Building Strong Security Habits for the Year Ahead

Abby Kornegay, Director, Issues and Engagement, Animal Agriculture Alliance

Thestart of a new year is a natural time to reset. On the farm, that often meansreviewing routines, evaluating priorities, and making sure everything ispositioned for a strong year ahead. While much of that focus is rightly placedon flock health, equipment, and labor, farm security deserves a place in thatconversation as well.

Asthe saying goes, the best time to prepare for a crisis – including unwanted(and potentially with ill intent) visitors – is before it happens. Over time,routines can drift. Familiar faces become trusted by default. Shortcuts feelharmless. A new year is a good reminder to pause, take a fresh look at youroperation, and make sure your security practices are intentional, consistent,and working the way they should.

Why a mindset reset matters

Securityissues rarely stem from a single major failure. More often, they happen becauseof small lapses—unlocked gates, unclear visitor expectations, or the classic, “We’vealways done it this way.” Unfortunately, those looking to target animalagriculture count on that complacency. Unauthorized visitors, whether driven byactivism or curiosity, don’t just pose a reputational risk—they can jeopardizeworker safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity.

Withongoing concerns around avian influenza and other contagious diseases, thestakes are even higher. Anyone entering a turkey farm without properprecautions can unknowingly bring disease that could threaten an entire flock.Taking a proactive approach to security helps reduce those risks and reinforcesa culture where safety and responsibility come first.

Start the year by viewing your farmthrough fresh eyes

Onehelpful exercise is to imagine seeing your farm for the first time—through acamera lens.
Assume that anything visible on your farm could be photographed or recordedwithout warning. Would you feel confident standing behind what’s shown? Thismindset encourages consistency and accountability, even when no one iswatching.

• Use science-based animal welfare and sustainability practices at all times—not just when inspections or visitors are expected.
• Make sure employees, family members, and other regular visitors understand farm standards and why they matter.
• Conduct periodic self-audits to identify gaps, reinforce protocols, and make     improvements before issues arise.

Walkingyour farm with “fresh eyes” can highlight things that fade into the backgroundduring daily routines, from signage placement to access points that may nolonger be as secure as intended.

Makeyour farm a harder target
Simple, visible measures send a clear message that access is controlled andmonitored.

• Post clear “No Trespassing” and biosecurity signage at entrances. Replace any signs that are old, faded, and hard to read.
• Install or maintain motion-sensor lighting and security cameras around barns, driveways, and access points.
• Use gates, fencing, and locks—and make sure they are used regularly, not just when it’s convenient.

Consistencymatters. When rules are followed every time, it removes guesswork for employeesand eliminates awkward situations when someone shows up unannounced.

People are part of security, too

Eventhe best physical security can be undermined if hiring practices are rushed orinformal. Those seeking access to farms sometimes attempt to do so throughemployment, making it critical to treat hiring as part of your overall securityplan.

• Maintain a formal hiring process that includes written applications, references, and verification of past employment.
• Take the time to call references and confirm information. A pro-tip is to search online for the main business number of a previous employer, not just the direct line provided by the applicant.
• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right during the hiring process, it’s worth digging deeper.

Employeesshould also know what to do if someone unexpected arrives on the farm. Clearguidance empowers them to act confidently rather than improvising in themoment. A good rule is to always question anyone that shows up announced.Activists have previously claimed to be government employees, journalists, orwith insurance companies. Always ask for credentials and always call theircompany to verify they are who they say they are.

Set the tone for the year ahead

Strongfarm security isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things deliberately andconsistently. A new year provides an opportunity to reset expectations, refreshtraining, and recommit to routines that protect everyone involved in youroperation.

America’sfarms are the front lines of our food supply. Keeping turkey farms secureprotects animal health and welfare, safeguards workers, and helps maintainpublic trust in poultry production. By starting the year with a proactivemindset and refreshed routines, farmers can reduce risk, strengthen resilience,and focus on what they do best—caring for their birds and running a successfuloperation.

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