Turkey Numbers Rise in 2006

WASHINGTON - Jan 5/07 - SNS -- More turkeys were raised in the United States during the past year than in 2005, according to the latest report on the sector.

Turkeys raised in the United States during 2006 totaled 262 million birds, up 4% from the 252 million raised in 2005.

Minnesota ranked first in the number raised with 45.0 million, followed by North Carolina with 37.5 million, Arkansas with 30.0 million, Virginia with 21.5 million, Missouri with 20.0 million, California with 15.8 million, and Indiana with 13.8 million. These States accounted for 70% of the turkeys produced in the United States during 2006.

Turkey growers in 23 States intend to increase the number of birds raised by 4% in 2007. These States produced over 99% of the turkeys raised in 2006. Intentions for the top seven producing States, compared with 2006, are as follows: Minnesota up 2%, North Carolina up 5%, Arkansas unchanged, Virginia up 2%, Missouri unchanged, California up 6%, and Indiana up 15%.

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