HDR1012000150020321971500CHICKENS AND EGGS                                      
Chickens                                                                        
and Eggs                                                                        
National                                                                        
Agricultural                                                                    
Statistics                                                                      
Service                                                                         
                                                                                
USDA                                                                            
Washington, D.C.                                                                
                                                                                
Released March 21, 1997, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS),
Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  For information 
on "Chickens and Eggs" call  Dan Boostrom at (202) 720-3244, office hours       
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.                                                      
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
               February Egg Production Down 1 percent                           
                                                                                
U.S. egg production totaled 5.88 billion during February 1997, down 1 percent   
from the 5.95 billion produced in 1996.  Production included 4.98 billion table 
eggs and 902 million hatching eggs, of which 848 million were broiler-type and  
54.0 million were egg-type.  The total number of layers during February 1997    
averaged 303 million, up 2 percent from the average number of layers during     
February 1996.  February egg production per 100 layers was 1,941 eggs, compared 
with 1,996 in February 1996.                                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
Pou 1-1 (3-97)                                                                  
All layers in the U.S. on March 1, 1997, totaled 304 million, up 2 percent from 
a year ago.  The 304 million layers consisted of 250 million layers producing   
table or commercial type eggs, 51.5 million layers producing broiler-type       
hatching eggs, and 2.63 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs.  Rate  
of lay per day on March 1, 1997, averaged 69.8 eggs per 100 layers, up          
fractionally from the 69.5 a year ago.                                          
                                                                                
Laying flocks in the 30 major egg production States produced 5.57 billion eggs  
during February, down 1 percent from February 1996.  The average number of      
layers during February, at 287 million, was  up 2 percent from the year earlier.
                                                                                
Individual State estimates are available for the 30 major egg producing States. 
These States are listed on page 8 of this release and account for approximately 
95 percent of the total U.S. egg production.  Production for the other States   
are grouped into an "Other States" category and combined with the 30 States     
published individually to obtain a U.S. estimate.  Individual State estimates'  
for "Other States" are available annually in the "Layers and Egg Production"    
report.                                                                         
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
               Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 2 Percent                             
                                                                                
                                                                                
Egg-type chicks hatched during February totaled 35.3 million, up 2 percent from 
February 1996.  Eggs in incubators totaled 33.2 million on March 1, 1997, down  
4 percent from a year ago.                                                      
                                                                                
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks 
by leading breeders totaled 216,000 during February 1997, down 9 percent from   
the 238,000 of February 1996.                                                   
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                   Broiler Hatch Down 2 Percent                                 
                                                                                
The February 1997 hatch of broiler-type chicks, at 631 million, was down 2      
percent  from  February of the previous year. There were 592 million eggs in    
incubators on March 1, 1997, up 3 percent from a year earlier.  February 1996   
contained 29 days due to the leap year.                                         
                                                                                
Leading breeders placed 5.80 million  broiler-type pullet chicks for future     
domestic hatchery supply flocks during February 1997, down 2 percent from       
February 1996.                                                                  
                                                                                
                                                                                
                            For information call Tom Kruchten at  (202) 690-4870
                                                                                
                    Layers:  Average Number During the Month,                   
                             United States, 1994-97                             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Month  :      1994       :      1995      :      1996       :      1997       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                             1,000 Layers                             
         :                                                                      
Dec 1/   :     290,642          299,160           298,861           303,669     
Jan      :     290,041          298,367           298,814           303,293     
Feb      :     290,047          297,293           298,357           303,066     
Mar      :     290,719          296,561           298,209                       
Apr      :     290,073          295,464           296,605                       
May      :     288,784          293,198           294,458                       
Jun      :     287,974          290,313           293,915                       
Jul      :     287,990          288,213           295,349                       
Aug      :     290,321          288,359           296,785                       
Sep      :     293,381          290,337           297,696                       
Oct      :     295,172          292,516           299,196                       
Nov      :     297,134          296,724           301,604                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  December preceding year.                                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                   Eggs:  Production During the Month by Type,                  
                             United States, 1996-97                             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :     Total Eggs      :      Table Eggs      :     Hatching Eggs     
   Month   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1996   :   1997   :   1996   :   1997    :   1996    :   1997    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :                            Million Eggs                            
           :                                                                    
Dec 1/     :   6,523      6,678      5,548      5,695         975         983   
Jan        :   6,398      6,554      5,420      5,567         978         987   
Feb        :   5,954      5,884      5,036      4,982         918         902   
Mar        :   6,495                 5,505                    990               
Apr        :   6,243                 5,284                    959               
May        :   6,340                 5,341                    999               
Jun        :   6,169                 5,209                    960               
Jul        :   6,440                 5,457                    983               
Aug        :   6,447                 5,465                    982               
Sep        :   6,235                 5,297                    938               
Oct        :   6,495                 5,539                    956               
Nov        :   6,409                 5,471                    938               
During Year:  76,148     19,116     64,572     16,244      11,576       2,872   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  December preceding year.                                                    
                                                                                
           Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,          
           and Forced Molt, United States, January-February 1996-97 1/          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :    1996    :    1997    :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Jan              (1,000)   :                                      
  All Layers                             : 298,814      303,293         101     
    Table Egg Type                       : 245,523      249,494         102     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :  53,291       53,799         101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :  50,698       51,120         101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :   2,593        2,679         103     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Jan (Number)  :                                      
  All Layers                             :   2,141        2,161         101     
    Table Egg Type                       :   2,208        2,231         101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   1,835        1,835         100     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   1,813        1,809         100     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :   2,275        2,314         102     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Jan       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :   6,398        6,554         102     
    Table Egg Type                       :   5,420        5,567         103     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     978          987         101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     919          925         101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :      59           62         105     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Feb 1                (1,000)   :                                      
  All Layers                             : 298,320      302,486         101     
    Table Egg Type                       : 244,854      248,515         101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :  53,466       53,971         101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :  50,847       51,287         101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :   2,619        2,684         102     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Feb 1   (Number)  :                                      
  All Layers                             :      68.1         68.8       101     
    Table Egg Type                       :      70.1         70.9       101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      59.0         59.2       100     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      58.2         58.4       100     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :      75.6         76.1       101     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers on Feb 1              :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :       5.4          5.1        94     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :      22.3         21.6        97     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.                                                                    
                                                                                
           Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,          
             and Forced Molt, United States, February-March 1996-97             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :  1996 1/   :  1997 2/   :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Feb                (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  298,357      303,066        102     
    Table Egg Type                       :  244,708      249,024        102     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   53,649       54,042        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   50,970       51,378        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,679        2,664         99     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Feb  (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    1,996        1,941         97     
    Table Egg Type                       :    2,058        2,001         97     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :    1,711        1,669         98     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :    1,689        1,651         98     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,128        2,027         95     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Feb       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    5,954        5,884         99     
    Table Egg Type                       :    5,036        4,982         99     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      918          902         98     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      861          848         98     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :       57           54         95     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Mar 1                  (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  298,348      303,596        102     
    Table Egg Type                       :  244,539      249,511        102     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   53,809       54,085        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   51,078       51,453        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,731        2,632         96     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Mar 1    (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :     69.5         69.8        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :     71.8         71.9        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     59.1         60.2        102     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     58.3         59.5        102     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :     74.8         75.7        101     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers, Mar 1                :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :      3.5          2.4         69     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :     23.3         22.8         98     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.                                                                    
2/  Preliminary.                                                                
                                                                                
     Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, and Forced     
            Molt, January-February, 30 Selected States, 1996-97 1/ 2/           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :    1996    :    1997    :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Jan                (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  282,679      287,363        102     
    Table Egg Type                       :  232,897      237,127        102     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   49,782       50,236        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   47,273       47,669        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,509        2,567        102     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Jan  (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    2,142        2,160        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :    2,207        2,230        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :    1,838        1,833        100     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :    1,813        1,806        100     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,312        2,337        101     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Jan       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    6,055        6,208        103     
    Table Egg Type                       :    5,140        5,287        103     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      915          921        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      857          861        100     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :       58           60        103     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Feb 1                  (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  282,343      286,425        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  232,385      235,983        102     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   49,958       50,442        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   47,423       47,862        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,535        2,580        102     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Feb 1    (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :     68.1         68.8        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :     70.1         70.9        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     59.0         59.2        100     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     58.1         58.3        100     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :     75.8         76.2        101     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers on Feb 1              :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :      5.4          5.1         94     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :     22.4         21.6         96     
                                         :                                      
Layers Sold During Jan           (1,000) :   15,686       13,985         89     
                                         :                                      
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed, or     :                                      
Composted Disappeared For Any Reason     :                                      
 During Jan                      (1,000) :    2,568        3,364        131     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks               :                                      
 of Age, Feb 1                   (1,000) :   71,279       71,215        100     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Added During Jan  3/     (1,000) :   19,825       17,601         89     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.                            
2/  Revised.                                                                    
3/  1996 is pullets added less than 20 weeks old to pullet focks.  1997 is      
    pullet chicks one day old added to pullet flock.                            
                                                                                
     Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, and Forced     
              Molt, 30 Selected States, February-March, 1996-97 1/              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :  1996 2/   :  1997 3/   :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Feb                (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  282,355      287,013        102     
    Table Egg Type                       :  232,245      236,614        102     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   50,110       50,399        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   47,527       47,839        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,583        2,560         99     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Feb  (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    1,996        1,941         97     
    Table Egg Type                       :    2,057        1,999         97     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :    1,712        1,671         98     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :    1,687        1,651         98     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,168        2,031         94     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Feb       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    5,635        5,572         99     
    Table Egg Type                       :    4,777        4,730         99     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      858          842         98     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      802          790         99     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :       56           52         93     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Mar 1                  (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  282,333      287,564        102     
    Table Egg Type                       :  232,091      237,231        102     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   50,242       50,333        100     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   47,618       47,805        100     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,624        2,528         96     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Mar 1    (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :     69.5         69.8        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :     71.7         71.8        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     59.1         60.4        102     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     58.2         59.6        102     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :     74.9         75.4        101     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers, Mar 1                :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :      3.5          2.5         71     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :     23.5         22.8         97     
                                         :                                      
Layers Sold During Feb           (1,000) :   14,996       13,858         92     
                                         :                                      
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,        :                                      
 Composted or Disappeared For Any Reason :                                      
 During Feb                      (1,000) :    2,664        3,326        125     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks               :                                      
 of Age, Mar 1                   (1,000) :   71,112       73,525        103     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Added During Feb 4/       (1,000):   20,485       18,609         91     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.                            
2/  Revised.                                                                    
3/  Preliminary.                                                                
4/  1996 is pullets added less than 20 weeks old to pullet flocks.  1997 is     
    pullet chicks one day old added to pullet flocks.                           
                                                                                
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State          
                  and United States, During January 1996-97 1/                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for    
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 2/   :     All Layers 2/      
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1996    :    1997    :  1996  :  1997   :   1996    :    1997    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----    
           :                                                                    
AL         :    4,320       4,056     11,121    10,685     1,897       1,956    
AR         :    5,469       4,707     15,749    14,740     1,892       1,872    
CA         :   25,233      25,666     25,791    26,270     2,144       2,242    
CO         :    2,696       2,735      3,276     3,292     2,167       2,157    
CT         :    3,400       3,324      3,549     3,469     2,226       2,248    
FL         :    8,502       8,212      9,194     8,949     2,175       2,168    
GA         :   10,716      11,298     18,736    19,689     2,039       2,052    
HI         :      738         712        785       737     2,012       2,037    
IL         :    3,099       3,272      3,301     3,429     2,242       2,275    
IN         :   20,614      19,956     21,667    20,824     2,183       2,267    
IA         :   17,547      19,558     18,403    20,515     2,222       2,125    
ME         :    4,862       5,020      4,974     5,112     2,413       2,426    
MD         :    3,106       3,000      3,607     3,490     2,162       2,178    
MI         :    5,013       4,777      5,281     5,021     2,114       2,204    
MN         :   10,770      11,163     11,573    11,939     2,203       2,136    
MS         :    2,306       2,130      6,240     6,759     1,987       1,938    
MO         :    5,640       5,292      6,770     6,485     2,127       2,159    
NE         :    8,989       9,200      9,139     9,350     2,139       2,254    
NY         :    3,677       3,239      3,974     3,423     2,365       2,337    
NC         :    6,054       5,351     13,824    12,814     1,902       1,920    
OH         :   22,764      25,359     23,196    25,888     2,319       2,298    
OK         :    2,000       1,703      3,900     3,716     2,077       1,991    
OR         :    2,522       2,576      2,699     2,756     2,186       2,177    
PA         :   20,020      20,275     21,378    21,533     2,273       2,336    
SC         :    3,695       3,922      4,703     4,913     2,148       2,056    
SD         :    1,570       1,798      1,745     2,028     2,275       2,201    
TX         :   12,735      13,279     15,890    16,801     2,096       2,107    
VA         :    1,660       2,530      3,802     4,001     2,025       2,000    
WA         :    4,955       4,752      5,186     5,128     2,275       2,301    
WI         :    2,726       3,001      3,226     3,607     2,232       2,301    
           :                                                                    
30 Sts     :  227,398     231,863    282,679   287,363     2,142       2,160    
           :                                                                    
Oth Sts 3/ :   11,316      11,284     16,135    15,930     2,126       2,172    
           :                                                                    
US         :  238,714     243,147    298,814   303,293     2,141       2,161    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.                                                                    
2/  Includes all layers and eggs produced in both table egg and hatching egg    
    flocks regardless of size.                                                  
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.                          
                                                                                
