Conagra Brands, Inc., Chicago, announced steps to implement higher standards for the treatment of broiler chickens in its supply chain sourcing practices.

The National Chicken Council (NCC), Washington, D.C., unveiled findings of its new nationwide survey about how deeply consumers understand sustainable food practices as it relates to broiler chicken production.

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), Washington, D.C., partnered with McDonald’s Corp., Chicago, to launch SMART Broiler, a research initiative offering $4 million for research supporting the development and commercialization of automated monitoring tools that quantitatively assess key animal welfare indicators in broiler chickens.

Bell & Evans, Fredericksburg, Pa., broke ground on a 560,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art European-plus chicken harvesting plant in Fredericksburg.

Bell & Evans, Fredericksburg, Pa., is said to be the first U.S. chicken producer to transition to a higher-welfare, slower-growing, more flavorful breed of broiler chickens.

Golden Rod Broilers, Cullman, Ala., turned to Patterson Fan Co., Columbia, S.C., to help regulate high interior temperatures during the hot summer months.