Walk into any grocery store these days and you may notice something missing from the poultry section – chicken. Supplies are low and prices are high, leaving many shoppers scratching their heads. Why exactly is there a chicken shortage? As with most things, the answers are complicated. In this article, we’ll break down the key factors behind the declining chicken supply.
The Pandemic Disrupted Chicken Production
The Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on poultry production as it did with many industries. Processing plants were hit by outbreaks that forced temporary closures and labor shortages. With fewer workers available to process chickens farms faced difficulties getting their birds to market. Millions of chickens were culled on farms because there was no place for them to go.
This processing bottleneck significantly cut into the chicken supply And just as the industry was starting to recover in 2021, more obstacles emerged
Avian Flu Outbreaks Took Their Toll
Over the past couple years avian influenza outbreaks have led to the loss of millions of egg-laying hens and broiler chickens. Also known as bird flu the highly contagious virus forced farmers to cull their infected flocks. According to the USDA, more than 43 million chickens have been lost to avian flu since February 2022.
To put this in perspective, Americans consume over 9 billion broiler chickens each year. So the bird flu losses alone aren’t enough to completely wipe out supply. But when combined with other factors, they definitely move the needle.
It Takes Time To Replenish Chicken Flocks
Bringing chicken production back up to full speed isn’t like flipping a switch – it takes time. After losing chickens to disease, it takes months to breed and hatch new chicks. Those chicks then need several weeks to grow before they start laying eggs or produce meat.
All told, it can take over 6 months to get a new egg-laying flock up and running. For broiler chickens raised for meat, who grow more quickly, it still takes 2-3 months to replenish inventory. This inherent lag time makes it difficult for supply to rebound quickly.
Feed Prices Have Soared
Chicken production doesn’t happen in a bubble – it interacts with complex global markets for corn, soy and other feed ingredients. When grain supplies fall short, or fuel prices make transportation costs skyrocket, chicken farmers take a hit.
The war in Ukraine has severely impacted grain markets in 2022 and 2023. Ukraine is a major exporter of corn and wheat, and the conflict has blocked many exports through the Black Sea. Global feed prices have reached record highs as a result, driving up farmers’ expenses. For some, continuing chicken production is no longer financially viable.
Farmers Face Tough Choices
With feed gobbbling up more of farmers’ budgets, and uncertainty about avian flu continuing, many face difficult choices. Cutting back on their chicken flocks or leaving the industry altogether may make the most sense for their bottom line.
But these moves further constrain supply. The USDA reports the number of egg-laying hens nationally has dropped by 6% compared to last year. And winter production of broiler chickens is down 2%.
Labor Issues Add Insult To Injury
From truck drivers to deliver feed to plant workers processing chickens, labor shortages plague the poultry industry. The tight job market makes it tough to fully staff operations. This limits how many chickens can be raised and processed.
On top of this, worker illnesses or turnover can completely halt production lines. It only takes a few missing workers to disrupt the intricate chicken supply chain. And right now disruptions are coming from many directions.
What’s The Outlook Moving Forward?
Experts say it could take a year or more for chicken production to fully recover. But even then, today’s high feed prices and production costs may be the new normal. Shoppers can expect continued higher chicken prices as a result.
The good news? The industry is working overtime to replenish flocks and boost output. And shoppers have an opportunity to explore different proteins, from pork to plant-based. A little creativity and flexibility in the kitchen can help offset the sting of pricier chicken.
In the end, the reasons for the shortage boil down to a perfect storm of setbacks for chicken farmers. But their resilience and our adaptable appetites can help weather this poultry supply crunch. The crisis may pass, though changes to the chicken business likely lie ahead.
Higher Demand for Chicken
Several fast-food restaurants have added chicken sandwiches since the beginning of the year. Why? With the pandemic, chains such as McDonald’s, KFC and Chick-fil-A are eager to draw people into their restaurants. Many of them shut down for a period during 2020, and with people still wary of eating out due to health concerns at the beginning of the year, the chains needed a way to entice customers back to their dining rooms.
Introducing new products has always been an effective way to draw people. All three of those restaurants and more have introduced new chicken sandwiches in 2021, increasing demand for chicken on top of all the other things affecting the industry.
Additionally, many people were drawn to comfort food during the pandemic. With so many things changing and uncertainty in every aspect of life, people want comfort wherever they can find it, and food is one of those areas. For example, ordering chicken wings made people feel better. They’re an indulgence and a familiar ritual. Demand for wings rose last year, and it hasn’t let up.
