From Passion to Family Business: Kathy Bishop’s Poultry Journey
In 2002, Kathy Bishop received her first flock and began her journey as a contract producer for Peco Foods. Growing up as a city girl, she never imagined raising chickens would allow her to stay home with her children and teach them the value of hard work.
The decision to work with Peco was an easy one. Not only did the company have a processing facility nearby, but it felt like a family from the start. For Kathy, the opportunity to do what she loves and exhibit a strong work ethic are two important factors to her poultry business.
“When I get up every day and go spend time on our farm, I like the fact that I am contributing something that supports others across my state and even people internationally,” said Kathy. “Being a part of this bigger picture makes me want to ensure my animals are healthy.”
“All in all, it’s the heart of a farmer to provide something that is useful, that is sustainable and that provides something for somebody. Whether it is a pair of shoes or food on the table, I love knowing that when I get up every day, I’m giving back to society.” – Kathy Bishop
Animal welfare is a top priority on Kathy’s farm, and she values that in Peco’s business model. Peco provides everything she needs to maintain her flock and nurture the relationship between the company and the contract producer. They know they can rely on one another for support when needed.
Because of the vast number of growers in the area, poultry is the number one revenue source in Jasper County, Mississippi, and Peco has continually contributed to the growth of the Bay Springs community by volunteering with community organizations, bringing growers together and serving as a resource for contract producers.
Kathy sits on Peco’s Grower Council, where she is one of six members who serves as a liaison between Peco and the contract producers. She’s able to listen to concerns and provide an opportunity for contract producers to get clear answers. Kathy views healthy two-way communication as a key to a successful business relationship.
What started as a passion project for Kathy has turned into a multi-generational endeavor as her children are now involved in the poultry industry. Kathy’s oldest son graduated with a poultry degree and is now a service technician for another company. Her middle son also earned a degree in poultry and has purchased his own farm to grow chickens for Peco. The youngest child, her daughter, has slowly taken on more responsibilities of the family farm, as Kathy has shifted into more of a supervisory role.
“I had always hoped my kids would want to get involved because when you invest that much in something, you don’t want to see it fall by the wayside,” Kathy said. “It is great we get to do this together.” Kathy hoped this would eventually become a family business that she could pass down, and her children are well on their way to becoming the next generation of successful contract producers.