FIRST TRIP: The members of the Avian Sciences Club at Purdue University began touring the poultry industry in Indiana with a trip to Southern Indiana on November 7 & 8, 1997. On this trip the club visited turkey producers operated by Perdue Farms Inc., and Farbest Foods. The trip included guided tours of Perdue Farms' hatchery, feed mill and grower facilities. At Farbest Foods the group was exposed to a commercial turkey processing plant. These two companies allowed club members visualize every aspect of turkey production, from the egg to a finished product, and waste management. In addition to touring the operations club members were able to make industry contacts and gather information on employment opportunities in the turkey industry.

SECOND TRIP: On November 13, 1997 club members toured Hudson Foods Inc., in Corydon, Indiana. Hudson Foods exposed club members to the broiler industry in Indiana. This trip included all aspects of the broiler industry: the hatchery, feed mill, and processing plant. The tour also helped expose students to the employment positions and opportunities in the broiler industry.

THIRD TRIP: Club members were exposed to a commercial duck operation, Maple Leaf Farms in Milford, Indiana. Maple Leaf Farms is the largest producer of ducks in the world. (November 1997).

FOURTH TRIP: On December 4, 1997 the club members were exposed to two commercial egg producers (Creighton Brothers and Midwest Poultry Services).

FIFTH TRIP: On Feb. 4, 1998 the students were involved in annual Indiana State Poultry Assoc. banquet. The banquet offered numerous opportunities for students to meet poultry industry leaders as well as many individuals in government office.

SIXTH TRIP: On Feb. 26, 1998 several students and M. Latour visited Perdue Farms breeder facilities for turkeys in Thorntown, IN.