Ben Lawton, one of the most universally respected people in the pheasant business, has retired from MacFarlane Pheasants after 31 years. Brad Lillie, Chief Financial Officer describes him as “one of the hardest working and most motivated individuals I have ever known.” Ben’s accomplishments over 30 years at MacFarlane Pheasants have earned the respect of everyone here at the farm, but also national and international respect as a game bird expert.
Ben has been the hatchery manager at MacFarlane Pheasants for 30 years. His expertise in that area and in biosecurity have been instrumental in the success of the farm. He has been a featured speaker at our seminars because of his ability to share his expertise in pheasant management in plain language. As one of the pheasant world’s most outstanding biosecurity experts, he wrote a manifesto for biosecurity that will continue to be used long after his retirement. He has taken the responsibility for hatching 80,000 birds a week in peak hatching season year after year. Bill MacFarlane describes his work ethic as “impressive” and is proud to say that he chose to work at MacFarlane Pheasants during his entire career.
Ben began working on the farm in 1986, after completing a degree in Poultry Science with a Natural Resources Emphasis. He started his career with a solid base of knowledge and ended it with achievements far beyond our greatest expectations. He has left such an impression on other employees that his legacy will live on, despite not having his daily presence on the farm.
Krystal Price will miss her friend and mentor, Ben Lawton, as she assumes the position of Hatchery Manger for MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc. Thank you, Ben for blessing us with your time on our farm and for preparing Krystal to take over the hatchery. Wishing you the best in your well deserved retirement.
