U.S. Poultry Values Up in 2004

WASHINGTON - Apr 28/05 - SNS -- The value of poultry and eggs marketed in 2004 was up significantly over 2003, according to the USDA's annual report for the sector.

The combined value of production from broilers, eggs, turkeys, and the value of sales from chickens in 2004, was $28.9 billion, up 24% from the $23.3 billion in 2003. Of the combined total, 71% was from broilers, 18% from eggs, 11% from turkeys, and less than 1% from chickens.

The value of broilers produced during 2004 was $20.4 billion, up 34% from 2003. The total number of broilers produced in 2004 was 8.74 billion, up 3% from 2003. The total amount of live weight broilers produced in 2004 was 45.8 billion pounds, up 4% from 2003. The 2004 average price per pound on a live weight equivalent basis was 44.6 cents per pound, compared with 34.6 cents in 2003.

The value of sales from chickens (excluding broilers) in 2004 was $58.0 million, up 21% from the $47.8 million a year ago. Prices averaged 5.8 cents per pound, compared with 4.9 cents in 2003. The number of chickens sold in 2004 totaled 192 million, up 1% from the total sold during the previous year.

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