In many ways, 2014 was a year that the stars aligned for the poultry industry. A bountiful harvest meant grain prices dropped from record highs, reducing one of the biggest costs of any poultry producer. The prices of red meat rose sharply, causing many American consumers to put beef and pork back on the shelf and turn to chicken or turkey. The per-capita consumption of poultry in 2014 was estimated at just over 100 pounds, according to the most recent USDA estimates — the first time since 2011 that consumption was recorded in the triple digits.
Then there were the headline stories — mostly on the negative side. Consumer media has repeatedly attacked the industry for the amount of pathogens on carcasses or the amount of antibiotics used in the production of poultry. One of the more recent reports warned British consumers about the prevalence of Campylobacter on fresh chicken, blamed in part on harmful industry practices. Domestically, a chicken farmer allowed an animal-rights group to videotape the poor conditions of his flock. Despite the fact that many of the poor conditions were easily preventable, the farmer was hailed by some as a hero for exposing —once again —harmful industry practices.