Shell Egg Academy

program Description 

The purpose of the academy is duo fold in: 1) disseminating knowledge of good management practices; and 2) providing exposure and networking to various individuals who can be contacted for future assistance. Shell Egg Academy (SEA) was created with industry stakeholder representatives as a result of the national needs assessment for the laying hen industry in 2018. SEA is a fee-based program that takes a holistic approach to food safety recognizing the interconnectedness of live production and egg processing. The academy is offered virtually and in-person as two distinct programs. The virtual program and associated educational materials are offered in Spanish targeting the employees within the production house and egg processing plant. The in-person event targets upper-level managers allowing for enhanced networking and focused case-studies on a multitude of topics.

Outcomes

A total of 380 attendees have gone through SEA. A survey of participants (n = 18 responses; 10% response rate) indicated that 56% have adopted recommended food safety practices resulting in increased operating efficiencies or increased value per unit of output. Participants responded that the information from SEA was applied “through updating vaccine programs”, “training subordinates”, and “enhancing understanding of FDA expectations for an audit”. Of the respondents, 57% agreed SEA training played an important role in achieving new benefits/results in their job, workplace or career; 78% indicated they contribute more to the success of the facility as a result of participating in SEA; and 35% have been more proactive in engaging with regulatory agencies. The SEA has become an established education program for the US table egg industry.

Contact information

Program Questions: Dr. Darrin Karcher, Purdue University Animal Sciences  – 765.494.4845
Registration & Sponsorships: Empowered Events LLC  – 763.284.6763
Website: Shelleggacademy.org
Contact: info@shelleggacademy.org