What is going on in February?

Measures to Alleviate Egg Prices

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) in the United States and resulting egg price increases have caused the chicken industry to closely examine a policy that forces the broiler industry (broilers are chickens raised for meat) to destroy perfectly nutritious and safe eggs. The National Chicken Council petitioned FDA to reverse or modify this policy. “In light of the pressure the current HPAI outbreak is putting on the nation’s egg supply, FDA should revisit the use of safe, affordable, and nutritious surplus eggs available for use by egg breakers and their customers."

How to Get High-Speed Internet in Rural Areas

In today’s world, everything requires an internet connection – keeping ahead of the weather, connecting state-of-the-art tools for monitoring the health and well-being of flocks, even tracking down supply deliveries – but rural farming areas often don’t have access to the same high-quality services offered in cities.

According to a USDA report, 29% of U.S. farms have no access to the Internet. As more and more poultry farmers recognize the Internet of Things as the next big development in agriculture, access to reliable, high-quality internet isn’t only a convenience but a necessity.

Introducing: Anna Smith

1. Role at FFB: Ag Loan Assistant

2. Family: Johnny(husband), Cody(son), Kalyn(daughter), Zack(future son-in-law)

3. Education: Associate in Business from East Central Community College.

4. Hobbies: I enjoy cooking, entering my ’66 Mustang in car shows, spending time with friends and family, and backroad riding.

5. What is your favorite thing about working at FFB? Being able to learn more about the poultry industry and working with the customers.

6. Do you have an unknown talent? I play the flute and sing.

7. Favorite place you have visited? My favorite place that I have ever visited is the Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. I have been twice for different eras and would love to go at Christmas.

8. What is one thing you would like to learn more about? I would love to learn how to quilt and how NOT to kill plants! I do not have a green thumb!

9. Words you live by or funny story about you? I have learned to live by the motto FAITH OVER FEAR in the last 3 years. My favorite bible verse would have to be Isaiah 26:3-4 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.

Best-Ever Fried Chicken

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg
1/3 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up
Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

In a shallow bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk egg, milk, and lemon juice until blended. Dip chicken in flour mixture to coat all sides; shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then again in flour mixture.
In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry chicken, a few pieces at a time, until skin is golden brown and juices run clear, 6-10 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.