The US Poultry & Egg Association recently held its 2026 Workforce Success and Engagement Conference, bringing together human resources (HR) professionals, operations leaders and industry experts to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping today’s workforce. Through expert presentations and interactive discussions, attendees gained practical insights and tools to help build safer, more inclusive and effective workplaces across the poultry and egg sector.

James Wimberly Jr., senior principal at Wimberly, Lawson, Steckel, Schneider & Stine, P.C., gave a presentation titled, “Benefits Compliance Gotchas.” He addressed common legal and compliance questions employers may face regarding employee insurance and benefit plans. Topics included potential liability for underperforming investment options in 401(k) plans, paid leave policies, compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and more. The session aimed to help employers better understand evolving compliance requirements and reduce risk associated with workplace benefits programs.

During a panel discussion on succession planning best practices, Leonard Parks, HR director at Case Farms, Michael Carow, vice president of HR at Koch Foods, and Stephanie Kempa, chief HR officer at Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, emphasized the importance of proactive leadership development and open communication when preparing future leaders within organizations. Panelists encouraged companies to understand employees’ career aspirations by discussing whether individuals are ready for advancement now, within one to three years or in five years, and by tailoring development opportunities accordingly. The discussion highlighted the need for senior leadership to take succession planning seriously by identifying how key roles will be filled with qualified individuals as employees retire or transition. Additionally, Parks, outgoing chair of the Joint Poultry Industry Human Resources Council, was recognized for his service on the council.

Ian Bergin, talent management systems manager at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, focused on the growth of multicultural and multilingual workforces and how language barriers have become a common operational challenge affecting safety, training, onboarding and compliance. Bergin emphasized that leaders and HR professionals play a critical role in creating inclusive communication practices by recognizing cultural differences, avoiding assumptions about understanding and ensuring employees have access to clear, respectful communication. His session also highlighted language support as essential organizational infrastructures, such as interpretation services, translated materials and plain-language communication which improves trust, engagement, performance and workplace safety.

Source: US Poultry & Egg Association