Contract chicken growers: What is a contract grower? How and why do farmers and chicken companies partner to raise chickens?

A contract grower is an independent farmer working under contract with a chicken production and processing company to raise chickens. More than 90% of all chickens raised for meat in the U.S. (broiler chickens) are raised by contract growers.

The company with which the farmer contracts provides the chickens, the feed, veterinarian care and technical advice—removing about 97% of the economic risk from farmers, compared to independent growers. Meanwhile, contract poultry farmers provide day-to-day care of the birds, land and housing on which they’re raised, and utilities/maintenance of the housing. This mutually beneficial partnership (a key part of vertical integration) supports the economic viability and independence of the family farm while ensuring efficiency and consistency in modern poultry production. A March 2022 survey* from companies responsible for 83% of U.S. chicken production found that the partnerships are mutually beneficial, successful and profitable.

Here are some interesting facts about contract farming:

More than 50% of farmers have been with their current company for 10 years or more. Almost three-quarters have been with the same company for 5 years or more. These results are almost identical to the 2015 version of this report.

Elam, Dr. Thomas (2022) “Live Chicken Production Trends.” FarmEcon, LLC

Chicken companies remove approximately 97% of the economic risk from growers, compared to independent growers who bear all of that risk on their own.

Knoeber, C.R. and W.N. Thurman (1995), “’Don’t Count Your Chickens…’: Risk and Risk Shifting  in the Broiler Industry”, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol.  77(3), p. 486-496

The integration of the chicken industry and this performance based structure has saved consumers well over $1 trillion since 1980.

Elam, Dr. Thomas. (2010)  “Proposed GIPSA Rules Relating to the Chicken Industry: Economic Impact.”  FarmEcon LLC 

How are contract farmers paid? What is the “tournament system?”

Farmers are paid under contract with a chicken company based on their performance in raising the healthiest chickens, which would be clearly outlined in the farmers’ contract. This performance-based or incentive structure is sometimes referred to as the “tournament system.” Farmers are paid according to both the quality and quantity of their flock, as well as how efficiently the chickens are raised.

This structure—based on the most fundamental elements of any business atmosphere—is the best way to ensure that chicken farmers are rewarded for producing quality chickens in a sustainable way. It also ensures that the welfare of the birds is the farmers’ top priority. While the term “tournament” implies that there is only one winner, there are quite literally, hundreds of millions of winners who enjoy a safe, wholesome, and affordable supply of chicken you can feel confident was raised responsibly and sustainably.

While all contract farmers are provided the same quality of chicks, the same feed, and access to veterinary care, farmers who invest in more advanced facilities and farmers who put the most effort in to the best management practices will likely produce higher quality chickens more efficiently. This independent farmer contract structure is credited with not only saving farming operations, but helping those farms thrive in what was once a struggling industry.

“Having been poultry producers for the past 24 years we have witnessed the highs and the lows in the farm economy and the poultry industry in particular. The integrated production contract has provided us with a regular source of income while significantly shielding us from the adverse impact of low commodity prices…. Our family farm is helping to provide Americans with a safe, affordable and environmentally responsible homegrown supply of wholesome protein. This would not be possible without our contract with a vertically integrated poultry processing company.”

–Dan & Janet King, Zenda View Farm, Virginia

Chicken companies want their farmers to strive and to prosper, and they do everything possible to help the farmer raise the healthiest birds possible. The ultimate success of the chicken company, and the entire industry, depends on it.

“I am a farmer, a businesswoman, and have been a poultry grower for over 20 years. I have been successful in this business by staying ahead of the competition. Is that not how a business should operate?”

–Denise Callaway, Mardela Springs, Maryland

So, how exactly does this system work?

Consider this: Two professional baseball players are vying for a new contract in the major leagues. Player A has worked hard throughout the off-season, investing in a new hitting coach, daily workouts and countless hours watching game film, resulting in a season hitting .314, with 25 homeruns and 100 runs batted in. Player B coasts through the off-season, is happy with the status quo and bats .269, with 10 homeruns and 60 runs batted in. Which player deserves the better contract?

Just like in the MLB, the farmers who invest the time and money to better their operations are going to be compensated accordingly. Some critics will argue that all chicken farmers should receive the same base pay, but we don’t necessarily agree. We see how hard some farmers work to ensure they’re producing the safest, most wholesome chickens, and feel that they should be rewarded for their efforts. We employ a performance-based structure in the hope that everyone will be motivated to bring their “A” game.

That performance structure works like this:

• Farmers are delivered chickens on the day that they are hatched, to be raised in the houses provided by the contract farmer. Feed, water, veterinarians and animal welfare experts are provided by the company, and farmers provide housing, maintenance and day-to-day care of the flocks.
• Farmers and companies agree on a predetermined price per pound of weight gain built around an average, which guarantees the farmer a certain rate for all chickens that meet certain standards when the birds reach market age.
• Farmers are paid based on the weight gained by the flock, meaning that farmers with greater skills and better management, combined with advancements on the farm, will earn a little more.
• However, all farmers are paid a base, prearranged compensation, and all farmers are held to standards of animal welfare that ensure sound animal husbandry. Abuse of any kind is not tolerated, and if found, can lead to the termination of a farmer’s contract.

“The incentive program is a reward and makes my hard work worthwhile.”

–Winston Lee Kennedy, Glenville, Georgia

What is the benefit of contract farming?

The current system is beneficial to both the companies and the farmers, who like partnering with a company that can absorb most of the risk (chicken farmers get a “guaranteed market,” which means they avoid the risk of being unable to sell their products or having to sell at a loss).

Contract farming is an excellent supplemental income for farmers, helping farmers diversify their business while bringing in a modest income, which in turn has helped keep tens of thousands of families on small farms who otherwise would have had to get out of agriculture altogether. On average, almost 95% of all contract farmers are retained year over year by the same company, and most companies have waiting lists for farmers wanting to enter a partnership, as well as waiting lists for existing chicken farmers looking to increase capacity by building more houses.

The cost of feed—mostly corn and soybean meal—is about 65% of the cost in raising a chicken. These costs fluctuate a lot, but contract chicken farmers are insulated from the volatile swings of the commodity markets. If there is a flood, a freeze or a drought, grain prices can easily double—driving up feed costs—but contract farmers will still receive the same pay rate in their contracts, and chicken companies would absorb billions of dollars in losses. During that same period, many independent cattle and hog producers would be forced to sell off animals early or drastically reduce their herds. In other words, chicken farmers are ensured of a stable compensation for their efforts, no matter what the feed or grocery markets are doing.

The system is also extremely beneficial to consumers, who are able to rely on a consistent, quality product. Discover more about how contract farmer and chicken company partnerships enable consumers to enjoy healthy, affordable protein.

Is there any government oversight of these poultry contracts?

The chicken company-farmer relationship is extensively regulated by federal law. Livestock and poultry procurement and marketing practices are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Packers and Stockyards Division (PSD), which administers and enforces the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect farmers, ranchers and consumers.

What do America’s chicken farmers have to say about contract farming?

If you’d like to learn more about life as an independent contract poultry farmer, watch this video.

For more information on how U.S. chicken is produced, check out this infographic:

*Elam, T., FarmEcon LLC. Live Chicken Production Trends. March 2022.