US poultry growers demand more pay from processors

Chicken growers in the US are demanding processors to increase payments, bearing more of the cost associated with raising flocks, industry sources reported.

The current system places most of the responsibility with growers to pay rising costs for rearing flocks and upgrading plants and equipment, Mike Weaver, president of the Contract Poultry Growers Association of the Virginias, said.

Weaver, wanting the US government to help, said that a lot of growers are going bankrupt.

''Poultry farmers are struggling. We need some money and contract changes,'' said Jonathan Buttram, president of the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association. He said he would like to see processors pay for upgrades and improved contract terms for growers.

The current arrangement works, according to the National Chicken Council, which represents processors such as JBS SA's Pilgrim's Pride Corp., closely held Perdue Inc., Tyson Foods Inc. and Sanderson Farms Inc.