N AGA NORTH AMERICAN GAMEBIRD ASSOCIATION
Gamebird Industry Scope and Needs
NAGA is the trade association that represents poultry farms that raise gamebirds (pheasant, quail ,
partridge, and ducks) for market to the hunting operations where American hunters take to the fields .
The Impact of the Gamebird Industry
The gamebird industry had a $2.2 Billion impact on the US economy in 2024, generating more than
$ 256 million in tax revenue , supporting nearly 10,000 jobs that paid $614 million in salaries and wages . This document outlines the scope of the industry , and the unique challenges it faces. The family farms that make up the gamebird industry are asking their members of Congress for help to solve these business threatening issues that have been caused by government. We thank you for your assistance.
Additional key facts about the gamebird industry:
➤ Gamebird farms support local economies : 50% of farm expenses are in their local communities. >
Gamebird businesses are truly family farms: 45% of labor is contributed by family members , and many are multi-generational even up to the fourth generation.
➤Gamebird farm production varies from small “mom & pop” farms raising 10,000 birds per year up to farms producing several million of birds. The average production is 137,626 pheasants , 133,545 quail , 35,691 chukar partridge , and 16,667 other partridges.
➤ The gamebird industry generates tourism : 1 out of 3 hunters on a gamebird hunting farm are from out of state . By contrast, only 1 out of 8 hunters in general are tourists.
The gamebird Industry ensures the future of hunting : 1 out of 3 customers on a gamebird
farm are either novices or first -time hunters.
Gamebird farms average 3,200 hunters each per year .
The gamebird industry is all that is right about America. A family farm business model that helps to fuel conservation by introducing new hunters each year that go on to buy licenses and sporting goods that fund state and federal conservation efforts . It provides thousands of opportunities that get Americans outdoors and exercising. And the fulfilling result is delicious table fare that has been providing sustenance to human beings for centuries.
3 Most Critical Challenges Facing the Gamebird Industry
Although the gamebird industry has an improving relationship with USDA – APHIS , there are instances where the government refuses to acknowledge the unique nature of the gamebird business compared to other poultry ; or where the government treats gamebird farms as if they are not legitimate poultry businesses . Here are three significant challenges :
1. Even though federal statutes classify gamebirds as poultry in many areas , when it comes to damages from natural disasters , such as hurricanes , tornados , wildfires , and floods , USDA has enacted regulation making gamebird businesses ineligible for assistance that other livestock receives under the Livestock Indemnity Program ( LIP . )
Remedy : there are two : 1 ) The LIP statute allows the Secretary of Agriculture determine that gamebirds are eligible poultry ; or 2 ) Congress can clarify that gamebirds are eligible under the LIP statutes
2. The gamebird business operates on a yearly cycle in which mature birds must be available during hunting season . Because of this , the farms affected by diseases such as avian influenza are not able to resume growing and immediately market their birds . Because of this , gamebird breeder birds are valuable because of the average number of eggs they produce , and not because of their generational genetics , as is the case with other poultry . Despite this key difference , USDA – APHIS insists on implementing a one – size – fits – all model when it comes to indemnity values , that severely undervalues breeder gamebirds . The result is a vulnerability that could wipe out a farm if it becomes infected with a disease just before or during high production laying and hatching time periods .
Remedy : NAGA annually surveys gamebird businesses to develop up to date bird values . The organization has created several models that create fair market value for breeder birds . USDA – APHIS could accept one of these models , or Congress could direct the agency to do so .
3. The supply chain for the gamebird business begins with the hatchery through the grower phase , from there to the hunting farm , and from there to the table . But because of the aforementioned annual business cycle that must coincide with annual hunting seasons , hunting operations that lose their contracted birds when their supplier contracts disease are left unprotected and in many cases be put out of business , decreasing the economic and cultural factors described at the beginning of this document . The gamebird industry is searching for a solution that would ensure their survival .
Remedy : Congress of USDA – APHIS could extend a 0 % or 1 % loan program to affected farms that can demonstrate their inability to secure birds due to a disease outbreak . This solution would ensure their survival and yet still make them the responsible party .
Summary The Gamebird Industry is a critical part of American rural economies and cultural heritage . On its behalf , NAGA and its members are seeking partners in Congress to address these business threatening challenges . Please contact NAGA Executive Director Rob Sexton at ( 614 ) 531-4426 or rob@northamericangamebird.com to discuss how we may work together .