Women in Poultry: Anna Lee Patterson

4 August 2025

2 minute read

By: Laurence Williams

Describe a typical day in your current role?

My days are a mix of time in the field and the office. In the field, I’m at one of our hatcheries or attending a chick delivery to a customer. On office days, I focus on supporting customers with their everyday challenges, tracking data to help strengthen bird health, welfare and sustainability, and ensuring my team has the tools they need to deliver. . Every day is about collaboration, problem-solving and working toward continuous improvement.

What’s unique about your role?

What I love about my role is that it enables me to bridge two worlds—supporting both our hatcheries and customer deliveries. It’s a privilege to work alongside poultry producers and internal teams, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from hatch to delivery.

What are the main challenges that you face in your role?

Planning my travel can take extra effort, as it’s important for me to be where I’m needed most at all times. Another challenge is managing remote employees when face-to-face time with their peers and me is limited. It’s crucial for our team to connect often and be there for one another.

What does the future of poultry health look like in terms of preventing and treating disease?

Biosecurity is a shared responsibility—it requires a proactive, team-based approach that extends beyond individual organizations. The more we collaborate as an industry, the stronger our disease prevention strategies will be.

Are there individuals or organizations in poultry who you’ve found particularly inspirational?

Two people stand out. My professor at the University of Georgia encouraged me to apply at Aviagen and remains a mentor and friend. Another is a former manager who saw my potential, pushed me to take the next step in my career, and continues to be someone I look up to. Their belief in me has shaped my journey.

Have you encountered any challenges as a woman in your field? If yes, how have you overcome them?

The opinions of those who focus on your gender rather than your character and capabilities are not the ones I listen to. The best way to overcome challenges is to focus on excellence—let your work speak for itself. Someone I deeply respect once told me, "You have a seat at the table," and I’ve carried that with me ever since. The people who truly matter in your career will recognize your value.

What outstanding challenge facing the poultry industry would you most like to solve?

One major focus for me is improving pullet and cockerel livability. Finding ways to consistently improve robustness and disease resistance would have a significant impact on both flock health and production efficiency.

What’s the most exciting innovation that you see on the horizon for the poultry industry?

Technology that would give us immediate insight into flock fertility would be a game-changer, helping us optimize hatchability and overall performance.

What are you most excited about in the next 5-10 years regarding the poultry industry?

The poultry sector is on the verge of technological breakthroughs that will give us deeper insights into flock health, allowing us to be more proactive and precise in management. I’m also excited about the fresh ideas and perspectives that new talent will bring to the poultry sector.

What’s your next challenge?

I lead a growing team that is relatively new to the company and the Quality Assurance department. My aim is to build on what we’ve established, expanding our role and ensuring we provide the best support possible as our department continues to evolve.