Awards, Hands-On Learning and Volunteering – A life with purpose
Brenda Reimer is the Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator for the Poultry Innovation Partnership. She is a behind-the-scenes tech wizard who created and continues to grow the PIP website and hosts all PIP’s virtual webinars, meetings, classes, events and more. She was recently recognized with an award by the Poultry Science Association. This feature will explore the story behind the award, her experiential learning fueled journey into the poultry industry and her generous work as a volunteer for industry and community.
PSA Award
Brenda Reimer was awarded the 2024 Tyson Foods Support Personnel Award. The award was presented on July 18 at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Poultry Science Association (PSA) in Louisville, KY. Brenda was recognized for her outstanding contributions and achievements to poultry science by Tyson Foods Inc. The award recognizes the contributions of support staff to poultry science research, extension, and teaching through exceptional talent, dedication and hard work.
It is a huge accomplishment to receive an award from the PSA and this is the first for Reimer in her many years of commitment to the poultry industry at large and to the PIP organization in recent years. What does it mean to receive this award?
“It felt good because it was a recognition of a lot of hard work on my part, but also a recognition of the people along the way who have helped me get to the point where I was qualified to win it,” said Reimer.
When Reimer accepted her award, she thanked four people in particular.
“Dr. Frank Robinson, for making poultry cool and interesting to a person who hated chickens on her farm growing up. Dr. Martin Zuidhof because he gave me a career-changing summer job. Dr Val Carney, for going along with all my crazy ideas – and vice-versa. And finally, my husband Brent Reimer, who provides the wind beneath my sails.”
Brenda’s path to the PSA award was unusual. She entered university without a plan to pursue agriculture, and instead received a BA, studying English, Music and Religious Studies. Like so many others, experiential learning played a critical role in her path to poultry.
Experiential Learning
“Hands-on experiences were 110% of why I continued in this career,” mused Reimer. “I signed up for my first poultry course in my last semester of my undergrad degree. It was Animal Science 471 with Dr. Frank Robinson.”
The course was project-oriented, and participants were put in groups to research a topic and ultimately write and present a paper in poultry science style.
“It was very interactive with lots of hands-on opportunities across the projects,” said Reimer.
Although the content of the course was exciting to Brenda, she found herself paired with a difficult partner. She tried to handle the situation on her own, but eventually reached the point where she realized she needed help. Frank Robinson had been regularly asking how things were going and when she finally revealed that things were not going well, he supported her fully and made a point to check in frequently. Reimer was moved, having never experienced this kind of connection and understanding from a professor. This sparked the beginnings of her interest in the poultry industry as a possible career and forged a bond with Robinson that continues to this day.
“I started thinking that this was a cool place to be – it’s interesting – I’m engaged – and there are really great people in poultry.”
When she enrolled in Doug Korver’s nutrition class, she began to experience the hands-on activity around research that was taking place at the U of A Poultry Unit. The class calculated a proper diet, weighed and measured their own feed, and, as an undergraduate student, she was thrilled to be part of the research.
That summer, she applied and won a job helping Dr. Martin Zuidhof with his research at the Poultry Unit. This opportunity led to longer term employment.
“I got the summer job, never thinking that it would turn into something longer term. But Martin got funding at the right time, and I was asked to continue. Eventually the government made me a permanent employee.”
In addition to the hands-on research technician work for Martin, Reimer also created a newsletter and did website and rebranding work for the poultry unit, paving the way for her future Knowledge Mobilization role. Dr. Val Carney joined the team in 2004 and that was the beginning of their 20 year working partnership. When Val and Martin suggested that she do a Masters, Brenda was fully on board. She received the degree in 2009, working full time during the process.
Reimer has some advice for up and coming students who are considering poultry as a career.
“It’s a great career because the people involved in agriculture in general and poultry specifically are salt of the earth, good people. The industry cares about students and bringing new people into the industry. There is always a need for professionals and companies to support the farmers.”
“One saying that has always meant a lot to me is ‘The answer is always no until you ask.’ If there is something that interests you, reach out and ask if there is an opportunity to volunteer, or join on a ride along. Most people would be thrilled that you are interested and would love to work with you and give you that opportunity.”
“Regardless of the industry you want to enter, if you want to make a career for yourself, you have to get your name out there and you have to get known. Take any opportunity you can to make that happen.”
An Avid Volunteer
Despite a very busy life, both at work and on her family farm, Reimer finds time to volunteer for the poultry industry, her church and her community. Brenda has survived cancer two times over, and the experience shifted her priorities.
“It changes you. It makes you a different person than you were before. And volunteering for me comes from being gifted a lot in my life. It doesn’t feel right to not give back to whatever community I am a part of.”
In the poultry industry, Reimer currently sits on the PSIW board and the World Poultry Congress committee. In her community, she works with the Leduc HUB organization, a group that initially formed to provide opportunities for people to connect to social services.
Recognizing the need for the urgent financial support that they were providing, Brenda reached out in 2013 and offered to help with fundraising. The Seeds of Hope Silent Auction and dinner event was launched and, over the years, has raised well over $100,000.00. It also provided an opportunity for the community to learn about the HUB and its activities.
“Eventually, I ended up on the board and then became Chair in 2021.”
She refreshed the website, developed a way to collect donations, handled social media and created the Adopt-A-Night fundraiser as the houseless situation in Leduc grew. The HUB opened an overnight shelter that was filling an urgent community need until forced to close in April 2024.
The homeless population expanded dramatically over these years, with dozens and dozens of people struggling. By then, many of the original HUB members and volunteers had moved on and it was a difficult, draining time.
“It overtakes your life, ” said Reimer. “It took a big toll on many of us. But I’m proud of what we did. I helped raise over a quarter of a million dollars over the years.”
Although she has recently stepped back from the HUB, Brenda continues to monitor their website and social media. The location is closed, but there are hopes to open a shelter this fall, and Reimer remains connected. She also sits on the Hospital Foundation Board in Leduc and is treasurer with the Lutheran Layman’s League National Board.
Brenda makes volunteering a high priority in her life, for multiple reasons.
“Motivation comes from my Christian faith,” she explains. “I love people, and I want to see the best for them. I have been incredibly blessed in my life, so I give back what little I can – it’s who I am.”
“The people we help are so welcoming and open and appreciative. I always get more back than I am giving. Even with the HUB, which took a lot out of me, I know we helped people. Their stories were heartbreaking and knowing I could help make their lives a little bit easier was enough for me.”
She highly recommends volunteering but cautions against overextending yourself.
“I definitely recommend volunteering to anyone. I would say start small. Don’t overcommit yourself. There are so many organizations that need help desperately. Research carefully and do something that you are passionate about.”
Dawn has an MMUS from Northwestern University and worked from 2017 - 2021 as the U of A Heritage Chicken Program Coordinator. With extensive experience as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor, Dawn is the scribe for the PIP team. Duties include transcribing minutes, creating action lists, organizing team ideas and projects, editing, writing articles, and interviewing subjects for the People of Poultry series in the PIP newsletter. Dawn also assists in PIP tech transfer initiatives.
