- Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – 11am, 2pm, 6pm EST
- Thursday, February 19, 2026 – 12pm, 3pm, 5pm (Spanish) EST
- Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – 10am, 1pm, 4pm EST
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – 12pm, 3pm, 5pm EST
- Friday, February 27, 2026 – 11am, 2pm EST
Once on the registration page click on the monthly webinar to be taken to the registration page or to watch previous Education by Empower recording. Register today to reserve your spot! You can register by going online to learningfromempower.com. The Empower site provides options for joining a live webinar or watching a previously recorded webinar and accessing additional educational tools and resources.
The Education by Empower Series for 2026 offers opportunities for employee engagement. The full calendar with dates for 2026 can be found here: Empower Series 2026.
UMR Resources

Your Health, Your Way | Explore UMR’s Wellness Resources
Helping You: This monthly wellness resource is packed with timely health topics, from nutritious recipes and mental health tips to seasonal self-care strategies. Whether you’re looking to boost your mood, eat better, or stay active, Helping You offers practical advice to support your well-being all year long.
Years of Service Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following team members who celebrated Years of Service milestones in the month of December and January!

December 2025
5 YEARS
Anna Nelson | Nova-Tech Engineering
Jeromey Dixon | Nova-Tech Engineering
Jose Rosado Oquendo | Select Genetics
Sherwood Gay | Select Genetics
James Jones | Select Genetics
Eric Guerrero | Turkey Valley Farms
10 YEARS
Kevin Brown | PALS
Jon Swanson | Select Genetics
Erick Gonzalez | Select Genetics
20 YEARS
Gustavo Castaneda Vega | Select Genetics
25 YEARS
Gary Perch | Select Genetics
January 2026
5 YEARS
Amy Evans | Nova-Tech Engineering
Megan Masters | Nova-Tech Engineering
David Swanson | Nova-Tech Poultry
Ivan Torrecillas | Select Genetics
Jeronimo Fernandez Esteban | Select Genetics
Steven Lark | Select Genetics
Gloria Granados De Cruz | Turkey Valley Farms
10 YEARS
Chad Clifford | Select Genetics
Fernando Bravo | Select Genetics
15 YEARS
Jerome Leprince | Nova-Tech Poultry
Estela Huerta | Select Genetics
Joel Huerta Pineda | Select Genetics
Thomas Nelson | Willmar Poultry Farms
20 YEARS
Jacob Wells | Nova-Tech Engineering
Gonzalo Ponce | Select Genetics
Baltazar Huerta | Select Genetics
25 YEARS
Wade Damhof | Nova-Tech Engineering
35 YEARS
Michael Mcneill | Select Genetics
40 YEARS
James Maxwell | Select Genetics
Openings
Current status of all organizational openings.
| Position | Company | Phase | Current Status | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Maintenance Supervisor | ![]() | FILLED! | We are excited to welcome Charles Nichols to the Maintenance team on Monday, April 6th! Read More | Francisca |
| Maintenance Technician Apply Online | ![]() | Open | Headstart Hatching is seeking a diligent and dependable individual to join our team as a Maintenance Technician
This position is offering a Sign On Bonus of $2,000!
Maintenance is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of all hatchery equipment and facilities.
Must have comprehensive knowledge of the functioning of incubation and hatching equipment, as well as hatch pull and servicing equipment. Fully understand all hatchery processes, with emphasis on factors affecting hatchability, poult quality and poult cost.
Maintenance uses critical thinking for identifying and solving mechanical problems negatively affecting hatchery processes. Maintenance finds alternative mechanical solutions, through proactive and creative approaches, with the ability to direct and instruct other workers in basic repair work and maintenance.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Maintenance Services:
Read More | Francisca |
| Sanitation Hatcher washer Apply Online | ![]() | NEW! | Headstart Hatching is seeking a diligent and dependable individual to join our team in our Transfer area.
POSITION PURPOSE
The Turkey Hatchery Sanitation Worker will be responsible for ensuring that the hatchery facilities, equipment, and tools are kept clean and sanitized in compliance with all biosecurity protocols and industry regulations. The role requires a high level of attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for the turkeys. This is a critical role in ensuring that the turkey hatchery maintains a clean and healthy environment for the turkeys, which is essential for their growth and development. The Turkey Hatchery Sanitation Worker will play an important part in maintaining the biosecurity of the hatchery and ensuring that all equipment and facilities are clean and sanitized to industry standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Clean and sanitize hatchery facilities, equipment, and tools using approved cleaning agents and methods.
