Poultry Production Up

U.S. poultry production was up modestly on the year in February.
The USDA says 4.054 billion pounds of poultry were certified as wholesome in February 2023, up 2% from February 2022. Chicken was 3% higher on the year at 3.624 billion pounds, while turkey was 1% lower at 418.927 million pounds.

February’s chicken slaughter was up 2% at 738.997 million head and the total average live weight was 1% heavier at 6.5 pounds per bird, while the turkey slaughter was 1% above a year ago at 15.967 million head, but the total average live weight was down 2% at 32.8 pounds.

The USDA’s most recent cold storage report showed chicken and turkey supplies up 10% on the year, indicating at least some slowdown in demand.

For the year to date, U.S. poultry production is 8.53 billion pounds, 5% ahead of the 2022 pace. The USDA’s next set of annual poultry production estimates will be available April 11^th.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

It is good to see poultry production inching higher, especially in light of the HPAI virus outbreaks that have occurred in recent months. Assuming production continues to increase, that will help moderate prices and help increase sales and consumption once again. Poultry has become a staple in our diets and is an important source of protein for many Americans. Be sure to include poultry producers in your marketing plans.