Chickens and Eggs

0
686
ISSN: 1948-9064

Released March 23, 2015, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service 
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA).

February Egg Production Up 1 Percent

United States egg production totaled 7.62 billion during February 2015, up 
1 percent from last year. Production included 6.61 billion table eggs, and 
1.01 billion hatching eggs, of which 928 million were broiler-type and 80 
million were egg-type. The total number of layers during February 2015 
averaged 362 million, up 1 percent from last year. February egg production 
per 100 layers was 2,104 eggs, unchanged from February 2014.
									
All layers in the United States on March 1, 2015 totaled 362 million, up 
1 percent from last year. The 362 million layers consisted of 305 million 
layers producing table or market type eggs, 53.9 million layers producing 
broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.56 million layers producing egg-type 
hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on March 1, 2015, averaged 75.3 eggs per 
100 layers, unchanged from March 1, 2014.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 6 Percent

Egg-type chicks hatched during February 2015 totaled 42.8 million, up 
6 percent from February 2014. Eggs in incubators totaled 44.5 million on 
March 1, 2015, up 14 percent from a year ago.

Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply 
flocks by leading breeders totaled 309 thousand during February 2015, up 
27 percent from February 2014.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 3 Percent

Broiler-type chicks hatched during February 2015 totaled 711 million, up 
3 percent from February 2014. Eggs in incubators totaled 647 million on March 
1, 2015, up 3 percent from a year ago.

Leading breeders placed 7.92 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future 
domestic hatchery supply flocks during February 2015, up 9 percent from 
February 2014.

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Contents
   
Average Number of All Layers on Hand During the Month - United States: 2014-2015............................  4

Egg Production During the Month by Type - United States: 2014-2015..........................................  4

Average Number of Layers During the Month - United States...................................................  5

All Egg Production During the Month - United States.........................................................  5

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt - United States: January-February 2014 and 2015...........  6

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt - United States: February-March 2014 and 2015.............  7

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced - States and United States: During January 2014 and 2015...................  8

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced - States and United States: During February 2014 and 2015..................  9

Egg Production by Type - States and United States: January 2014 and 2015.................................... 10

Egg Production by Type - States and United States: February 2014 and 2015................................... 11

Molted as Percent of All Layers by Month - United States: 2014-2015......................................... 12

Molted as Percent of All Layers - States and United States: March 1, 2014 and 2015.......................... 12

Hatchery Production - United States: 2014 and 2015.......................................................... 13

Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month - Regions and United States: 2014-2015................ 14

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month - United States: 2014-2015................................................. 14

Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month - 
United States: 2014-2015.................................................................................... 15

Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month - Regions and United States: 2014-2015............ 15

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched - States and United States: February 2014 and 2015.............................. 16

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched by Month - United States: 2014-2015............................................. 16

Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total: 2014-2015.. 17

Statistical Methodology..................................................................................... 18

Regional Listing............................................................................................ 19

Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates........................................................ 19

Information Contacts........................................................................................ 20

Average Number of All Layers on Hand During the Month - United States: 2014-2015
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Month            :            2014             :            2015             
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :                       1,000 layers                        
                              :                                                           
December 1/ ..................:           360,673                       365,691           
January ......................:           359,556                       363,732           
February .....................:           358,967                       362,164           
March ........................:           359,955                                         
April ........................:           360,826                                         
May ..........................:           360,383                                         
June .........................:           359,729                                         
July .........................:           360,787                                         
August .......................:           361,731                                         
September ....................:           361,813                                         
October ......................:           362,034                                         
November .....................:           364,017                                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ December preceding year.                                                               

Egg Production During the Month by Type - United States: 2014-2015
[Totals may not add due to rounding. Blank data cells indicate estimation period
has not yet begun]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :     Total eggs      :     Table eggs      :    Hatching eggs    
     Month     :-----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   2014   :   2015   :   2014   :   2015   :   2014   :   2015   
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          million eggs                           
               :                                                                 
December 1/ ...:   8,489     8,731       7,422     7,633       1,068     1,098   
January .......:   8,397     8,540       7,321     7,428       1,077     1,112   
February ......:   7,551     7,619       6,579     6,612         972     1,008   
March .........:   8,430                 7,354                 1,077             
April .........:   8,205                 7,160                 1,045             
May ...........:   8,428                 7,336                 1,094             
June ..........:   8,151                 7,091                 1,060             
July ..........:   8,503                 7,404                 1,100             
August ........:   8,491                 7,394                 1,098             
September .....:   8,186                 7,126                 1,060             
October .......:   8,526                 7,433                 1,094             
November ......:   8,411                 7,353                 1,058             
During year ...:  99,768                86,971                12,803             
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ December preceding year.                                                      

