Turkey Hatchery Relaxes in February

WASHINGTON - Mar 12/03 - SNS -- Turkey hatchery activity slipped below year earlier levels during February, according to the latest USDA data.

Turkey eggs in incubators on March 1, 2003, in the United States totaled 31.3 million, down 4% from March 1 a year ago. Eggs in incubators were 2% above the February 2003 total of 30.7 million.

Regional changes from the previous year were: East North Central, down 1% at 4,816,000 eggs; West North Central, up 2% at 11,954,000; North and South Atlantic, down 8% at 9,171,000; South Central, down slightly at 2,866,000; and West, down 21% at just 2,444,000 eggs in incubators.

The 23.8 million poults placed during February 2003 in the United States were down 2% from the number placed during the same month a year ago. Placements were down 6% from the January 2003 total of 25.4 million.

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