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Abstract

Poultry production holds an important place in Arkansas economically and as a food source. The importance of poultry production ultimately hinges on the demands of the consumer. With this in mind, this study surveyed consumers to assess their perceptions of poultry production in Arkansas. The instrument, used to survey consumers, was created by the researcher and an expert committee at the University of Arkansas. Consumers were interviewed through direct communication at grocery stores in northwest Arkansas. Data gathered from the study were analyzed for descriptive and correlational statistics. Two key findings were that consumers were unsure about the use of hormones and antibiotics in poultry production, and consumers agreed that poultry production has a positive effect on Arkansas. Based on these descriptive and correlational statistics, recommendations were made for marketing and education efforts to maintain the viability of poultry production in Arkansas. For example, consumers need to be educated about poultry production practices pertaining to conventional production processes, hiring in the poultry industry, and the use of factory farms to produce poultry.

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