Is becoming a poultry farmer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Still unsure if becoming a poultry farmer is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a poultry farmer or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become a Poultry Farmer
Becoming a poultry farmer involves a combination of education, hands-on experience, and industry knowledge. Here are the steps you can take to pursue a career in poultry farming:
- Gain Relevant Education: While formal education isn’t always necessary, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Animal Sciences, or Poultry Science can be helpful. It provides a strong foundation in the basics of farming, animal care, and business practices.
- Get Hands-On Experience: Working on a poultry farm or an agricultural operation will provide valuable hands-on experience. This can help you understand the daily responsibilities of poultry farming, including animal care, facility management, and production techniques.
- Obtain Necessary Certifications: Depending on your goals, obtaining certifications like Poultry Management Certification or Animal Welfare Approved Certification can boost your qualifications and help you establish credibility in the industry.
- Start or Manage a Farm: If you plan to run your own poultry farm, you will need to secure land and resources. Managing a farm involves learning to oversee poultry care, equipment, finances, and day-to-day operations. You may also want to consider diversifying your farm to include crops or other types of livestock for financial stability.
- Stay Informed and Network: The farming industry constantly evolves, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest farming techniques, regulations, and trends. Join agricultural associations, attend industry events, and network with other farmers to continue learning and growing in the field.
Certifications
Here are some certifications for poultry farmers that can help enhance skills, improve farm management, and ensure compliance with industry standards:
- Poultry Management Certification: Offered by various agricultural institutions, this certification focuses on best practices in poultry care, including nutrition, breeding, biosecurity, and health management. It helps farmers improve their knowledge of poultry farming operations and enhance productivity.
- Certified Livestock Manager (CLM): Provided by organizations like the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), this certification covers aspects of farm management, risk management, and animal health, helping farmers manage poultry alongside other livestock.
- Animal Welfare Approved Certification: Issued by the Animal Welfare Institute, this certification ensures that poultry farmers adhere to humane and ethical treatment of animals, meeting high standards for animal welfare.
- National Organic Program Certification: For poultry farmers producing organic products, this USDA certification ensures adherence to organic farming standards, including the use of organic feed and no synthetic hormones or antibiotics.
- Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification: This certification focuses on food safety, ensuring poultry farmers follow strict protocols to minimize contamination risks and ensure the highest quality of their products.