World War II changed the poultry industry in the United States a lot. It led to the growth of broiler chickens and changed how meat is made. Meat was rationed during the war, and the government pushed for more variety meats.
The “Chicken of Tomorrow” contest was a big deal. It was sponsored by A&P supermarkets. The contest helped the Arbor Acres White Rocks breed become the top chicken breed worldwide. This was thanks to the Saglio family farm.
The broiler industry grew bigger and spread out globally. This was helped by Nelson Rockefeller’s IBEC company. This made broiler chickens even more popular in American diets.
Key Takeaways
- World War II had a significant impact on the poultry industry, leading to the rise of broiler chickens.
- Meat rationing, government efforts, and the “Chicken of Tomorrow” contest played key roles in transforming the industry.
- The Arbor Acres White Rocks breed became the dominant genetic stock for chickens worldwide.
- Vertical integration and global expansion of the broiler industry, facilitated by IBEC, further solidified the prominence of broiler chickens.
- The poultry industry in the U.S. now exceeds $20 billion in annual production, with over 43 billion pounds of poultry meat produced annually.
How WWII Shaped the Rise of Broiler Chickens in the Poultry Industry
Before World War II, chicken was mostly for special occasions. Farm families, especially women and children, sold eggs to make money. The broiler industry started growing in the 1920s and 1930s. The war changed everything, making chicken more popular due to meat rationing and the push for other protein sources.
The “Chicken of Tomorrow” contest was a turning point. It led to the Arbor Acres White Rocks breed becoming the top choice for chicken worldwide. This contest, with 40 breeders competing, marked a big step in the broiler industry’s growth. It showed how breeding could greatly improve poultry production.
After the war, breeding programs for broiler chickens focused on meat production. The 20th century saw big leaps in broiler genetics. Better breeding and care led to faster-growing, more efficient chickens. This meant less time and feed needed for production.
| Key Advancements in Broiler Chicken Production | Impact |
|---|---|
| Short generation interval and moderate to high heritability for body weight | Facilitated faster growth and improved feed efficiency |
| Sophisticated breeding programs relying on science, technology, and a broad gene pool | Enabled significant financial investments and protection of breeding program investments |
| Global distribution of broiler stocks through advancements in transportation | Allowed for the widespread distribution of elite broiler genetic material worldwide |
These changes in genetics and production were key to the rise of broiler chickens. They turned chicken from a rare treat to a common, affordable protein for many.
Meat Rationing During WWII
World War II put a big strain on the nation’s food supply. The U.S. government started a meat rationing program from March 1943 to November 1945. People got red stamps to buy limited meat, cheese, and fats. This was to make sure everyone got a fair share and to save resources.
Meatless Tuesdays and the Home Front Pledge
Some cities, like New York, had Meatless Tuesdays. This was to help the war effort but was unpopular. It changed long-standing food traditions. Many, like hot dog makers, were unhappy with these rules.
Despite the Home Front Pledge to cut down on meat, many still wanted red meat. This made it hard to reduce meat consumption.
The Black Market for Meat
About 17% of the nation’s meat trade was on the black market, known as “meatlegging.” People, even those who were patriotic, bought meat illegally. They couldn’t give up their favorite meat dishes.
“The demand for red meat was so ingrained in American culture that it drew otherwise patriotic people to the black market, with the government estimating that as much as 17% of the nation’s meat trade was via the black market, dubbed ‘meatlegging.'”
Rise in Chicken Consumption
During World War II, the American diet changed a lot. Meat was hard to get, so people ate more chicken and eggs. These foods were not rationed. Some families even raised chickens in their yards to have more to eat.
Alternatives to Rationed Meats
With meat hard to find, women’s magazines and newspapers gave tips. They showed how to make a little meat go a long way. They also suggested using less popular cuts of meat.
By 1930, Americans ate about 10 pounds of chicken each year. But by 2017, that number jumped to 64 pounds. This shows how much chicken became a favorite during wartime. Beef became more popular than chicken only in 2010.
| Year | Chicken Consumption (lbs per capita) | Beef Consumption (lbs per capita) |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 | 10 | N/A |
| 2017 | 64 | 57 |
The chicken industry grew a lot during this time. Chickens got bigger, from 2.5 pounds in the 1920s to about 6 pounds today. The focus on big breasts and white feathers changed how we eat chicken in the U.S.
Government Efforts to Promote Variety Meats
During World War II, the U.S. government had a big challenge. They needed to get people to eat alternative meats like organ meats. These were not in demand by the military, so civilians had to eat them. The government worked hard to make people eat these variety meats in the food supply chain.
The government knew people were not eager to try new foods. So, they asked experts like Margaret Mead and Kurt Lewin for help. They studied how to change people’s eating habits to help the wartime economy. They found that people were not ready to eat new meat cuts.
To solve this, the government gave out tips and recipes for using variety meats. They wanted to show how nutritious and affordable these meats were. This was key to using the meat industry’s resources wisely during the wartime economy.
“The government’s promotion of variety meats played a vital role in supporting the food supply chain and meat industry evolution during World War II.”
Thanks to these efforts, more people started eating a variety of meats. This helped the meat industry and made the nation’s food supply chain stronger during the war.
The “Chicken of Tomorrow” Contest
In the mid-20th century, the poultry industry saw big changes. These changes came from poultry breeding and livestock advancements. The “Chicken of Tomorrow” contest, held in 1945 by A&P and the USDA, was key to these changes.
