18.03.2009

United States

With broiler meat production down sharply in 2009 and chick placements continuing to be below year-earlier levels, the quarterly estimates for 2009 were revised downward. The broiler production estimate for 2009 is now 35.8 billion pounds, down 3.1 percent from 2008. First-quarter 2009 turkey meat production is estimated at 1.46 billion pounds, down almost 5 percent from a year earlier. Ending stocks for January showed a doubling in whole turkey stocks. Table egg production rose for the second consecutive month after declining in 22 of the previous 23 months.

Per Capita Broiler Meat Consumption at Lowest Level Since 2003:

With broiler meat production lower, exports at near record levels, and stocks in cold storage relatively high, the amount of broiler meat available for domestic

consumption at the end of 2008 was reduced. In fourth-quarter 2008, per capita broiler consumption declined to 19.7 pounds, the lowest quarterly per capita consumption level since the first quarter of 2003.