Aviagen’s Billy Hufford selected Poultry Federation 2022 Industry Leader of the Year

HUNTSVILLE — Billy Hufford of Huntsville-based Aviagen North America has been selected the Poultry Federation’s 2022 Industry Leader of the Year.

Hufford is the business unit manager for Aviagen North America, a leading poultry breeding company with headquarters in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park,

At a recent ceremony, Marvin Childers, president of the Poultry Federation, and Holly Duval, director of marketing and business development, presented Hufford with a commemorative gold lapel pin and a crystal award.

The award recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of poultry and egg business executives.

Hufford was chosen through his industry leadership and diverse resume spanning more than two decades of management experience in the poultry breeding, swine and food industries.

“I am humbled and grateful to the Poultry Federation for this award,” said Hufford, who grew up in rural northwest Arkansas where poultry has always been part of his life. “I feel honored to be part of an organization that shares the passion of myself and my company for feeding the world for today and tomorrow and contributing to the preservation of our planet.”

Marc de Beer, president of Aviagen North America, said the company is proud of Hufford for achieving the honor and thanked the Poultry Federation for recognizing him.

“Aviagen values our longstanding collaboration with this noteworthy organization and the good work it does in promoting the interests of our industry,” he said.

According to the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, the poultry industry represents 1/8 of the state’s economy. It has a more than $15 billion impact on the state and is responsible for 86,000 jobs, producing more than 1 billion birds each year.

Hufford dedicates his time to helping sustain the industry in speaking to college students around the region. He holds a bachelor of science degree in agriculture education from Oklahoma State University.