The Importance of Climate Control for Poultry Farmers in Texas

In this episode, Tyler Kern talks with Heidi Hudson co-owner of Hudson Farms. They discuss the importance of climate control for poultry farmers in the hot state of Texas. Hudson’s background is in poultry science, and her husband is a third-generation poultry farmer. They worked alongside his father for three years on his farm before taking over last year.

“We’re contract farmers. We house and take care of poultry for vertically integrated companies like Tyson, Pilgrim, and Sanderson Farms,” said Hudson. Hudson Farms takes care of the birds from the time they are in the facility until they are processed to end up in our kitchens. “We ensure they have proper ventilation, animal welfare standards, quality water, quality feed, and temperature control,” said Hudson. The birds are cared for between 35 and 70 days. The size of the bird you find in the store depends on its growth time.

Regarding temperature control, poultry has to be raised in specific geographies. It can’t get too hot or too cold. “Poultry can’t sweat,” said Hudson, “there’s a very fine point that we want to keep that temperature at or that water condition at to keep the poultry healthy and happy.”

This can be challenging when you have a summer like the one we’re having. It’s always hot in Texas, but this summer is already setting records.

From the farm to working at Portacool, Hudson knows cooling intimately. “[Kuul Media] is a superior product and extends the life expectancy. We use it every day to keep our birds cool,” said Hudson. There’s a passion for poultry farming and a rich community of support. “We hope that if someone is in need that they give us a call. That community effort has been such a blessing for us.” Portacool offers a network of expertise across all industries of agriculture. “If there’s additional aid that a customer needs, we get boots on the ground,” said Hudson, “don’t be a stranger.”