About Poultry Prices
Poultry (primarily chicken) is the world's most consumed meat, surpassing pork in 2019. Unlike most commodities, poultry does not have a standardized futures contract on major exchanges, making real-time futures pricing unavailable.
Poultry prices are tracked through USDA wholesale price reports, industry benchmarks (Georgia Dock, Urner Barry), and producer company filings. Prices are influenced by feed costs (corn and soybean meal represent ~70% of production costs), avian influenza outbreaks, consumer demand, and export markets.
The U.S. is the world's largest poultry producer and second-largest exporter (after Brazil). The industry is highly consolidated, with Tyson Foods, Pilgrim's Pride, Sanderson Farms, and Perdue Farms controlling the majority of U.S. production.
Poultry Market Overview
Poultry is the fastest-growing protein globally due to its low cost, short production cycle (6–8 weeks from hatch to market), and broad cultural acceptance. Per capita chicken consumption in the U.S. has risen from 60 lbs in 2000 to over 100 lbs today.
Poultry Price History
Poultry prices are structurally linked to corn and soybean meal costs (~70% of production). The 2022 feed cost surge (driven by the Ukraine war) and recurring HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) outbreaks have created price volatility in what was historically a stable market.
Ways to Invest in Poultry
Without standardized futures, the best way to invest in poultry is through producer stocks. Tyson Foods (TSN) is the largest U.S. processor. Pilgrim's Pride (PPC, majority-owned by JBS) offers pure-play chicken exposure. Brazilian companies like BRF and JBS provide global poultry and protein diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't there a poultry futures contract?
Unlike cattle and hogs, the poultry industry is vertically integrated — the same companies control breeding, feed, growing, and processing. This vertical integration means companies manage price risk internally rather than through exchange-traded futures. Several attempts to launch chicken futures have failed due to low trading interest.
What drives poultry prices?
The main cost drivers are corn and soybean meal (feed costs = ~70% of total), followed by labor, energy, and transportation. On the demand side, consumer preferences, restaurant demand, export markets (especially China, Mexico, and the Middle East), and competition from beef and pork all influence pricing.
How does avian influenza affect the market?
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) can devastate flocks, requiring culling of millions of birds. The 2015 U.S. outbreak killed ~50 million birds and caused poultry and egg prices to spike. The 2022–2023 global HPAI wave was the largest in history, affecting production in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
Is poultry consumption still growing?
Yes, poultry is the fastest-growing animal protein globally, with consumption growing ~3% annually. It is projected to remain the world's most consumed meat through 2030 and beyond. Growth is driven by affordability, health perceptions (lower fat than red meat), short production cycles, and broad cultural acceptance across religions and regions.
Risk Warning
Commodity prices are highly volatile and can change rapidly. The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.