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt - United States:
January-February 2014 and 2015
[Totals may not add due to rounding]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      :           :           :  2015 as  
                         Item                         :   2014    :   2015    :  percent  
                                                      :           :           :  of 2014  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      :                                   
Layers during January                                 :                                   
  All layers ....................................1,000:  359,556     363,732       101    
    Table egg type ..............................1,000:  303,392     306,397       101    
    Hatching egg type ...........................1,000:   56,164      57,335       102    
      Broiler-type hatching .....................1,000:   52,858      53,826       102    
      Egg-type hatching .........................1,000:    3,306       3,509       106    
                                                      :                                   
Eggs per 100 layers during January                    :                                   
  All layers ...................................number:    2,335       2,348       101    
    Table egg type .............................number:    2,413       2,424       100    
    Hatching egg type ..........................number:    1,918       1,939       101    
      Broiler-type hatching ....................number:    1,882       1,906       101    
      Egg-type hatching ........................number:    2,480       2,451        99    
                                                      :                                   
Eggs produced during January                          :                                   
  All layers ..................................million:    8,397       8,540       102    
    Table egg type ............................million:    7,321       7,428       101    
    Hatching egg type .........................million:    1,077       1,112       103    
      Broiler-type hatching ...................million:      995       1,026       103    
      Egg-type hatching .......................million:       82          86       105    
                                                      :                                   
Layers on February 1                                  :                                   
  All layers ....................................1,000:  358,861     362,123       101    
    Table egg type ..............................1,000:  302,343     304,613       101    
    Hatching egg type ...........................1,000:   56,518      57,510       102    
      Broiler-type hatching .....................1,000:   53,146      53,944       102    
      Egg-type hatching .........................1,000:    3,372       3,566       106    
                                                      :                                   
Eggs per 100 layers on February 1                     :                                   
  All layers ...................................number:     74.9        74.8       100    
    Table egg type .............................number:     77.5        77.2       100    
    Hatching egg type ..........................number:     61.4        62.3       101    
      Broiler-type hatching ....................number:     60.3        61.2       101    
      Egg-type hatching ........................number:     78.7        78.3        99    
                                                      :                                   
Molted layers on February 1                           :                                   
  Being molted ................................percent:      2.8         3.3       118    
  Molt completed ..............................percent:     18.0        17.9        99    
                                                      :                                   
Layers sold for slaughter during January ........1,000:   15,707      16,514       105    
                                                      :                                   
Layers rendered, died, destroyed, composted           :                                   
 or disappeared for any reason during January ...1,000:    8,222       8,231       100    
                                                      :                                   
Pullets on February 1 ...........................1,000:  108,122     108,681       101    
                                                      :                                   
Pullets added during January 1/ .................1,000:   22,821      23,872       105    
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks.                             

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt - United States:
February-March 2014 and 2015
[Totals may not add due to rounding]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     :           :           :  2015 as  
                         Item                        :   2014    :   2015    :  percent  
                                                     :           :           :  of 2014  
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     :                                   
Layers during February                               :                                   
  All layers ...................................1,000:  358,967     362,164       101    
    Table egg type .............................1,000:  302,666     304,669       101    
    Hatching egg type ..........................1,000:   56,301      57,495       102    
      Broiler-type hatching ....................1,000:   52,990      53,929       102    
      Egg-type hatching ........................1,000:    3,311       3,566       108    
                                                     :                                   
Eggs per 100 layers during February                  :                                   
  All layers ..................................number:    2,104       2,104       100    
    Table egg type ............................number:    2,174       2,170       100    
    Hatching egg type .........................number:    1,726       1,753       102    
      Broiler-type hatching ...................number:    1,695       1,721       102    
      Egg-type hatching .......................number:    2,235       2,243       100    
                                                     :                                   
Eggs produced during February                        :                                   
  All layers .................................million:    7,551       7,619       101    
    Table egg type ...........................million:    6,579       6,612       101    
    Hatching egg type ........................million:      972       1,008       104    
      Broiler-type hatching ..................million:      898         928       103    
      Egg-type hatching ......................million:       74          80       108    
                                                     :                                   
Layers on March 1                                    :                                   
  All layers ...................................1,000:  359,078     362,180       101    
    Table egg type .............................1,000:  303,008     304,714       101    
    Hatching egg type ..........................1,000:   56,070      57,466       102    
      Broiler-type hatching ....................1,000:   52,823      53,905       102    
      Egg-type hatching ........................1,000:    3,247       3,561       110    
                                                     :                                   
Eggs per 100 layers on March 1                       :                                   
  All layers ..................................number:     75.3        75.3       100    
    Table egg type ............................number:     77.8        77.7       100    
    Hatching egg type .........................number:     61.9        62.3       101    
      Broiler-type hatching ...................number:     60.7        61.0       100    
      Egg-type hatching .......................number:     81.6        81.9       100    
                                                     :                                   
Molted layers on March 1                             :                                   
  Being molted ...............................percent:      2.4         1.8        75    
  Molt completed .............................percent:     18.0        18.7       104    
                                                     :                                   
Layers sold for slaughter during February ......1,000:   15,877      15,666        99    
                                                     :                                   
Layers rendered, died, destroyed, composted          :                                   
 or disappeared for any reason during February .1,000:    8,244       5,826        71    
                                                     :                                   
Pullets on March 1 .............................1,000:  107,660     108,803       101    
                                                     :                                   
Pullets added during February 1/ ...............1,000:   24,543      23,270        95    
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks.                            

