Mark Jordan

Consumers’ holiday plans disrupted by pandemic

Family gatherings are expected to be much smaller than usual for Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2020, creating uncertainty around what role turkeys will play in holiday meals.

November 6, 2020

Mark Jordan

Thanksgiving and Christmas are marked by large gatherings, but there will be a sharp break from that tradition in 2020 as health officials discourage large gatherings to help limit the spread of COVID.

Brote de influenza aviar en ponedoras mexicanas

COVID-19 supply disruptions increase broiler weights

A backlog of live birds pushed broiler weights into record territory this summer. Demand realignments will keep weights elevated.

September 16, 2020

Mark Jordan

Broiler weights are steadily increasing. Signs point toward a continued rise in weights in the future.

Poor foodservice demand weighs down poultry prices

The COVID-19 pandemic has left much of the restaurant sector in ruins, critically impairing a vital demand source for protein companies.

July 1, 2020

Mark Jordan

A collapse in demand for foodservice products could mean long term pain for the chicken and turkey industries.

Canada, Mexico remain key to poultry industry success

Exports to the countries followed an uneven trajectory in recent years but remain key markets for U.S. broiler meat.

May 13, 2020

Mark Jordan

The U.S.’s two largest North American trading partners – Canada and Mexico – often feel overlooked but they are reliable and important foreign destinations for US broiler meat.

COVID-19 pandemic increasingly threatens food supply

Plunging margins and sick workers serve as catalyst for plant closures and leave U.S. poultry companies reeling.

April 30, 2020

Mark Jordan

Poor market conditions were enough motivation for production cutbacks, but the effort picked up steam as COVID-19 began spreading rapidly among plant workers.

Broiler industry profit margin compression likely in 2020

Lower prices and higher input costs are expected to reduce profitability in the U.S. broiler industry in 2020.

January 2, 2020

Mark Jordan

In a cycle of profitability for the industry, the burning question is how much longer the good times can last.

Turkey prices slow to recover despite supply reductions

Turkey meat supplies are close to tying a 30-year low set in 2014, but the price response is mild so far.

November 26, 2019

Mark Jordan

Sluggish prices are keeping turkey producers cautious in 2019 and beyond.

Wet spring sparks fear of a feed cost spike

Heavy rain and flooding resulted in unprecedented planting delays. With yield prospects also dimming, grain buyers are concerned about a potentially underwhelming harvest.

August 6, 2019

Mark Jordan

Feed costs, recently subdued, may threaten poultry companies again in 2019.

ASF sparks uncertainty in the global meat industry

A shortage of protein in China and around the world will create an opportunity for U.S. poultry.

April 30, 2019

Mark Jordan

China’s swine herd reportedly suffered staggering losses over the past months, creating challenges and opportunities.

Heavy birds reshape industry’s cost and price dynamics

Average broiler weights at slaughter have increased 45 percent in the past 30 years, wholesale chicken prices declined 57 percent during the same time period.

February 28, 2019

Mark Jordan

Broiler sizes are steadily increasing due to efficiencies created by increased weight, but will that trend continue in the future?