Organic vs. Conventional Poultry Farming: Profit Analysis

These are two distinctive schools of thought among us poultry people.

(…yes, that’s even beside the broiler vs. layer debate…)

The head-to-head showcased by this study is organic vs. conventional poultry farming.

Each undoubtedly has its pros vs cons on either side of the fence.

But surely there’s got be an outright answer on this one?

Sadly, the answer is:

No, there never could be.

(You can never definitively put organic over conventional, or vice versa.)

Why?

Because the variables involved are too many.

• Which breeds will you use?
• What type of climate is your flock subject to?
• What type of feed will you choose?
• What consumer attitudes are at play within your market?

All of the above (and MUCH more) actually help to determine how much profit is likely to be earned.

But, that aside…

…there are some common themes that become apparent when you examine the 2 systems by comparison.

And these themes give the rationale for why organic and/or conventional poultry farming should be considered.

The key is to become familiar with the economic profile of each method.

This will help you understand how each behaves respectively.

With this at hand…

…you can begin to make the most profitable decisions given your circumstances and commercial outlook.

Quick highlights:

This study organic poultry farming proves:

• more costly,
• takes longer,
• has fewer completed rearing cycles, and;
• certification overheads,

BUT…

…the rewards (if you can achieve the premium price sale) is worth every extra effort and cost.

This study shows that:

Organic poultry farming can actually earn as much as 125% more profit!

The biggest contributing factor being the premium on the organic sales price.

In this case, the organic sales price achieved was 60% more than conventionally reared chicken.

The big question is – if you were to go the organic route…

Are you confident of achieving that kind of premium price?

And could you sustain that price for the long run?

This study will help you get a better insight into organic and conventional profits in poultry:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270485461_Comparing_the_Profitability_of_Organic_and_Conventional_Broiler_Production/fulltext/57be3d4e08aed246b0f730f9/270485461_Comparing_the_Profitability_of_Organic_and_Conventional_Broiler_Production.pdf?origin=publication_detail