Arbor Acres and the Winning Breed
Farmers and breeders from all over the U.S. entered the “Chicken of Tomorrow” contest. They aimed to create a chicken that grew fast and was healthy. In 1946, 1947, and 1951, the Arbor Acres White Rocks won in the purebred category.
The Saglio family developed the Arbor Acres breed. It soon became the top chicken breed globally. This shows how important poultry genetics research and breeding advancements are.
The contest focused on improving broiler chicken traits. Traits like growth rate, yield, and disease resistance were key. It led to the creation of popular breeds like the Cornish Cross and Freedom Ranger.
“The Arbor Acres breed, developed by the Saglio family, would go on to dominate the genetic stock of chickens worldwide.”
The Arbor Acres breed’s success in the contest showed how crucial poultry breeding is. This contest and the advancements in chicken genetics have shaped how we raise and eat broiler chickens today.
Vertical Integration of the Broiler Industry
The broiler industry changed a lot after World War II. It became more integrated, thanks to processors wanting cheaper chicken. This led to big farms that did everything from raising chickens to making food.
The Saglio family was key in this change. They ran Arbor Acres and helped start the National Chicken Council. This group helped the industry grow and shape its future.
Here are some numbers that show how the broiler industry changed:
- By 1955, over 85% of chicken was produced under contracts.
- Today, contracts cover over 90% of chicken, turkey, and egg production.
- Nearly all chicken production is managed through contracts.
- In 1996, 48 companies controlled almost all U.S. broiler output. The top 15 had 77% of the market.
- Tyson, the biggest chicken company, had about 22% of the market. They made around $4 billion a year.
This change has greatly affected the meat industry and food supply chain. Knowing about these changes helps us understand the future of poultry farming and the meat industry.
“The U.S. broiler industry post-World War II became a highly vertically integrated agricultural industry.”
Nelson Rockefeller’s IBEC and Arbor Acres
In 1964, Nelson Rockefeller’s International Basic Economy Corporation (IBEC) made a big move. This move would change the future of the global poultry industry. IBEC, founded by Rockefeller, aimed to show U.S. capital and American know-how could help developing countries thrive.
IBEC bought Arbor Acres, a leading poultry breeding company. This was a key step for IBEC’s mission.
Global Expansion of Arbor Acres Chickens
With IBEC’s support, Arbor Acres started to grow globally. They teamed up with companies like Cargill and Charoen Pokphand Foods. Together, they brought Arbor Acres chickens to markets worldwide.
This move made Arbor Acres a big name in the poultry industry in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The Arbor Acres chickens were known for their fast growth, efficient feed use, and high productivity. They became a key part of the agribusiness sector.
IBEC’s role in expanding Arbor Acres showed Nelson Rockefeller’s vision. He wanted to use American expertise and resources to help emerging markets grow.
| Year | IBEC’s Expansion Initiatives | Key Partnerships |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | IBEC acquires Arbor Acres | – |
| 1965-1970 | Arbor Acres expands into Latin America | Cargill |
| 1970-1980 | Arbor Acres enters Asian and African markets | Charoen Pokphand Foods |
| 1980-1990 | Arbor Acres consolidated as a global leader in poultry genetics | – |
“IBEC’s model, which aimed to demonstrate that U.S. capital and American know-how could create a thriving middle class in developing countries, led to the global expansion of the Arbor Acres genetic stock.”
Decline in Chicken Breed Diversity
The rise of industrial chicken production has a downside. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says up to 30% of global livestock breeds are at risk. The biggest drop in chicken diversity happened in the 1950s with the start of industrial chicken farming.
Thousands of farmers once took part in the Chicken of Tomorrow contests. Now, they’re mostly gone, replaced by big chicken operations. Today, chickens make up over 40% of meat eaten in the U.S. People now eat three times more chicken than their grandparents did.
The growth rate of broiler chickens has tripled in 50 years. They can now be ready for slaughter in just 35 days, down from 70 days in 1948. This fast growth has made chicken farming more efficient but has also reduced genetic diversity.
- From 1950 to 2017, U.S. chicken production soared by over 1400%, while farm numbers plummeted by 98%.
- In 2022, the top four poultry companies in the U.S. controlled over 60% of the broiler market, up from 17% in 1977.
- Farmers may owe over $1 million to build chicken houses but are controlled by companies and contracts that favor integrators.
The poultry industry’s shift towards big corporations has hurt farmers and workers. This focus on efficiency has led to the loss of many traditional chicken breeds. The industry’s power and profits are now in fewer hands.
Contract Farming and the Chicken Industry Today
In today’s chicken industry, most farmers must sign contracts with big companies. These companies control everything from raising chickens to selling them. This has led to a loss of genetic diversity and the disappearance of small farms.
The industry is now run by a few big players. This change has made the variety of poultry production much less.
The contract farming model has changed. Farmers agree to raise chickens for meat for a set time. Their pay is based on the chicken’s weight at slaughter.
This change has taken away farmers’ freedom. They can’t fight for better working conditions. It has also made them lose the knowledge needed for raising animals well.
There’s not much research on the work on these big farms. These farms are often private and hidden from outsiders. A recent study looked into how poultry farming has become less skilled.
This has reduced farmers’ control. It also changed how management works on contract farms. Farmers often follow company rules because of their contracts and unclear supervision.