Are you thinking about getting into the poultry business? If you’ve been eyeing a poultry farm for sale, you’re not alone. Poultry farming is one of the most lucrative sectors in agriculture, and the southeastern United States — especially Georgia and Alabama — has become North America’s go-to region for aspiring or seasoned chicken farmers.
But before you dive in, there’s much to consider about making such a major investment. From choosing the right property to understanding the local industry landscape, it takes a lot more than “cluck” to set up the ideal poultry farm. Consider a few features on finding, buying, and maintaining a poultry farm before getting involved in this field.
Why Consider a Poultry Farm? Reasons to Consider a Poultry Farm Investment
Poultry farming, especially broiler (or “meat chicken”) production, is a booming business. Recent estimates suggest the US poultry industry is hovering around $67.1 billion, and many economists believe it will continue rising until at least 2033. And it’s not just the US where appetite for chicken and eggs is growing. The demand for chicken is global, which gives poultry farm owners incredible opportunities for scalability. Compared to other types of livestock farming, poultry operations tend to offer a faster return on investment due to this high market demand, as well as steady contracts with poultry integrators.
Whether you’re looking for a family-run operation or an investment opportunity, owning a poultry farm is a serious path to sustainable income.
Why Georgia and Alabama Are Prime Poultry States
Georgia: The Chicken Capital of the US
Forget what you’ve heard about Georgia peaches. OK, this state still produces a lot of fruit, but it’s also the top broiler-producing state in the USA. With such a strong infrastructure and easy access to a skilled labor force, it only makes sense to start a quest for poultry farms in this southern state.
As if that wasn’t enough reason to get interested in Georgia land, here are a few other potential benefits of buying a poultry farm here:
● Proximity to significant poultry companies like Tyson, Pilgrim’s, and Koch Foods.
● Excellent road and rail logistics for feed and product delivery
● Access to poultry science programs (e.g., the University of Georgia)
● Reliable utilities and agricultural support services
Alabama: The Unsung Hero of Poultry Production
Alabama often ranks second or third in terms of broiler production nationally, making it a potential goldmine for savvy poultry farm investors. Since this state isn’t as big as Georgia, it doesn’t have as many connections and conveniences, but that also means there tends to be less competition. Indeed, many prospective poultry farmers turn to Alabama if they’re more cost-conscious about their investments. There are still plenty of processing plants and feed mills in Alabama that can make any poultry operation a success, and the state’s mild climate is ideal for raising these birds.
For all these reasons, it may be a great option to turn to Alabama if you’re more interested in a mix of affordability and don’t mind having slightly fewer resources at your disposal.
What to Look for in a Poultry Farm for Sale
Even if you have an idea where you want to set up your poultry farm, there are a few facts you need to look out for when evaluating different properties. Add a few features to your checklist to figure out which poultry farm is perfect for your needs.
Number and Type of Poultry Houses
Broiler farms typically have 2 to 8 houses, each holding 20,000 to 30,000 birds. You’ll want to know a few key features about these properties, including the age and condition of the houses, their average size, and the type of ventilation they use. Also, see if there are automated systems like feeders, waterers, and climate controls to keep your birds in an ideal environment all the time.
Land and Location
More land means more potential for expansion or diversification with crops and cattle, but a 10-20 acre tract can be highly productive depending on your needs. A few things to take note of are the proximity to processing plants and feed mills, road access, and favorable zoning and permitting laws. Always be sure you have a professional surveyor check out your land to determine the exact boundaries and whether there’s enough space for what you want in a poultry farm.
Contract Opportunities
Most broiler farms work under grower contracts with major poultry companies. On the positive side, these contracts provide a reliable income stream for farm owners, however ,there are a few stipulations you need to pay attention to before signing a deal.
In these situations, be sure you can answer key questions like which integrator holds the current contract and whether the contract is transferable. Also, what pay terms and performance metrics will you have to abide by from your partner? Be sure you understand your rights and responsibilities and weigh the benefits against potential risks before committing to a contract deal.
Steps to Buying a Poultry Farm
So, you’ve gone through an exhaustive search and reviewed all the details on your poultry farm, and now it’s time to make a big investment. There are many ways to get started with a poultry farm investment, but many people follow these three broad steps:
Find a Reputable Land Broker or Real Estate Representative
While not necessary, it helps to work with a land broker or real estate agent who specializes in agricultural or poultry properties in your target state. Having one of these agents on your team can help you find the perfect property for your goals and navigate all the complexities of listings, inspections, and negotiations.
Secure Financing
Poultry farms have a wide range in initial prices depending on the size and features for your operation. Thankfully, there are many financing options you could take advantage of to help make your dream a reality even if you don’t have the capital to pay for everything upfront. These include land loans, USDA loans, and Farm Credit services. Be sure to research all of your financial tools at local banks and credit unions till you have a repayment schedule that works for your needs.
Conduct Due Diligence
This is the “don’t skip it” step! Be sure to include the following when finalizing your property deal:
● Inspect equipment, housing, and land
● Verify utility costs and access (power, water, gas)
● Review contracts and legal encumbrances
● Hire a surveyor to create a detailed report on zoning and boundaries
● Talk to current or past farm operators if possible
After collecting all this data, you’ll need to finalize your purchase with your chosen financial institution before taking over your property. From here, you’re ready to start your poultry farm operation!
Is Now the Right Time To Pick Up A Poultry Farm?
If poultry farms have piqued your interest, now might be the perfect time to invest. While many states have great opportunities in this sector, Georgia and Alabama stand out for their fertile ground, solid infrastructure, and track record of poultry farming success—all of which are a huge help to investors just getting into this field.
But remember that poultry farming isn’t a casual side hustle — it’s a full-time commitment. There’s a lot to gain from owning one of these properties, but they demand a great deal. To help the process go smoothly from the start, consider working with a land broker familiar with the poultry market in a particular state. Teaming up with someone who has experience with buying poultry farm properties can put you on the path to a successful investment.