2003 Turkey Output Rises 1%

WASHINGTON - Jan 9/04 - SNS -- Total turkey production in 2003 inched up 1% from 2002 to 274 million birds, according to the USDA, but growers are indicating they will cut back flocks in 2004.

Minnesota ranked first in the number raised with 45.0 million, followed by North Carolina with 42.5 million, Arkansas and Missouri each with 26.5 million, Virginia with 23.0 million, California with 17.3 million, and South Carolina with 13.0 million. These States accounted for 71% of the turkeys produced in the United States during 2003.

Turkey growers in 23 States intend to decrease the number of birds raised by 4% in 2004. These states produced over 99% of the turkeys raised in 2003. Intentions for the top seven producing States compared with 2003 are as follows: Minnesota down 4%, North Carolina down 11%, Arkansas down 2%, Missouri down 4%, Virginia down 4%, California down 7%, and South Carolina unchanged.

The number of turkeys actually raised in 2004 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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