Poultry Day 🐔

Overview

Poultry Day, observed annually on March 19th, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to recognizing the significant role of domesticated birds—such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese—in our food supply and agricultural economy. It's a day to appreciate the versatility of poultry products, from meat to eggs, and acknowledge the industry that brings them to our tables worldwide.

Origin and story

Chicken is the most widely consumed meat globally, surpassing pork and beef in popularity.

A single laying hen can produce over 300 eggs per year, making eggs one of the most accessible protein sources.

Quick facts

• DateMarch 19
• TypeCultural / community observance
• Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to Celebrate Poultry Day

The chicken on today's dinner plate is largely the product of a single contest. Between 1946 and 1948, grocery chain A&P partnered with the USDA on the "Chicken of Tomorrow" contest, challenging breeders nationwide to develop a bird that grew faster and meatier — the winning bloodlines were crossed into the broad-breasted Cornish Rock Cross that still dominates poultry farming today.

Enjoy Poultry Dishes

• Chicken, turkey, or duck meals
• Poultry-based soups or roasts
• Global recipes featuring poultry

Learn About Poultry

Helpful resources:

• How the 'Chicken of Tomorrow' Contest in 1948 Created the Bird We Eat Today (National Geographic)
• The Chicken Of Tomorrow Contest Changed The Poultry Industry Forever (Tasting Table)

Practice Responsible Consumption

• Follow food safety guidelines
• Learn about animal welfare standards
• Explore sustainable food choices

Did You Know?

The contest's winning birds could reach four pounds in just 12 weeks on 12 pounds of feed — a dramatic efficiency gain over pre-1940s chickens, which grew far slower and carried much less breast meat.

Fun facts

• Chicken is the most widely consumed meat globally, surpassing pork and beef in popularity.
• A single laying hen can produce over 300 eggs per year, making eggs one of the most accessible protein sources.
• The global poultry market is valued at over $300 billion.
• Turkeys were domesticated in Mesoamerica long before the arrival of Europeans.
• Ducks have been raised for thousands of years for meat and eggs in various cultures.

Sources and attribution

• How the 'Chicken of Tomorrow' Contest in 1948 Created the Bird We Eat Today (National Geographic)
• The Chicken Of Tomorrow Contest Changed The Poultry Industry Forever (Tasting Table)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is Poultry Day?

It is observed on March 19 each year.

What is Poultry Day?

Poultry Day, observed annually on March 19th, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to recognizing the significant role of domesticated birds—such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese—in our food supply and agricultural economy. It's a day to appreciate the versatility of poultry products, from meat to eggs, and acknowledge the industry that brings them to our tables worldwide.

How do people celebrate Poultry Day?

Cook a favorite chicken, turkey, or duck dish, and read up on the 1948 'Chicken of Tomorrow' contest that produced the fast-growing, meaty breed behind most chicken sold today.

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