Thomas Pantano recognised as alumnus
18 September 2024
4 minute learn
Thomas Pantano has been recognised because the 2024 Poultry Science Outstanding Alumnus by means of the Division of Animal Science in Penn State’s School of Agricultural Sciences, consistent with a university-issued information free up.
“It’s an excellent honour,” Pantano stated. “I’m very proud to be a Penn Stater. My schooling opened doorways for me and allowed me to do a task I revel in and be a part of an trade that’s feeding the sector.”
To start with, poultry was once extra of a pastime than a occupation for Pantano. He grew up within the Pittsburgh house and didn’t have a background in farming. Pantano added that his grandparents gave him his first two chickens for Easter when he was once very younger. That reward piqued his pastime within the poultry trade. Rising up, Pantano had an incubator the place he hatched quail and pheasants — and as soon as, even introduced house a duckling in his lunchbox.
Pantano first earned a two-year stage from Penn State and deliberate to paintings as a clinical lab technician. After studying extra concerning the poultry science program, Pantano switched gears and made up our minds to make his pastime a occupation.
Pantano graduated from Penn State in 1983 with a bachelor of science in poultry era and control. After commencement, he labored at Hess Turbines, a Purina broker in Paradise for 6 years. He then spent 10 years at Pennfield Company in Lancaster. Pantano has been with Tyson Meals for almost 26 years and is recently hired there.
“This award displays Tom’s willpower to the self-discipline of poultry science all the way through his occupation,” stated Adele Turzillo, former head of the Division of Animal Science. “He joins a gaggle of alumni who’ve made important contributions to animal agriculture. Particularly notable is his carrier to the poultry trade and willingness to percentage his wisdom and fervour with colleagues, shoppers and staff.”
Paul Patterson, professor emeritus of poultry science, echoed the sentiment.
“Running with Tom is at all times a excitement, and we within the division are thankful for his enter and steerage to make our analysis and outreach systems extra significant,” Patterson stated.
Patterson famous that Pantano has labored with each the Poultry Science and Animal Science Division and Penn State Extension school by means of contributing to the making plans committee of the Penn State Gross sales and Provider Convention and the dep.’s per month seminar collection, Poultry Control and Well being Seminar.
Pantano was once additionally lively 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 truly glorious individual — he’s sort, pleasant and at all times keen to make stronger his alma mater and his fellow trade execs,” stated Patterson. He described Pantano as a very good mentor and chief who units an excellent instance for pupil interns at Tyson Meals in addition to his staff.
Austin Beebe, broiler carrier technician at Tyson Meals, described Pantano as a circle of relatives guy who additionally builds robust relationships with farmers.
“Tom is keen to spend as a lot time as wanted on a unmarried farm to make sure that the grower is a success and to verify the well-being of the birds,” Beebe stated. “Even the farmers’ canine come working when his truck pulls into their driveway.”
Pantano is a brilliant chief and supervisor, consistent with Caitlin Fairbairn, manufacturing and compliance coordinator at Risser’s Poultry Inc.
“He’s invested in his staff’ private {and professional} enlargement, and did no matter he may just to lend a hand them be triumphant,” she stated, including that Pantano is very talked-about within the poultry trade.
“Tom is probably the most passionate supervisor I’ve labored for in my 27 years at Tyson Meals,” stated Steven Frankford, box carrier technician at Tyson Meals. “He’s a real chief and I’ve realized an excellent deal from him. His wisdom is precious.”
Pantano will obtain his award on the 2024 Poultry Gross sales and Provider Convention held Sept. 18-19 at The Penn Stater Resort and Convention Middle. This convention brings in combination Penn State school and scholars at the side of poultry manufacturers and trade representatives.
Pantano has been married to his spouse Deb for 39 years and has two kids and 3 grandsons.