Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 1/25/12


U.S. Poultry & Egg Association awarded Abit Massey its Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award and awarded Dolph Baker its annual Lamplighter Award during the 2012 International Poultry Expo. The awards pay tribute to individuals for sustained and exemplary service to the poultry and egg industry.

Massey is president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Federation.  Baker is president and chief executive officer for Cal-Maine Foods.

Lifetime achievement
Harold E. Ford, past president of USPOULTRY for whom the award was named, presented the honor to Massey.

The award is not presented annually. Rather, it is given when USPOULTRY’s awards and recognition committee unanimously recognizes and endorses the need for occasional, unique recognition for exceptional contributions.

“In addition to being recognized as a Georgia poultry industry icon, Abit is recognized as a leader in several fields, including the lobbying profession, association management field, and among collegiate supporters,” remarked Gary Cooper, immediate past chairman of USPOULTRY. “Abit is well respected and highly regarded within the industry; and his legacy will be acknowledged for many years to come.”

“Abit has labored diligently and efficiently on behalf of the Georgia poultry industry, and his touch can be seen and felt on many of the initiatives and programs that have contributed to the state’s poultry success, as well as nationally,” said John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY.  “He has been a visionary in evaluating the industry’s future needs and has acted to address those needs. The hallmark of Abit’s career has been his integrity and his personal touch, which forms the foundation of every relationship he has.”

A graduate of the University of Georgia and an Eagle Scout, Massey is past chairman of the board of directors for the American Society of Association Executives, past president of the Georgia Society of Association Executives and GSAE Foundation, past president of the University of Georgia Alumni Association, and organizer and first president of the State Poultry Executives Association.

Lamplighter Award
Baker is president and chief executive officer for Cal-Maine Foods. He has been employed with Cal-Maine since 1986 and has served a director since 1991.

He has served on numerous boards, including past chairman of the American Egg Board, past board chairman of the Mississippi Poultry Association, past chairman of United Egg Producers, and was a former USPOULTRY board member.

“We value the commitment, hard work, and support Dolph has provided to our industry,” said 2011 USPOULTRY chairman Gary Cooper of Cooper Farms in Oakwood, Ohio. “Dolph is dedicated to advancing the industry, and we appreciate his service and devotion.”

Workhorse Award
USPOULTRY also named Bill Bradley, vice president of egg division for CCF Brands, its Workhorse of the Year. Bradley was USPOULTRY chairmin 2008.

The honor is given annually by USPOULTRY in recognition of dedicated service and valuable leadership given to the association and poultry industry.

“Bill has committed a great deal of time and energy to help address and meet the challenges facing our industry every day,” said Cooper.