Next Nest & Headstart Hatching

In the January update, we highlighted the first placement of birds using Next Nest technology. As an employee within our organization this was probably not the first time you’ve heard reference of Next Nest Hatching, Headstart Hatching or both. Often, the two are used interchangeably when referring to the expansion project west of Willmar that took the N1 building from around 10,000 sq. ft. to 110,000 sq. ft., now dubbed Nest 1.

Both companies are newly formed and have similar logos so it’s easy to understand the confusion. Below let’s attempt to distinguish between the two.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

NEXT NEST HATCHING

Next Nest Hatching is the exclusive worldwide licensed distributor of the technology that has been developed in partnership with HatchTech. Adapting HatchTech’s patented HatchCare technologies (for chickens) to work with turkey poults to provide optimum temperature conditions, feed, fresh water and light to poults as soon as they hatch. The LSI R&D team has spent over two years conducting research and trials with this technology showing that poults hatched with Next Nest Hatching technology (turkey HatchCare) have:

20-40% more body weight when leaving the hatchery
60% bigger digestive tract
26% more body weight at 7 days
2% better livability to market (toms)
0.9lbs. more body weight at processing

HEADSTART HATCHING

Headstart Hatching is a brand new, state-of-the-art facility (hatchery) that will utilize Next Nest technology to make Next Nest hatched birds available to the turkey industry. Features of the Headstart Hatching facility include:

110,000 sq. ft. facility
Highly automated using Viscon equipment
Facility can set 45M eggs
Utilizing Jamesway P40 incubators (60) and HatchTech Microclimbers (18)
The first turkey live embryo detection system will be installed
PSP and MPSP machines from Nova-Tech Engineering
12 HatchCare machines

An Open House for the turkey industry was held at the new facility in December, with over 200 people attending, to get a glimpse of this exciting new venture. Currently, some staff has been hired with more openings to come. You’ll see Headstart Hatching (HSH) added to the employee count below, and operations will be in full swing beginning the week of February 12th.

Congratulations to all who have been implemental in getting Next Nest Hatching and Headstart Hatching operational! It will be fun to see these companies grow and flourish from the start.

Interested in learning more? Here are some links to additional articles and resources that have been published on Next Nest and/or Headstart Hatching.

Nova-Tech Engineering Highlights

submitted by Melissa Wallace

INDUSTRY EXPOS

Nova-Tech Engineering had teams attend the International Production & Poultry Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, and the National Poultry Show in Ontario, Canada. We have also installed our technologies in two new countries, Argentina and El Salvador.

CULTURE RECOGNITION PROJECT

In early January 2024, Nova-Tech Engineering launched a Culture Recognition Project to recognize daily displays of the values and pillars that define their culture. In just the first month, an astounding 79 nominations were submitted – each nomination serving as a testament to the hard work, integrity, and passion exhibited by their employees in their daily endeavors. As they move into month two of this project, they are eager to provide ongoing opportunities to recognize and celebrate individuals who exemplify their values and pillars.

Nova-Tech Engineering would like to extend their sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the Culture Recognition Project thus far, whether through nominations or by embodying their values and pillars in their everyday actions. Your dedication and enthusiasm are what make the company truly special. Let’s continue to champion our values and pillars and celebrate the incredible individuals who embody them!

Employee Recognition

Employee recognition can offer benefits to both employees and organizations and is a powerful tool for motivating, engaging, and retaining employees. It can come in many forms; verbal praise, written notes, public acknowledgments, employee-to-employee, and more. According to data gathered by Gallup the most effective recognition is “honest, authentic and individualized to how each employee wants to be recognized.”

TURKEY VALLEY FARMS

Beginning in 2024, Turkey Valley Farms has started an Employee of the Month program to recognize outstanding employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional performance, dedication, and contribution to Turkey Valley Farms’ goals and values.

SELECT GENETICS | OSCEOLA, IA

The Select Genetics Osceola Hatchery began an Employee of the Month program in February of 2023. The program has been enjoyable for the employees and a wonderful way to recognize and appreciate the hard work they are putting in. Congratulations to all of the 2023 recipients!

