Joe Hess
Penn State University’s Department of Animal Science has named Auburn University faculty member Joe Hess its Poultry Science Distinguished Alumnus for 2017. Hess, professor and extension specialist in Auburn’s Department of Poultry Science, will be honored during an April 28 reception at his alma mater.
He was selected in recognition of the significant positive influence he has had in the poultry industry throughout his academic career and of his contributions through extension to enhance the industry nationally.
A Pennsylvania native, Hess graduated with a bachelor’s degree in poultry science from Penn State in 1980. He holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in poultry science from the University of Georgia, where his research focused on poultry nutrition. He worked in private industry early in his career, joining the Auburn Department of Poultry Science faculty in 1992.
In his extension role, Hess has designed programs to transfer technology to poultry technical managers through training schools and technical seminars, onsite consultations, articles in the popular press and demonstrations and research trials. As a researcher, his primary interest is on the effects of nutrient intake and feed-ingredient quality on performance and product quality in broilers and broiler breeders.
Other honors he has received during his career include the American Feed Industry Association Poultry Nutrition Research Award in 2003; the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association’s Presidential Award and an Honorary FFA Degree from the Alabama Future Farmers of America, both in 2005; and the Phibro Animal Health Poultry Science Extension Award in 2011.