• Follow established protocols for disinfecting equipment and tools, including service room, unloading/loading docks, and various specialty turkey hatching gadgets.
• Dispose of waste materials, including hatchery debris and manure, in accordance with industry regulations and biosecurity protocols.
• Communicate any sanitation-related concerns or issues to the Hatchery Manager or other relevant staff members.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and company policies related to sanitation and biosecurity.
• Assist with other hatchery-related tasks as needed.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Knowledge
• Knowledge of sanitation best practices and procedures.
• Familiarity with biosecurity and industry regulations is a plus.
Skills
Read More | Francisca |
| Service Room Worker Apply Online | ![]() | NEW! | Who We Are:
Headstart Hatching is the first turkey hatchery in the world to hatch commercial poults with immediate access to feed and water from the moment the hatchling leaves the egg and throughout their stay from hatch to the farm. This industry-changing technology will eventually be shared with the world, but first we are going to put it to good use for our region’s benefit. Located in Willmar, MN, we are part of a family of companies that have made this place our home for over 75 years, and Headstart Hatching is the next (and not last) company we have committed to build here.
Headstart Hatching is seeking a diligent and dependable individual to join our team in our Service Room area.
Position Purpose
The Service Room Worker will be responsible for carrying out all processing and sorting activities related to the production of turkey poults. This includes heel clipping, IR beak blunting, sexing, and sorting turkey poults according to their intended destination or gender. The role requires attention to detail, accuracy, and efficiency.
This is a critical role in ensuring that the turkey hatchery produces high-quality poults that meet industry standards and customer expectations. The Turkey Hatchery Service Room Worker will play an important part in maintaining the efficiency of the hatchery's processing and sorting operations, using both manual and automated methods to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Read More | Francisca |
| Hatchery Manager | ![]() | FILLED! | Andrew Chermak joined the team on Monday, March 30th. Welcome Andrew! Read More | Francisca |
| Assembly Technician | ![]() | FILLED! | We are excited to share that Kyle Kliber started in Assembly on March 16th! Read More | Rachel |
| CNC Machine Operator | ![]() | FILLED! | Daniel Valverde Porras started on March 16th in the CNC Machine Operator role. Welcome, Daniel! Read More | Rachel |
| Field Engineer | ![]() | FILLED! | Please help us in congratulating Mireia Molins on accepting the Field Engineer role! Mireia will be staring on June 8th. Read More | Rachel |
| Poultry Science Technician | ![]() | FILLED! | Congratulations to Luis Giron who accepted the Poultry Science Technician role and will be starting on June 8th! Read More | Rachel |
| Hatchery Maintenance Technician Day Shift Apply Online | ![]() | Open | This role will be responsible for the general overall maintenance of the facilities and automation equipment utilized in the poult hatching process under the direction of the Hatchery Maintenance Supervisor.
Minimum Skills Required:
Read More | Vanessa |
| Class A CDL Truck Driver | Osceola, IA Apply Online | ![]() | Open | Important Information Before You Apply
Read More | Kari |
| Farm Manager – Blue Farm / Stillwater | Oakboro, NC Apply Online | ![]() | Open | Select Genetics presents a solid platform to serve customers on a national and international scale by providing quality poults, service, and innovation. Select Genetics is the leading supplier of poults to growers and companies across the world. The Farm Manager requirements are as follows: This position is responsible for brooding and growing turkeys for our placement farms.
Requirements:
Read More | Jennifer |
Welcome New Employees

Joshua Nurnberg
Mill Operator Night
Myah Zwart
Scale Operator

Geraldo Maldonado
Maintenance Technician
Sergio Padilla Hernandez
Nicholas Lozano
Sanitation Worker
Ivania Loaisiga Rios
Julia Morales Aguirre
Service Room Worker

David Haas
IT Support

Zakaria Hassan
AI Intern
Andrew Gomer
Business Development
Alexis Tschida
Cafeteria Assistant
Dennis Brukhno
Co-Op
Michael Dennison
IT Director
Samantha Wookey
Proto Intern

