USDA broiler, turkey production forecasts raised

The 2013 forecast of US total poultry production is raised from last month, according to the USDA’s March 8 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report.

The 2013 forecast of U.S. total poultry production is raised from last month, according to the USDA’s March 8 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report.

The broiler forecast is raised to 37,925 million pounds, up 625 million pounds from the February estimates. The agency stated the forecast is up because producers are expected to respond to stronger forecast first-half feed meal prices.

The turkey forecast is also raised, with March estimates at 6,175 million pounds, up 150 million pounds from February. The jump is attributed to heavier bird weights and slightly higher slaughter numbers.

Supplies and ending stocks for both broilers and turkeys are also forecast higher than in the February report. Total US broiler supply is forecast at 38,282 million pounds, increasing from 37,666 a month ago. US turkey supply is projected at 6,410, up from the February estimate of 6,261. Ending stocks for broilers are now forecast at 625 million pounds, up 25 million from last month, while ending stocks for turkeys are at 300 million pounds, up 35 million.

Export estimates remain unchanged from the previous month, with broiler numbers projected at 7,250 million pounds for the year and turkey exports estimated at 830 million pounds.

Estimated broiler prices remain unchanged with a range from 92 to 98 cents per pound, but the price for turkey has been lowered from the $1 to $1.07 range to 99 cents to $1.04.

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