An Evening Under the Stars Celebrates Indiana’s Poultry Industry

On January 20, the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis hosted a remarkable celebration titled “An Evening Under the Stars with the Indiana State Poultry Association.” This annual event draws a diverse group of attendees focused on strengthening the poultry industry in Indiana.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Involvement

This year, Purdue Veterinary Medicine proudly served as a Silver sponsor, contributing to an outstanding turnout that highlighted the significance of the poultry sector in the state. One of the key features of the evening was the opportunity for representatives from the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) to showcase their critical services and illustrate their vital role in supporting Indiana’s poultry producers.

A Diverse Gathering

Attendees included poultry producers, members of the allied industry, Indiana’s congressional delegation, and representatives from both the Indiana General Assembly and state agencies, along with officials from the USDA and Purdue University. The event offered a unique setting for networking and collaboration, allowing participants to connect while visiting the ADDL booth, where informational resources and promotional items were available.

ADDL Overview

The ADDL is composed of two laboratories: the Willie M. Reed Laboratory located on the Purdue campus in West Lafayette, and the Dennis H. Heeke Laboratory situated at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center in Dubois County. Fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), the ADDL serves as the official diagnostic laboratory for the state of Indiana, providing essential services to the poultry community.

Laboratory Representation at the Event

Several distinguished ADDL representatives attended the Evening Under the Stars. This included:

• Dr. Kenitra Hendrix – Associate Dean and ADDL Director
• Dr. Craig Bowen – Associate Director
• Dr. Mojtaba Daneshi – Client Services Veterinarian
• Dr. Nobuko Wakamatsu – Anatomic Pathologist/Pathology Section Head
• Mary Ruzicka – Administrative Assistant
• Amy Smeltzer – Accessioning Supervisor
• Angie Chan – Molecular Laboratory Supervisor
• Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed – Assistant Professor of Poultry Medicine
• Dr. Grant Burcham – Anatomic Pathologist
• Dr. Chris Gaudette – Veterinary Diagnostician
• Katlyn Wininger – Laboratory Technician

A Culinary Celebration

The evening was not only an opportunity for networking but also a celebration of culinary delights linked to the poultry industry. Guests enjoyed a menu featuring appetizers such as duck wontons and duck quesadillas, followed by a variety of gourmet main course options. Made-to-order omelets, noodles, salads, kabobs, and street tacos highlighted the poultry theme, concluding with a tantalizing dessert station.

Meaningful Connections and Future Collaborations

Dr. Hendrix articulated the intent of the event, stating, “Each year, we look forward to this event as a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful, in-person conversations with our partners in the poultry industry and to build new professional connections.” The event also served as an occasion to express gratitude to the committed elected officials and public servants whose ongoing support is crucial to nurturing and advancing Indiana’s poultry production.

For more details, please visit the source: Purdue University.