A dynamic and integral part of the national economy, companies involved in the production and processing of poultry provide 2,012,560 jobs that pay $132.7 billion in wages to families throughout the country, generate about $663.6 billion in annual economic impact, and about $54.1 billion in taxes.
Arkansas
Poultry is the leading agricultural industry in Arkansas, providing over 174,871 jobs in the state. Over 6,500 farms in Arkansas produce some type of poultry. Northwest Arkansas, particularly Washington and Benton counties, produces the most poultry in Arkansas. In 2024 the poultry industry in Arkansas provided $6.7 billion (53%) of the total agriculture cash receipts. Of the poultry cash receipts, broilers were the largest contributor providing 44% of the state’s total agricultural cash receipts.
Missouri
Missouri agriculture continues to be a great strength to the state’s economy. Nearly 95,000 farms located on more than 27 million acres employ a quarter million Missourians. Poultry is the second most valuable livestock commodity. In 2024 the industry provided $2.03 billion of the total agriculture cash receipts. Of the poultry cash receipts, broilers were the largest contributor providing $1.07 billion to the state’s total agricultural cash receipts.
Oklahoma
Since the early nineteenth century, domesticated chickens and turkeys have been a mainstay in Oklahoma. Poultry production, consisting of broilers and egg-laying flocks, is located primarily in the eastern third of the state. In 2024 the poultry industry provided $1.23 billion to the state's agriculture cash receipts. The poultry industry has significantly boosted the agriculture economy in eastern Oklahoma.
Resources
USDA Poultry Production & Value Report 2024
https://www.poultryfeedsamerica.org
https://www.chickenfeedsamerica.org
