Barely a generation ago, Canadians chose to serve chicken for special occasions only. The taste of its juicy dark meat or succulent white meat was reserved for Sundays, birthday parties or festive meals. Before the1950's, families purchased chickens from a butcher or a farmer's market. These chickens were freshly killed, but usually not cleaned. Since refrigeration was not always efficient, chickens had to be cleaned and cooked without delay.

Today, chicken is an everyday meal, enjoyed often by more Canadians than ever before. It also represents excellent value and outstanding nutrition.

Chickens have traditionally been raised on family farms. Today chicken production is a vital part of Ontario's food industry, but is still a family business. Many chicken producers are carrying on the tradition on farms that have been in the family for generations.

Raising chickens requires a high degree of commitment and knowledge. During the seven or eight weeks that it takes to raise a flock, the farmer must give constant care and attention to their health and feeding. Ontario chicken producers make use of the latest technology in heat and feed systems to keep their business running at peak efficiency.

When chicks arrive at a producer's farm, they are an hour old. They have already been examined for deformaties and robustness and have been separated as to sex. This flock of thousands is carefully released into a warm barn with heat lamps and feeders specifically designed to meet the needs of young chickens.

Chickens grow at a very fast rate, and with the excellent feed and growing conditions supplied by the farmer, the flock will probably be ready for market in seven or eight weeks. The farmer studies his flock carefully every day to make sure they are healthy and growing at the desired rate. The farmer raises his healthy flock by providing a safe, comfortable environment.

CFO was established in 1965 to regulate the production and marketing of chicken according to consumer demand. This orderly marketing system means that Ontario consumers are always sure of a constant supply of fresh Ontario chicken, and helps assure fair prices for the farmer, processor, and consumer.