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced - States and United States: During
January 2014 and 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                :  Table egg layers in  :                       :   Eggs per 100 for    
                :flocks 30,000 and above:      All layers       :      all layers       
      State     :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
                :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                :  --------------- 1,000 layers --------------      ------ eggs -----   
                :                                                                       
Alabama ........:    1,506       1,536       9,275       9,268      1,930       1,964   
Arkansas .......:    3,698       3,737      11,930      12,720      2,070       2,099   
California .....:   16,306      12,877      16,736      13,375      2,366       2,340   
Colorado .......:    4,515       4,027       4,929       4,400      2,516       2,409   
Connecticut ....:    2,285       2,285       2,379       2,378      2,354       2,355   
Florida ........:    8,264       8,760       8,655       9,122      2,322       2,302   
Georgia ........:    9,252       9,971      18,105      18,870      2,209       2,162   
Illinois .......:    4,251       4,334       4,726       4,794      2,433       2,461   
Indiana ........:   26,576      25,885      27,572      26,767      2,394       2,324   
Iowa ...........:   57,386      58,491      58,522      59,723      2,331       2,403   
                :                                                                       
Maine ..........:    3,476       3,476       3,531       3,531      2,407       2,407   
Maryland .......:    2,669       2,649       2,830       2,814      2,332       2,416   
Michigan .......:   12,482      12,828      12,708      13,062      2,439       2,503   
Minnesota ......:   10,214      11,390      10,634      11,845      2,417       2,431   
Mississippi ....:    1,531       1,535       5,782       5,676      2,024       2,079   
Missouri .......:    6,196       6,674       8,502       8,916      2,294       2,310   
Nebraska .......:    9,325       9,459       9,433       9,567      2,512       2,550   
New York .......:    4,676       4,732       5,036       5,087      2,502       2,536   
North Carolina .:    5,805       6,575      13,205      14,331      2,143       2,198   
Ohio ...........:   28,751      29,692      29,599      30,554      2,473       2,415   
                :                                                                       
Oregon .........:    2,199       2,194       2,338       2,333      2,609       2,615   
Pennsylvania ...:   24,274      23,987      26,185      26,043      2,486       2,550   
South Carolina .:    3,115       3,178       4,368       4,437      2,312       2,186   
South Dakota ...:    2,498       2,496       2,640       2,638      2,462       2,426   
Texas ..........:   14,885      14,885      19,003      19,037      2,289       2,243   
Utah ...........:    3,855       4,298       3,893       4,336      2,415       2,491   
Virginia .......:    1,093       1,251       2,834       2,953      2,152       2,201   
Washington .....:    6,829       7,225       6,993       7,390      2,302       2,449   
Wisconsin ......:    4,459       4,749       5,231       5,526      2,504       2,407   
                :                                                                       
Other States 1/ :   13,018      13,140      21,982      22,239      2,215       2,271   
                :                                                                       
United States ..:  295,389     298,316     359,556     363,732      2,335       2,348   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ Includes data for States not published in this table.                                

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced - States and United States: During
February 2014 and 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                :  Table egg layers in  :                       :   Eggs per 100 for    
                :flocks 30,000 and above:      All layers       :      all layers       
      State     :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
                :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                :  --------------- 1,000 layers --------------      ------ eggs -----   
                :                                                                       
Alabama ........:    1,502       1,475       9,292       9,208      1,722       1,759   
Arkansas .......:    3,672       3,814      11,873      12,715      1,845       1,880   
California .....:   16,261      12,835      16,691      13,329      2,127       2,153   
Colorado .......:    4,472       3,830       4,847       4,203      2,269       2,284   
Connecticut ....:    2,242       2,242       2,336       2,335      2,055       2,056   
Florida ........:    8,193       8,681       8,578       9,061      2,133       2,086   
Georgia ........:    9,289       9,779      18,200      18,666      1,978       1,955   
Illinois .......:    4,423       4,172       4,894       4,625      2,166       2,227   
Indiana ........:   26,491      25,744      27,434      26,616      2,183       2,006   
Iowa ...........:   57,728      58,330      58,918      59,562      2,086       2,147   
                :                                                                       
Maine ..........:    3,503       3,503       3,558       3,558      2,192       2,192   
Maryland .......:    2,546       2,648       2,709       2,814      2,178       2,203   
Michigan .......:   12,724      12,894      12,962      13,147      2,245       2,236   
Minnesota ......:   10,129      11,369      10,552      11,825      2,170       2,190   
Mississippi ....:    1,530       1,564       5,801       5,755      1,862       1,877   
Missouri .......:    6,248       6,526       8,556       8,776      2,069       2,097   
Nebraska .......:    9,318       9,446       9,426       9,554      2,313       2,303   
New York .......:    4,608       4,710       4,964       5,069      2,256       2,249   
North Carolina .:    5,727       6,649      13,075      14,415      1,973       1,929   
Ohio ...........:   28,948      29,936      29,800      30,798      2,211       2,175   
                :                                                                       
Oregon .........:    2,127       2,253       2,266       2,392      2,295       2,383   
Pennsylvania ...:   23,842      23,657      25,777      25,768      2,254       2,301   
South Carolina .:    3,024       3,173       4,260       4,456      1,995       2,065   
South Dakota ...:    2,517       2,537       2,659       2,679      2,181       2,128   
Texas ..........:   14,786      14,759      18,916      19,004      2,072       1,989   
Utah ...........:    3,897       4,179       3,935       4,217      2,135       2,205   
Virginia .......:      990       1,167       2,775       2,924      1,910       1,984   
Washington .....:    6,662       6,992       6,827       7,157      2,109       2,152   
Wisconsin ......:    4,274       4,586       5,048       5,366      2,080       2,199   
                :                                                                       
Other States 1/ :   13,008      13,138      22,038      22,170      1,992       2,030   
                :                                                                       
United States ..:  294,681     296,588     358,967     362,164      2,104       2,104   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ Includes data for States not published in this table.                                

