Poultry Outlook Report - January 2004
By U.S.D.A., Economic Research Service - This article is an extract from the January 2004: Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook Report, highlighting Global Poultry Industry data. The report indicates that Broiler production is expected to be higher in 2004.

Poultry Trade Outlook Stronger
The outlook for poultry meat trade in 2004 is stronger than in 2003. Early in 2003 there were a
number of uncertainties stemming from new trade policies that were going into effect with Russia and Mexico. At the beginning of 2004, many of the trade policy questions with these two countries (our two largest markets) have been resolved. With a designated amount of overall poultry import
quantity, shipments to Russia are expected to be more stable than in the past. With the U.S.
economy expanding strongly, the Mexican economy is also expected to strengthen, resulting in
a higher demand for both broiler and turkey products in 2004.
Retail Turkey Price
Percent change from previous month ![]() |
U.S. broiler exports in November 2003 were 466 million pounds, up 7 percent from the previous year. This leaves exports over the first 11 months of 2003 at 4.6 billion pounds, up 2 percent from a year ago. As usual, leg quarter exports to Russia made up the largest single portion of the shipments. In November, shipments of leg quarters to Russia totaled 126 million pounds, 39 percent of all leg quarter exports and 27 percent of all broiler exports, on a quantity basis.
Broiler Production Expected Higher in 2004
Composite Broiler Price
Percent change from previous month ![]() |
Weekly Broiler Slaughter
Percent change from last year ![]() |
Broiler stocks declined in November, totaling 580 million pounds at the end of the month. This is 16- million-pounds lower than the previous month and 27-percent lower than at the same time in 2002. Strong exports and lower stock levels have led to continued increases for most broiler prices. The December 12-city average for whole broilers was 65.7 cents a pound, up 20 percent from the previous year. The wholesale composite price for whole broilers and broiler parts was 70.5 cents a pound in December, 39 percent higher than in December 2002. Movements in domestic broiler prices during the first quarter of 2004 will depend heavily on the extent discovery of BSE leads consumers to substitute poultry products for beef.
Turkey Production Down in November
Weekly Turkey Slaughter
Percent change from last year ![]() |
In November, U.S. turkey exports totaled 45 million pounds, up 28 percent from the previous year. With this surge in exports, turkey shipments over the first 11 months of 2003 are 19 percent higher than the previous year. While exports to Mexico were down strongly at the beginning of 2003, their strengthening over the last several months is the prime reason for the increase in shipments. Partially offsetting these increases have been weak exports to both Hong Kong and Russia.
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For more information view the full Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook - January 2004 (pdf)Source: Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook - U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service - January 2004