Avian Influenza is taking its toll on turkey production.
Production is down 3.5 percent this year and it is driving prices to record highs, up 20 percent in April alone, but the bad news is not all bad. In fact, projections for next year look much better. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski shares his prediction.
“We expect there’s gonna be some rebuilding of the herd rebuilding of production increase year over year of about 290 million pounds, and of course, that will weigh on the prices.”
Now when it comes to broilers, those flocks have been significantly less affected than during the 2015 outbreak. Their forecasted projection is up.
Related:
WI Dept of Ag weighs in on HPAI control efforts
USDA increases HPAI response efforts by more than $260 million
HPAI hits Iowa again, forcing 5.3 million chickens and 88,000 turkeys to be culled
