For Immediate Release
International Production & Processing Expo
Tucker, Ga. - February 2, 2026

Poultry Market Intelligence Forum at IPPE 2026 Examines Economic, Policy and Sustainability Trends Shaping the Future of U.S. Poultry

The Poultry Market Intelligence Forum, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, at the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), brought together leading experts to examine economic conditions, political uncertainty and evolving sustainability expectations impacting the U.S. poultry and egg industries.

Brian Earnest, economist at CoBank, provided an economic outlook, noting that while the labor market has largely balanced, labor remains a concern—particularly in processing plants and on farms. He also discussed inflation, easing feed costs and continued growth in poultry consumption. Chicken remains the fastest-growing protein, with production expected to increase by 2% in 2026 and broiler output nearing 9.4 billion heads. Earnest remarked on the poultry industry’s shift from commodity markets toward specialization, heavier birds, expanded further processing and rising domestic demand for dark meat. Improved bird performance continues to help the industry navigate labor shortages, higher capital costs and breeder supply challenges.

Christian Richter, principal at The Policy Group, delivered a Washington update, describing the 2026 outlook as “predictably unpredictable” ahead of midterm elections. Key issues include the economy, immigration, trade policy uncertainty and the future of the Farm Bill. Richter emphasized ongoing challenges related to tariffs, federal debt and immigration reform, remarking on their implications for agriculture and labor availability.

The forum concluded with Ryan Bennett, executive director of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs and the International Poultry Welfare Alliance, who outlined emerging sustainability and animal welfare trends. Bennett highlighted the growing influence of corporate buyers, increasing climate and insurance risks and the industry’s shift toward outcomes-based animal welfare focused on bird health, behavior and performance. He noted that sustainability is moving from commitments to operational action across the supply chain.

The Poultry Market Intelligence Forum provided attendees with a forward-looking perspective on the economic resilience, regulatory complexity and sustainability evolution shaping the future of poultry and eggs.

About IPPE
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is a collaboration of three shows - International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo - representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Meat Institute and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).

About AFIA
Founded in 1909, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), based in Arlington, Va., is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal food industry and its suppliers. The organization's membership is comprised of more than 650 domestic and international companies that represent the total feed industry-manufacturers of commercial and integrated feed and pet food, ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, industry support and equipment manufacturers. AFIA members manufacture more than 75% of the feed and 70% of the non-grain ingredients used in the country. AFIA is also recognized as the leader on international industry developments and holds membership in the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

About the Meat Institute
The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute's hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit MeatInstitute.org.

About USPOULTRY
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the All Feather Association progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Georgia.

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Christian Richter, principal at The Policy Group, speaks at the Poultry Market Intelligence Forum at the 2026 IPPE.