Celebrating Two Remarkable Careers

On November 13, Select Genetics celebrated the retirement of two exceptional team members, Gail Bertsch and Jan Johnson, who together have contributed nearly 100 years of dedication, hard work, and service to Willmar Poultry Company, Ag Forte, Select Genetics, and the turkey industry.

Gail joined Willmar Poultry Company on August 24, 1978. She has an incredible passion for building strong customer relationships that elevate our poult deliveries and overall service. To Gail, our customers are family. She is known for her positive, solutions-focused approach and her commitment to customer satisfaction. Gail leads with integrity and care, always available, every day and every hour, to support those who rely on her.

Jan joined Willmar Poultry Company in 1992 after 17 years with Swift, taking on many roles throughout his career. From the days of manual planning to today’s advancements, his commitment to excellence never wavered. Known for his calm, dependable problem-solving and his willingness to go the extra mile, Jan was someone both our teams and customers could always count on.

Gail and Jan have shown us what it means to take pride in your work, lead with integrity, and treat people with respect. Please join Select Genetics in congratulating them on a well-deserved retirement, both retiring at the end of the year! Wishing them both good health, laughter, and new adventures ahead.

Company Happenings

Turkey Valley Farms

Turkey Valley Farms was in the spotlight this Thanksgiving season! Our turkeys were featured in multiple news segments highlighting holiday food drives and community support.

• The Las Vegas Raiders partnered with Three Square Food Bank for their annual “Turkey Time with the O-Line” event at Allegiant Stadium, where Turkey Valley Farms turkeys were handed out to families in need.
• In Minnesota, a local food shelf distributed Thanksgiving meals, including Turkey Valley Farms turkeys, to hundreds of families across the metro area.

We’re proud to see Turkey Valley Farms playing a role in bringing joy and nourishment to communities during the holiday season.

Check out the stories here:

• Las Vegas Raiders’ annual “Turkey Time with the O-Line”
• Las Vegas Raiders partner with Three Square Food Bank
• Hundreds line up as Minneapolis food shelf distributes Thanksgiving fixings (CBS Minnesota)

Farm Service Elevator & Willmar Poultry Farms

Life-Science Innovations

Thank you to the LSI Fun Committee for planning and coordinating a festive Thanksgiving meal that brought the team together! Team members enjoyed a delicious spread featuring turkey, corn, cheesy potatoes, cranberries, fresh bread, and pumpkin cupcakes. The celebration didn’t stop at the food, everyone joined in the fun with turkey-themed nametags and creative names that sparked laughter and great conversation throughout lunch.

Select Genetics

The Select Genetics Osceola Hatchery Team celebrated Halloween in a fun and creative way this year with a Halloween Mug Exchange! What started as a simple idea turned into something even better, Boo Baskets filled with treats and surprises.

Team members drew names, just like a Secret Santa gift exchange, and exchanged their mugs during a Halloween get-together complete with snack foods and plenty of laughs. It was a great way to connect, celebrate and share some spooky fun.

Check out the photos below to see the creativity and festive spirit in action.

Spotlight on Benefits

2026 401(k) Contribution Limits

The IRS 2026 401(k) contribution limits have increased, giving you more opportunity to save for retirement. Review your current elections and consider adjusting your contributions to take advantage of the new limits.

Important Update: Catch-Up Contributions are Changing in 2026!

Starting January 1, 2026, the SECURE 2.0 Act introduces a key change for certain retirement plan participants:

Am I impacted?

You are affected if you:

• Will be age 50 or older in 2026
• Make catch-up contributions
• Earned more than $150,000 in FICA compensation in 2025

What’s changing?

• Catch-up contributions must be made as Roth (after-tax).
• Contributions will be taxed now but can grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals may also be tax-free.
• Your take-home pay may decrease slightly since Roth contributions are after-tax.

Do I need to do anything?

No action is required, your catch-up contributions will automatically switch to Roth starting 1/1/2026. Want to adjust your savings strategy? Log-in to your account at empowermyretirement.com and update your elections anytime.

Tip: Consider reviewing your retirement strategy with a financial or tax advisor. For more resources, visit the Empower Learning Center at LearningFromEmpower.com.

Empower Education Series

December Topic | Retirement Myths

Join Empower for a live webinar to discuss the benefits of your plan. In this webinar Empower will go through the benefits of saving in the plan, retirement planning basics, and how to enroll plus next steps.

• Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – 10am, 1pm, 4pm EST
• Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – 11am, 3pm, 6pm EST
• Thursday, December 18, 2025 – 12pm, 3pm, 5pm (Spanish) 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.

