DOTHAN, Ala. —Students at a Southeast Alabama community college can take part in a four-year poultry production program in partnership with another school in the state.
Wallace Community College and Auburn University launched the agreement, called 2+2, the Dothan Eagle reported. It allows Wallace students to complete the initial portion of Auburn’s program at Wallace, and then transfer to Auburn as juniors to finish it.
“The 2+2 agreement with Auburn University gives students their initial introduction into poultry production while taking general courses that will transfer toward their degree at Auburn,” Wallace spokeswoman Barbara Thompson said. “Wallace worked in partnership with Auburn to make this course happen, and we are pleased that students are pursuing a career in the growing poultry production industry in Alabama.”
Nearly 65 percent of annual farming revenues come from chicken. Students who major in poultry production can find work in veterinary medicine, nutrition, genetics, education and food science.
Alabama Poultry & Egg Association spokesman Walter Carroll visited the class and discussed career options with the students. He said there is a need for poultry veterinarians.
“Alabama is home to the largest breeding companies in the country,” Carroll said.
Recently, Wayne Farms hired hundreds of workers and added more than 40,000 square feet to its facility. The poultry science department at Auburn had 81 undergraduates.
“Our enrollment has been steadily increasing, and we have seen an increase in the number of students who transfer from community colleges,” said Auburn poultry science department spokeswoman Codi Plaster. “The top job areas for our graduates include production (live side, plant, and quality assurance), graduate and professional programs, genetics, and egg companies.”
