Broiler production this year is now forecast at 38.088 billion pounds, 198 million pounds less than last month’s forecast and 1.8 percent above the 37.425 billion pounds produced in 2013, according to USDA’s “World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate” (WASDE) report issued this week. With broiler production of 37.425 billion pounds in 2013 (unchanged from the March estimate), last year’s production is 2.1 percent above the 36.643 billion pounds of broiler production in 2012. Analysts said that they reduced their forecast for production this year because “hatchery data point to slower growth in egg sets and chicks placed” (the same reason as listed in last month’s report). Analysts added, however, that “feed prices are forecast higher,” which supports the trimming of broiler production.  Read More

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