Michelle Ganci, professor of animal science for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State, received the California Poultry Federation’s Golden Rooster Award. The award is the highest honor given by the federation and was presented to Ganci at its annual conference, Sept. 19 in Monterey, Calif.

“I have to say, I was totally speechless when it was announced,” Ganci said. “And it was extra special because we had a very dynamic group of students attending the conference. It was amazing.”

According to the California Poultry Federation, a Modesto-based trade association, the annual Golden Rooster Award is given to the industry’s most outstanding member who is considered a pioneer in the poultry industry.

Ganci founded the poultry production program at Fresno State in 2005, creating hands-on learning opportunities for students. She was instrumental in bringing the Foster Farms Poultry Education and Research Facility to campus. The facility, the first humane certified university poultry facility in the nation, opened in March on the Fresno State farm north of Barstow Ave.

“I really enjoy working with everyone in California and thank Foster Farms for their trust in me with the new research facility and the youth that represent the future of our industry,” Ganci said.

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