Kentucky celebrates September as poultry month

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky Commissioner Jonathan Shell proclaimed September as Poultry Month, honoring the significant contribution of the poultry industry to the state's economy.

Poultry, encompassing chickens, turkeys, and eggs, has consistently been a top commodity in Kentucky.

“Kentucky poultry producers are an economic engine for Kentucky,” Commissioner Shell said. “With more than 850 poultry farms and roughly 3,200 poultry houses in 50 counties, not to mention the thousands of backyard flocks found throughout the Commonwealth, it’s no doubt how the poultry industry is a top commodity for Kentucky. We want to take this month to celebrate what our poultry producers contribute to our agricultural landscape.”

Poultry production has witnessed remarkable growth in Kentucky. In 2022, the industry contributed $1.79 billion to the state's agricultural cash receipts, marking a 36% increase from the previous survey.

This growth has not only supported the expansion of other agricultural commodities like corn and soybeans but has also attracted a younger generation of farmers to the industry.

Jamie Guffey, executive director of the Kentucky Poultry Federation, highlighted the industry's role in lowering the average age of farmers. "Poultry farming plays a crucial role in lowering the average age of farmers in the state, and we are proud to see more females leading poultry farms than in any other agricultural sector.”

Kentucky's broiler production ranks seventh nationally. The industry employs around 6,300 people directly and generates an additional 20,444 jobs in related sectors.

Egg producers contribute approximately $214.7 million to the state's economy and create 1,769 jobs. Kentucky produces 1.4 billion eggs annually, meeting a significant portion of the nation's demand.

The turkey industry also plays a vital role, contributing $2 million and creating 2,567 jobs. Kentucky's poultry industry is a major consumer of locally grown corn and soybeans, consuming 20-25% of the state's corn production.

Poultry Month serves as a recognition of the industry's economic impact and its contributions to Kentucky's agricultural landscape.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex