Sanderson Farms broiler production complex more than chicken feed

What's the economic value of the Sanderson Farms chicken production and processing facilities in Kinston, N.C.? Mark Pope, executive director of Lenoir County Economic Development, ticked off the numbers for the news media attending the Chicken Media Summit in nearby New Bern.
"All together the economic impact [of the Sanderson Farms chicken complex] amounts to about $62.8 million annually," said Pope. "That revenue and disposable income rolls over five to seven times in the local communities and the state."
Sanderson Farms' investment in the complex in eastern North Carolina and Kinston amounted to $123.4 million, while contract broiler farmers invested another $100 million in grow-out facilities.


News media take a tour of a Sanderson Farms broiler grower operation.
• The 1,562 hourly and 125 salaried jobs created generate an annual payroll of $38.5 million.
• The 84 grow-out contracts yield an estimated $24 million annually to area farmers.
Citing Sanderson Farms' role as a corporate partner in eastern North Carolina, including the company's involvement in workforce training, Pope said, "We are most appreciative to Sanderson Farms for what they have brought to our community."
Media members toured the broiler complexes' hatchery, feed mill, processing plant and wastewater treatment facility on April 18 as part of the Chicken Media Summit, which is sponsored by the National Chicken Council and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.