Contents April 2006 Volume 52 No. 4 22 26 32 38 Mixed signals Going robotic Northeastern niche Real world Springdale Packers' response to market challenges are surprising An overview of the benefits offered by automation Pennsylvania's poultry hotbed John Tyson tells it like it is 42 48 54 Individual portions Caring for carcasses Bacon makes cents A closer look at the portion control segment Carcass treatment systems set the tone for quality and safety The business behind bacon processing 22 26 38 Departments News & Opinion The Front Page 48 Late breaking news ....... 3 International News & Trends Commentary News briefs from around the world ......... 19 Attention getters ........... 10 Advertising Index ......... 73 Classified Ads .............. 70 Names in the News ...... 69 News from Suppliers.... 68 Product Showcase ........ 64 The Insider ................. 74 Washington Business Notes News briefs from around the industry ..... 12 Ombudsman search on hold ........................ 20 Labor Donning and doffing clarified ....................... 62 www.MEATPOULTRY.com I April 2006 I MEAT&POULTRY I 7http://www.MEATPOULTRY.com