North Carolina State University (NC State) is celebrating a century of poultry research and collaboration with an eye on the next 100 years of the Prestage Department of Poultry Science.
Ongoing work to establish a future-proof food supply, prepare graduates for in-demand jobs and advance research on sustainable production took center stage at a recent gathering at the Park Alumni Center to mark the milestone anniversary.
When NC State opened a poultry department in 1924, small farm flocks flourished statewide. Today North Carolina is a leading poultry state, driving exports and job growth. The state houses both operations from large companies and small producers that are a staple of many communities. More than 32,000 small egg producers, located in almost every county, collectively produce over 500,000 eggs daily, helping support local communities
“The department has never been afraid to experiment with new technologies and to push boundaries,” said Frank Siewerdt, Prestage department head. “We’ve needed a lot of help from our industry partners, sister universities and public agencies.
Future focused
NC State has a distinctive advantage as one of only a half-dozen universities with dedicated poultry science departments, said Garey Fox, dean of NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He led rounds of applause for Prestage department faculty, staff and students at the event.
“This department, this program, has absolutely had an impact on North Carolina poultry production and has allowed the industry to grow and thrive,” Fox said.
In addition to the direct effects of a successful poultry sector, Fox said that North Carolina benefits from indirect effects such as growth in local communities, businesses and economies.
He thanked the Prestage family for making a transformational gift to NC State that will continue to advance poultry research and workforce development.
“We’re also about looking at the next 100 years,” Fox said.
4-H flock to poultry innovation
Scott Prestage, whose parents, Bill and Marsha Prestage, made the naming gift for the department, said Wolfpack pride runs in the family. Two of Scott’s three kids are NC State grads. Seven family members are Wolfpack alumni.
“We’re an NC State family, and we’re very proud of that,” he said.
He’s also proud of his late father’s record of innovations in poultry and pork production. In 1960 his father opted to leave the family’s beer wholesaling business in Michigan, moving with his wife and three toddlers to South Carolina to sell feed, then to North Carolina for a larger territory. Bill, along with his wife Marsha, started Prestage Farms in 1983.
Though he had no direct agricultural experience, his dad had a memorable poultry experience through 4-H. As a junior high student, Bill Prestage took on a project to raise a small flock, and he was recognized for doing a great job.
“He absolutely loved the whole experience,” Scott said.
NC State’s first-class education, transformational research and Extension outreach have been essential to his family’s success over the last 63 years, Scott said.
“NC State’s support has never waned,” he said, adding, “I’m immensely proud to be associated with this great department.”
He sees the need for more research and Extension work to meet the challenges of feeding a growing world population while using fewer resources.
“This department and this land-grant university are ready to take on the challenge.”
