OAKWOOD, GA. — Four Wayne-Sanderson Farms team members were recognized in the International Production and Processing Expo’s Young Leaders Under 30 program.

The annual International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) is a collaboration of three shows — the International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo — which collectively represent the whole chain of protein production and processing. The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and the US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) sponsored the event.

The Young Leaders Under 30 program exists to invest in the next generation of meat and poultry professionals between the ages of 21 and 29. It looks to engage this generation further in the industry while celebrating promising leaders’ accomplishments within their respective companies.

“The poultry industry is blessed with many talented young leaders who are poised to lead our industry into the next generation of poultry production, and I am extremely proud of the number of those leaders that work for Wayne-Sanderson Farms,” said Clint Rivers, president and chief executive officer of Wayne-Sanderson Farms. “Thanks to programs like this, our industry leaders will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to achieve their career ambitions.”

The recognized Wayne-Sanderson employees include:

• Cameron Roig, debone supervisor at the company’s Kinston, NC, processing facility;
• Johnathan Scott, picking room supervisor at the company’s Hammond, La., processing facility;
• James Thomas, processing superintendent at the company’s Pendergrass, Ga., processing facility; and
• Trevor Conner, hatchery superintendent at the company’s Albertville, Ala., hatchery.

Roig joined Wayne-Sanderson Farms in 2022 as a member of the company’s corporate trainee program. Later, he transitioned to his current role as debone supervisor. Roig earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and economics and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Louisiana State University.

Scott began his career with the company in 2017 as a member of the poultry producer’s corporate trainee program, and he later served as a live receiving supervisor and specialty supervisor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Alcorn State University.

With over five years of experience at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Thomas has served as a logistics analyst, management trainee, production supervisor and processing superintendent. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Valdosta State University.

Conner began his career with the company in 2020. Before his current role as hatchery superintendent, Conner served as receiving supervisor and feed mill supervisor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture communications from Auburn University.

“Leaders in the poultry industry are going to face many challenges for years to come, and I don’t have a doubt in my mind that we will overcome all obstacles,” said Conner. “I thoroughly enjoy working in the poultry industry, and I am eager for the years ahead.”