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Innovative Solutions for Poultry and Livestock Systems

{With decades of expertise, Val-Co is dedicated to providing high-quality equipment and reliable support to help farmers and producers thrive.

A Legacy of Innovation

Explore the key dates that mark our growth and commitment to quality.

1935

Fritz Steudler and his father bought Vallorbs Jewel Company in Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania, a maker of precision products like phonograph needles and jeweled bearings for watches and gyroscopes.

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1947

Pax is formed in Coldwater, Ohio and produces feeding equipment for the swine industry. In 1948, Pax introduces a patented circular outdoor hog feeder that leads the industry.

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1955

Beacon displays at the Southeast Poultry & Egg Convention, now the International Production and Processing Expo . VAL-CO now has the fourth-longest running presence at the IPPE show in Atlanta, GA.

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1964

Vallorbs begins to sell precision machined components to Westinghouse Nuclear. Today, Vallorbs continues as a preferred supplier to Westinghouse Nuclear with an unsurpassed quality control and delivery record.

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1968

Pax introduces the corrugated circular feed bin to the agricultural industry.

1979

Val Watering unveils the biggest breakthrough in poultry watering: the Val Nipple Drinker. It ensures clean, abundant water for poultry, boosting bird health and performance. The VAL-CO Nipple Drinker remains the global leader today.

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1986

Raydot introduces the first fiberglass fan to the market. VAL-CO has since expanded this line to include up to a 54″-inch fan with a poly-cone; the best choice for fan longevity.

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1996

Blue Earth Research introduces the Ventium Whole-house Controller. The Ventium wins an award as one of the top 50 Agricultural Engineering products and starts a revolution in confinement building environmental control.

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2002

VAL-CO is formed and eventually includes Vallorbs, Val Watering, Pax, Raydot, Blue Earth Research, Beacon, and Safeguard.

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And, as they say, the rest is history!

Valco

Core Values

The VAL-CO Board and managers are committed to guiding the business by our Core Values. These principles are non-negotiable, shaping everything we do and defining our culture. While we may stumble, we hold each other accountable to ensure our actions align with these values.

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Biblical Principles

Our core values are aligned with God’s Word and reflect Christ. God has temporarily entrusted His company to us and we should honor Him in all that we do.

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Value People

VAL-CO recognizes the importance and value of our employees and their families, and our customers and vendors. Each of the contributions are an integral part of the company’s overall success.

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Integrity

We act with honesty, not compromising the truth, in the face of all obstacles. While business results are critical, how results are achieved are as important as the results themselves.

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Quality

VAL-CO will always strive to deliver the value that our customers, employees, shareholders, and other business partners expect every time we interact with them.

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Profitability

We have a responsibility to earn consistent and satisfactory profits for our shareholders, and to reinvest in our people, products, and processes.

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Stewardship

As temporary managers of God’s company, we will be good stewards of the profits that He has allowed us to earn by sharing with those that are less fortunate.

Phil Risser Headshot

Phil Risser

President & CEO

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Bob Zeller Headshot

Bob Zeller

VP Business Development, North America

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Adrian Hunting Headshot

Adrian Hunting

VP Sales, International

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Haven Wheless

Territory Sales

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Jon Teeter

Territory Sales

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Trey Martin

Director of Sales, NA

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Wayne Kelling

Territory Sales, NA

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Mark Kittrell

Territory Sales

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Chad Deatherage

Territory Sales

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Andrew Thompson

Territory Sales

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Soufiane Talmoust

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Eduardo Garza

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Diego Borquez

South American Sales

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Thierry Claireau

South East Asia Sales

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Galina Sadovska

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Phil Risser

President & CEO

Phil was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on the same dairy farm he lives on today. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Engineering from Penn State University and University of Wisconsin – Madison respectively. While working for International Harvester, he received his first of many patents. Phil has led multiple engineering teams, including the VAL-CO Engineering Department since 2009. In 2013, he took on the role of President & CEO, but continues to lead the engineering team. In addition to his responsibilities in the office, he has stayed true to his farmer roots, and still runs a 100 acre farm. Phil is dedicated to growing VAL-CO by supporting and serving his team members. His development mindset has led to innovative products, a reputation for quality, and marked growth both domestically and across international markets. Phil believes that hard work works and is relentless in overcoming challenges. He acts with integrity, respect, and tolerance in all of his business dealings, and encourages creativity and teamwork to support innovative improvements. Phil enjoys working way too much, farming and field work, backpacking in the Rockies, and spending time at his cabin.
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Bob Zeller

