Who We Are
The purpose of the Texas Poultry Federation and Affiliates is to serve as the voice of Texas egg and chicken farmers. Texas egg and poultry farmers are committed to providing safe, high-quality and affordable food products for families across the state and nation and are integral members of their local communities. In addition, our farmers are dedicated to providing excellent care to their flocks and being responsible stewards of the land, air and water surrounding their farms.
Our Leadership
The Texas Poultry Federation is governed by a Board of Directors who represent the state's poultry farmers at the local, state and national levels. The board encompasses a variety of farmers and alied industry professionals who have expertise and a passion for the industry to help drive the organization forward and to ensure a sustainable future.
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
President
Heath Sellers - 2024
Tyson Foods Inc.
First Vice-President
TJ Klein - 2024
MPS Egg Farms
Vice-Presidents
Gary Hogue - 2026
Aviagen N.A.
Dr. Kevin Kessler - 2025
Tyson Foods Inc.
Billy Wyatt - 2026
Aviagen N.A.
David Carpenter - 2026
Cal-Maine Foods
Directors
Charles Swain - 2025
Cobb Vantress Inc.
Lance Lacefield - 2025
Pilgrim's
Matt Whiteman - 2025
Cal-Maine Foods
Holly Duck - 2024
Merck Animal Health
Ashley Fontenot - 2024
Sanderson Farms Inc.
Kevin Odenbach - 2024
Cobb Vantress Inc.
Ex-Officio
Gary Fuchs - 2024
Ideal Poultry Breeding Farms
At Large Members
Judson Smith - 2024
Wayne-Sanderson Farms
Joe Klein - 2024
Nest Fresh
Stephen Fuchs - 2024
Ideal Poultry Breeding Farms
Advisors
Dr. Audrey McElroy
Joe Klein - 2024
Nest Fresh
Stephen Fuchs - 2024
Ideal Poultry Breeding Farms
Staff Leadership
J.C. Essler
Executive Vice President
Texas Poultry Federation
A poultry industry veteran with more than 20 years' experience, J.C. Essler has served as the executive vice president for the Texas Poultry Federation since 2019. In his role, Essler is responsible for advising the board of directors and ensuring that the board-approved plans and initiatives are effectively implemented.
Additionally, Essler represents the organization on poultry issues within the Texas Legislature, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Board, Texas A&M University and Stephen F. Austin State University.
Essler holds a degree in poultry science from Texas A&M University. He is also a graduate of the Texas A&M AgriLife's Advanced Leaders Program. He and his wife, Kelly, have two sons, Jimmy and Henry.
Our Affiliates
The Texas Poultry Federation is comprised of four Affiliate organizations, including the Texas Allied Poultry Association, Texas Broiler Council, Texas Egg Council and the Texas Poultry Improvement Association.
