Maggie Thompson began her role as the poultry veterinarian for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System June 10. Her position is a partnership between Alabama Extension, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment System.
Alabama Poultry and Egg Assistant Director Ray Hilburn said Maggie’s addition will have an immense impact on Alabama’s poultry industry.
“This position is a huge step forward for the state’s poultry industry,” Hilburn said. “Maggie’s passion and knowledge of poultry sets her apart and will aid her in this role.
As an alumna of Auburn’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Thompson said she is thrilled to return to the university and to have the opportunity to serve Alabama poultry industry.
“As someone who grew up in the very small town of Opp, Alabama, where the integrated poultry industry is so important to so many families, I can think of no better way for Auburn to introduce this new position to the state than through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System,” Thompson said. “Our poultry farmers are the heartbeat of our industry. Without them, the protein we currently provide for consumers would not exist.”
Thompson will work with Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Department of Public Health and poultry integrators.