FEED PRODUCERS AND SUPPLIERS: Poultry feed— corn and soybeans. These feed grains have their own market systems, but they are also an important element of the poultry market system.

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS: Good poultry production requires specialized equipment for feeding, watering, nesting and housing the chicks.

HATCHERIES: Even small-scale chicken farmers often purchase commercially produced day-old chicks to grow, rather than raising chickens from their own eggs.

VETERINARY SERVICES: Chickens need to be vaccinated, and ill birds may be treatable. Producers may seek veterinary advice if their flocks fall ill.

BANKS: Poultry producers may benefit from loans in order to upgrade equipment or expand the size of their business.