APHIS delays poultry rule until 2027

The Agriculture Department’s Agricultural Marketing Service on Tuesday delayed implementation of the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule from July 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2027.

In a Federal Register notice, AMS said it is proposing to delay the effective date of the final rule “to allow time for further consideration of possible actions that may be taken regarding the disposition of the rule.”

The National Chicken Council said it was pleased with the decision while the National Farmers Union said it was disappointed.

We applaud Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for their thoughtful review of this Biden-era regulation and for listening to chicken farmers across the country who oppose it,” said National Chicken Council President Harrison Kircher. “NCC strongly supports the administration’s commitment to cutting regulatory red tape and returning decision-making to farmers and the businesses that sustain rural America.”

NCC said, “The Biden administration finalized a regulation six days before President Trump took office that threatened to dismantle an efficient and successful industry model that has worked well for decades and helps keep chicken affordable.

“The Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule would effectively ban bonuses for the best chicken farmers. Eliminating this performance-based compensation system would pay all farmers the same, regardless of hard work, investments, housing conditions or bird welfare practices. It would drive experienced farmers out of the industry and reduce efficiency and competition in rural markets.

“Simply put, the rule is un-American.”

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said, “NFU is disappointed that USDA is delaying the implementation of its rule to increase fairness in poultry contracting and payment systems. Growers have long raised concerns about the unfairness of tournament pricing and the amount and quality of information provided to them by poultry companies. The rule establishes guardrails on the tournament system, giving producers more certainty and transparency so they can operate their farm businesses successfully.

“NFU is eager to see implementation of this long-overdue rule. Delaying it is a disservice to family farmers who deserve a fairer system.”