Claire Thompson
Chicken is the most popular source of animal protein in Australia, with annual per capita consumption of approximately 50kg per person. The chicken meat industry provides jobs for more than 58,000 people, many in rural and regional communities. There are over 800 chicken meat growers in Australia, with around 700 chicken farmers producing about 80% of Australia's meat chickens. These farms are generally owned by independent family farmers or corporate businesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of chicken meat growers | Over 800 |
| Number of businesses in the poultry meat farming industry | 887 |
| Number of chicken farms producing 80% of Australia's meat chickens | 700 |
| Number of people employed in the chicken meat industry | 58,000+ |
| Annual per capita consumption of chicken meat | 50kg per person |
| Percentage of Australians who eat chicken meat at least twice a week | 68% |
| Annualised growth in the poultry meat farming industry (2019-2024) | 2.8% |
| Projected revenue for the poultry meat farming industry in 2024-25 | $831.8 million |
| Percentage of chickens raised in free-range systems | 20% |
| Percentage of chickens raised in organic systems | <1% |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken farming in Australia includes conventional, free-range, and organic methods
Conventional chicken farming in Australia involves raising chickens on the floors of large enclosed barns without access to outdoor areas. This method accounts for a significant portion of the industry, but free-range systems are becoming increasingly popular. Free-range chickens are kept in barns but are allowed access to outdoor areas during daylight hours when the temperatures are suitable and they are less vulnerable to predators. Free-range egg farming has grown in Australia over the past 15 years, driven by consumer demand, and now accounts for 47% of total retail sales.
Organic chicken farming in Australia makes up less than 1% of bird-raising systems. Organic farms prioritize the well-being of the chickens and the environment by avoiding synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, and antibiotics. The chickens are allowed to roam freely across open paddocks and are fed predominantly certified organic ingredients.
Chicken farming in Australia is subject to various accreditation schemes, such as the RSPCA Approved Farming scheme and the Free Range Egg and Poultry Australia (FREPA) certification scheme, which ensure the welfare of the birds.
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There are over 800 chicken meat growers in Australia
Chicken is the most popular source of animal protein for Australian consumers, with an annual per capita consumption of around 50kg per person. The chicken meat industry provides jobs for more than 58,000 people, many in rural and regional communities. There are over 800 chicken meat growers in Australia, with around 12,400 jobs supported by the industry. Queensland alone contributes 21% of national production.
Chicken meat consumption in Australia has been steadily increasing over the years. In the 1980s, Australians consumed 23.7kg of chicken per person per year. By the 2020s, this figure had almost doubled to 38%, reaching 19kg per person per year. The industry is predominantly vertically integrated, with individual companies owning all aspects of chicken production, from parent breeding farms to processing plants.
Chicken farming in Australia is largely an intensive, highly mechanised operation, occupying relatively small areas compared to other forms of farming. The main farming systems are conventional (barn-raised) and free-range, with a small percentage of birds raised in organic systems. Free-range meat chickens are produced using similar management and feeding practices as conventional meat chickens, but with access to outdoor areas.
The industry has seen significant growth in the free-range sector, increasing from less than 1% in 1998 to almost 20% two decades later. This shift has been influenced by consumer demand for differentiated products and the participation of a large proportion of the industry in third-party assurance programs like the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme. The market share of fresh chicken products, including fresh chicken pieces and ready-to-cook items, has also grown, contributing to the convenience and versatility of chicken as a protein source.
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The industry supports around 12,400 jobs
Chicken is the most popular source of animal protein in Australia, with an annual per capita consumption of approximately 50kg per person. 68% of Australians eat chicken at least twice a week, and the industry supports around 12,400 jobs.
Chicken meat farming in Australia includes conventionally farmed chickens, free-range chickens, and organic chickens. Free-range chickens are produced using similar management and feeding practices as conventional meat chickens. However, free-range chickens have access to an outdoor area during daylight hours. While the free-range sector has seen significant growth, it still only accounts for about 20% of the market.
Organic chicken farming, on the other hand, focuses on avoiding synthetic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, and antibiotics. Feed for organic chickens must be predominantly from certified organic ingredients, and these birds are not given antibiotics or routine vaccinations. Organic chicken farming accounts for less than 1% of the market.
The chicken meat industry in Australia is highly consolidated, with individual companies owning almost all aspects of chicken production, including parent breeding farms, hatcheries, feed mills, and processing plants. The industry is vertically integrated, with some companies also contracting out the growing of chickens to independent family farmers or corporate contract chicken farmers.