Nicholas McKenzie
Bin Assembler

Myriamn Fils Aime
Daniel Garcia Mendoza
Leo-Paul Fleurima
Goldsboro Back Crew
Alyssa Lyons
Goldsboro Hatchery Specialist
Dieusny Fleurejuste
Odelsaint Fortilus
Pressoi Joseph
IL Catcher
Sandra Gongora
Ana Rojas Gutierrez
IL Egg House
Isenaika Jeantinord
IL Egg Picker
Norberto Santoyo Silva
IL General Labor
Miguel Esqueda Jr
IL HR Coordinator
Bayron Lopez Tronco
IL Milker
Danielle Haines
MN Lab Technician
Juan Garza
MN Milker
Rolando Gonzalez
Adrian Riojas
Elias Terrazas
Alex Chavez Gomez
MO Catcher
Matthew Saldana
Oliver Martinez
Ruben Ramirez
Amelia Martinez
Paul Gaona
Frank Hernandez
Michael Rodriguez Rivera
MO Egg Picker
Nathan Simpson
Anthoney Stimac
MO Farm Maint
Jacob Sauls
Cecilia Gallegos
MO General Labor
Joan Rendon
MO Milker
Wilson Rabanales Ochoa
Steven Hernandez
Alan Ortega Salas
MO Vacc
Selvin Mejia Vail
MO Vacc/Shooter
Claudy Milfort
Edler Jean
NC Catcher
Roy Collins
Ernest Roberts
Jean Changer
Antonio Chicas
Junior Derose
Pierre Joseph
NC Catcher/Chaser
Max Reyes
NC CDL Driver
Raul Garcia-Marin
Julio Soza Cerna
Curtis Walker
Brandon Bennett
Jose Zarate Malagon
Benedict Chatelain
Adalberto Bermudez
Rafael Lazaro Ensaldo
Harold Thompson
Demetrius Williams
Octavious Smith
Shiheem Robinson
Lorena Sanchez Diaz
Monica Avila
Melvin McGee
Peterson Noel
Jamal Barrett
Xavier Marsh
Kenyatte Slater
Mario Garcia
Keith Martin
Bertha Cesena Cerrano
Stevenson Dasmis
Roseberline Richard
Zayda Zapata
Luciana Lopez Ortiz
Daysi Velasquez Izaba
Milene Meronne
Edoine Jean Mary
NC Egg Picker
David Thomas
NC Farm Maintenance
Michael Gabbard
NC Farm Team Lead
Colby Lee
Louben Augustin
Johnson Jean Jacques
Emmanuel Fradeus
Dubuisson Joseph
NC General Labor
Jose Garcia Perez
Daniel Juarez
NC Inseminator
Allison Angilello
NC QC Lab Tech
Julian Romero Socarras
Skyla Sylvester
Juan Escobar Escobar
Noel Yat Macz
Osceola Back Crew
Sarah Cromer
Fransica Regalado Romero
Osceola Plt Srvc Tech
Demilade Ibiwoye
Raeford Serv Tech
Jacob Revels
Raeford Serv Tech
Jarod Johnson
Terre Haute Egg Room
Albert Pulido
Yesika Paco Villarroel
Wilander Linares Garcia
Norma Rizo Carrasco
Enrique Nunez
Miyonna Catlett
Terre Haute Plt Srvc Tech
Cory Bruce
Terre Haute Transfer

Humberto Villeda
Assist Line Supervisor
James Holliday
Driver
Dillon Desrosiers
Noel Wishim
RJ Jose
Marisol Ordonez Lorenzo
Gloria Ruiz Larios
Yusif Mohammed
Jose Vega Cruz
Elijah Taylor
Maria Pedraza
Abdullahi Osoble
Travis Cleary
Law Eh
Trophimus Kiprotich
Nerline Dort
Leyla Issack
Tyler Boyle
Thein Maung
Faustino Salinas
Mu Sar
Davontay Scaggs
Maryan Ahmed
Fernando Reyes
Lineworker
Jacob Gray
Master Electrician
Employee Count
As of 1/31/26 we have 2,319 employees

For Human Resources related questions or concerns, please message us via email at human.resources@life-scienceinnovations.com or give us a call at 320.222.9750 and select Human Resources, option 1

