A WATT-Rennier Poultry Confidence Index survey poll shows that two-thirds of respondents identified "regulatory issues" as the top problem for the U.S. poultry industry over the next six months of 2015.
"Bird health/diseases" was the top issue among respondents one year ago.
Sustained confidence in the poultry industry lessened the impact of all potential issues in this latest survey. Respondents were simply less likely to identify any issue as a concern. "Regulatory issues" moved up from second place in 2014 because concern dropped the least (57 percent now versus 64 percent a year ago).
Rounding out the top-three issues were "bird health/diseases" and the "general economy." These two issues were among the top three in 2014 along with "regulatory issues."
Although concern has dropped for all issues, "credit availability," "input costs other than grain" and "jobs" fell the most. This suggests investors have a positive outlook for the U.S. poultry industry possibly bolstered by falling gas prices and increased job opportunities.
"Grain prices" – which was a concern for nine out of 10 respondents three years ago – continued to decline in 2015 (28 percent). Stable grain prices are a key to market profitability and growth.
