About Us

Welcome to West Virginia Poultry Association, the leading voice for the poultry industry. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the growth of the poultry sector.

The History of The West Virginia Poultry Association

The West Virginia Poultry Association was organized during Farm and Home Week at Morgantown, in February 1934, by a small group of enthusiastic poultrymen.

Founding officers of the association in 1934 were: President George G. Gwynn, Fairmont; Vice President, Mrs. Oscar Goetgeluck, St. Marys; Secretary, H. M. Hyre, Morgantown; Treasurer, George Myers, Shepherdstown. Members of the executive committee were: E. S. Humphrey, Belleville; G. B. Steward, Morgantown; and D. M. Winegrove, French Creek.

Presidents who have served the organization since its foundings are: George G. Gwynn, Fairmont; Harold Chesrown, Morgantown; H. K. Rowley, Morgantown; P. C. Atha, Jr., Fairmont; J. E. Weidlich, Roanoke; Ray A. Williams, Wolf Summit; C. B. Heitt, Moorefield; W. D. Tuckwiller, Lewisburg; C. B. Cosco, Washington; H. T. Berry, Parkersburg; Joe Dasher, Moorefield; Robert Weidlich, Roanoke; H. D. Thorne, Horseshoe Run; Jack Rudolph, Intermont; Donald Baker, Sr., Moorefield; James Duckworth, Lewisburg; Irvin Bowman, Moorefield; Ray C. Funkhouser, Wardensville; Calvin Germroth, Moorefield; Robert E. Ludwig, Baker; David P. VanMeter, Petersburg; Grover M. See, Moorefield; Robert E. Ludwig, Baker; A. Clyde Ours, Jr., Moorefield; Donald W. Biller, Lost City; Rodney A. Crider, Moorefield; C. Elwood Williams, Moorefield; J. Leroy Cook, Moorefield; Delmer Schell, Scherr; Allen V. Evans, Dorcas; Dennis E. Zirk, Milam; Loring E. Barr, Rig; Linda S. Burgess, Moorefield; James T. McClung, Franklin; Howard B. Hardy, Rig; Dennis A. Funk, Kirby; Andy Walker, Old Fields; Scott Rightsell, Fort Seybert; Daryl See, Old Fields; and present president Dale Walker, Fort Seybert.

The organization held its first convention as an individual organization at Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp, September 25-27, 1939. The entire cost, including meals and lodging for three days, was $4.25 per person.

Succeeding annual conventions were held at Jackson’s Mill except for a period of World War II, until 1952. From 1952 to date the convention has been held in Moorefield except in 1984, 2002, and 2007 when no conventions were held due to the Avian Influenza. Also, in 2019 & 2020 there were no conventions due to COVID 19 outbreak. It has been combined with a Poultry Festival, which includes an outstanding Beauty Pageant, Firemen’s Parade, Chicken Barbeque and other entertainment features sponsored by the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Department, the Moorefield Lions Club and Hardy County Rod and Gun Club.

In 1953, the organization’s Board of Directors decided to attempt to strengthen the association. With the help of the West Virginia Poultry Improvement Association, which donated $500, the organization hired Cecil Reed as part-time secretary, the Association’s first salaried official, who served until 1955. The following year J. Z. Elison was selected as executive secretary and served until the fall of 1957, when he was succeeded by Wilson H. Smith until 1974 when Grover M. See was elected. Grover See retired in 2004, and Emily Funk was then elected and served until September 2010. Landon Ketterman was appointed in September of 2010 and served until resigning in ???? when Cindy Shreve was hired. She served until April, 2022 when she resigned and Judy Hesse was hired and is serving as the current executive secretary.

Since 1953 the Association has been much more active and in a much stronger financial position. It has supported youth activities, 4-H and FFA. It has financed a strong educational program for members annually. This success in large measure is due to the acceptance of leadership responsibilities by industry people. Officials of the State University, Experimental State and Extension Service and WV Department of Agriculture are to be commended for their guidance and untiring assistance to the state’s poultrymen in building an effective organization. Industry leaders readily agree that, except for the perseverance of these able public officials, the Association might never have weathered the apathetic attitude of many industry members in its early development stages.

Effective January 1, 1961, the Association joined hands with a 35-year-old Virginia State Federation under a “loose affiliation” agreement designed to increase the effectiveness of the two state organizations in promoting better profit opportunities for Virginia and West Virginia poultrymen. Although the formal “loose affiliation” no longer remains in effect, the two state organizations continue to share ideas and work together.

With industry leadership coming to the front, the future of the organization as an effective instrument to cope with mounting industry problems seems assured. There appears to be an increasing awareness among foresighted poultrymen that a strong association can accomplish many things which they as individuals could not hope to achieve and that the outcome of “do-or-die” efforts to maintain and improve the profit potential for West Virginia poultrymen hinges on effective teamwork through an aggressive industry-wide organization.

Our Mission

Our mission is to represent and advocate for all segments of the poultry industry, including producers, processors, and suppliers. We strive to advance the interests of our members through education, research, and outreach programs.

What We Do

• Advocacy: We work tirelessly to influence legislation and regulations that impact the poultry industry, ensuring a favorable business environment for our members.
• Education: We provide valuable resources and training to help poultry professionals stay informed about the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Networking: Through conferences, seminars, and networking events, we facilitate connections and collaboration among industry stakeholders.
• Research: We fund and support research projects that drive innovation and sustainability in poultry production and processing.

Our Vision

Our vision is a thriving poultry industry that meets the growing demand for safe, affordable, and nutritious protein sources while promoting animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

Join Us

Whether you are a poultry producer, processor, supplier, or simply passionate about the poultry industry, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of poultry. Together, we can make a difference!