Egg Production by Type - States and United States: January 2014 and 2015
[Totals may not add due to rounding. Data by type of flock not shown for some States to
avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in United States totals]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 :   Total production    :      Table eggs       :     Hatching eggs     
      State      :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
                 :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 :                             million eggs                              
                 :                                                                       
Alabama .........:     179         182          35          39         144         143   
Arkansas ........:     247         267          92          95         155         172   
California ......:     396         313         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
Colorado ........:     124         106         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
Connecticut .....:      56          56         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
Florida .........:     201         210         197         206           4           4   
Georgia .........:     400         408         229         235         171         173   
Illinois ........:     115         118         111         113           4           5   
Indiana .........:     660         622         641         606          19          16   
Iowa ............:   1,364       1,435       1,348       1,417          16          18   
                 :                                                                       
Maine ...........:      85          85         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
Maryland ........:      66          68          65          67           1           1   
Michigan ........:     310         327         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
Minnesota .......:     257         288         251         282           6           6   
Mississippi .....:     117         118          37          38          80          80   
Missouri ........:     195         206         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
Nebraska ........:     237         244         237         244           -           -   
New York ........:     126         129         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
North Carolina ..:     283         315         148         172         135         143   
Ohio ............:     732         738         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
                 :                                                                       
Oregon ..........:      61          61          61          61           -           -   
Pennsylvania ....:     651         664         623         635          28          29   
South Carolina ..:     101          97          80          74          21          23   
South Dakota ....:      65          64          65          64           -           -   
Texas ...........:     435         427         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
Utah ............:      94         108          94         108           -           -   
Virginia ........:      61          65          30          34          31          31   
Washington ......:     161         181         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
Wisconsin .......:     131         133         (D)         (D)         (D)         (D)   
                 :                                                                       
Other States 1/ .:     487         505         352         368         136         137   
                 :                                                                       
United States ...:   8,397       8,540       7,321       7,428       1,077       1,112   
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-   Represents zero.                                                                     
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.                         
1/  Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.                  

Egg Production by Type - States and United States: February 2014 and 2015
[Totals may not add due to rounding. Data by type of flock not shown for some States to
avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in United States totals]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 :   Total production    :      Table eggs       :     Hatching eggs     
      State      :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
                 :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    :   2014    :   2015    
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 :                             million eggs                              
                 :                                                                       
Alabama .........:     160         162          32          33        128          129   
Arkansas ........:     219         239          80          87        139          152   
California ......:     355         287         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
Colorado ........:     110          96         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
Connecticut .....:      48          48         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
Florida .........:     183         189         179         185          4            4   
Georgia .........:     360         365         206         210        154          155   
Illinois ........:     106         103         102          99          4            4   
Indiana .........:     599         534         583         519         16           15   
Iowa ............:   1,229       1,279       1,213       1,262         16           17   
                 :                                                                       
Maine ...........:      78          78         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
Maryland ........:      59          62          58          61          1            1   
Michigan ........:     291         294         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
Minnesota .......:     229         259         224         253          5            6   
Mississippi .....:     108         108          34          35         74           73   
Missouri ........:     177         184         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
Nebraska ........:     218         220         218         220          -            -   
New York ........:     112         114         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
North Carolina ..:     258         278         134         148        124          130   
Ohio ............:     659         670         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
                 :                                                                       
Oregon ..........:      52          57          52          57          -            -   
Pennsylvania ....:     581         593         556         565         25           28   
South Carolina ..:      85          92          67          71         18           21   
South Dakota ....:      58          57          58          57          -            -   
Texas ...........:     392         378         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
Utah ............:      84          93          84          93          -            -   
Virginia ........:      53          58          24          29         29           29   
Washington ......:     144         154         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
Wisconsin .......:     105         118         (D)         (D)        (D)          (D)   
                 :                                                                       
Other States 1/ .:     439         450         317         324        122          127   
                 :                                                                       
United States ...:   7,551       7,619       6,579       6,612        972        1,008   
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-   Represents zero.                                                                     
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.                         
1/  Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.                  

