The NTF Board of Directors has elected Yubert Envia to serve as the Federation's 2010 chairman. Mr Envia is vice president of turkey and prepared foods for Foster Farms in Livingston, California.

During his acceptance speech, Mr Envia said: "I guess I could say that I am somewhat optimistic about our future profitability but I don't think we should be relying on production as an indicator and instead should be looking more at capturing a larger share of the consumer's interest by offering them the widest possible variety of turkey products in the market place."

Mr Envia recognised the turkey industry survived through one of the toughest years and held together with coordination and collaboration. Although optimistic, Mr Envia also spoke of the numerous regulatory and legislative issues that will continue to confront the turkey industry – environmental regulations, antibiotic use in animal agriculture and changes to the food safety inspection system – and encouraged NTF members to play an important part in the public affairs process.

On the NTF membership, he commented: "It is this powerful membership base that is willing to help each other fight through common legislative, regulatory and food safety challenges, share innovative ideas, discuss new technologies and open their doors, that ensures the strength and viability of this outstanding trade association."

Mr Envia began his career at Foster Farms after receiving his B.S. degree in business administration from California State University, Stanislaus. In his 21-year career, he has moved through the ranks from accounting, packaging, line supervisor, plant manager and general manager to his current position as vice president of the turkey and prepared foods divisions.

Since 1939, Foster Farms, a family-owned and operated business, has specialised in producing fresh, all-natural turkey products on the West Coast. Based in California's Central Valley, the company's chicken and turkey products are produced in or near the region served.

During the recent NTF Annual Convention, the Board of Directors also elected Richard Huisinga (president and COO, Willmar Poultry Company) as vice chairman; and Steve Willardsen (president, Cargill Value Added Meats) as secretary-treasurer. Walter 'Gator' Pelletier (corporate secretary, Butterball, LLC) assumes the position of immediate past-chairman.

During the convention, the Board also reelected John Burkel (Northern Pride, Inc.), Gary Cooper (Cooper Farms), Jihad Douglas (Aviagen Turkeys), Paul Hill (West Liberty Foods), Ted Seger (Farbest Foods, Inc.) and Carl Wittenburg (Protein Alliance, Inc.) to the Executive Committee (EC). Elected to the EC were John Reicks (Sara Lee Food and Beverage) and Ron Prestage (Prestage Farms). After the Board meeting, Jim Leighton (Perdue Farms, Inc.) and Petri Papinaho (Jennie-O Turkey Store) were appointed to the EC.