FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –Michael Kidd, director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and head of the Department of Poultry Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, has been named the 2014 Industry Leader of the Year by The Poultry Federation.

“It’s an absolute personal honor,” said Kidd. “I can’t get over being honored like this. We are working hard to get more students trained to become great leaders and placed in key industry jobs, as well as supporting our research and extension programs.”

The Poultry Federation is a tri-state trade organization representing the poultry and egg industries in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Kidd was recognized during the 55th Annual Poultry Festival in Rogers. The award, which has been presented since 1955, recognizes the outstanding achievements of poultry and egg executives and their contribution to the industry.

“Dr. Kidd has revitalized the Poultry Science Department at the University of Arkansas by increasing the number of students and increasing their participation,” said Marvin Childers, president of the federation. “He has led efforts to have the department become more engaged with the industry. Dr. Kidd supports the industry with research. In doing this, he is also developing future poultry industry leaders.”

Kidd has been a lab tech for Hudson Foods, a research director and research manager for Nutri-Quest, has consulted in more than 30 countries, and has more than 355 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He has served as president of the Poultry Science Association and department head at the Department of Poultry Science at Mississippi State University.

Kidd earned his bachelor’s degree in poultry science from the University of Arkansas in 1990 and was a recipient of the Arkansas Feed Mill Scholarship. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 1991 and his doctorate from North Carolina State University in 1994.

The Poultry Federation promotes and protects poultry interests related to production, distribution, merchandising and consumption of poultry and poultry products; disseminates information related to the various phases of the poultry industry in order to improve and expand markets; increases efficiency in production and marketing; encourages and supports research in production and marketing of poultry; and encourages and supports youth programs in poultry work.