News

January poultry production rises 7%

U.S. poultry production during January 2017 was 4.051 billion pounds, up 7% on the year.

Chicken production was also up 7% at 3.540 billion pounds, with the slaughter up 7% at 760.363 million head, and the total live weight also up 7% at 4.710 billion pounds. The average live weight for all chickens was unchanged at 6.19 pounds.

Turkey production was 5% higher at 498.344 million pounds, the slaughter increased 5% to 19.541 million head, and the total live weight was also up 5% at 622.224 million pounds. The average live weight for all turkeys was unchanged at 31.84 pounds.

Ante-mortem condemnations were 13.703 million pounds, 2% above January 2016, or 0.25% of the total live weight. Post-mortem condemnations were 40.226 million pounds, down 2% on the year, or 0.9% of monthly production.

The USDA’s most recent cold storage report showed poultry stocks steady on the month and up 3% on the year, implying solid domestic and export demand, but better for chicken than turkey.