Chicken Meat

Chicken meat is Australia’s most consumed source of meat-based protein. With the lowest environmental footprint of all meats, and as the least expensive form of meat protein, Australian chicken is loved for its convenience, affordability, and versatility. The AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program invests in research, development and extension to promote industry productivity, profitability and sustainability.

Woman holding chick in chicken farm

Latest news and events

Australian white broiler chickens inside a large poultry shed, near a metal feed trough, with birds and overhead lighting visible in the background.
Chicken Meat

New data reveals $8 billion contribution of Australia’s chicken meat industry

Australia’s chicken meat industry is officially the nation’s fastest-growing livestock sector, contributing $8 billion to the economy, according to the newly released Economic Contribution of the Australian Chicken Meat Industry 2024 Report.

Commissioned by the AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program, in partnership with the Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF), the report confirms that employment in the chicken meat industry continues to rise, with tens of thousands of new roles created across farms, processing facilities and regional communities. Since the last economic modelling, the industry’s value has surged by an estimated 21% – averaging 3.9% growth annually – while employment has climbed 34%, or around 6% each year. It also highlights the industry’s steady growth despite challenges such as drought, COVID-19 and rising input costs.

4 min read

Image of Cathy McGowan AO, Shay Sadr (2025 Gary Sansom Scholarship recipient) and John Harvey
CHICKEN MEAT / 25.08.25

Feeding the future: Gary Sansom scholar looks to legumes for poultry nutrition

University of Sydney PhD candidate Shay Sadr, a poultry nutrition researcher and former data analyst, has been named the 2025 AgriFutures Gary Sansom Scholar. Her research focuses on incorporating Australian-grown legumes into broiler (meat) chicken diets to reduce crude protein without compromising bird health or productivity.

3 min read

CHICKEN MEAT / 28.07.25

Energy reductions the key to unlocking feed cost savings

Research has revealed that metabolisable energy levels in the diets of young meat chickens can be lowered without affecting bird performance. The finding offers important flexibility for industry nutritionists amid an environment of fluctuating ingredient costs.

5 min read

CHICKEN MEAT / 12.06.25

Waste not, want not: Rebel Northey’s quest for sustainable poultry nutrition

Rebel Northey is reflecting on a year of productive research, industry connections and personal growth that has positioned him at the forefront of sustainable poultry nutrition innovation.

4 min read