DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Judias Neal
Judias Neal
Working with people has always been Judias Neal’s favorite task in his job with the Department of Poultry Science at Mississippi State.
“When I get up in the morning, I’m excited about going to work,” Judias said. “My supervisor and coworkers really make my job enjoyable. That’s key -- having a good working relationship with other employees.”
As a research technician for the MSU Poultry Unit, Judias’ responsibilities include overseeing three houses on the South Farm. One house is dedicated to hatching chicks and caring for them during their brooding period (the first eight to 10 weeks after hatching). Older chickens are housed in the second house, and the third house is for raising turkeys.
Judias is no stranger to the university. Before his bird work, he harvested catfish from the ponds on the South Farm.
“I became interested in working at MSU because I heard there was good retirement, a great working environment and even better people,” Judias explained. “Now, I’m able to live comfortably and work with some of the nicest people.”
Having students come back and express their appreciation for his work with the poultry unit is what Judias considers one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.
“It’s a joy to know that more young people are getting involved in poultry production,” Judias said. “With controversial issues in the media like steroid usage, it’s so important that we show students the truth about how we raise our chickens. Just giving them the opportunity for hands-on learning helps with that and gets them excited to learn more. With technology and facility upgrades, I can’t wait to see what the future for the state’s poultry industry holds.”
In 1998, Judias was called to the ministry and has been preaching at New St. Peters Baptist Church in West Point ever since. A Starkville native, Judias lives in Pheba with his wife of 20 years. He is a father of six and a grandfather of four.
“I love that my kids always come to me with problems and seek spiritual advice,” Judias said. “I thank God that my family is God-fearing and prides themselves on doing the right thing.”
Editor's note: The Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Spotlight Employee profiles are provided by the Office of Agricultural Communications at Mississippi State. For more information, please click here.
