First decline in poultry meat production since 1973

Total broiler meat production for 2007 is forecast at 35,575 million lbs (16.137 million mt), a decline from 35,753 million lbs (16.217 million mt) form the previous year. According to the Service, this will be the first decline in production since 1973. 

Estimated broiler cold storage holdings at the end of the first quarter of 2007 was reduced to 610 million lbs (276.691 million kg), 29% lower than the previous year and down 90 million lbs (40.823 million kg) from the previous estimate. At the end of February, cold storage holdings of almost all broiler products were down. Products such as leg quarters, drumsticks, and thighs were all at least 44% lower than at the same time in 2006.