20.05.2011

Source: Meat &Poultry

In 2012, US broiler meat production is expected to total 38.1 billion lbs., up 2 percent from 2011, with the expansion concentrated mostly in the second half of the year, according to the May 17 edition of the Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook from the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. Broiler meat production gains are expected to come from more birds being slaughtered and continuing increases in average bird weights at slaughter.
The continued strengthening of the general economy, including a gradual decline in the unemployment rate, is one factor needed for expanded broiler meat production in 2012. A second factor likely to influence integrators to expand is the corn and soybean meal price forecast for 2011/2012. Feed prices are expected to continue at very high levels.
Broiler exports in 2012 are expected to total 6.7 billion lbs., up 4.7 percent from the 2011 forecast, and are expected to be spread relatively evenly throughout the year. Broiler exports are expected to benefit from strong prices for beef and pork products as consumers look for the lowest priced proteins.