SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods Inc. recently held an advisory meeting for contract poultry growers to discuss concerns and issues. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s Contract Poultry Farmer Advisory Council has not met in two years.

The Contract Poultry Farmer Advisory Council, which was launched in 2018, provides a platform for farmers and Tyson leaders to exchange ideas on best practices for poultry health and care.

“The success of Tyson Foods depends on the hard work and dedication of our contract growers,” said David Bray, group president of poultry at Tyson Foods. “We also appreciate that animal husbandry isn’t simply a job – it’s a way of life. The birds our farmers raise benefit consumers by providing a quality, affordable bird from a brand they trust. That’s important work.”

Held Nov. 8-9 at the company’s headquarters in Springdale, Ark., the advisory meeting brought together producers from North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri and Arkansas, along with Tyson’s leadership teams.

“We enjoyed our visit to Tyson World Headquarters,” said poultry farmer Rusty Mulford. “It gave us a better understanding of the leadership and management of the company we have worked with for many years. The highlight was the Founders Room tour.”

“We are proud to be contract growers for Tyson because they actively listen to their growers and support them in solving grower concerns,” said Deena Morrison, a contract poultry farmer.

Tyson contracts with over 3,600 independent poultry farmers across 18 states. On average, Tyson’s poultry farmers have grown chickens for the company for 17 years, and nearly 27% have been raising chickens for two or three generations.