US poultry production forecast raised

The forecast for total 2008 US meat production is raised primarily reflecting higher first quarter production forecasts for all major meats.

Chicken and turkey meat

CattleNetwork reports that the production forecast for poultry has been raised. Production for both broiler and turkey meat in January 2008 was large. Additionally, hatch data points to relatively large expansion into the second quarter.

However, high feed prices and steadily weakening broiler prices during the year are expected to result in slower broiler production expansion in the second half of 2008 than forecast last month.

Broiler export forecasts are raised as sales are expected to remain strong.