Tennessee Department of Agriculture

Tennessee's Poultry Industry

Poultry production is second only to cattle as Tennessee ’s leading agricultural commodity, generating about $440 million dollars annually in farm income. Poultry production in Tennessee consists mainly of broilers, which are chickens that are processed for meat consumption. In 2004, Tennessee farmers produced 195.6 million broilers – almost 1 billion pounds of chicken. Tennessee has several major commercial poultry processors located throughout the state. Tennessee also has a thriving “breeder” industry which provides high-value breeding stock to supply the poultry industry.

Each processing and breeding facility is supported by a number of farmers who raise chickens. According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture, an estimated 2,500 farms in Tennessee had sales of poultry. Poultry raised for commercial purposes are typically grown in enclosed houses which can hold as many as 30,000 birds each, with several houses located on a single farm.

In addition to commercial production, a number of Tennessee farmers raise poultry for show, on-farm consumption and recreation.

Reporting Sick or Dead Farm Birds

If domestic poultry or other farm birds exhibit signs of bird flu (ranging from sneezing, coughing and ruffled feathers to sudden and high numbers of bird losses), bird owners should consult their local veterinary professional and notify state or federal animal health officials. Nationally, sick or dead farm birds can be reported to USDA toll-free at 1-866-536-7593, or in Tennessee, contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at 615-837-5120.