Big Numbers, Big Impact: Poultry Industry Plays Large in Arkansas

Arkansas produces some eye-opening numbers related to its robust poultry industry, which entails the production of broilers, eggs and turkeys.

The state ranks third in the nation in broiler production and value, third in the country for the number of turkeys produced, and seventh nationally for egg production value.

The value of all the broilers, eggs and turkeys produced in Arkansas each year is a whopping $6.7 billion, but the economic impact of the industry in the Natural States extends far beyond, said Marvin Childers, president of the Poultry Federation, a nonprofit advocacy group that represents producers, processors and other industry representatives in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Roughly 158,000 jobs are supported by the industry in Arkansas in 2024, according to the federation’s most recent data, and state jobs related to broiler production alone pay an average of $57,100 in annual wages and benefits.

Childers said the credit goes to the producers, processors and service providers his group represents.

“The Poultry Federation has been around since 1954 and has been fortunate to have every poultry and egg company as a member,” he said. “Our membership is also blessed with over 300 allied members who sell goods or provide services to the poultry and egg companies. The federation board members understand the importance of our organization, and just as our predecessors did, we take seriously our mission to promote and protect the poultry and egg industry.”

As the federation celebrates its 64th annual Poultry Festival June 21 and 22 in Rogers, food safety will continue to be its top priority.

“We will also continue our efforts with workforce development issues by supporting [Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce labor recruitment program] Be Pro Be Proud,” Childers said. “We must be mindful of the supply and demand of all poultry and egg products and continue to look at how we sustainably continue to provide the safest, most abundant and most affordable food products that feed the world.”

Keith Smith, vice president of sales at Keith Smith Co. in Hot Springs, the federation’s incoming board chair, will replace Duane Weems, live operations manager at Peco Foods in Pocahontas. Like Weems, Smith has served in every board officer position.

Childers said Weems and Smith have been reliable leaders for the federation.

“Duane is one of our go-to guys when we need expertise and advice at the federation,” he said. “He oversaw the planning and construction of the Peco processing plant in Pocahontas and the Peco feed mill in Corning in 2016. Duane has been an outstanding chairman and will continue to serve on our board and executive committee.

Smith will follow in his father’s footsteps as board chair. Jim Smith served in multiple board positions, including his stint as chair in 2017 and 2018.

“Keith has grown up in the hatching egg industry and observed his father’s service on the Poultry Federation board for many years,” Childers said. “Keith has the leadership skills to lead our board and will bring fresh ideas to what we as a board need to focus on. He is a hands-on person and is looking forward to leading the board as we prepare for the 2025 legislative session.”

Weems said he is leaving the board in good hands and that the future of the industry looks bright.

“The Poultry Federation works hard to make a positive impact for the industry, customers and states where our members do business,” he said. “We have seen the federation grow through outreach and educational programs such as the festival, the Food Safety Conference and the symposium to name a few. Being aligned with such a dynamic network is invaluable.”

Smith said he is looking forward to carrying on the work of his father, Weems and others.

“My dad was involved in the Poultry Federation for decades, and it’s been an honor to serve on the board with Marvin Childers and his team,” he said. “Our family business is completing 80 years in operation this year, and we spend a lot of time talking about our purpose, vision, mission and stewardship — how we manage the company’s talents with a servant’s heart. My vision for the Poultry Federation is do my part with others in guiding the federation for continued long term success for the poultry industry where it is today, as well as where it will be in 15 years.”

This year’s Poultry Festival will serve as the symbolic transition to Smith’s term as chair. For the industry, even beyond the Poultry Federation’s three-state footprint, it also serves as a celebration of the field — the producers, processors and service providers — and the impact they have on local communities. Within the industry, it is an event marked on every calendar.

Toby Tapp, complex manager for Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ Danville facility, even likened it to a family reunion.

“The poultry festival is a celebration of the poultry and egg industry, and it’s a highlight for us every year — a chance to network, see people we work with from across the state and nation and come together as an industry and industry supporters,” he said. “Poultry is at the center of the Arkansas economy, and it impacts so much more than just the producers like Wayne-Sanderson Farms. It’s kind of like a family reunion — producers, farm partners who grow our chickens, local businesses, area contractors, suppliers and even consumers. We’re all connected to the poultry business, and the festival is a fantastic opportunity to champion the industry while visiting with old friends.”

Shane Acosta, assistant vice president and general manager at Cargill in Springdale, said he is unaware of any industry event as robust and effective as the Poultry Festival.

“It holds immense significance for producers and processors in the poultry industry as it offers a prime opportunity for market exposure, networking and brand promotion,” he said. “The Poultry Festival serves as a platform for showcasing products, engaging with consumers and gathering valuable market insights. Additionally, the festival fosters community connection and supports local economies, making it a crucial event for industry stakeholders to enhance visibility, forge partnerships, and stay attuned to consumer preferences and market trends.”

The festival will include the annual scholarship auction, which raises money for the Poultry Federation’s Allied Industries scholarships through items or experiences donated by industry stakeholders. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the federation distributed $156,000 in scholarships to 24 undergraduate and 17 graduate students pursuing industry-related careers in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Acosta, who launched the federation’s annual Food Safety Conference, said the scholarships represent one of the federation’s most important roles.

“The scholarship auction is of paramount importance as it provides significant opportunities for supporting the educational pursuits of students within the poultry industry,” he said. “These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden for students but also facilitate access to education and career advancement opportunities within the industry. Moreover, the auction fosters a sense of community and collaboration among industry members as they come together to invest in the future talent of the poultry sector. Overall, the scholarship auction serves as a vital mechanism for promoting education, fostering talent development, and ensuring the continued growth and success of the poultry industry.”

Childers said the poultry industry, like any other, has its challenges, but he lauded the work of federation members who understand the industry’s vital role.

“I have served as president of the Poultry Federation for the past 17 years, and it is an honor and privilege to work with an organization that believes in our mission,” he said. “Our members are some of the most dedicated members, and we strive daily to meet the mission. We are also fortunate to have our Little Rock staff, Holly Duval, director of marketing and business development, and Annie Hounsel, business operations coordinator, who both do an excellent job. We could not do what we do without them.”

Duane Weems on industry challenges and opportunities:

There are many opportunities in today’s ever-changing world. Two of these are poultry health/biosecurity and sustainability. Biosecurity is always at the forefront of our management practices, and recent disease challenges make this even more of a priority. Also, we must continue to operate in a sustainable manner. Therefore, we must look for ways to continually improve.

Keith Smith on industry strengths:

Our industry is one of the most efficient in the world at providing nutritious, safe and affordable proteins — so efficient, in fact, that turkey, eggs and broilers require on average 33 percent fewer feed inputs per pound than the next most efficient protein, pork. I believe we can do a better job of communicating our industry’s role in stewarding natural resources to feed our communities, our nation and beyond.

Duane Weems on safety:

The industry has addressed concerns and made strides on food safety by implementing a total systematic approach to mitigate risk. Examples are the use of in-process monitoring and process control versus finished product reaction, multi-hurdle pathogen control programs, and the use of advanced technology as they become available.

Keith Smith on working with the Poultry Federation:

The investment in time and resources we put into the federation has had exceptional returns. The business environment that the state of Arkansas provides to our company and growers to operate in is a key part of the recipe for success, and the function that the federation serves in protecting and promoting those interests is paramount. Part of our company’s longevity can be attributed to good partnerships; we see value in the federation’s support and representation of our allied industry members and their efforts to help create one of the most robust food supply chains in the nation.