Turkeys Raised in 2005 Down 3 Percent from 2004

US - Turkeys raised in the United States during 2005 totaled 256 million birds, down 3 percent from the 263 million raised in 2004, report the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

10 January 2006

3 minute read

Turkeys Raised in 2005 Down 3 Percent from 2004 - US - Turkeys raised in the United States during 2005 totaled 256 million birds, down 3 percent from the 263 million raised in 2004, report the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Minnesota ranked first in the number raised with 44.5 million, followed by North Carolina with 36.0 million, Arkansas with 29.0 million, Virginia with 21.0 million, Missouri with 20.5 million, California with 14.9 million, and Indiana with 13.4 million. These States accounted for 70 percent of the turkeys produced in the United States during 2005.

Turkey Growers Plan a 4 Percent Increase in 2006

Turkey growers in 23 States intend to increase the number of birds raised by 4 percent in 2006. These states produced over 99% of the turkeys raised in 2005. Intentions for the top seven producing States compared with 2005 are as follows: Minnesota down 2 percent, North Carolina up 6 percent, Arkansas up 7 percent, Virginia up 7 percent, Missouri up 5 percent, California down 1 percent, and Indiana up 4 percent.

The number of turkeys actually raised in 2006 may vary from growers' intentions shown in this report depending on feed costs, supply of hatching eggs, cost of poults, and prices growers receive for turkeys during the next few months.