Touring the Brand-New Charles C. Miller Poultry Research Center Processing Plant for the First Time

Amanda Barkley

September 2nd, 2020

As a Senior at Auburn University in Poultry Science, I have spent most of my career using the outdated facilities at the Old Poultry Research Farm. From the moment that they announced the plans to build the new facilities, I have been extremely excited to be able to use and see the most cutting-edge equipment in the industry. Upon learning we were getting to see the new processing plant for the first time, I was very excited but honestly did not know what to expect. I have only been inside two processing plants. One, being the outdated and small processing plant at the Old Research Farm, and the second being at a Pilgrims Plant in Guntersville, AL. Both of those experiences were very different. When we first walked up to the new Charles C. Miller Poultry Processing Plant, I was impressed with the size. I had only seen it from the road. When walking to the left side of the plant to enter the loading area, I noticed that the plant had been equipped with very large rolling doors. These rolling doors looked like a loading dock on the side of the plant. I learned these doors were installed to be able to change the equipment in the plant for research purposes. This will be handy for when companies want us to test their equipment. During IPPE 2020, I spent much of my time hanging out at the Auburn University booth. I spoke with many industry professionals who wanted us to test their new equipment. Once we entered the processing plant from a side door at the back of the plant, we were welcomed by a huge piece of machinery that I did not recognize. This was my first time seeing the massive size of a Controlled Atmosphere Stunning System. I cannot wait to see it used in person. I think that this piece of equipment gives my peers and me an advantage in the industry because most facilities do not currently have a Controlled Atmosphere Stunning System. With new changes being made in the industry all the time, I am sure that very soon we will see this equipment in more processing plants in America. Continuing into the processing plant, I noticed that it was very efficient. All of the shackles twisted and turned allowing for more span of the equipment. This small detail-filled all the space in the plant and made it very efficient. I was very impressed with this small detail that made a huge impact. Another detail I enjoyed was the very large overhead fans above. With experience working in the Old Research Facility, I know just how hot it gets. I used to stand there sweating on the “live side” of the processing plant. Another design that I appreciated was all the glass windows. From my experience with processing plants, they do not have any natural lighting. This made the place feel more open and enjoyable. The few plants I have been inside were dark and almost melancholy. This design also allows spectators to watch and learn without the loud noise of the machinery and having to pile on the PPE. I know that when I get the next email that there is a processing happening, I will jump at the opportunity to observe through those glass windows. My favorite part had to be seeing the Ice Machine. As little of a thing that is, it has been several years since our processing plant had a working ice machine. Every time we did processing, we ordered ice off a large truck. They would drop the pallet of ice off at the side door of the Old Research Facility and I would have to unload it. My arms would be bright red and numb from the cold. It was my least favorite task at the farm, next to shoveling litter. This seemingly small piece of equipment symbolized how far our department has come. While in the room with the ice machine, I also was very impressed with the size and space we now had available for further processing. These facilities have so much potential and I am very excited to see them used. In our old plant, there was a hole in the ceiling in this area where you could see the sun through. The hole was so large a used to joke we had a family of raccoons that would jump down at us. This experience made me feel very grateful. As a student, I am very lucky to have these facilities available to me. I know that having access to these facilities gives me a better chance of succeeding in the industry. This also reminds me of the importance of giving back to education. Most of the equipment in our facility was donated by companies who know and trust that their donation will certainly make an impact on the industry. To know that the industry is behind us and supports our education proves that I am going into the right career. One thing I have always enjoyed about the industry is how close everyone is and works together. One day, when I am in the industry, I hope to also give back to the university and help the next generation of poultry industry leaders succeed.

Reflecting on this tour, I wish I would have had more time to just walk around and take it all in. I would like to have also seen it in action with all the parts moving. I am curious to compare the sensory aspects of the processing plant in comparison with previous experiences. The loud noises and sounds have always been the one thing that has deterred me from wanting to work at a processing plant. The loud stimulation has always made me nervous, however, getting to experience the plant so still and quietly let me appreciate it. Overall, I am very thankful for this experience and know that it will be very beneficial to my career and education.