Trickem Farms formed by Auburn Agriculture

By: Maggie Holladay

The poultry industry is one of the most prominent sectors of farming today in the United States (U.S.). The U.S. is the world’s leading producer of chicken. Nearly 9 billion chickens are killed every year in the US, and there are distinct production chains for meat and eggs.

Here at Auburn University, we have graduates who are using their education to contribute to the world of poultry growers. Richard Holladay attended Auburn University in 1992. He received a degree in animal and dairy science with a minor in agribusinesses. He also received his master’s in business administration.

Holladay grew up with a love for animals and farming in his heart. He was raised in a small community between Selma, AL and Montgomery, AL. After graduating from Auburn University, Holladay spent a few years in the city of Birmingham, AL. He later moved back to his family farm with his wife and two daughters.

When asked why he wanted to move back, Holladay said, “I wanted my children to be raised in a farming community with instilled values of faith, family, and love of the land.” From Holladay’s own perspective of growing up on a farm he says that being raised on a farm adds a lot of common sense, stability and life skills.

Holladay has several accomplishments in his community and farming world. He is a deacon at Benton Baptist Church, Alabama Famers Federation County Board of Director, and an officer in Lowndes County Cattleman’s Association. Holladay has also earned the Top Chicken Grower six times.

When asked why poultry farming Holladay said, “Poultry farming is about the most stable form of farming in our area.” Holladay also commented that he is in the cattle business. He said, “They work really well together in farming industry, complement each other well.”

Holladay is always looking for new ways to improve his efficiency and quality of product. His newest improvement is using a litter treatment to prevent ammonia. When asked about what improvement or skill he would like to have next, he said, “I would like to improve and learn more about litter management and wind rowing the litter.”

Balancing work and home life is difficult for anyone. For farmers, this is a particularly hard challenge. “Being a farmer is a 24/7 job,” Holladay said, “You have to balance things and make sacrifices. Having a brother in the business is helpful, and we always have each other’s backs.”

Another special thing about Holladay’s farm is that it is a family business. Holladay is most passionate about spending time with his family.

Holladay says there are many struggles and rewards for being a chicken grower. His biggest stress with the growing houses is power outages. In the growing houses, everything is controlled by power. A power outage can cause significant damage to the chickens and their growth. With all these struggles, Holladay says that producing a quality crop makes it all worth it.

Holladay’s advises to young farmers who aspire to become chicken growers is to spend time with a current poultry farmer who lives near you. Seeing the business close up gives you a new perspective and appreciation for farming. He also said to talk to the finical institution that will be helping with your finances. Having a good relationship and a clear understanding of the kind of financial logistics poultry farming requires is a key part of success. His last piece of advice was to talk to their spouse about the logistics and requirements. Having an understanding with your spouse is very important when starting a new career or taking on a new challenge.

With the world’s population of the world growing, being able to feed our community efficiently and healthily has become very important. The demand for poultry farmers has grown tremendously. Students who graduate with a degree in poultry science have a very high job placement at several large facilities and farms.

The Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University offers two majors, Poultry Production and Pre-Vet/Pre-Professional track. The Poultry Production degree has been nationally recognized. Auburn also offers a minor in Poultry Science. Auburn University also offers three graduate programs for Poultry Science: Master of Agriculture, a Master of Science, and a Doctorate of Philosophy. For more information visit the Auburn College of Agriculture Website: https://agriculture.auburn.edu/research/poul/.

Auburn students are going beyond the classroom with hands-on research, internships and clubs. Much research goes into areas of poultry production, efficiency and well-being and health. Auburn students are required to go through an internship before they can graduate. Internships allow students to have hands on experience and exposure to agriculture and what can be their future career. Auburn University also has a variety of clubs that students can get involved with such as the Poultry Science Club, Food Science Club, and Pre-Veterinary Medical Association.

Auburn has been producing successful farmers, like Richard Holladay, and other employees for the agriculture community since 1872. The Auburn University College of Agriculture has accomplished many great things and will do many great things in the future. Holladay said, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that the Auburn University College of Agriculture has given me. I strive to continue to use my education and contribute to the agriculture community.”