USDA Poultry Slaughter

Feb 26, 2014

Ready-to-Cook Weight Down 4 Percent from Last Year

Poultry certified wholesome during January 2014 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.68 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the amount certified in January 2013. The December 2013 revised certified total at 3.57 billion pounds, was up 7 percent from December 2012. The December revision represented an increase of 11 million pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during January 2014 was 4.88 billion pounds, down 4 percent from 5.09 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totaled 4.23 billion pounds, down 3 percent from January 2013. Mature chickens, at 69.4 million pounds, were down 7 percent from the previous year. Turkey inspections totaled 567 million pounds, down 13 percent from a year ago. Ducks totaled 14.8 million pounds, up 2 percent from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during January 2014 averaged 6.00 pounds per bird, up 1 percent from January 2013. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.46 pounds per bird, up 2 percent from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during January 2014 averaged 31.1 pounds per bird, down 2 percent from January 2013.

Source: USDA

Video: How We Pick Sheep For Use As Breeding Stock

In this episode of our sheep farming vlog at Ewetopia Farms, we’re diving deeper into one of the most important parts of raising purebred sheep — selecting our breeding stock. ?? This episode is a direct follow-up to our popular video “You Be The Judge,” where we invited viewers to help evaluate our rams. We read through your comments, shared your insights, and now we’re responding! Arnie and I go over what we agreed with, where our opinions differed, and what we look for when choosing both rams and ewes to carry on our genetics. Breeding decisions at Ewetopia Farms aren’t just about looks — they’re about structure, performance, temperament, and the future of the flock. Whether you’re building your own breeding program or just curious how we make these decisions, today’s discussion offers a rare look inside the thought process behind improving a flock year after year.