15 Key Resources for Poultry Farmers

Poultry farming has been an essential aspect of society for many centuries, and today it is still just as important.  In 2019, the rate of poultry production globally reached an unprecedented peak of 130 million tons, a nearly 3.7% increase from 2018. This upward trend is expected to continue. Interestingly, the U.S tops the list with 23 million tons.

Are you looking to invest in poultry farming? Do you want to enhance your poultry production? We have compiled a list of key resources for poultry farmers you may find useful. These resources help poultry farmers get the latest information on important matters from how to access tools, ways to properly manage manure and get ahead of the curve with info on legislation, bio and data security. Here are 15 resources you may find useful:

1. Poultry Integrators

An essential resource for those who are interested in becoming commercial poultry farmers are the poultry integrators who contract with farmers to produce chickens and other poultry products for their brands. These companies include some of the biggest names, such as Tyson and Perdue. They each have specific policies and requirements that you’ll be responsible for meeting if you choose to contract with them. If you are buying a poultry farm that has an existing contract with an integrator, you’ll want to know more about that relationship and how it may impact your business practices.

2. National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC) at Auburn University

NPTC has some great information on ventilation and an app to help you calculate minimum ventilation needs.

3. University Of Georgia Extension

Preventing the development and circulation of disease-causing organisms is important. Here you can learn some of the best practices in biosecurity procedures, including some region-specific challenges.

4. University of Mississippi Extension

Provides key information on pest control (including some in an easy-to-consume “FAQ” style), feeding management, reproduction and incubation.

5. Watt Poultry

Watt Poultry is a site that is focused on news and analysis about what is happening in the global poultry industry. Whether it is the latest on Avian flu outbreaks or prevention, what business moves the industry giants are making or editorials on how decisions being made could affect your operations, this site has insights you can use.

6. American Farm Bureau Federation

This is a membership group who provides education and advocacy for farmers. They are focused on representing and informing on important issues across the agricultural spectrum, including commercial poultry.

7. U.S Poultry And Egg Association

The U.S. Poultry And Egg Association represents processors and producers of eggs, broilers, turkeys, breeding stock, and allied companies. This association is focused on education, research, and communication. They support the poultry and egg sector via research associated with every aspect of the poultry industry. They keep poultry farmers up to date with the recent research, food safety trends, federal regulations and technical expertise to help provide and maintain a healthy food supply.