Feeding the world since 1937

MISSISSIPPI’S POULTRY INDUSTRY

In the early 1900’s chickens where mainly raised for household egg production

The birds were kept as backyard flocks

Primary focus was on breeding

The meat was a by-product of male and culled females

It was more of a delicacy for Sunday Dinners rather than an everyday meal.Year round poultry production was limited.

EARLY PRODUCTION YEARS

In 1923, Mrs. Wilmer Steel of Delaware became the pioneer of the commercial broiler industry.

She received a fl ock of 500 chicks instead of 50 chicks.

She raised them as meat chickens, now known as the broiler.

Her l ittle business was so profi table that, by 1926, Mrs. Steele was able to build a broiler house with a capacity of 10,000 birds.

By 1928, there were 500 farms in the Delmarva peninsula with an average capacity of 2,000 birds per farm.

By the 1930’s, poultry production increased tremendously.

The increase in production raised more concern about disease.

EARLY PRODUCTION YEARS

In 1935, the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) was initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide better control and eventual eradication of disease.

Mississippi adopted the guidelines from the NPIP to form the Mississippi Poultry Improvement Plan, which was administered through Mississippi A&M College (Mississippi State University) and the Mississippi Livestock Sanitary Board (Mississippi Board of Animal Health).

In 1937, the Mississippi Poultry Improvement Association was formed to promote, advance and protect the poultry industry in Mississippi by enforcing the federal and state poultry improvement plans.

The Mississippi Poultry Improvement Association is now known as the Mississippi Poultry Association (MPA).

THE MISSISSIPPI POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

WWII promoted larger fl ocks for eggs and meat to feed troops; rationing of meat increased egg consumption.

Due to the increased demand for poultry production, the industry expanded from the Delmarva Peninsula down into the southern United States.

This shift was caused by the high demand for poultry in order in to fi ll soldiers’ rations while at war.

Mississippi’s poultry industry had already begun to grow as poultry companies emerged in the state in the late 30’s and early 40’s.

Mississippi State University established the Poultry Science department in the 1946-47 School Session

1940’S-1950’S: THE START OF AN INDUSTRY

Production was all over the state

Feed companies began to dominate the industry

Feed companies introduced “service men” who would off er advice to growers

Contracts with growers became more prevalent, in order to guarantee payments

The companies owned the chickens, supplied feed, and pay based on weight.

Growers built the houses and provided maintenance and utility costs.

Consumers began to demand chicken parts rather than whole chickens.

1950’S-1970’S: INDUSTRY INTEGRATION

1950’-1970’S: INDUSTRY INTEGRATION

In 1954, The National Broiler Council was established to stimulate consumer demand. In 1990, the name was changed to the National Chicken Council.

In 1957, commercial egg production begins in Mississippi Vertical Integration and consolidation became a big part of

the industry in our state. In the 1960’s and 70’s the industry matured. Several companies were purchased by larger companies in

order to improve effi ciencies or increase production. Companies began to handle the production, processing and

marketing of birds. Also, new pharmaceutical, biological and production

technologies allowed the growing industry to become more effi cient, responsive and profi table.

Companies began to build brand recognition with private labeling.

1950’S-1970’S: INDUSTRY INTEGRATION

University research conducted on diseases, genetics, housing, l ighting and ventilation improvements.

Companies were constantly searching for ways to keep the consumer’s costs low.

Russian market opened for U.S. leg quarters.

In 1980, further processed poultry is introduced

Consumer preferences shift toward convenience items (cut-up meat and further processed) as compared to purchasing whole birds

In 1985, consumer demand for poultry surpasses pork

Poultry became the top agricultural commodity in Mississippi.

Consumer demand exploded with fast food Chicken Nugget Buff alo Wing

1970’S-1990’S: ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS

The industry in the state continued to grow.

New companies entered the state, causing the number of plants and growers to grow.

The vertically integrated industry in Mississippi is located in Central and Southern Mississippi.

The poultry industry continued to be the largest income producing agricultural commodity in Mississippi.

In 1996, the poultry industry produced $1.35 billion in farm value products and contributed more than $8.5 billion dollars annually to Mississippi’s economy.

1990’S: GROWING PAINS

Technology continued to improve by building upon the advances of the 1990’s, the industry moved toward automation and innovative technology.

Chicken houses become computerized to maintain optimal conditions.

Exports count for nearly 20% of poultry production nationally.

Mississippi becomes 4 th in broiler production nationwide.

2000’S: CONTINUED GROWTH

Mississippi has 2,000 poultry growers who are paid more than $2.5 billion annually.

There are 22 processing plants, which create hourly wage and salaried jobs for many workers.

More than 55,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created in the state

Total economic impact is between $6-$8 billion annually.

On average, Mississippi can produce 800 million broilers per year, or close to 1,500 per minute.

Mississippi is home to the largest egg processor in the world.

Mississippi poultry has a national and global reach, reaching many diff erent states and foreign countries.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

The change in demand has become more event driven over the years

The Mississippi poultry industry will continue to adapt and be on the forefront of creating and adopting new technology to improve effi ciency and add value.

Consumers can remain confi dent that chicken and egg products will remain a safe, delicious and economical protein source for future generations.

Research is being tested for alternative energy sources made from broiler litter, solar energy and plant sludge. Using these alternate sources will help growers and integrators remain competitive in strenuous economic conditions.

Stewardship of the environment and natural resources will continue to be a top priority for the poultry industry.

2012 AND BEYOND: LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

Looking Back at the years

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT:

Mississippi Poultry Association, Inc. (MPA)110 Airport Road South, Suite C

Pearl, MS 39208(601)932-7560

OR ON THE WEB AT:

www.mspoultry.org