News

July poultry production down 5% on the year

Poultry production during July was down 5% on the year at 3.633 billion pounds as uncertainties over demand continue to impact the market. For the year to date production is 24.250 billion pounds, 6% less than the January to July 2008 total of 25.856 billion.

Also, slaughter ready numbers are tighter with the chicken kill 5% below a year ago at 758.861 million head and the turkey slaughter down 11% at 21.493 million. The duck slaughter was 8% under a year ago at 1.890 million head.

The total live weight of all poultry during July was 4.834 billion pounds, 6% lower than the July 2008 total of 5.133 billion pounds. The January to July 2009 total is 32.355 billion pounds, 7% less than the January to July 2008 total of 34.691 billion.

That said – with feed costs down, the average live weight for all classes of poultry were unchanged to heavier than a year ago. All chickens averaged 5.55 pounds per bird, turkeys averaged 28.42 pounds and ducks averaged 6.79 pounds. So far this year, chicken average 5.56 pounds per bird, turkeys are averaging 29.21 and the average weight of all ducks is 6.75 pounds.

Ante-mortem condemnations for all poultry were 12.785 million pounds, down 36% from July 2008 and 0.26% of the total live weight. Post-mortem condemnations were 36.881 million pounds, 15% less than a year ago and 1.01% of total production.