to remain well above 2010 numbers.
Strong increases in production and a weak
domestic economy have led to an increase in
broiler meat stocks. Cold storage holdings
at the end of the second quarter totaled 710
million pounds, 12% higher than 2010. Breast
meat in cold storage was estimated at 155
million pounds, 47% higher than 2010. Stock
changes for leg meat products were mixed,
with holdings of drumsticks and leg quarters
up 39% and 14%. Partially offsetting these
increases were declines in the cold storage
holdings for legs, thighs and thigh meat.
The estimate for third-quarter ending stocks
was raised to 685 million pounds and the
estimate for fourth-quarter ending stocks was
increased to 700 million pounds.
POULTRY LAB
Georgia poultry producers
plan new laboratory
Georgia poultry producers are making
plans to begin construction on a new, $11.2
million laboratory that will replace the
current 50 year-old facility.
The design of the new facility will
be larger than the old, and will take into
consideration the flow of samples to
avoid cross-contamination as well as the
laboratory’s function of export certification.
“We need a lab that’s going to be able to
handle the expanded volume, the even more
complex diagnostic requirements, and we
need a lab that will also continue to be a
vital part of our biosecurity,” said Georgia
Governor Nathan Deal.
The lab will also take visitors into account,
providing viewing mezzanines and platforms
for people to watch testing going on, instead
of visitors being in the testing areas.
GOVERNMENT PURCHASE
USDA purchases extra
chicken for federal
programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will
purchase an extra $40 million in chicken
products in addition to the $100 million in
scheduled chicken purchases it makes each
year for various federal nutrition assistance
programs, including donations to food
banks.
