NFU Calls for Prompt Implementation of Poultry Tournament Rule

Farmers Union president criticizes USDA delay in finalizing regulation to increase fairness for poultry growers

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:09pm

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The National Farmers Union (NFU) is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to swiftly finalize and implement a rule that aims to address unfairness and deception in broiler grower payments, poultry grower tournaments, and capital improvement systems. NFU President Rob Larew expressed disappointment over USDA's decision to delay the rule's effective date from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027.

Why it matters

The proposed rule establishes important guardrails on the tournament-style payment system used in the poultry industry, which family farmers have long criticized as unfair. Delaying implementation denies growers the transparency and fairness they deserve in their contracts with large poultry companies.

The details

The Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule would prohibit poultry companies from reducing grower compensation based on comparisons to other growers, require a fair grower ranking system, and mandate disclosure of capital investment requirements. NFU and other advocates see the rule as crucial to rebalancing the power dynamic between growers and large integrators.

  • The final rule was originally set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
  • USDA has now delayed the rule's implementation until December 31, 2027.

The players

National Farmers Union (NFU)

A national organization representing family farmers and ranchers, advocating for fair agricultural policies and practices.

Rob Larew

President of the National Farmers Union, speaking out against the USDA's delay in finalizing the poultry tournament rule.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The federal agency that proposed and is responsible for finalizing the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule.

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

The USDA division that announced the finalization of the poultry rule in January 2025.

Live Poultry Dealers (LPDs)

Large poultry companies that contract with and set payment terms for broiler chicken growers.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union

What’s next

The judge overseeing the rule's implementation will decide on the new December 31, 2027 effective date in the coming months.

The takeaway

This delay denies family poultry farmers the transparency, fairness, and rebalancing of power they have long sought in their contracts with large integrators. NFU and other advocates will continue pressing USDA to finalize and implement this crucial rule without further delays.