Perdue Farms was founded in 1920 by Arthur and Pearl Perdue, who had a small chicken farm. The company began by selling eggs, but later built a hatchery and sold chicks to other farmers. The company is still family owned and operated.
Today, Perdue Farms is one of America’s largest providers of chicken, turkey and pork. In addition to farms, the company also owns processing plants. Perdue Farms is the parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue Agribusiness. Estimates are that the company has $6 billion in annual revenue or more, and at least 21,000 full time employees.
In 2007, the company removed all antibiotics from their feed, however, they have been criticized by animal welfare groups for not providing their animals with better living conditions.
In answer to criticism, Perdue has changed their farming practices, allowing chickens access to an outdoor area for a more natural habitat.
In August 2020, the company was given a Silver Stevie Award for their response to employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perdue Farms maintains their corporate office in Salisbury, Maryland.