VP Business Development, North America

Bob was born and primarily raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, excepting a seven-year stay in Germany. Upon graduation from West Chester State College (now West Chester University). Bob worked for Pennfield Feed selling grain to cattle producers. He successfully grew his territory over the years before coming to VAL-CO, where he began his career in poultry and swine. Bob strives to “always do the right thing, even when no one is looking” and this mantra has afforded him the privilege to lead people and watch them grow over the years. Bob’s all-time favorite hobby is golf, but he also enjoys biking and skiing, including helicopter skiing down mountains in avalanches.
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Adrian Hunting

VP Sales, International

Adrian was born and raised as a true citizen of the globe. Originally from Wales, he’s lived in various parts of the United Kingdom, spent several years in Nigeria, and moved back to England where he completed his secondary education. After working some time in the oil industry, Shell UK granted him a scholarship to study geology, which he studied at London University. After the oil prices crashed, Adrian moved to Scotland to work odd jobs, finally finding steady work with Booker McConnell where he established, constructed and managed operational salmon farms. He left the UK for New Zealand in 1987, taking his expertise in fisheries with him. Eventually he switched to poultry, running a breeding program for Tegel Foods. He moved to Fiji to set up a breeding program, which became his first encounter with VAL-CO, when he purchased equipment for a new breeder farm. He became an independent VAL-CO agent covering Asia and achieved phenomenal growth in that area. He eventually relocated to Holland, Netherlands, and is currently the VP of International Sales. Once a competitive rugby player, he has since resigned to armchair critic. He also has a love for sailing, hiking, gardening and woodworking. He has relocated back to New Zealand to be with his wife, Carol, their children, and new granddaughter when he is not traveling.
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Haven Wheless

Territory Sales

As an Athens, GA native, Haven has poultry farming at his roots. He attended the University of Georgia where he studied Forestry, but couldn’t escape fate, and has been in the chicken business for 17 years. His years of experience and his humble, grounded demeanor have helped him become a trusted adviser in his role as Territory Sales Manager. He has seen the industry evolve from the labor-intensive practice it once was to the streamlined, technologically advanced system it is today, and looks forward to the continuing trend of automation in the industry. Haven cherishes his family – his wife and best friend Kim, and daughter, Alli. In his free time he hunts, fishes, and enjoys college football.
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Jon Teeter

Territory Sales

Originally from North Carolina, Jon studied Poultry Science, Business Management at North Carolina State University. Before coming to VAL-CO, he spent 10 years with Cobb-Vantress, eight years with Pilgrim’s Pride, and two years with Big Dutchman. Jon will be responsible for helping poultry and swine customers alike, growing relationships throughout North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delmarva and other parts of the Northeast.
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Trey Martin

Director of Sales, NA

Trey was born and raised in central Alabama and studied Agriculture Business and Economics at Auburn University. Trey spent 13.5 years, all in Live Production with Tyson Foods. Trey’s duties ranged from a Broiler Service Technician to a Broiler, Breeder and Hatchery Manager and finally to Live Production Manager. Currently, Trey is the newest member of the VAL-CO sales team, as the Upper Midwest Territory Sales Manager, where he provides service to distributors and customers. He enjoys being able to work alongside people to help them achieve their goals. His work is influenced by his strong faith, integrity, and honesty; he strives to be a servant leader each and every day. He enjoys going to church with his family and spending time together on the weekends, along with most outdoor activities with hunting and golf near the top.
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Wayne Kelling

Territory Sales, NA

Wayne was raised on a turkey farm in Central Minnesota. He worked for Jennie-O through high school and college. He attended Bemidji State University where he majored in Environmental Studies. During his 28 years with Jennie-O, he held many roles in live production. He worked with Hendrix Genetics for a bit after they started their parent stock operation in South Dakota. Currently, Wayne works VAL-CO covering the Upper Midwest and Canada. Wayne enjoys frolicking in the outdoors in his downtime. He can be found canoeing, camping, skiing, or ice fishing through the year.
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Mark Kittrell

Territory Sales

Mark Kittrell is from Southwest Missouri. He got started in poultry while in school by helping out a friend managing a farm. Eventually, he began work for Hudson Foods where he helped grow their turkey operation. When Tyson Foods bought the company, he transferred to the chicken side of the business. He held multiple roles throughout his career, including Hatchery Manager, Live Production Manager, and Senior Production Manager at Cobb. After a brief retirement and a year travelling, he’s back to work with VAL-CO as a Territory Sales Manager covering Missouri, Arkansas, and Kentucky. His loyalty and years of experience earned him a long career in the industry. Mark spends his free time with his wife of 42 years, his children, and his grandchildren. He enjoys wood working, pheasant hunting, fishing, and many outdoor activities.
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Chad Deatherage