February– Manuel Vasquez (Service)
March– Timoteo Lozas Perez (Truck Shop)
April-Keylin Gonsalez (Egg Room)
May-Jose Ynguanzo (Maintenance)
June-Enrrique Vela (Hatch)
July-Walter Meija (Egg Room)
August-Pedro Rodriguez (Hatch)
September-Donald Van Sickle (Truck Shop)
October-Lucilia Munos (Laundry)
November -Dominga Cortez Martinez (Service)
December-Rolando Santillan Hernandez (Maintenance)

Benefits Spotlight

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Frequently in the updates we’ll highlight webinars and educational resources offered from both MMA (MarshMcLennan Agency) and Empower. Below is an explanation of the difference between the two. Both offer some great educational resources that all employees can utilize for future planning!

MMA | VOICES OF REASON DURING VOLATILE MARKETS

Check out the most recent message from our MMA Advisors discussing how to learn from the voices of reason during a volatile market season. There are also several other educational videos covering topics like Roth or Traditional Contributions, Rollover Options, and Making a Budget to name a few.

EMPOWER EDUCATION SERIES

Empower recently updated their Learning Center to now provide numerous resources on Retirement, Saving, Investing, and more! In addition, you can now register for their monthly educational webinars several months in advance to ensure its on your calendar.

Upcoming webinar series for February and March are:

February | Building a Foundation of Financial Wellness
March | Market Volatility

HEALTHY YOU FROM UMR

Our new medical provider, UMR, publishes a quarterly magazine titled “Healthy You.” It is an educational resource for members and provides information about tools and resources available to you as part of the UMR network. Check out the Winter 2024 edition which includes articles like:

Circadian rhythms
Binge watching
Breaking down your blood pressure
‘Miracle’ cures and promises: Identifying red flags
Probiotics and prebiotics
Protect yourself from cervical cancer
How to avoid exercise injuries

Years of Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following team members who are celebrating Years of Service milestones in the month of February!

5 YEARS

Jason Will | Nova-Tech Engineering

Eric Hillesheim | Nova-Tech Engineering

Rodolfo Rodarte | Select Genetics

Luis Hernandez Rodriguez | Select Genetics

Joseph Lawson | Select Genetics

Hugo Medrano | Select Genetics

Lorenza Morales | Select Genetics

10 YEARS

Alfredo Cantu Jr. | Select Genetics

Jose Roman | Select Genetics

Pah Toe | Turkey Valley Farms

15 YEARS

Landon Fries | Nova-Tech Engineering

Eliceo Manriques | Select Genetics

Yrma Campos | Select Genetics

Maria Garcia | Select Genetics

20 YEARS

Maria Martinez | Select Genetics

25 YEARS

Matthew Erickson | Nova-Tech Engineering

30 YEARS

Brian Bundy | Select Genetics

Openings

Current status of all organizational openings.

Position	Company	Phase	Current Status	Contact
Hatchery Maintenance Tech I/II \| Terre Haute, IN 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. Qualifications and Skills General knowledge of machinery and the diagnostic acumen to repair broken machinery. Able to work with a variety of tools and equipment including, but not limited to, a forklift, welding equipment, electric drill, electric meter, wrenches and screwdrivers. Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Ability to follow and adhere to the management all of company’s policies and regulations for bio security, animal welfare and safety. Must exhibit safe work habits and use of safety equipment and PPE when necessary. Physical Qualifications: Must have good hand-eye coordination. Must be in good physical condition as this role is expected to be moving constantly and occasionally lifting heavy objects and maneuvering heavy machinery up to 60 lbs. The work environment includes exposure to dust and certain chemicals and fumes as well as extreme weather conditions and live animals. Read More	Vanessa
Farm Manager \| Strawn, IL Apply Online		Open	Farm Manager This position is responsible for breeding turkeys. Select Genetics presents a solid platform to serve customers nationally and internationally by providing quality poults, service, and innovation. Select Genetics is the leading supplier of poults to growers and companies worldwide. The Farm Manager’s requirements are as follows: Basic math skills are essential. Basic computer skills preferred. Be a self-starter without the need for constant supervision. Good written and verbal communication. Good reading skills. Wash and disinfect turkey production facilities in a safe and organized manner. Follow all the company’s rules and regulations for biosecurity, animal welfare, and safety. Work productively with peers in building an effective team. Be willing to help in any area to get the job done. Work with a variety of tools and equipment. Have the ability to push, bend, stoop, squat, pull, and lift 50lbs or more Successfully work with live animals. Organize and prioritize responsibilities to ensure efficient operations. Perform the job duties while constantly moving and using hands, occasionally lifting objects while being exposed to dust, cold, humidity, heat, chemicals, and fumes. Work an extended workday, night, and weekend if needed. Present a positive and professional image of the company. Exhibit courtesy and professionalism in everything you do. Effective time management. Willingness to work varied schedules where some weekends will be required. Run/review activity reports determining the progress and status in attaining objectives, conference with the Serviceman to revise objectives and plans following current conditions. Other duties as assigned by direct supervisor. Lead, trained, motivated, and mentored employees on the farm with the objective of building and maintaining a high-performing team to meet or exceed production goals The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the company’s needs. Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent or 2 years related experience. Experience with live animals or turkey farms is preferred. Does not own or operate around backyard poultry, foul, or swine operations off-duty. Knowledge and/or experience of animal husbandry and welfare preferred. A valid Driver’s License and an acceptable motor vehicle driving record if needed. Bi-lingual Spanish speaking skills are a plus. Read More	Sonia

