Best states for a poultry processor

Expert opinions on the best states for poultry processors

• Are there any particularly good places in the United States for poultry processors to find work opportunities?

  Andrew Parks Benson

  Assistant Professor, University of Georgia

  There are opportunities all around the U.S. and, as noted above, internationally. Most of the jobs are in the Southern US (broiler belt) and Midwest, where poultry production is largely based. Many of our graduate students, who are often international, take advantage of the global growth of the industry. However, our undergraduates often prefer to find a position close to home. Thus, although poultry production is denser in certain areas, there isn’t a geographical limit on where the career can take you.
  
  As far as finding the positions, most of the integrators (Tyson, Pilgrim’s, Sanderson) have websites with prominent career links and webpages. For undergraduates, the best route to securing the position (and seeing if you would like a career in the poultry industry) is to complete an internship. All integrators have an internship, and many of them are impressively formal and provide a comprehensive view of poultry production. Most of our graduates find both internship and career opportunities at The International Production and Processing Expo held annually in Atlanta. In fact, most of our undergraduates come out of the Expo with multiple offers in hand (which helps with that 100% placement of graduates).