Chick Placements Down In 2006

摘要

Data from USDA showed chick placements through November 4 down 1 percent year-over-year. Chick placements likely finished 2006 lower than 2005 - the first time in 16 years that placements were significantly lower year-over-year. Nonetheless, chicken meat prices are still relatively low. Year-to-date broiler egg sets though late November were 0.4 percent lower than the previous year. Weekly egg sets were down an average of 2.6 percent in the six-week period ending late November. Based on announced intentions of some major broiler integrators, egg sets should decline by an even greater percentage in December and January.