Chicken wings also travel well. Amidst the pandemic, more people have ordered food in. Food delivery apps saw usage double, and people learned to target their orders strategically. Chicken wings stand up to longer delivery times and are an easy choice when you want something everyone can share.
The pandemic forced poultry suppliers to implement new safety measures to limit coronavirus outbreaks. The new guidelines require more distancing on lines where employees had worked shoulder to shoulder to increase poultry processed per hour. Suppliers have hired medical professionals to improve compliance at plants and give thorough cleanings, which increases downtime on the processing line.
Plants have also invested in personal protective equipment, which eats into profits and impacts the supply chain. Any changes take time to adjust to and affect productivity, which leads to less product coming off the line.
Lack of Labor at Meatpacking Plants
Many plants across the country have faced labor issues since the pandemic began. COVID-19 outbreaks in meatpacking plants have affected production. Workers had to quarantine or left the industry due to concerns over contracting the virus. Suppliers claim the increase in unemployment benefits has contributed to the labor shortage, as some workers are making more on unemployment than they did at the plant.
Attracting new workers has proven equally tricky. The booming job market has made hiring difficult. Many meatpacking plants are finding few applicants due to a range of factors, including:
- Child care concerns: With many students still learning from home, parents of younger children need to be home to help with schooling. The problem may ease with more schools returning to in-person instruction in the fall. Some daycares have been closed during the pandemic, too.
- Health concerns: COVID-19 rates have fallen, but conditions at meatpacking plants make social distancing a challenge. Even workers who are vaccinated may worry about their family’s health, which has led some suppliers to offer vaccinations to workers and their family members.
- Wage concerns: Low wages at meatpacking plants compared to other jobs may be keeping people from returning to the industry. With so many industries hiring, finding labor has become competitive, and suppliers have been forced to implement pay raises and flexible scheduling to maintain their workforces.
Tough Cluck: America Is Facing A Chicken Shortage | TODAY
FAQ
Why is there a shortage on chickens?
This trend can be attributed to several factors, including concerns over food safety and the desire for more sustainable and self-sufficient living. Some experts also point to chicken disease outbreaks, such as Avian Influenza, which is said to account for the loss of 50 million commercial and backyard birds.
Why is chicken sold out everywhere?
Labor Shortages: The meat processing industry has faced labor shortages, which can lead to reduced production capacity. This can result in lower supply in stores. Increased Demand: There has been a surge in demand for chicken and other meats as restaurants reopen and consumers return to pre-pandemic eating habits.
Why is there no chicken in supermarkets?
Over the past 18 months, supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury and Morrisons have lowered their bird stocking densities so that chickens are given more space in sheds. It means chicken producers need to open more sites to keep up production levels.
Is there a poultry shortage?
There is currently a poultry shortage, specifically a wing shortage. Here’s Why Chicken is far and away the most popular poultry, and also the most consumed protein generally. This headline may certainly spook you a bit.
Does chicken shortage affect food prices?
Yes, scarcity often leads to increased prices. With the limited availability of chickens, it is likely that prices for poultry products will rise, affecting both consumers and businesses dependent on chicken as a key ingredient. 8. How can the chicken shortage impact restaurants and fast-food chains?
Is a chicken shortage imminent?
While a full-blown chicken shortage may not be imminent, higher prices are definitely something we could see as the bird flu outbreak continues to escalate. Is chicken the next thing that will be in short supply?
Why are there a shortage of chickens in the UK?
Many facilities experienced temporary closures to contain outbreaks among workers, causing a backlog of unsold chickens and leading to the culling of poultry in some regions. Transport disruptions have also hindered the delivery of poultry products to retailers and restaurants.
How will supply shortages affect the chicken industry in 2023?
Any disruptions at this stage can significantly affect the supply of chicken available to consumers. As of late 2023, the chicken industry has faced multiple challenges that have raised concerns about supply shortages. 1. Economic Factors The economic landscape plays a considerable role in the availability of chicken.
Is there a shortage of chickens in 2024?
Do you like this article? Chicken, being one of the most popular sources of protein globally, plays a vital role in our diets. However, it appears that the year 2024 is witnessing a considerable shortage of chickens, leading to uncertain times for poultry lovers and businesses alike.