The 2018 NAGA Annual Educational Conference and Convention will tackle head-on the biggest challenges facing gamebird producers and hunting preserve operators.
Set for Jan. 15-17 at downtown Seattle’s Renaissance Hotel, the event offers a full schedule of information-packed sessions and presentations covering critical issues, along with expert advice and money-making tips for all phases of gamebird production and shooting preserve operation.
“The gamebird industry faces its biggest challenges as state and federal governments formalize their individual strategies for addressing disease outbreaks that occur in poultry,” explains NAGA Executive Director Rob Sexton. “Triggered by the outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2014-15, the government has been steadily marching toward an overhaul on how to handle future outbreaks.”
Sexton explains that decisions are being made on testing requirements, National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) eligibility requirements, the movement of birds during an outbreak, eligibility for indemnity payments and compensation for reimbursement of decontamination costs and more.
“Understanding these decisions will determine whether many gamebird businesses survive in the event of future outbreaks,” he adds. “Fortunately, the NAGA convention in Seattle features an agenda that ensures attendees will be in the know, and prepared.”
The agenda includes briefings from top academic veterinary professionals involved in crafting plans for the movement of gamebirds. It also includes the top state veterinary officials from one of the first states to deal with the avian influenza outbreaks in 2014, plus the latest information on biosecurity.
On the product side, the agenda will include sessions on netting, and egg washers. It will also offer sessions discussing best practices for processing waste, and proper use of antibiotics. There will be a human resources presentation on hiring and retaining quality employees, and another on maximizing off-season income.
“The bottom line is this,” Sexton continues. “The NAGA convention in Seattle provides a great one-two punch. It includes an agenda with information essential to gamebird businesses, against the backdrop of one of America’s most scenic and enjoyable cities. Like most major metropolitan areas, Seattle is more expensive to visit than smaller towns; however, the NAGA hotel rate at the Renaissance will be a truly great rate for the location, and airfares are fairly inexpensive for those who book early.”
To view the updated convention agenda, CLICK HERE.
To register, CLICK HERE.
