Bleak Future for Poultry Farmers

Georgia poultry farmers are waiting to see whether they will have any chickens to raise at the end of the year. Chicken producers are reeling from last summer's spike in corn prices - up to $7.50 a bushel. The University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development says record prices for diesel fuel aren't helping and consumers aren't eating out as much. As a result, many producers are cutting back.

(Associated Press)

Chicken waste electric plant can't woo investors

What would be Georgia’s first plant that makes electricity from chicken waste has hit a snag. The plant slated for Danielsville, near Athens, is having trouble attracting private investors.

The facility would produce 20 megawatts of electricity a year by using a mix of chicken litter and wood scraps as fuel to generate steam that turns electricity-generating turbines. Area electric membership cooperatives have agreed to buy the electricity the plant produces to sell as "green" energy.

While private investors have so far been reluctant to finance the plant, the U-S Department of Agriculture handed over a $29-million dollar loan, enough to complete the plant's construction and get it up and running.