Growing a Stronger Agricultural Economy Through Poultry

Preparedness Protects Agricultural Economy in PA

From chicken, eggs, and turkey, poultry consumption is at an all-time high—and it’s not slowing down. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects annual poultry and egg production to exceed fifty billion pounds by 2033, driven by Americans annually consuming nearly one hundred pounds of chicken per person. Pennsylvania’s poultry industry is a national leader, contributing billions to the economy, supporting thousands of jobs in rural areas, and providing families with a versatile protein source.
 
To meet this growing demand, farmers need to produce more efficiently and sustainably. Challenges like potential disease outbreaks, complexities from multi-species farms, and even weather and temperature extremes amplify risks. Without proactive management, these factors could lead to significant supply chain instability, including flock losses and higher consumer food prices.

Penn State Extension, alongside researchers and experts in the College of Agricultural Sciences, leads a coordinated effort to support Pennsylvania farmers and poultry producers through science-based education and hands-on support. These efforts help safeguard the state’s growing $7 billion poultry industry while increasing the availability of food for consumers.

John Boney, Penn State Extension specialist and associate professor of poultry science, and his research team are dedicated to finding new ways to grow healthier birds while being good stewards of resources. He travels across the commonwealth helping farmers and large-scale producers improve their operations.

A Trusted Partner in Pennsylvania Agriculture

Pennsylvania’s poultry industry is varied and complex. From small, family-owned farms to large–scale producers, every farm is unique, and each brings its own challenges and opportunities.

With so many ways to farm, having a strong relationship with farmers is key, which is why Boney and other Extension educators in all of Pennsylvania’s sixty-seven counties take a hands-on approach to their work. Whether it’s a farm visit to discuss feed or coordinating the response to a disease outbreak with federal and state agencies, Boney and his colleagues are always working directly with farmers to help them remain prepared.

“We think holistically about how best to support the entire industry,” said Boney. “That means we conduct research, partner with industry leaders and poultry producers, and provide education and hands-on training programs about sustainable farming practices, feed efficiency, and uniform production methods.”

These innovations help producers standardize their processes, lower production costs, reduce environmental impact, and provide a steady supply of poultry products to meet consumer demand.

It Takes a Farmer

Boney understands farmers better than most. He grew up raising cattle on a small family farm in Southeast Ohio. Today, he splits his time between his lab, the classroom, and farms throughout Pennsylvania with one central mission: support the industry that feeds the state—and the world.

“I grew up in a rural area, on a multi-generation family farm surrounded by farms just like ours,” Boney said. “That made me who I am. We took pride in our work and pride in our animals. We appreciate productivity and efficiency because you understand that the lives of those around you depend on the health and production of your livestock.”  

Hatching a Plan to Contain Avian Flu 

In addition to offering support for best farming practices, Boney and other Extension educators work directly with farmers to develop and implement biosecurity plans—strategies designed to prevent diseases in poultry flocks. These plans include measures like controlling farm access, maintaining clean environments, and monitoring bird health, which help safeguard flocks while ensuring a stable and secure food supply for consumers.

“The farmer has the animal's best interest in mind all the time,” said Boney. “We factor animal welfare into everything we do because it's in the farmer's best interest that those animals are healthy.”

In 2022, a virus known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also called bird flu or avian flu, devastated commercial and backyard poultry flocks throughout the United States. While the virus eventually reached Pennsylvania, a team of Penn State researchers, Extension educators, and experts proactively developed prevention and response plans to help mitigate the negative impact.

The years of planning are still paying off. From implementing custom biosecurity protocols to efficient production processes, Boney’s work is critical to helping farmers meet demand while mitigating risks.