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
TJ Klein - 2026
MPS Egg Farms
First Vice-President
Lance Lacefield - 2026
Pilgim's
Vice-Presidents
Tanner Myers - 2030
Motomco
Dr. Bret Rings - 2030
Cobb-Vantress
Scott Winkler - 2030
Holmes Foods
Saxon Dittert - 2030
MPS Egg Farms
Directors
Gary Hogue - 2028
Aviagen
Billy Wyatt - 2028
Tyson Foods
David Carpenter - 2028
Cal-Maine Foods
Charles Swain - 2026
Cobb Vantress Inc.
Matt Whiteman - 2026
Cal-Maine Foods
Dr. Kevin Kessler - 2026
Tyson Foods Inc.
Ex-Officio
Gary Fuchs - 2026
Ideal Poultry Breeding Farms
Heath Sellers - 2026
Tyson Foods Inc.
At Large Members
John Holloway - 2026
Tyson Foods Inc.
Brian Weatherford - 2026
Cobb Vantress
joe Klein - 2026
Nest Fresh Eggs
Advisors
Dr. Audrey McElroy
Dr. Greg Archer
Ms. Sydney Rosario
Advisors
Ken Callahan
Micheal Ermon
Jared Brumley
Kevin Odenbach
Judson Smith
Stephen Fuchs
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.
