摘要：This study provides a comprehensive view of the organization, management,and financial performance of U.S. broiler farms. Using data from the U.S.Department of Agriculture.s Agricultural Resource Management Study (ARMS,formerly known as Farm Costs and Returns Survey), we examine farm size,financial structure, household income, management practices, and spousal par-ticipation in decisionmaking. We compare broiler operations with other farm-ing enterprises and their earnings with that of the average U.S. household.Because most of the 7 billion broilers produced in the United States in 1995were raised under contract, we also explore the use of contracts and the effectsof contracting on the broiler sector.
