Highest Gain Per Day

Recorded at Prairie Ridge Farm

On June 8th, 2018, Willmar Poultry Farms, Prairie Ridge Farm, recorded the highest GPD (gain per day) of .3132 on record in company history.  Since 1990 this is something WPF has tracked on a regular basis to measure flock performance.  The typical gain is around .30.  The average daily gain is determined by taking the total weight divided by the number of days grown.  According to Ziggy Kotze, WPF General Manager, “It’s the little details that add up to big numbers at the end of the day.  Deron (Prairie Ridge farm manager) is really good at the little details.”  Flock health, external temperatures and conditions, and barn conditions are all factors that affect flock gains.

Deron Olson, WPF Prairie Ridge farm manager, has been with the company since 1986 and has a long-standing history of success with his farms.  Kotze states, “Deron’s success comes from taking on the ownership of the farm and ensuring everything is in proper working order.  We are very fortunate to have, Deron, who has been committed to a high level of performance and excellence over 30 years.”  Thank you Deron for demonstrating continued excellence and congratulations to all employees involved with this flock on this record achievement!

Deron Olson, Prairie Ridge farm manager

Tribute to Mr. Shine

Ernest Eugene “Shine” Rushing

AI Supervisor: North Carolina Division

Shine was born on November 1, 1944, so by the time he passed in June, he was 73 years old.  For most of his adult life, Shine worked with turkeys.  In the early 70s, he started working with breeder turkeys.  He learned everything there was to learn about these birds, because he was in them and with the people who worked with them.  He knew that breeding turkeys was a science and an art at the same time. For he knew how to get the most out of these birds and at the same time, motivate the people who worked with turkeys, to get optimum results.

Researchers would first confer with him before starting a project.  Similarly, ordinary employees sought him out, to get his advice and guidance in doing their jobs.  Many individuals who hold high paying, powerful positions in the turkey industry today, at some point, would have sat down with Shine.

There are several versions on how and why he was nicknamed “Shine”.  To many of us who worked with him (or for him, as he was the “Bossman”), he was a beacon of strength and inspiration on the job. If there were problems at work, he was always there to help resolve them.  Not only did he have knowledge and experience to do the job, he also had a sense of fairness and compassion for all who worked with him.

Finally, add (on) a sense of quiet dignity.  He was very unassuming, not at all overbearing despite his stature and the respect he drew from all who knew him.  Yes, with all these qualities molded into one man, he did “Shine” over the rest of us.

Submitted by: James Bittle, Larry Williams, Fidel Serrano, Bradley Sellers, David Ratliff, Stephen Williams, and Dave Fernandez – Shine’s North Carolina co-workers and friends

Summer Happenings

Nova-Tech Engineering held their 1st cook-out of the season and President Jim Sieben did a great job of grilling.  NTE employees also celebrated the retirement of Thom Huisinga, NTE Business Systems Manager, with cake and recognized him for his contributions to Nova-Tech over the years.  Thom is leaving behind a legacy of achievement, encouragement and work ethic.  Congratulations Thom!

Pictured (l-r):  Chris, Thom, and Grant Huisinga

 

Select Genetics employees enjoyed a summer picnic at a Willmar Stingers baseball game on June 24th.  There was a bouncy house, face painting, dunk tanks, food and of course baseball for employees to enjoy the evening.

 

A group of employees from Life-Science Innovations participated in the local United Way Day of Action.  The group of 6 employees included Billie Johnson, LSI R&D, Samantha Contreras, Saul Cuevas, and Carla Taylor from LSI Accounting, and Kristi DeGree and Melissa Sorenson with LSI Human Resources.  The group along with 2 employees from Bremer Trust were assigned to help paint the entryway at the local area food shelf.  The crew did a great job getting the space spruced up and enjoyed volunteering within the local community.

Years of Service

Congratulations to Jim O’Leary, Senior CDL Egg Driver, South Division on 30 Years of service with Select Genetics.

Pictured (l-r): Troy Robinson, Select Genetics Fleet Transportation Manager, Jim O’Leary,

and Chad Clifford, Select Genetics Division Logistics Manager

Farewell

Tim (former LSI Network Administrator) and Jayme (LSI Payroll Administrator) Starkenburg, along with their son Noah, are headed to the Windy City!  Tim’s last day at LSI was June 29th and Jayme’s last day was July 20th.  We are sad to see them go but wish them all the best on their new adventure!

Starkenburg Familly:  Tim, Jayme and Noah

Congratulations!

Turkey Valley Farms employee, Shawn Kaas, tied the knot with his bride, Megan, on Saturday, June 9th.  Shawn has been with Turkey Valley Farms in Marshall, MN since 2012 as Plant Superintendent over re-hang, cryovac, boxing, and shipping.  In May Shawn accepted the position of Transportation Manager.  Congratulations Shawn on your marriage and your recent promotion at TVF!

New Additions

Congratulations to Ben, NTE Software Developer, and April Collins on the birth of their son Eliot Finn Collins!  Eliot was born on June 13th weighing 8 lbs. 12 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long.  He was welcomed home by big sister Charlotte.

 

Aaron Rapp, SEL Hilltop Farm, and his wife Becky, welcomed a new daughter to their family on July 1st.  Mila Presley Rapp was born around 9:00am in Springfield, MO.  She was welcomed home by her 2 older brothers.  Congratulations Rapp family!

Jaime replacing Jayme

Jaime Gary joined the Human Resources team on Monday, July 9th, as the new payroll administrator for Life-Science Innovations.  She will be taking over for Jayme Starkenburg whose last day was July 20th.  Jaime has a wealth of payroll knowledge and experience and will be overseeing the payroll process for LSI and affiliates.  She can be reached at 320.222.9726 or via email at Jaime.Gary@life-scienceinnovations.com.  If you are visiting the Life Center please stop in and welcome Jaime!  We are excited to have her join the team!

Openings

Current status of all organizational openings.

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Welcome New Employees

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Employee Count

As of 07/20/18 we have 1,955 employees

 

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The Human Resources Team specializes in benefits and payroll, compliance and policy, employee relations, legal compliance, and company & employee overall well-being. 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

320.222.9515 or 888.320.9750 extension 9515