Starting a meat chicken farm

Chicken meat consumption is increasing in Queensland and opportunities exist for new meat (broiler) chicken growers.

Growing meat chickens provides a regular income compared with many agricultural enterprises, but can be a high capital investment. However, if you grow under contract with a processor, they will supply the chickens and feed and provide technical support and an established market. Growers supply land, sheds, poultry care and environmental management. In Queensland, many growers contract with the 2 large national processors, others with local processors and some growers process and market their own chickens.

Meat chickens are grown on litter in sheds, free range or organically. As well as the type of production system you are interested in, you will also need to think about environmental management and a range of animal health and welfare issues.

This guide provides an overview of starting a meat chicken farm in Queensland.