In a significant turn of events, Pennsylvania’s agricultural scene has witnessed poultry emerging as the reigning champion, surpassing dairy as the state’s top agricultural sector in terms of revenue, according to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture.
This historic milestone underscores the rapid growth experienced by the poultry industry in the state, while the dairy sector continues to navigate its own challenges.
Chloe Patrick, the executive director of the Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence, notes the state’s robust and consistent trend in poultry market growth. With poultry and dairy generating half of Pennsylvania’s $10 billion in agricultural products, it’s evident that the poultry industry’s diversity—from eggs to specialty fowl—contributes significantly to the state’s economy.
Notably, the poultry industry in Pennsylvania boasts various sectors, including eggs, broilers, turkeys, ducks, and specialty fowl for ethnic markets. The industry has seen notable growth across multiple sectors, with companies like Bell & Evans leading the charge.
Conversely, Pennsylvania’s dairy production has seen more moderate growth in recent years, despite facing market volatility and closures. Efforts to bolster the dairy industry include attracting more processors to the state and enhancing per-cow milk production.
With both sectors experiencing a net loss of farms, it’s evident that diversification, such as adding poultry to dairy operations, has become a strategy for farmers to mitigate risks and stabilize income.
Over the past four decades, dairy and poultry have been the leading animal agricultural sectors in Pennsylvania. However, recent years have witnessed a notable shift, marking poultry’s ascension to the top spot.
Despite the challenges faced by both industries, there’s optimism for the future. Initiatives aimed at strengthening the dairy sector, such as the expansion of dairy processing facilities and investment in efficiency, coupled with ongoing support for the poultry industry, demonstrate Pennsylvania’s commitment to maintaining a thriving agricultural economy.
