Dana Weatherford, vice president of Agri Stats, noted that almost every segment of the poultry industry lost money for all or most months of 2008. While some industries struggled early in 2009, he noted that the market was starting to improve as the price of grain stabilized.

Brian Coan, senior purchasing supervisor for Chik-fil-A, noted that the five areas that the foodservice industry focuses on are value, healthier options, convenience, environmental stewardship and community stewardship. From their protein suppliers, the foodservice operators want quality, consistency, competitive pricing, growth potential and added value.