Molted as Percent of All Layers by Month - United States: 2014-2015
[As of the first of the month. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not
yet begun]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        :         Being molted          :        Molt completed         
          Month         :---------------------------------------------------------------
                        :     2014      :     2015      :     2014      :     2015      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        :                            percent                            
                        :                                                               
January ................:      2.7             2.1            18.2            18.1      
February ...............:      2.8             3.3            18.0            17.9      
March ..................:      2.4             1.8            18.0            18.7      
April ..................:      1.9                            17.9                      
May ....................:      2.8                            17.7                      
June ...................:      3.0                            17.2                      
July ...................:      2.6                            18.0                      
August .................:      3.3                            18.0                      
September ..............:      2.9                            18.9                      
October ................:      3.3                            19.3                      
November ...............:      2.0                            19.9                      
December ...............:      1.3                            19.3                      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Molted as Percent of All Layers - States and United States: March 1, 2014 and 2015
[As of the first of the month]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        :         Being molted          :        Molt completed         
          State         :---------------------------------------------------------------
                        :     2014      :     2015      :     2014      :     2015      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        :                            percent                            
                        :                                                               
Alabama ................:      1.0             0.5             4.5             8.5      
Arkansas ...............:      1.0               -            11.0            17.0      
California .............:      4.0             3.0            27.0            32.0      
Colorado ...............:      1.5             3.0            16.5            16.0      
Connecticut ............:      9.0             9.0             8.5             8.5      
Florida ................:      4.0             2.5            31.0            47.5      
Georgia ................:      1.5             0.5            14.5            20.0      
Illinois ...............:        -             1.0            15.0             7.0      
Indiana ................:      1.0             2.5            24.5            26.0      
Iowa ...................:      3.5             2.0            26.0            26.0      
                        :                                                               
Maine ..................:        -               -               -               -      
Maryland ...............:        -               -             4.0               -      
Michigan ...............:      1.0               -             8.0            11.0      
Minnesota ..............:      2.0             2.0            17.5            17.5      
Mississippi ............:      1.5             0.5             9.0            16.0      
Missouri ...............:      3.0             1.0            19.5            18.0      
Nebraska ...............:        -               -             4.0             1.5      
New York ...............:      3.0               -             4.0             2.5      
North Carolina .........:      2.0             0.5            12.0            16.0      
Ohio ...................:      3.0             2.0            23.5            20.5      
                        :                                                               
Oregon .................:      3.0             3.0            17.0            14.5      
Pennsylvania ...........:      1.5               -             6.5             1.0      
South Carolina .........:      1.0               -            10.0             9.5      
South Dakota ...........:     10.5             6.5            12.5             7.0      
Texas ..................:      1.5             4.5            26.5            28.5      
Utah ...................:      5.0             6.0            29.0            28.5      
Virginia ...............:      4.0             4.0            10.0            13.5      
Washington .............:      2.5             6.0            23.0            23.0      
Wisconsin ..............:      6.0             2.0            21.5            34.5      
                        :                                                               
Other States 1/ ........:      3.1             1.9            13.0             9.8      
                        :                                                               
United States ..........:      2.4             1.8            18.0            18.7      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-  Represents zero.                                                                     
1/ Includes data for States not published in this table.                                

Hatchery Production - United States: 2014 and 2015
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            :              :              :   2015 as    
                            Item                            :     2014     :     2015     :   percent    
                                                            :              :              :   of 2014    
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            :  --------- 1,000 --------       percent    
                                                            :                                            
Egg-type                                                    :                                            
  Eggs in incubators on March 1 ............................:     39,160         44,458         114      
  Chicks hatched during February ...........................:     40,323         42,782         106      
  Chicks hatched January through February ..................:     84,457         86,956         103      
                                                            :                                            
  Pullets hatched during February for intended placements:  :                                            
   Hatchery supply flocks ..................................:        243            309         127      
   Cumulative potential placements 7-18 months earlier 1/ ..:      2,710          2,955         109      
                                                            :                                            
Broiler-type                                                :                                            
  Eggs in incubators on March 1 ............................:    628,593        646,930         103      
  Chicks hatched during February ...........................:    692,647        711,002         103      
  Chicks hatched January through February ..................:  1,463,540      1,503,178         103      
                                                            :                                            
  Pullets hatched during February for intended placements:  :                                            
   Hatchery supply flocks ..................................:      7,239          7,921         109      
   Cumulative potential placements 7-15 months earlier 2/ ..:     60,850         61,999         102      
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ 2015 includes pullet chicks hatched August 2013 through July 2014.                                    
2/ 2015 includes pullet chicks hatched November 2013 through July 2014.                                  

Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month - Regions and United States: 2014-2015
[See regional listing on page 19]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    :         February 1          :   2015 as    :           March 1           :   2015 as    
       Region       :-----------------------------:   percent    :-----------------------------:   percent    
                    :     2014     :     2015     :   of 2014    :     2014     :     2015     :   of 2014    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    :  1,000 eggs     1,000 eggs      percent       1,000 eggs     1,000 eggs      percent    
                    :                                                                                         
North Atlantic .....:     3,590          3,812          106            5,296          5,920          112      
East North Central .:     8,841          8,791           99            8,787          9,631          110      
West North Central .:    10,042         10,884          108            8,557         11,250          131      
South Atlantic .....:     4,809          4,484           93            4,031          4,049          100      
South Central ......:     5,843          6,283          108            5,808          5,862          101      
West ...............:     7,399          6,210           84            6,681          7,746          116      
                    :                                                                                         
United States ......:    40,524         40,464          100           39,160         44,458          114      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month - United States: 2014-2015
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :               By months                :               Cumulative               
               :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Month     :            :            :   2015 as    :            :            :   2015 as    
               :    2014    :    2015    :   percent    :    2014    :    2015    :   percent    
               :            :            :   of 2014    :            :            :   of 2014    
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :   --- 1,000 chicks --       percent       --- 1,000 chicks ---       percent    
               :                                                                                 
January .......:   44,134       44,174         100          44,134       44,174         100      
February ......:   40,323       42,782         106          84,457       86,956         103      
March .........:   43,818                                  128,275                               
April .........:   45,115                                  173,390                               
May ...........:   49,003                                  222,393                               
June ..........:   43,470                                  265,863                               
July ..........:   42,123                                  307,986                               
August ........:   39,458                                  347,444                               
September .....:   43,309                                  390,753                               
October .......:   44,416                                  435,169                               
November ......:   36,539                                  471,708                               
December ......:   42,980                                  514,688                               
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month -
United States: 2014-2015
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        :                             :              :  Cumulative potential placements  
                        :    Pullet chicks hatched    :   2015 as    :    relative to current supply     
          Month         :                             :   percent    :   flocks 7-18 months earlier 1/   
                        :-----------------------------:   of 2014    :-----------------------------------
                        :     2014     :     2015     :              :      2014       :      2015       
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        :    --- 1,000 chicks --          percent           ----- 1,000 chicks ----      
                        :                                                                                
January ................:      270           270            100             2,714             2,947      
February ...............:      243           309            127             2,710             2,955      
March ..................:      235                                          2,716             2,863      
April ..................:      243                                          2,780             2,987      
May ....................:      224                                          2,744             3,206      
June ...................:      172                                          2,680             3,178      
July ...................:      275                                          2,866             3,074      
August .................:      251                                          2,786             3,074      
September ..............:      394                                          2,805             3,140      
October ................:      369                                          2,868                        
November ...............:      150                                          2,878                        
December ...............:      248                                          2,927                        
                        :                                                                                
Total ..................:    3,074                                                                       
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ For February 2015, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched August 2013 through July 2014. The 7-18     
   months represent the first laying cycle. Molting and additional laying cycles will increase the       
   cumulative potential placements.                                                                      

Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month - Regions and United States: 2014-2015
[See regional listing on page 19]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    :         February 1          :   2015 as    :           March 1           :   2015 as    
       Region       :-----------------------------:   percent    :-----------------------------:   percent    
                    :     2014     :     2015     :   of 2014    :     2014     :     2015     :   of 2014    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    :  1,000 eggs     1,000 eggs      percent       1,000 eggs     1,000 eggs      percent    
                    :                                                                                         
North Atlantic .....:    13,631         13,756          101           13,168         14,358          109      
East North Central .:    13,855         13,794          100           13,895         14,177          102      
West North Central .:    30,568         30,018           98           30,873         29,869           97      
South Atlantic .....:   242,155        246,543          102          243,145        247,020          102      
South Central ......:   305,251        315,985          104          306,094        317,739          104      
West ...............:    21,771         22,541          104           21,418         23,767          111      
                    :                                                                                         
United States ......:   627,231        642,637          102          628,593        646,930          103      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched - States and United States: February 2014 and 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :            During February             :            January-February            
                              :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             State            :            :            :   2015 as    :            :            :   2015 as    
                              :    2014    :    2015    :   percent    :    2014    :    2015    :   percent    
                              :            :            :   of 2014    :            :            :   of 2014    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :  --- 1,000 chicks ---       percent      ---- 1,000 chicks ----      percent    
                              :                                                                                 
Alabama ......................:   94,265       97,484         103          198,885      203,374        102      
Arkansas .....................:   68,377       72,152         106          146,282      152,167        104      
Delaware .....................:   14,788       15,795         107           31,126       32,943        106      
Florida ......................:    4,083        3,796          93            8,556        8,333         97      
Georgia ......................:  110,377      112,004         101          234,669      238,911        102      
Kentucky .....................:   24,829       25,870         104           53,244       54,938        103      
Louisiana ....................:   13,100       12,840          98           27,253       27,096         99      
Maryland .....................:   25,000       25,462         102           51,677       54,442        105      
Mississippi ..................:   58,319       60,037         103          123,941      126,391        102      
Missouri .....................:   28,210       27,366          97           59,681       57,887         97      
                              :                                                                                 
North Carolina ...............:   66,615       68,986         104          140,807      145,599        103      
Oklahoma .....................:   22,298       21,021          94           47,124       44,303         94      
Pennsylvania .................:   14,192       14,276         101           30,138       30,285        100      
South Carolina ...............:   15,821       17,021         108           33,706       36,369        108      
Texas ........................:   48,466       50,379         104          101,185      105,937        105      
Virginia .....................:   21,019       21,659         103           44,842       45,908        102      
California, Tennessee,        :                                                                                 
 and West Virginia ...........:   36,785       38,992         106           75,314       82,351        109      
                              :                                                                                 
19 States 1/ .................:  666,544      685,140         103        1,408,430    1,447,234        103      
                              :                                                                                 
Other States 2/ ..............:   26,103       25,862          99           55,110       55,944        102      
                              :                                                                                 
United States ................:  692,647      711,002         103        1,463,540    1,503,178        103      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ States in the weekly hatchery production estimating program.                                                 
2/ Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.                                 

