The United States is the largest global producer of poultry meat and a major consumer, with its industry heavily controlled by companies like Tyson Foods and JBS USA. While the industry is economically significant, it faces criticism for its environmental impact and animal welfare issues, though there is a growing demand for more sustainable and humane farming practices.
The U.S. Poultry Industry: A Comprehensive Overview
The United States is the largest producer of poultry meat worldwide, contributing to 17 percent of global poultry production. While China and Brazil are also significant producers, America stands out due to its enormous consumption of poultry and poultry products. On average, Americans consume over 95 pounds of chicken and 280 eggs per person each year, making the U.S. the highest consumer of chicken globally.
U.S. Poultry Industry: Key Statistics
The U.S. poultry industry is vast, with nearly 520 million chickens and 225 million turkeys in inventory at any given time. Annually, the industry produces a staggering eight and a half billion broilers, almost 100 billion eggs, and 240 million turkeys. These impressive numbers highlight the scale of the poultry business in the United States.
Major Poultry-Producing States
Most of America’s chickens are grown as broilers for the meat industry. The states of Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana lead in chicken production, with Iowa alone farming 60 million chickens in 2021.
How the U.S. Poultry Industry Operates
Broiler Chicken Production
Farmers typically purchase day-old chicks, which are almost entirely housed indoors. These chicks are fed chicken and grower pellets as they mature. Their environment is meticulously monitored and controlled to ensure optimal growth.
Commercial farmers design their broiler units for maximum efficiency, maintaining high temperatures to prevent the birds from wasting energy on keeping warm. The light-dark cycles are managed by the farmers, with more light to encourage eating and growth, and less darkness for sleeping. Broilers can be densely packed, with some units housing up to 40,000 birds. Legally, chickens are required to have only one to one and a half feet of space each. After approximately six weeks, the broilers are fully grown and ready for slaughter.
Egg Production
The United States is the second-largest producer of eggs globally, following China. In the 1940s and 50s, U.S. egg production transitioned from free-range to caged birds, allowing farmers to keep more hens and better manage waste. However, this shift led to decreased animal welfare.
Today, most egg-laying hens in the U.S. are battery hens, housed in cramped conditions. Some have slightly more space and environmental enrichment, but access to sunlight, grass, or fresh air is limited. Free-range hens, while having some outdoor access, are still a minority.
Turkey Production
Like chickens, most turkeys in the U.S. are housed indoors in controlled environments. They typically take 14 to 18 weeks to reach slaughter weight. The leading turkey-producing states are Minnesota, North Carolina, and Arkansas.
The Economic Structure of the Poultry Industry
In the U.S., poultry farmers are rarely completely independent. A few major companies, primarily Tyson Foods and JBS USA, dominate the industry. These companies control most of the production line, from feed and hatcheries to transportation and slaughterhouses, even covering on-farm medical expenses. This leaves farmers with little control, tasked with running their farms as efficiently as possible to maximize profits.
Historical Context
The idea of companies owning poultry production to maintain control began in the 1960s. Initially, big companies owned the farms but soon realized that farming was the least profitable part of the supply chain. Consequently, they contracted out the farming while retaining control over other processes, ensuring large profits with minimal risk.
Factors Behind U.S. Poultry Success
Several factors contribute to the success of poultry production in North America:
- Domestic Feed Production: The U.S. grows its poultry feed, primarily soybean protein and corn, reducing costs associated with importing.
- Genetic Improvements: The U.S. has some of the best genetically improved poultry, breeding efficient birds that require less feed to reach slaughter weight.
- Growing Consumer Demand: The public’s increasing desire for chicken meat has spurred the American poultry market’s growth, making it a crucial part of the economy.
Environmental and Welfare Considerations
Despite its economic benefits, the poultry industry faces criticism regarding environmental impact and animal welfare. Factory-style farms housing thousands of birds have emerged, significantly increasing production. However, this has led to environmental challenges, such as waste management and water system contamination.
Improving Sustainability
There are ways to improve animal welfare and protect the environment, including farming in an environmentally sustainable manner and managing animal density. By adopting these practices, the industry can continue to provide valuable protein sources while addressing environmental and welfare concerns.
Conclusion
The U.S. poultry industry is a powerhouse, contributing significantly to the global market. While it offers economic benefits and a reliable protein source, it also faces challenges related to environmental impact and animal welfare. By focusing on sustainable practices and addressing consumer concerns, the industry can continue to thrive while minimizing its negative impacts.
