Aviagen has launched the David Butler Award to recognise the most promising students of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA) schools
The first recipient will be honoured at the Broiler Module of the EMEAA School, which took place from 24-30 November in Edinburgh, and a new winner will be chosen for each future module.
The star student will have shown the best progress during the course of the School and will demonstrate outstanding skills of leadership, teamwork, communication, innovation, determination and passion. Above all, like former Aviagen Technical Director David Butler, the winner will be a true “poultry person,” who is committed to chickens, farmers, colleagues and the progress of the industry.
The David Butler Award was established in memory of an industry legend. David passed away in June, and dedicated his entire career to the growth and success of poultry producers and mentoring the next generation. He took joy in sharing knowledge and helping others.
Among his many accolades, he was honoured with the Distinguished Service Award from the British Poultry Council for his discovery and application of the innovative and beneficial Avian Growth Curve, as well as his outstanding customer support. At Aviagen, he built up an entire support team of specialists to help customers and industry colleagues alike.
Stuart Thomson, school director, broiler module, said, “Our Aviagen family shares David’s passion and commitment to our future generations. He had the drive to instil in them a love for the birds they are managing and for helping feed current and future global generations. That’s what our school is all about, that’s what David was all about and that’s why we’ve established this award in David’s honour.”