Welcome New Employees

Dakota Clark
Office Administration

Joshua Link
IT Project Manager
Shane Dillabough
IT Service Desk Spvsr

Justin Young
Alawisha Fields
Goldsboro Back Crew
Angelina Vega de Juarez
Goldsboro Plant Service Tech
Gatlin Woodworth
IL Farm Manager
Brady Bertrand
Louis Valdez
IPH Hatchery Maintenance
Roberto Rosa Rodriguez
Juan Guerra
MN Catcher
Jairon Martinez Coto
Hunter Samuelson
Edwin Lopez
MN CDL Poult Driver
Richard Ooreh Htoo
Gabriela Avalos
Ne Moo
Lizbeth Sanchez Salgado
MN Egg Picker
Victor Perdomo Sanchez
MN Farm Sanitation
Daniel Santiago Tevalan
MO Catcher
Norma Olivarez
MO Egg House
Arturo Cuevas
MO General Labor
Magdalena Castillo Molina
MO Laundry
David Cordel
MO Maint Manager
Antonio Flores
Anthony Salinas
MO Milker
Juan Cuevas
MO Vacc
Jose Colon
Larry Graham
Houssam Lamhaddeb
NC Catcher/Chaser
Brian Burgess
Govani Avila
NC CDL Driver
Alfonso Juarez Vega
Raasheed Jones
Angela Orozco
Xavier Golden
Shone Bounds
Joseph Gurganus
Tara Lara
Elizabeth Murphy
Brent Barrett
Vincent Harris
Bennie King
Tyrone Scott
Jimmy Locklear III
Deidre Roberts
Christopher Green
Francisco Francisco Lucas
Khadijah Mcneil
Virgil Ward
NC Egg Picker
Jose Torres Arredondo
NC Team Lead
Papito Dorvilus
Jeffery Wilson
Isaac Romero
Bikenson Jean
NC Vacc
Shawn Hoagland
Jorge Borges
Osceola CDL Poult Driver
Zoila Chub Tiul
Osceola Plant Service Tech
Alfredo Cortez
Esmeralda Tolentino Bello
Osceola Plt Srvc Tech
Edwin Ventura Regalado
Osceola Truck Mechanic
Charles Potts
Terre Haute CDL Poult Driver
Guillermina Alfaro
Turlock Back Crew

Juan Ulloa Zalaya
Driver
Cristobal Jimenez Torres
Eric Herrera
Wendy Guzman Paz
Danny Rangel Cruz
Ladarious Richardson
Micaela Jose Chicaj
Omar Hussein
Jessica Abbott
Emma Bonilla
Arlene Solis
Cristina Sanchez
Isaiah Picon
Hilton Caicedo
Nguyen Tran
Jeffery Rapella
LESLIE BERNAL
Elmer Lopez Moran
Ada Juarez Sanchez
Denis Lopez Chun
Samuel Rosado Diaz
Kyle Shives
Javier Martinez Carbonell
Lineworker
Charles Patton
Quality Manager

Employee Count

As of 2/15/24 we have 2,135 employees

Human Resources is a 360 degree business partner with our family of affiliates to attract, engage, retain and develop our most valuable resource: our people. We are located on the first floor of Life-Science Innovations on the MinnWest campus at 1800 Technology Drive. We look forward to working with you!

Please message us via email at human.resources@life-scienceinnovations.com or give us a call at

EMPLOYEE UPDATE

February Update