New poultry extension specialist has passion for “all things chickens”
By Sarah Cato
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts:
- Sara Orlowski hired as assistant professor and poultry management specialist
- Plans include working with industry, extension agents and youth
(485 words)
Newsrooms: With photo of Orlowski at https://flic.kr/p/2d1o73c
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sara Orlowski is ready to serve the needs of Arkansas’ poultry industry as assistant professor of poultry for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Orlowski is an extension poultry specialist and researcher, succeeding Susan Watkins, who retired from the post after more than 20 years with the Division of Agriculture.
“We are thrilled to have Sara joining the poultry science faculty,” said Jean-Francois Meullenet, associate vice president for agriculture-research and director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. “I look forward to seeing how her research program takes shape as there are tremendous opportunities in the state for research collaborations with our industry.”
“We really look forward to making sure that Sarah is successful in this important role for the Division of Agriculture,” said Rick Cartwright, associate vice president for agriculture–extension. “While Susan Watkins left incredibly big shoes to fill, Sara is up to the challenge and ready, and so are we. She is going to accomplish great things.”
Orlowski hails from upstate New York where she grew up on a small hobby farm and was involved in 4-H and exhibition poultry. Those activities sparked her “love for all things chickens,” Orlowski said.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Cornell University, and both her master’s degree and Ph.D. in poultry genetics from the University of Arkansas. Her official start date with the Division of Agriculture was Jan. 16.
As assistant professor in poultry extension, Orlowski’s responsibilities will be a mixture of 25 percent research and 75 percent extension, and she has big plans for both.
“For my research, I hope to continue evaluating management techniques in the hatchery and on farm to help improve meat quality in broilers,” she said. “I also plan to adapt my research to help address new and developing issues the poultry industry may face throughout the coming years.”
“The extension aspect of my job will focus on creating mutually beneficial relationships with the poultry production companies around the state and the university,” she said. “I will look to provide educational outreach to companies, plan educational programs, and bridge the gap between academia and industry through information dissemination.”
Orlowski’s main focus will be helping Arkansas poultry industries meet their production needs.
“In the coming months I hope to establish relationships with poultry production throughout the state and establish what their needs may be from a poultry extension specialist,” she said. “I also hope to meet with many of the county agents across the state and address their needs as well as the needs of Arkansas youth. Once I understand what their needs are, I will be better able to develop my program. I look forward to my new career with the Division of Agriculture.”
To learn about poultry research and extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.eduand https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @AR_Extensionand @ArkAgResearch.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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