Chicken Industry Education and Training

Learning what there is to know about poultry science

Although the outlook for small farmers is generally considered dim, many experts say today's farmers will soon retire, leaving a great window of opportunity for those with chicken industry education and training. Although poultry farmers and chicken processors can make their business as large or small as they desire, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the salary for agricultural managers in 2007 was an average of $61,030. But this isn't an industry you can just step into. Knowledge is essential to success.
Most experts suggest training begin in high school, with an emphasis on biology, chemistry and math classes. FFA and 4-H programs are also an excellent idea, and hands-on training on a chicken farm is priceless. Once high school has ended, however, consider the following steps:
1. Obtain a degree appropriate for chicken farming businesses.
2. Join organizations for chicken producers and farmers.
3. Seek out publications to further your knowledge about the chicken farming business.

 

Pursue a degree for the poultry farm business

Gone are the days when poultry farmers could go without a college degree. Poultry is a true business, requiring not just a thorough understanding of poultry science, but business savvy. Many higher education facilities offer degrees appropriate for poultry science; take advantage of these offerings to ensure the best career possible in the poultry industry.
Try: Penn State offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees in poultry science and business. Texas A&M University offers Masters of Agriculture (M.Agr.) in Poultry Science for graduate students. Or, find a college in your area offering educations in poultry science through a site like U.S. College Search.

Join associations for the poultry farming business

Poultry associations offer professionals ongoing education in their field through professional journals, books, DVDs, seminars and workshops. There are a great many associations worth belonging to, depending on your business needs.
Try: The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is the world's largest poultry association; members include processors and producers of broilers, eggs and breeding stock. The association runs The Poultry & Egg Institute, which offers industry-specific training. To learn about other associations targeted at the chicken supplier, see the West Virginia University Extension Service.

Read publications for chicken suppliers and farmers

Science-based periodicals are an effective, relatively inexpensive way to keep up with changes in the poultry science field. Many associations have their own small journals, but there are several larger publications worth subscribing to.
Try: "Poultry Science" is the leading journal in the field; the publication's website has searchable articles. "World's Poultry Science Journal" is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal, also available online.

 

• Although producers of chicken need not be veterinarians, they should have a basic understanding of fowl health, so plan your education accordingly.

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