Poultry Production Above Last Year

U.S. poultry production during May 2022 was up 3% from May 2021. The USDA says the amount of poultry certified as wholesome last month was 4.247 billion pounds, including 3.824 billion pounds of chicken, 5% higher, and 412.758 million pounds of turkey, 8% lower.

The chicken slaughter was 6% above a year ago at 789.893 million head, canceling out a 1% decline in the average live weight to 6.42 pounds, while the turkey slaughter fell 4% to 16.582 million head and the average live weight decreased by 5% to 31.1 pounds.

Ante-mortem condemnations were 12.407 million pounds, 11% higher, representing 0.22% of total live weight, and post-mortem condemnations were 26.406 million pounds, a slight year-to-year decline, making up 0.61% of the amount of poultry certified wholesome.

The USDA’s most recent cold storage report showed a 1% year-to-year increase in the domestic poultry supply with a 6% gain in chicken against a 4% loss in turkey.

Editor’s Take:

A lot of chicken is consumed in the U.S. The fact that production increased in May is good news because it means the grocery stores should remain fully stocked. A decline in turkey production is not too concerning at this time of year. Much of that decline is attributable to HPAI or “Bird Flu” that has recently been more prevalent in turkey flocks. Plus, turkey production for the November time frame is gearing up as we speak.