Territory Sales

Chad was born and raised in Central Oklahoma. From an early age he was active member of FFA and showing pigs, which grew into a career. While attending college at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Chad started working for Seaboard Farms. After graduation, Chad stayed with SBF and took on various roles, Breeding Dept manager, Sow Farm manager and AI transfer manager. After 10 years of working in live production, Chad made the bold move to Feed and Nutrition Sales Consultant with Standard Nutrition. In those 15 years, Chad helped many pork producers with barn, diet, pig flow and expansion plans. Chad is the newest member of VAL-CO, as Mid-West Territory Sales Manager, serving the pork client base through dealers. He looks forward to continuing to grow his network and bringing his 25+ years of experience to best serve VAL-CO and their valued customers. In his free time Chad can usually be found in a hockey rink, watching their 14 year old son, or watching their 9 year old daughter in competitive cheer. Chad is married to his wife he met while stocking his GN farm from PIC. Chad and Tracey have been together for 21 years, lived in 4 different states all while never leaving the central time zone. Chad loves golfing with their son, Cooper and teaching their daughter, Emma hitting techniques in softball. Chad is an Army Veteran, so being a servant leader to God, his family and country is important to him. He lives it every day through helping others.
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Andrew Thompson

Territory Sales

Andrew is a Territory Sales Manager covering Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. He has spent the past ten years in live production with both Cobb-Vantress and Wayne Farms, and most recently as Area Breeder Manager for Wayne Farms in south Alabama. Andrew enjoys a challenge, hence his 10 years spent working with broiler breeders. His proudest professional accomplishments always revolve around building and maintaining genuine relationships.
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Soufiane Talmoust

Soufiane grew up in Kenitra, Morocco. He and his family have been in the poultry industry for many years – both his father and grandfather are poultry farmers. He came to the United States to study agricultural engineering at Iowa State University, with a focus on animal production systems. While at university, he learned about VAL-CO products while working with Ventra Pro Controllers. Now, he works as the African Sales Manager where he is responsible for assisting dealers and distributors to be successful in their markets. In his spare time, Soufiane enjoys spending time with his family, and playing with his son.
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Eduardo Garza

Eduardo was born in Mexico where he moved frequently while growing up. He frequently changed schools, but also made many friends who he is still close with today. Eduardo studied mechanical engineering at UDLAP University in Puebla, Mexico. Prior to working with VAL-CO, Eduardo worked at a livestock supply dealership in Mexico. Today, he works for VAL-CO as a territory Sales Manager covering Mexico and South America, where he focuses on providing technical solutions to his customers and helping to grow local poultry and swine businesses. He was excited for the opportunity to come on board with VAL-CO as he would be able to grow his skills, expand his knowledge, and work with a global company that shares his same values. Integrity, friendliness, reliability, and stewardship are key to developing trust – the basis of a great relationship. Eduardo moved to the US in 2018 with his wife and their daughter. He spends most of his free time with them because he travels frequently, but also enjoys basketball, football, and outdoor activities with his Jeep.
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Diego Borquez

South American Sales

Diego is a dedicated agricultural engineer with over 14 years of experience in the farm equipment industry, possessing deep knowledge of the agricultural landscape in South America. He studied agricultural engineering in Santiago, Chile (Universidad Mayor), and spent about 8 years working at Novagri, a prominent VAL-CO dealer in the region, before transitioning into entrepreneurship. Diego is passionate about sustainable farming practices, particularly in poultry production and composting, as well as improving production efficiency and organic waste management. He is married to Paulina Salcedo, a specialist in international trade, and they have a delightful 6-year-old daughter named Laura. Outside of work, he is an enthusiastic sports and music fan, who enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, embracing a well-balanced lifestyle that enriches both his professional and personal endeavors.
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Thierry Claireau

South East Asia Sales

VAL-CO has made a significant appointment with Thierry Claireau as our new Southeast Asia Regional Sales Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the poultry and swine industry, particularly with Dosatron livestock applications, Mr. Claireau seems well-equipped to develop the ASEAN markets for VAL-CO’s product lines. His mission includes enhancing the quality of services and technical support, ensuring user satisfaction, and improving performance ratios. Mr. Claireau’s enthusiasm for this new challenge and his commitment to end-user satisfaction reflect VAL-CO’s dedication to quality and innovation. It will be obviously interesting to see how his expertise and leadership contribute to the company’s growth and success in the region.
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Galina Sadovska

Galina was born and raised in Cherkasy, Ukraine. In her hometown, Galina joined a Broiler Breeder Company. She says, “if I only knew that Gallinas (chickens) would be my Industry for at least next 20 years.” After relocating and working in Moscow, Galina eventually moved to the Netherlands. Dedicating 9 years to the industry in the Netherlands, learning a lot and experiencing the life in the Western Europe, it was time to move forward. Still living in the Netherlands, Galina joined Val-Co as the Area Sales manager Eastern Europe. In 2017 she was promoted to the Regional Sales Manager Europe and Africa. She enjoys the challenge of being entrusted to manage such a large territory. When not traveling for work, she loves traveling, taking pictures, gardening, interior design, and cooking.