MMA Plan Resource Center

The MMA Plan Resource Center continues to expand its offerings to help you make informed financial decisions. Recently, MMA has added new Medicare resources and provided an easy link to the Department of Labor’s website, where you can check if you have a lost 401(k) account.

We encourage you to take advantage of these tools and learn more about your financial options. Keep an eye on the MMA Savers Spotlight banner, where our advisors post quarterly education on topics we hope you find timely and helpful. If you haven’t visited the Plan Resource Center yet, now is the perfect time to explore the valuable resources available to you!

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.

• November Newsletter
• December Newsletter

Years of Service Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following team members who celebrated Years of Service milestones in the month of November!

5 YEARS

Manuel Avila-Sanchez | Select Genetics

Ramiro Carachure Alonso | Select Genetics

Leiver Benavides Vazquez | Select Genetics

Carlos Leyva Trinidad | Select Genetics

James Whiting, Jr. | Select Genetics

10 YEARS

Mark Peterson | Nova-Tech Engineering

Adan Trevino | Select Genetics

Jesus De Manuel Zavala Bonilla | Select Genetics

Po Lah | Turkey Valley Farms

Sawsein Kyoekooh | Turkey Valley Farms

15 YEARS

Josh Scharlemann | Nova-Tech Engineering

30 YEARS

Viktor Zudilin | 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: Perform routine maintenance and repairs on hatchery equipment including incubators, hatchers, ventilation systems, automation equipment, and water supply systems. Conduct preventive maintenance tasks to minimize downtime and ensure efficient hatchery operations. Responsible for all routine maintenance of the Hatchery including controlling systems and/or robotic equipment. Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions promptly. Monitor and maintain environmental controls to provide optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation for maximal hatchability and poult quality. Prepare incubators/hatchers for setting/transferring new eggs. Set eggs in the incubators and make sure adequate profiles are in place. Maintain inventory of spare parts and equipment, ensuring adequate supplies are available for maintenance and repairs. Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for maintenance personnel and other hatchery employees. Collaborate with hatchery management and other team members to optimize hatchery performance and productivity. Document maintenance activities, equipment performance, and repairs for record-keeping and analysis purposes. Conducts routine on-site safety checks and maintains work areas, equipment, and surrounding grounds to prevent the existence of unsafe conditions. Follow all company regulations pertaining to bio security, animal welfare and safety. Participate in training programs to enhance technical skills and stay updated on industry best practices. The ideal candidate will have the following educational and experience background: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair field. Technical Certifications (Boiler license, advance in vocational training in mechanical field) required Bilingual in Spanish and English- preferred. Valid Driver’s License Schedule: Core business hours: 48-hour work weeks 6AM-6PM Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. 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. Benefits at Headstart Hatching: We are proud to offer a generous benefit package in addition to competitive compensation. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance options, a Health Savings Account with company match, 401K plan with company match up to 4% of your compensation, PTO accrual, two personal days per year, holiday pay, company paid short-term disability, and company paid life insurance. Pay Range $21.00/HR - $ 26.00/HR Apply Online or to Further Inquire, Contact: Francisca Gonzalez/ HR Specialist Francisca.gonzalez@life-scienceinnovations.com 320-222-9827 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 Ability to follow established protocols and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting hatchery facilities and equipment. • Strong attention to detail and ability to identify potential sanitation issues. • Good communication and interpersonal skills Abilities • A Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and perform repetitive tasks. • Ability to effectively lead and motivate a team. Bilingual is a plus Experience • Previous experience in a sanitation role, preferably in an agricultural or food production setting. Schedule Bilingual in Spanish and English- preferred Core business hours: Willingness to work flexible hours and weekends as needed. Roatating schedule hours 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. Benefits at Headstart Hatching: We are proud to offer a generous benefit package in addition to competitive compensation. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance options, a Health Savings Account with company match, 401K plan with company match up to 4% of your compensation, PTO accrual, two personal days per year, holiday pay, company paid short-term disability, and company paid life insurance. Pay Rate: $18.09 This is a full time job. Apply Online or to Further Inquire, Contact: Francisca Gonzalez/ HR Specialist Francisca.gonzalez@life-scienceinnovations.com 320-222-9827 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  Perform toe removal and beak shortening procedures on turkey poults using approved methods and equipment. Assisting with the loading and unloading of turkey poults to specific areas of that hatchery Operating automated processing and sorting equipment, including MPSP and PSP machines, and conveyor belts. Reporting any abnormalities or issues to the proper management Assisting with other hatchery-related tasks as needed or required. Job Specifications  Knowledge Knowledge of turkey egg and poult handling procedures is preferred Familiarity with biosecurity protocols and industry regulations is a plus Skills Attention to detail Good communication Abilities Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift to 50 pounds, and perform repetitive tasks. Experience Previous Hatchery experience preferred Schedule Core business hours: Daytime hours, start and end times may vary Willingness to work flexible hours and weekends as needed. Working conditions Hatcheries have a range of working conditions depending on the department. Majority of the positions have a room temperature of mid to high 70s. Fluff is a natural byproduct of hatching birds, which can be spread throughout the facility. Cleaning is very important to maintain a safe environment for the poults, so some washing with hot water may be required which may raise humidity in certain cases. Deviations of these conditions is dependent on department and the need for the eggs or poults. Pay rate: $18.09 This is a full time position. Bilingual in Spanish and English- preferred Apply Online or to Further Inquire, Contact: Francisca Gonzalez/ HR Specialist Francisca.gonzalez@life-scienceinnovations.com 320-222-9827 Read More	Francisca
Hatchery Manager		FILLED!	Andrew Chermak joined the team on Monday, March 30th. Welcome Andrew! Read More	Francisca
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: 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 fork lift, welding equipment, electric drill, electric meter, wrenches and screw drivers. 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. Qualifications: Previous commercial Maint. experience a plus but not required. Must have strong attendance record and punctuality Commitment to teamwork and consistent performance 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. Must have own reliable transportation and valid Drivers Lic as you may be asked to get materials for a project. Requirements: Must be authorized to work in the U.S (We participate with E-verify) Must have Valid Drivers Lic. Must pass a Pre-employment Drug Screening. Must pass background check. Hours: This position will be 4 days on and 4 days off. Due to how the days land, would need to be flexible with shift. The hours would be 6am-6pm. Would be required to work thru holidays if your work schedule lands on it. Would get Holiday pay. Pay: $18.58 - $20.42 per hour Depending on experience Read More	Vanessa