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched by Month - United States: 2014-2015
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :               By months                :               Cumulative               
               :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Month     :            :            :   2015 as    :            :            :   2015 as    
               :    2014    :    2015    :   percent    :    2014    :    2015    :   percent    
               :            :            :   of 2014    :            :            :   of 2014    
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  --- 1,000 chicks ---       percent      ---- 1,000 chicks ----      percent    
               :                                                                                 
January .......:  770,893      792,176         103          770,893      792,176        103      
February ......:  692,647      711,002         103        1,463,540    1,503,178        103      
March .........:  769,818                                 2,233,358                              
April .........:  748,669                                 2,982,027                              
May ...........:  781,446                                 3,763,473                              
June ..........:  762,677                                 4,526,150                              
July ..........:  784,571                                 5,310,721                              
August ........:  788,385                                 6,099,106                              
September .....:  756,086                                 6,855,192                              
October .......:  760,593                                 7,615,785                              
November ......:  732,972                                 8,348,757                              
December ......:  796,060                                 9,144,817                              
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total: 2014-2015
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           :                             :              :  Cumulative potential placements  
                           :    Pullet chicks hatched    :   2015 as    :    relative to current supply     
           Month           :                             :   percent    :   flocks 7-15 months earlier 1/   
                           :-----------------------------:   of 2014    :-----------------------------------
                           :     2014     :     2015     :              :      2014       :      2015       
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           :   ---- 1,000 chicks ---         percent          ----- 1,000 chicks -----      
                           :                                                                                
United States placements ..:                                                                                
  January .................:     6,470         6,959           108            60,546            62,018      
  February ................:     7,239         7,921           109            60,850            61,999      
  March ...................:     6,790                                        61,214            62,220      
  April ...................:     6,710                                        61,457            62,804      
  May .....................:     7,600                                        61,385            63,157      
  June ....................:     7,094                                        61,444            63,509      
  July ....................:     6,212                                        61,524            63,514      
  August ..................:     7,436                                        61,772            63,763      
  September ...............:     7,253                                        61,446            64,084      
  October .................:     6,823                                        61,225                        
  November ................:     7,591                                        61,366                        
  December ................:     6,795                                        61,835                        
                           :                                                                                
Annual total ..............:    84,013                                                                      
                           :                                                                                
Total placements 2/ .......:                                                                                
  January .................:     8,077         8,382           104                                          
  February ................:     9,068         9,546           105                                          
  March ...................:     8,702                                                                      
  April ...................:     8,122                                                                      
  May .....................:     9,470                                                                      
  June ....................:     9,021                                                                      
  July ....................:     7,916                                                                      
  August ..................:     9,413                                                                      
  September ...............:     9,228                                                                      
  October .................:     8,288                                                                      
  November ................:     9,540                                                                      
  December ................:     8,649                                                                      
                           :                                                                                
Annual total ..............:   105,494                                                                      
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/ For February 2015, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched November 2013 through July 2014.               
2/ United States production of intended placements worldwide.                                               

Statistical Methodology 

Survey Procedures: Primary data for the Chickens and Eggs report are from 
weekly and/or monthly questionnaires sent to producers. An attempt is made to 
collect information for layer and egg estimates from each known contractor 
and independent producer who has at least 30,000 table egg layers, flocks of 
hatchery supply layers, or pullet only operations with at least 500 pullets. 
Coverage for operations with less than 30,000 table egg layers are estimated 
each month based on data reported in December. Approximately 500 contractors, 
independent egg producers, and pullet only operations are contacted each 
month. Data for broiler hatchery estimates are collected weekly from all 
broiler-type hatcheries that hatch at least one million chicks a year. Data 
for egg-type hatchery estimates are collected monthly from all egg-type 
hatcheries that hatch at least 50,000 chicks a year.

Estimating Procedures: Sound statistical methodology is employed to derive 
estimates from the reported data. All data are analyzed for unusual values. 
Data from each operation are compared to their own past operating profile and 
to trends from similar operations. Data for missing operations are estimated 
based on similar operations or historical data. NASS field offices prepare 
these estimates by using a combination of survey indications and historic 
trends. Individual State estimates are reviewed by the Agricultural 
Statistics Board for reasonableness. Individual hatchery data are summed to 
State, regional, and United States totals.

For chicken hatcheries, chicks hatched consist of all chicks of domesticated 
breeds including males and chicks destined for hatchery supply flocks and 
research purposes. Eggs set are eggs in incubators for the purpose of 
hatching. The relationship of egg-type chicks hatched to chicken inventory 
and poultry marketings are carefully monitored. The disposition of egg-type 
chicks hatched prior to placement into the laying flock can vary 
significantly, which can make comparisons to changes in layer inventory 
inconsistent over time. Broiler chicks placed are specifically for meat 
production. Intended placement data reported by leading breeders include 
pullet chicks expected from eggs sold the preceding month. The breeders in 
this report account for a large percentage of replacement pullets for 
hatchery supply flocks. Production of replacement pullets by these breeders 
indicates the number of pullets available to hatchery supply layer flocks 
several months before the pullets will actually move into the laying flocks. 
"Hatchery Supply Flocks" include all generations of layers which could lay 
eggs to supply a hatchery. This includes the generations of parents, 
grandparents, great-grandparents, pedigree, etc. Also included are research 
flocks, vaccine flocks, and specific pathogen-free flocks. The broiler 
cumulative potential placements are a moving total of the intended placements 
7-15 months earlier. The egg-type cumulative potential placements of 7-18 
months earlier represent the first laying cycle. Molting and additional 
laying cycles will increase the cumulative potential placements of egg-type 
hatching flocks.

