Thomas Pantano recognised as alumnus
18 September 2024
4 minute learn
Thomas Pantano has been recognised because the 2024 Poultry Science Distinguished Alumnus by the Division of Animal Science in Penn State’s School of Agricultural Sciences, in accordance with a university-issued information launch.
“It’s a fantastic honour,” Pantano stated. “I’m very proud to be a Penn Stater. My training opened doorways for me and allowed me to do a job I get pleasure from and be a part of an business that’s feeding the world.”
Initially, poultry was extra of a pastime than a profession for Pantano. He grew up within the Pittsburgh space and didn’t have a background in farming. Pantano added that his grandparents gave him his first two chickens for Easter when he was very younger. That present piqued his curiosity within the poultry business. Rising up, Pantano had an incubator the place he hatched quail and pheasants — and as soon as, even introduced dwelling a duckling in his lunchbox.
Pantano first earned a two-year diploma from Penn State and deliberate to work as a medical lab technician. After studying extra concerning the poultry science program, Pantano switched gears and determined to make his pastime a profession.
Pantano graduated from Penn State in 1983 with a bachelor of science in poultry know-how and administration. After commencement, he labored at Hess Mills, a Purina supplier in Paradise for six years. He then spent 10 years at Pennfield Company in Lancaster. Pantano has been with Tyson Meals for almost 26 years and is at present employed there.
“This award displays Tom’s dedication to the self-discipline of poultry science all through his profession,” stated Adele Turzillo, former head of the Division of Animal Science. “He joins a bunch of alumni who’ve made vital contributions to animal agriculture. Particularly notable is his service to the poultry business and willingness to share his data and fervour with colleagues, prospects and staff.”
Paul Patterson, professor emeritus of poultry science, echoed the sentiment.
“Working with Tom is all the time a pleasure, and we within the division are grateful for his enter and steering to make our analysis and outreach applications extra significant,” Patterson stated.
Patterson famous that Pantano has labored with each the Poultry Science and Animal Science Division and Penn State Extension college by contributing to the planning committee of the Penn State Gross sales and Service Convention and the division’s month-to-month seminar collection, Poultry Administration and Well being Seminar.
Pantano was additionally energetic within the governance of the Pennsylvania Poultry Federation and PennAg’s Poultry Council. He and Tyson Meals have additionally contributed to advisory panels on broiler analysis at Penn State.
“Tom is a very fantastic individual — he’s variety, pleasant and all the time keen to help his alma mater and his fellow business professionals,” stated Patterson. He described Pantano as a superb mentor and chief who units a fantastic instance for scholar interns at Tyson Meals in addition to his staff.
Austin Beebe, broiler service technician at Tyson Meals, described Pantano as a household man who additionally builds sturdy relationships with farmers.
“Tom is keen to spend as a lot time as wanted on a single farm to make sure that the grower is profitable and to make sure the well-being of the birds,” Beebe stated. “Even the farmers’ canines come operating when his truck pulls into their driveway.”
Pantano is a good chief and supervisor, in accordance with Caitlin Fairbairn, manufacturing and compliance coordinator at Risser’s Poultry Inc.
“He’s invested in his staff’ private {and professional} development, and did no matter he may to assist them succeed,” she stated, including that Pantano is extraordinarily widespread within the poultry business.
“Tom is essentially the most passionate supervisor I’ve labored for in my 27 years at Tyson Meals,” stated Steven Frankford, discipline service technician at Tyson Meals. “He’s a real chief and I’ve discovered a fantastic deal from him. His data is invaluable.”
Pantano will obtain his award on the 2024 Poultry Gross sales and Service Convention held Sept. 18-19 at The Penn Stater Resort and Convention Middle. This convention brings collectively Penn State college and college students together with poultry producers and business representatives.
Pantano has been married to his spouse Deb for 39 years and has two youngsters and three grandsons.
