Turkey Producers Plan 2006 Expansion

WASHINGTON - Jan 6/06 - SNS -- Turkey production dropped 5% last year, according to the USDA, ending the year at 256 million birds, versus the 263 million raised in 2004.

Minnesota ranked first in the number raised with 44.5 million, followed by North Carolina with 36.0 million, Arkansas with 29.0 million, Virginia with 21.0 million, Missouri with 20.5 million, California with 14.9 million, and Indiana with 13.4 million. These States accounted for 70% of the turkeys produced in the United States during 2005.

Turkey growers in 23 States intend to increase the number of birds raised by 4% in 2006. These states produced over 99% of the turkeys raised in 2005. Intentions for the top seven producing States compared with 2005 are as follows: Minnesota down 2%, North Carolina up 6%, Arkansas up 7%, Virginia up 7%, Missouri up 5%, California down 1%, and Indiana up 4%.

The number of turkeys actually raised in 2006 may vary from growers' intentions shown in this report depending on feed costs, supply of hatching eggs, cost of poults, and prices growers receive for turkeys during the next few months.

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