Acosta named poultry industry ‘Leader of the Year’

Shane Acosta, complex general manager of Cargill in Springdale was named the “2012 Industry Leader of the Year” by The Poultry Federation during the 53rd Annual Poultry Festival.

The festival was held June 15-16 in Rogers. The award formerly titled “Man of the Year” has been awarded since 1955 and recognizes the outstanding achievements of poultry and egg executives and their contribution to the industry.

Acosta has worked in several facets of operation for Cargill for more than 18 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in vocational education with a minor in poultry science from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

He has served on the Processors Workshop Committee of The Poultry Federation more than 12 years and his leadership has been instrumental in the annual growth of the workshop, including increased vendor sponsorships, according to a federation statement. He has also been instrumental in recruiting new Allied members for TPF and sponsors for the Annual Poultry Festival.

He is a member of the National Turkey Federation and is very active in the community with sponsorships and volunteer hours for organizations such as Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity, NWA Food Bank, and Illinois River Watershed Project.

The Poultry Federation is a tri-state trade organization representing the poultry and egg industries in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Offices are located in Little Rock, Ark., Jefferson City, Mo., and Oklahoma City.