The USPOULTRY Financial Management Seminar welcomed more than 150 poultry industry financial professionals in Amelia Island, Fla. A multidisciplinary slate of speakers delivered an impressive array of knowledge to address the issues faced by finance managers, accountants and other financial professionals.

With a high-energy presentation on “Leading Through Change,” Dr. Rick Goodman of S.T.A Consulting, a keynote speaker and author, kicked off the program and provided attendees with several strategies to drive higher organizational achievement and help teams thrive. Dr. Goodman offered numerous examples of ways to maximize successful change, with two of the most impactful being having a “What if?” mindset and leading through change with enthusiasm and optimism. Attendees were also urged to “risk a yes” and build and maintain relationships.

Christian Lawrence, head of Cross-Asset Macro Strategy at Rabobank, gave attendees an update on the current economic landscape, emphasizing that uncertainty in the economic sphere can be looked at through the lens of changing economic policy to economic statecraft. This shift, in combination with the multi-layered outcomes and macroeconomic implications, makes forecasting exceptionally difficult. Attendees were advised that uncertainty will continue, with possible rate cuts later this year.

A panel discussion, moderated by Greg Finch, CFO and treasurer for Claxton Poultry Farms, focused on team member development and upskilling in finance. The panel included Aaron Weaver, corporate controller at Butterball LLC; Jonathan Jennings, corporate controller at Mar-Jac Poultry; and Jessica Kelley, regional accounting manager at Pilgrim’s. A variety of methods for developing team members were discussed, including individual development plans, internal customer surveys and changing perspective on lateral moves.

Lynn Dornblaser, client advisor at Mintel Group Ltd., provided insights on consumer attitudes and opportunities for innovation. Perceived healthy attributes and claims were identified as being important across price points, and the growth of private label product development was explored. Dornblaser also discussed the desire to replace restaurant-style meals at home, despite minimal cooking skills, with value-added products. Chicken was identified as the category leader for new product introductions, including beyond center-of-the-plate items. Additionally, protein content was identified as a key motivator for poultry (chicken) purchases.

Cybersecurity rounded out the discussions with Rich Santoriello, senior director of cybersecurity and infrastructure at Butterball, detailing the cyber threats financial managers need to know about. Santoriello explained the critical importance of cybersecurity defense and preparedness. Citing numerous cyber incidents with far-reaching implications for the businesses and people involved, the significance of ensuring network security – both in informational and operational technology – was emphasized. Recommendations for reducing cyber risks were presented, including password best practices, phishing defense, team member training, malicious website awareness and the rising threat of deep fakes.

USPOULTRY is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. Up to 12 CPE credits may be awarded to seminar attendees. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.