IPC Annual Meeting 2026 – Day 2

The second and final day opened with a technology-focused panel on “the other AI” (Artificial Intelligence), exploring how data, analytics, and digital tools are already reshaping decision-making across the poultry value chain.

🤖 Andrea Thomas (BlueDot) highlighted how AI can support early awareness and risk monitoring by synthesizing vast amounts of information, from disease surveillance to Avian Influenza reporting, while operating under principles of transparency, fairness, security, and accountability.

🏭 Justin Sherrard (Völur) explored how AI is transforming meat processing, from optimizing product mix and yields to improving operational efficiency. Real-world applications are already delivering measurable gains, including labor savings, yield improvements, and better use of data, supported by a clear roadmap that starts with data governance and scales through targeted pilots.

💰 Brian Earnest (CoBank) provided a financial perspective, examining how AI is influencing rural lending and the broader agricultural economy. From institutional decision-making to farm-level impacts and consumer outcomes, AI is becoming an increasingly important tool across rural America and the food system.

🛠️ Following the panel, members participated in a hands-on workshop facilitated by Caroline Leroux and
focused on “Preparing for Tomorrow,” building on many of the challenges discussed throughout the meeting: from disease risk and geopolitics to technology adoption, workforce readiness, and resilience across global supply chains.
The session reinforced the importance of foresight, preparedness, and collaboration as the sector navigates an increasingly complex operating environment.

Greg Tyler (USA Poultry & Egg Export Council) shared a thoughtful outlook on the U.S. poultry industry, reflecting on its evolution, current market dynamics, and the factors shaping competitiveness and growth moving forward. His perspective provided valuable context on how the U.S. sector continues to adapt amid changing economic, policy, and consumer landscapes.

🎉 A special moment marked IPC’s 20th anniversary, with Jim Sumner, founder of the International Poultry Council, recognized for his vision and leadership in building IPC into the global forum it is today.

🔍 As a reminder, the International Poultry Welfare Alliance (IPWA) WelfareLab Sprint Event begins today at 2:00 PM, in the same room as the IPC Annual Meeting, continuing the dialogue on aligning poultry welfare science, policy, and practical implementation.

🙏 Thank you to all IPC members for your engagement, insights, and continued support. The strength of IPC lies in its members, and this week once again demonstrated the value of coming together to share perspectives, challenge assumptions, and shape the future of the global poultry sector.