Georgia’s poultry industry August 2017
Global impact Worldwide poultry consumption of 32 lb/person US consumes 91.3 lb/person Average GA poultry farm produces enough chicken to feed 22,000 people 1 meal/day Georgia exported 539,600 metric tons of broiler meat products in 2013 15% of total US broiler exports $685 million Port of Savannah moves approximately 1/3 of total waterborne poultry exports
Georgia’s Poultry Industry Number 1 broiler producing state since 1997 Followed by Alabama and Arkansas If GA were independent country, would be 7th largest poultry producer Poultry represents 47% of Georgia’s agricultural industry Row crops 44% Livestock and dairy 7%
Georgia’s Daily Production 2014 daily production stats 29 million pounds broiler meat 9 million table eggs 5.5 million hatching eggs 59 Georgia counties have non-farm poultry facilities Processing plant Hatchery Feed mill Table egg processors
Poultry’s Impact on GA Economy $38 billion contribution to GA economy Farms, processing, further processing, and allied industry activities For comparison, GA’s state budget is funded by $23.7 billion in state funds 138,000 Georgia jobs depend on industry Directly or indirectly $2.08 Billion in federal taxes $1.30 Billion in state and local taxes 102 of 159 counties produce $1M or more in poultry farm level revenue per year
Why Georgia? Infrastructure Highway system Railroad Port of Savannah 1,249 Interstate miles 4,328 National Highway System miles Railroad 2 Mainlines – 3,631 miles 23 Shortlines – 1,012 miles Port of Savannah 5th largest port in US 55% growth in past 5 years
Poultry Terminology Pullets Breeders Broilers Commercial Layers Immature breeder hen Generally less than 25 weeks of age and not producing eggs Breeders Laying hens which produce eggs that are hatched for broiler production Genetically selected for broiler performance traits Broilers Meat-type chickens raised for human consumption Commercial Layers Laying hens producing eggs for human consumption
Poultry Housing - General Exteriors very similar Equipment specific for pullets, breeders, broilers Slight variances between integrators Depends on bird size, placement density, etc.
Poultry Housing - Pullets Smaller farms Generally 2 or 3 houses Designed to maximize bird uniformity More feed space Hardest houses to cashflow Low volume 2 flocks per year Trend toward retrofit broiler houses
Poultry Housing Pullets
Poultry Housing - Pullets
Poultry Housing - Pullets
Poultry Housing - Breeders Most expensive housing Upwards of $350,000 per house Generally 2-4 houses per farm Designed for chick production Nests for egg production Slats for feed, water, hen safety Egg storage capabilities
Poultry Housing - Breeders
Poultry Housing - Breeders
Poultry Housing - Breeders
Poultry Housing - Breeders
Poultry Housing - Broilers Largest farms 4+ houses Designed to maximize growth and bird health Wind speed House tightness Cooling systems Cool pads Fogging systems Most variability between integrators House size House design
Poultry Housing - Broilers
Poultry Housing - Broilers
Poultry Housing - Broilers
Poultry Housing - Broilers
Poultry Housing Trends Housing driven by financial changes Larger farms to maximize cashflow Balance between integrator specs and bank requirements Aging housing replaced with new or retrofit housing Customer driven Shift toward larger houses Integrator variability “Mega House” stigma
Poultry Housing - Challenges Community concerns Odor Ventilation improvements Revised cleanout schedules Traffic Improved performance to minimize feed deliveries More rural areas have weaker infrastructure Loss of property value Real or perceived? Local ordinances Must work with industry and community Gordon County recent “success” from both community and industry perspective
Georgia’s Poultry Industry ANY QUESTIONS?