The structure of the poultry industry is not the reason for high prices.

There, I said it!

I know that everyone has their opinion on what was said at the White House press briefing on September 8, but I cannot get on board with blaming the poultry industry for high prices. Are we perfect as an industry? No. Are those instances being taken care of by the process of the law? Yes! So, blaming the meat and poultry industry for high consumer prices during a pandemic really chaps my cuticle. Are you kidding me? We are highly integrated, which actually makes things less expensive for the consumer.

In my 25 years in the poultry industry, I know that people love to focus on “farmer abuse” or “mistreatment” that supposedly happens from the big poultry companies. I also know that people love to talk about “price gouging” at the grocery store. Of course, that must be the fault of the industry also. But there is an entire process between the farmer and the grocery store that never gets discussed: Processing.

This happens to be my life work — processing. After reading the White House transcript in which poultry “companies are driving these price increases” and poultry companies are accused of “pandemic profiteering”, I was shocked. My cuticle was really chapped. Does the White House really believe this is truly happening during a pandemic? I am afraid they are far removed from the poultry industry issues.

What are some other potential issues? Let’s talk supply chain. Our supply chain has been disrupted in many ways. Former Undersecretary Brashears did an amazing job at keeping the poultry supply chain going during the start of COVID. There was a lot of work that made that happen. However, there is a lot going on with chicken production, and lots of moving parts outside of the actual chicken.

Currently, shipping costs are outrageous and there are few “supplies” (insert whatever here — equipment parts, ingredients, car parts, just about everything on any store shelf!) Ports are over-crowded and so is the rail system. Corn prices and transportation are outrageous. Things are behind!

So instead of pointing fingers and accusing the industry of “pandemic profiteering,” I wish the focus would be on sourcing materials needed and getting these materials to where they need to be in a timely manner. No one was prepared for the inventory required to keep things going. No one was prepared for the container cost increases. And no one was prepared for the time of delivery to be almost tripled. So, how about some help in that portion of the supply chain?

I am moving from having my cuticle chapped to being thankful. I know many in the industry have responded to the White House and explained supply chain and costs — really, more like basic Economics 101. Thank you for speaking up and thank you for being diligent in supporting our poultry and agricultural industries. Also, thank you to all those showing up to work everyday so that I can eat chicken, turkey and eggs.

This chaps my cuticle!

Join for free* to continue reading.