Turkey hatchery Continues Decline

WASHINGTON - Jun 14/04 - SNS -- Turkey hatchery activity in the United States continued to decline through May, according to the latest data available from the USDA.

Turkey eggs in incubators on June 1, 2004, in the United States totaled 29.8 million, down 10% from June 1 a year ago. Eggs in incubators were slightly below the May 2004 total of 29.9 million eggs.

Regional changes from the previous year were: East North Central down 12% at 4,220,000 eggs, West North Central down 4% at 11,361,000, North and South Atlantic down 13% to 8,738,000, South Central down 4% at 2,462,000, and West down 19% at 3,034,000 eggs in incubators.

The 23.6 million poults placed during May 2004 in the United States were down 6% from the number placed during the same month a year ago. Placements were down 5% from the April 2004 total of 24.7 million.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here