Revision Policy: The previous month's estimates are subject to revision if 
late reports or corrected data indicates a different level. Additionally, 
revisions after the monthly report will be made at the end of the marketing 
year and published in the annual reports of Chickens and Eggs Summary and 
Hatchery Production Summary. Estimates will also be reviewed for chickens and 
eggs after data from the 5-year Census of Agriculture are available. No 
revisions will be made after that date. 

Reliability: Estimates are based on a census of all known contractors and 
independent producers who have at least 30,000 table egg layers, flocks of 
hatchery supply layers, pullet only operations with at least 500 pullets, or 
operating hatcheries and therefore, have no sampling error. However, 
estimates are subject to errors such as omission, duplication, and mistakes 
in reporting, recording, and processing the data. While these errors cannot 
be measured directly, they are minimized through strict quality controls in 
the data collection process and a careful review of all reported data for 
consistency and reasonableness.

To assist in evaluating the reliability of the estimates in this report, the 
"Root Mean Square Error" is shown for selected items in the following table. 
The "Root Mean Square Error" is a statistical measure based on past 
performance and is computed using the differences between first and final 
estimates. The "Root Mean Square Error" for all layers over the past 24 
months is 2.3 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the final 
estimate will not be above or below the current estimate of 362 million 
layers by more than 2.3 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 that the difference 
will not exceed 3.9 percent.

Reliability of Layer and Egg Estimates
[Based on data for the past twenty-four months]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :  Root mean   :  90 percent  :        Difference between first and latest estimate         
                              : square error :  confidence  :         :         :         :               :               
                              :              :    level     :-------------------------------------------------------------
             Item             :              :              :         :         :         :            Months             
                              :              :              :         :         :         :-------------------------------
                              :              :              : Average :Smallest : Largest : Below latest  : Above latest  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              :   percent        percent       --------- 1,000 ---------         ----- number -----       
                              :                                                                                           
All layers ...................:     2.3            3.9         7,624      37      10,344         23               1       
                              :                                                                                           
                              :                                  ------- million -------                                  
                              :                                                                                           
Eggs .........................:     2.4            4.1           183       1         271         23               1       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Egg-Type Regional Listing

North Atlantic: 	Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania.
East North Central:	Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin.  
West North Central:	Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri.
South Atlantic: 	Florida, Georgia, Virginia.
South Central: 	Alabama, Mississippi, Texas.
West: 	California, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon.

Broiler-Type Regional Listing

North Atlantic: 	New York, Pennsylvania.
East North Central:	Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin.  
West North Central:	Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri.
South Atlantic: 	Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South 
Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia.
South Central: 	Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas.
West: 	California, Oregon, Washington.

Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates

All Layers includes both table egg and hatching egg flocks regardless of 
size.

Intended Placements are reported by leading breeders. Coverage may not be 100 
percent. Includes expected pullet chicks from eggs sold during the preceding 
month at the rate of 125 pullet chicks per case of 30 dozen eggs.

Molted Layers is the same data series as the previously published Forced Molt 
Layers. Nomenclature changed as of January 2015.

Information Contacts

Listed below are the commodity specialists in the Livestock Branch of the National 
Agricultural Statistics Service to contact for additional information. E-mail inquiries 
may be sent to [email protected]

Dan Kerestes, Chief, Livestock Branch ..................................... (202) 720-3570

Bruce Boess, Head, Poultry and Specialty Commodities Section .............. (202) 720-4447
   Alissa Cowell-Mytar - Cold Storage ..................................... (202) 720-4751
   Heidi Gleich - Broiler Hatchery, Chicken Hatchery ...................... (202) 720-0585
   Michael Klamm - Poultry Slaughter, Turkey Hatchery, Turkeys Raised ..... (202) 690-3237
   Tom Kruchten - Census of Aquaculture ................................... (202) 690-4870
   Kim Linonis - Layers, Eggs ............................................. (202) 690-8632
   Sammy Neal - Catfish Production, Egg Products, Mink, Trout Production .. (202) 720-3244
   Joshua O'Rear - Honey .................................................. (202) 690-3676

Access to NASS Reports

For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following 
ways:

 	All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web 
site: http://www.nass.usda.gov

 	Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e-
mail subscription. To set-up this free subscription, visit 
http://www.nass.usda.gov and in the "Follow NASS" box under "Receive 
reports by Email," click on "National" or "State" to select the reports 
you would like to receive. 

For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Agricultural 
Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: 
[email protected]. 
  
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against 
its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, 
color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, 
reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial 
or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's 
income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic 
information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded 
by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs 
and/or employment activities.) 
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, 
complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online 
at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA 
office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a 
letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your 
completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at 
[email protected].

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