Turkey Hatchery Remains Below Last Year

WASHINGTON - Mar 14/05 - SNS -- Turkey hatchery activity in the United States remained below previous year levels, according to the latest USDA report on the sector.

Turkey eggs in incubators on March 1, 2005, in the United States totaled 27.9 million, 6% below March 1 a year ago. Eggs in incubators were 3% above the February 1, 2005 total of 27.0 million eggs.

Regional changes from the previous year were: East North Central down 11% at 4,517,000 eggs; West North Central down 2% at 10,938; North and South Atlantic down 10% at 7,879,000; South Central down 16% at 2,111,000; and West up 12% at 2,435,000 eggs in incubators.

The 21.3 million poults placed during February 2005 in the United States were down 7% from the number placed during the same month a year ago. Placements were down 3% from January 2005. Regional changes from the previous year were: East North Central up 7% at 3,339,000 poults; West North Central down 9% at 8,316,000; North and South Atlantic down 8% at 6,275,000; South Central down 13% at 1,599,000; and West down 11% at 1,792 poults placements.

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