Perdue Farms Recognizes USPOULTRY Award Recipient

Perdue Farms today recognized Mike Levengood, Chief Animal Care Officer, for being named the USPOULTRY Workhorse of the Year, one of the poultry industry’s highest honors recognizing ‑long-term service, steady leadership, and meaningful contributions to both the industry and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

The award was presented Monday evening during the Chair’s Reception, part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta.

Levengood brings more than 40 years of service in the poultry industry, including four decades at Perdue Farms, where he has built a career grounded in operational excellence, animal care leadership, and strong partnerships with the farmers and associates who raise Perdue’s chickens. He began his career with the company in 1984 as a flock advisor and advanced through nearly every level of live production and operations at the company, including Area Coordinator, Plant Manager, Complex Manager and Vice President, before assuming his current role.

Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms commented:

“Over more than four decades of working together, Mike has demonstrated the steady leadership and dedication that keep Perdue Farms and our industry moving forward. He has earned the respect of farmers, associates, customers and peers by living Perdue’s values each and every day.”

As Perdue’s Chief Animal Care Officer, a role established for him in 2016, Levengood has played a key role in advancing the company’s industry ‑leading Commitments to Animal Care, influencing more than 100 animal care initiatives, helping position Perdue as a leader in responsible poultry production. His work has also helped thousands of associates and customers gain a deeper understanding of poultry production — from hatchery to farm to processing — reinforcing the care, accountability, and responsibility at the heart of Perdue’s approach.

In his current role, Levengood is also responsible for Perdue’s relationships with farmers and has strengthened Perdue’s engagement with the farmers who raise its chickens, helping foster open communication, regional farmer councils, and new tools to gather and act on farmer feedback.

Beyond his work at Perdue Farms, Levengood has been a longstanding contributor to the poultry industry. He has served on the USPOULTRY Board of Directors since 2022, including as board chair, and has held leadership roles with the National Chicken Council Growout Committee and the Delmarva Land and Litter Collaborative, supporting research, education, and sustainability efforts across the industry.

Nath Morris, president of USPOULTRY commented:

“Having worked at Perdue under Mike’s leadership and having him serve as our board chair at USPOULTRY, it is indeed a great honor to present this distinguished award to Mike in recognition of his dedicated service to both the poultry and egg industry and USPOULTRY. Through steadfast service and a genuine commitment to supporting others, Mike has made a lasting and meaningful impact on both the industry and USPOULTRY.”

Last year, Levengood was recognized by his alma mater, Penn State University, where he was named the 2025 Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Agricultural Sciences and inducted into the Armsby Honor Society.

The USPOULTRY Workhorse of the Year Award honors individuals whose careers exemplify enduring dedication, servant leadership, and meaningful contributions to the poultry industry. Levengood’s career reflects those values through his focus on people, animals, and shared responsibility.