History & Legacy
The Alabama poultry industry is a true American success story, evolving from the simple beginnings of a few visionary pioneers to the thriving agribusiness it is today. Alabama currently is the second-largest broiler-producing state in the United States. Moreover, poultry now contributes more than $15 billion to the state’s economy and represents the No. 1 agribusiness in Alabama.
AN INDUSTRY PIONEER
Among the key industry pioneers was Charles C. Miller, whose innovation in contract growing, feed milling, breeding, and hatchery operations led to major gains in broiler production and efficiency. While advancing his own enterprise, Mr. Miller also served all of Alabama agriculture through 12 years of service on the board of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, including four years as chairman. Mr. Miller was a recognized leader among his peers in the nation’s poultry industry. He was instrumental in establishing and leading the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, and the National Chicken Council. These organizations, along with Auburn’s Department of Poultry Science, stand in partnership with the Alabama poultry industry to continue its contribution to the well-being of the state and region. Charles Miller cast a vision for the Alabama poultry industry more than 60 years ago, and his vision and entrepreneurship continue to be a cornerstone of today’s efficient and sustainable broiler industry.
HIS VISION REALIZED
The Miller family’s support of Auburn’s Poultry Science Department will strengthen the department’s academic efforts to advance the poultry industry, which in turn will serve to continue Charles’ original vision for Alabama agriculture. More directly, the gift provided in honor of Charles C. Miller will significantly further the department’s vision of becoming the premier poultry science department in the world. These funds will directly support the development and construction of the new poultry research farm. This new state-of-the-art complex will provide the educational and research environment in which our students and faculty can thrive, and will help us to continue recruiting the best and brightest.
OUR VISION & MISSION FOR THIS GIFT
For our students, this gift will enable an outstanding educational experience that will equip them to be future industry leaders and innovators. For our faculty, this new facility will enable them to achieve the research precision and accuracy to develop new knowledge and technology required to sustain and advance the Alabama poultry industry well into the future. By advancing our educational and research efforts in this manner, Auburn’s Poultry Science Department will be uniquely positioned to support and protect the Alabama poultry industry, an industry shaped by the foresight of Charles Miller.
Contributed by Dr. Donald Conner
Timeline
The Alabama Poultry & Egg Association Farm Relocation Task Force, chaired by Randall Ennis, forms.
TYSON FOODS COMMITS $250,000 – In the largest show of industry support, Tyson Foods LLC commits $250,000 to the farm relocation initiative
PILGRIM’S COMMITS $100,000 – Pilgrim’s recognizes the valued research and education potential of this innovative facility, pledging $100,000 in support.