Welcome New Employees

Myah Zwart
Scale Operator

Isabel Ortiz Fonseca
Reynel Zaldivar Cedeno
Erick Pineda Caballero
Carlos Contreras
Sanitation Worker
Sara Calero Toloza
Valeria Gamez Ramirez
Service Room Worker

David Swanson
Service Technician

Chenet Jacques
IL Catcher
Sebastian Alarcon
IL Egg Picker
Balford Somarriba Arauz
MO Catcher
Michael Varela
Maria Perez Vasquez
Juan Samarripa
MO Egg Picker
Jose Montoya
MO General Labor
Sylvane Fontaine
Leonie Merdelus
Brandi Maynor
Sherline Previl
Marie Charles
Kerlanda Felix
Bertho Jean
Roseline Lormile
Esperanza Fonseca Sandoval
Wade Harris
Pashun McMillan
Joselene Joseph
Samuel Slater
Josmar Hernandez Escamilla
Amparo Escamilla Lopez
Maria Espinoza
Dante McNeill
NC Egg Picker
Toriano Uzzell
NC Farm Maintenance
Jonah Reese
NC Leadership Apprentice
Josias Hernandez DE Dios
Ismael Escamilla Lopez
NC Milker
Anthony Wilson
NC Truck Washer
Saint Louis Ricardo
NC Vacc
Rene Jeudy
NC Vacc
Damna Diaz Sanchez
Leosbel Capote Diaz
Raidel Hernandez Hernandez
Osceola Back Crew
Heather Luoto
Osceola Lab
Irania Quintero Puentes
Osceola Plant Service Tech
Jeremy Kumpf
Margoth Torres Larios
Terre Haute Back Crew
Kathryn Goldman
Terre Haute Egg Room
Daniel Day
Terre Haute Hatchery Maintenance
Luis Torres Ocon
Miguel Ubed Carcamo
Larry Carr
Belki Agurcia Martinez
Larry Mundell III
Terre Haute Plant Service Tech
Daniel Phillips
Cody Booker
Terre Haute Transfer

Dylan Larson
Landin Sween
Driver
Yessica Ciprian Ramos
Bel Rose Say
Ali Siraj
Alena Hum
Sean Dauber
Ibrahim Aga
Abdullahi Yusuf
Daniel Pacheco Machado
Esekiel Smith
Franson Kincho
Felipe De Jesus Mejia Ferrera
Lineworker
Terryon Rowe
QA/QC Technician

Employee Count

As of 11/30/25 we have 2,333 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