Updated economic impact study highlights significant increases in employment, wages, economic activity and government revenue since 2024

The U.S. poultry industry's contributions to the national economy continue to grow, supporting nearly 307,000 additional jobs and generating $135.9 billion more in economic activity compared to 2024, according to an updated economic impact study released by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and United Egg Producers.

The study reveals that the U.S. poultry industry now supports 2,319,443 jobs, generates $177.1 billion in wages, contributes $799.5 billion in economic activity and provides $74.5 billion in government revenue. Compared to the 2024 study, these figures represent an increase of nearly 307,000 jobs (15%), $44.4 billion in wages (33%), $135.9 billion in economic activity (20%) and $20.5 billion in government revenue (38%). These gains underscore the poultry industry's expanding economic footprint and its vital role in supporting American workers, businesses and communities nationwide.

“The U.S. poultry industry continues to demonstrate its tremendous value to the national, state and local agriculture & food production communities’ economy through the production of affordable, high-quality protein and the millions of jobs it supports nationwide," said Nath Morris, president of USPOULTRY. "These findings highlight the industry's growing economic contributions and its vital role in supporting American workers, businesses and communities.”

Chicken Industry

The chicken industry remains a significant driver of the national economy, supporting 1,555,821 jobs, generating $118.7 billion in wages, contributing $532.9 billion in economic activity and providing $49.5 billion in government revenue. Since the 2024 study, the chicken industry supports nearly 180,000 additional jobs, generates $27.8 billion more in wages and contributes an additional $83.4 billion in economic activity. Government revenue has also increased by $12.8 billion. These gains represent approximately 13% growth in employment, 31% in wages, 19% in economic activity and 35% in government revenue.

Turkey Industry

The turkey industry has also demonstrated substantial economic growth, now supporting approximately 504,000 jobs, generating $38.5 billion in wages, contributing $172.5 billion in economic activity and providing $16.1 billion in government revenue. Since the 2024 study, the turkey industry supports nearly 80,000 additional jobs, generates approximately $10 billion more in wages and contributes more than $30 billion in additional economic activity. Government revenue has also increased by nearly $5 billion, further highlighting the industry's growing contributions to the U.S. economy.

Egg Industry

The egg industry continues to expand its economic contributions, supporting approximately 182,000 jobs, generating $13.9 billion in wages, contributing $64.9 billion in economic activity and providing $6.3 billion in government revenue. Since the 2024 study, the egg industry supports approximately 18,000 additional jobs, generates $3.4 billion more in wages and contributes an additional $6.7 billion in economic activity. Government revenue has also increased by approximately $1.6 billion. These gains represent approximately 11% growth in employment, 32% in wages, 12% in economic activity and 35% in government revenue.

The updated study provides industry stakeholders, policymakers and community leaders with valuable insight into the poultry industry's contributions to employment, wages, economic activity and government revenue across the United States.
The economic impact data is available through interactive websites that allow users to explore the industry's contributions collectively or by individual sector. Data can be examined at the national, state, congressional district, state legislative district and county levels. For more information about the poultry industry's economic impact, visit:

www.poultryfeedsamerica.org
www.chickenfeedsamerica.org
www.turkeyfeedsamerica.org 
www.eggsfeedsamerica.org

The economic impact study was funded by USPOULTRY and conducted by John Dunham & Associates, a New York City-based economic research firm. The study was updated using the most current methodology available and uses data from 2026. For more information on the study’s methodology and model description, please click here.