Michigan State University Extension
Ag Econ Bulletins - 97200012
08/28/97
Henry Larzelere
Eggs
The number of eggs and pullets on January 1, 1997
will likely be 2% or 3% above a year earlier. Egg
production in most of 1997 will probably also be 2% or 3%
above 1996. This increased production will largely be the
response of favorable egg prices and feed ingredient
prices at the end of 1996 and early 1997. The egg-type
chick hatch during the major hatch season of March, April
and May 1997, will probably be 3% or 4% above the same
period of 1996. Likewise, feed ingredient costs will
probably continue their recent decline, depending on 1997
crop production conditions. These expected increases in
egg production will likely mean New York wholesale prices
for Grade A large white eggs in cartons will average in
the 80's or 90's. Egg prices in 1997 most likely will be
below 1996.
Broilers
Broiler production in pounds of meat in 1996 was
more than 5% above 1995. Wholesale broiler prices, fresh
ice packed at Midwestern cities in 1996, averaged 5 cents
a pound above 1995.
Broiler production in 1997 is expected to be 6%
above 1996 levels. This factor, coupled with pork
production being about the same, will likely mean average
broiler prices in 1997 will be about 2.5 cents a pound
below 1996, or 59 cents a pound.
Turkeys
The 1996 turkey crop was about 6.5% above the 1995
crop with prices for frozen whole turkeys about the same
in both years.
The 1997 turkey crop is expected to be 2% above
1996. Turkey prices in 1997 will probably average about 2
cents a pound above the previous year. The consumption of
turkey continues to grow throughout the year because more
uses of turkey are found. However, prices in the last
quarter of the year will be 5 to 10 cents a pound above
the first three quarters.