PSA recognises young poultry specialist

The Poultry Science Association (PSA) has recognised Dr Ross E. Wolfenden, vice president of research and development for Pacific Vet Group-USA (PVG), with the organisation’s Early Achievement Award. The award is given to recognise achievements of PSA members in the early stages of their poultry industry careers.

Wolfenden, 32, was raised in northwest Arkansas. He completed his undergraduate degree in poultry science at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and began his poultry industry career as an assistant pedigree complex manager for Cobb-Vantress Inc., where he managed nearly every aspect of live production.

In 2007, he was awarded a distinguished doctoral fellowship at the University of Arkansas and accepted a position as a graduate student at the John Kirkpatrick Skeeles Poultry Health Laboratory with Dr. Billy Hargis and co-workers.

After earning his doctoral degree in 2009, Wolfenden joined Pacific Vet Group, a rapidly growing biotechnology company focused on science-based health and nutrition products for the poultry industry. In his position as director of product development, he continued work with technologies PVG has licensed from the University of Arkansas. He also acted as primary technical representative for the company, coordinating field trials and providing expertise on product applications worldwide.

Wolfenden was promoted to his current position in 2012. He is responsible for overall guidance of PVG’s research and development, quality systems and process development. He also is involved in research projects at five major universities and in collaborations with two partner organisations in the animal health industry.

Wolfenden says his research interest is the “development of innovative, first-in-class products that will enhance animal performance, improve animal welfare, increase the sustainability of food animal production and improve the safety of our food supply.” His company will introduce two of these products later in 2013.