The chicken industry in Australia has undergone significant changes over the years, including the development of an Australian chicken meat breed in the 1950s and the introduction of efficient processing systems that led to a rapid drop in consumer prices. The industry has also seen shifts in the geographic location of production, with expansion in regional areas and the emergence of new third-party assurance programs like the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme.
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Chicken meat consumption has increased five-fold since the 1950s
Chicken is the most popular source of animal protein for Australian consumers, with an annual per capita consumption of approximately 50kg per person. This is a significant increase from the 1950s when chicken meat consumption was just a fifth of what it is today.
The rise in chicken consumption can be attributed to a variety of factors. Firstly, in the late 1950s, the industry developed an Australian chicken meat breed, which was released in 1959. This, along with the introduction of continuous chain processing systems, led to a rapid drop in the price consumers paid for chicken. As a result, chicken meat became more affordable for the average household, and its popularity increased.
Secondly, the emergence of ''integrators' in the industry played a role. These vertically integrated companies owned all aspects of chicken production, from breeding and hatching to processing. This allowed them to streamline the production process and further drive down costs. Additionally, health concerns around red meat and saturated fats since the 1950s have contributed to a rise in the consumption of leaner protein sources, such as chicken.
The demand for chicken meat in Australia has resulted in a thriving poultry meat farming industry. There are currently 887 businesses in the industry, employing over 58,000 people. The majority of chicken farms in Australia are intensive, highly mechanized operations, and the main systems used are conventional (barn-raised) and free-range, with a small number of birds raised in organic systems.
The industry is expected to continue growing, with the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics (ABARES) estimating poultry meat production in 2024-25 to be 1.5 million tonnes or 1.5 billion kilograms.
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The biggest company in the industry is ProTen
There are 887 businesses in the poultry meat farming industry in Australia, and the biggest company operating in this industry is ProTen. ProTen is Australia's largest corporate meat chicken grower and is at the forefront of the industry. With over 720 poultry sheds across 62 broiler farms located in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland, ProTen has a significant presence in the country. The company's farms have an impressive annual production capacity of over 174 million broiler chickens, contributing approximately 25% of Australia's total broiler chicken production. This amounts to about 1.1 billion kilograms of chicken meat, making ProTen a major player in the Australian market.
ProTen's success and growth can be attributed to its dedicated people and their expertise, innovation, and collaboration. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging the implementation of innovative ideas and best practices. This commitment to progress has positioned them as a leader in the operation, design, and construction of broiler chicken farms. ProTen's strategic planning and execution have also played a pivotal role in its expansion and unique market segment creation.
ProTen's mission, "We grow the chickens," reflects its commitment to contributing to the health and well-being of all Australians. The company understands that its role goes beyond producing food; it's about ensuring access to an affordable, sustainable, healthy, and complete diet for the entire population. This drive to cater to the nutritional needs of Australians has solidified ProTen's position as an indispensable contributor to the nation's food security and overall wellness.
ProTen's operations extend across various states in Australia, with a significant number of broiler farms in key locations. This strategic distribution allows for efficient production and supply chain management. ProTen's farms are designed and constructed with careful consideration, utilizing the expertise and innovative spirit of their people. By prioritizing continuous improvement, ProTen ensures that its farms remain at the forefront of industry standards, incorporating the latest advancements and best practices. This approach enhances the efficiency and productivity of their farming operations.
ProTen's dominance in the poultry meat farming industry in Australia is undeniable, and its impact on the market is significant. With its vast production capacity and commitment to innovation, ProTen sets the standard for broiler farm operations and development. The company's influence extends beyond its own operations, as it pioneers advancements and inspires progress across the industry. ProTen's dedication to its people, communities, animals, and land showcases a holistic approach that contributes to its success and enduring legacy in the Australian poultry sector.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 800 chicken meat growers in Australia, with around 700 chicken farmers producing about 80% of Australia's meat chickens.
The chicken meat industry provides jobs for more than 58,000 people (full-time equivalents), with around 12,400 jobs supported by chicken meat growers.
The main types of chicken farming in Australia are conventional (barn-raised) and free-range. A small number of birds are raised in organic systems, which focus on avoiding synthetic chemicals and antibiotics.
Chicken is the most popular source of animal protein for Australian consumers, with an annual per capita consumption of around 50kg per person. 68% of Australians eat chicken at least twice a week due to its affordability, popularity, versatility, and taste.