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State          
                  and United States, During February 1996-97 1/                 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for    
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 2/   :     All Layers 2/      
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1996    :    1997    :  1996  :  1997   :   1996    :    1997    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----    
           :                                                                    
AL         :    4,054       4,051     10,891    10,541     1,763       1,755    
AR         :    5,712       4,648     16,053    14,914     1,757       1,676    
CA         :   25,103      25,479     25,661    26,051     2,007       1,992    
CO         :    2,654       2,669      3,232     3,222     2,073       1,955    
CT         :    3,381       3,259      3,529     3,406     2,125       2,143    
FL         :    8,346       8,051      9,040     8,764     1,991       1,928    
GA         :   10,834      11,208     18,941    19,828     1,906       1,891    
HI         :      727         699        774       723     1,946       1,893    
IL         :    2,990       3,387      3,192     3,538     2,162       2,092    
IN         :   20,729      20,097     21,791    20,980     2,047       2,045    
IA         :   17,285      19,682     18,131    20,630     2,035       1,910    
ME         :    4,837       5,131      4,967     5,227     2,275       2,181    
MD         :    3,138       3,084      3,645     3,559     2,030       1,939    
MI         :    4,895       4,866      5,155     5,115     2,071       1,949    
MN         :   10,860      11,080     11,693    11,858     2,070       1,940    
MS         :    2,310       2,062      6,252     6,705     1,823       1,730    
MO         :    5,525       5,295      6,641     6,482     1,942       1,928    
NE         :    8,976       9,277      9,126     9,427     2,004       1,921    
NY         :    3,548       3,257      3,847     3,463     2,184       2,108    
NC         :    6,058       5,353     13,897    12,835     1,749       1,753    
OH         :   22,861      25,418     23,295    25,964     2,164       2,045    
OK         :    2,000       1,690      3,868     3,640     1,939       1,813    
OR         :    2,650       2,717      2,843     2,889     2,110       2,077    
PA         :   19,880      20,080     21,230    21,336     2,124       2,104    
SC         :    3,775       3,844      4,808     4,816     1,913       1,806    
SD         :    1,558       1,773      1,730     2,025     2,074       2,016    
TX         :   12,793      13,181     16,029    16,677     1,934       1,883    
VA         :    1,617       2,347      3,710     3,810     1,887       1,785    
WA         :    4,888       4,663      5,118     5,030     2,149       2,068    
WI         :    2,775       2,954      3,266     3,558     2,051       2,080    
           :                                                                    
30 Sts     :  226,759     231,302    282,355   287,013     1,996       1,941    
           :                                                                    
Oth Sts 3/ :   11,154      11,330     16,002    16,053     1,994       1,944    
           :                                                                    
US         :  237,913     242,632    298,357   303,066     1,996       1,941    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1997 preliminary, 1996 Revised.                                             
2/  Includes all layers and eggs produced in both table egg and hatching egg    
    flocks regardless of size.                                                  
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.                          
                                                                                
               Egg Production:  By Type, State, and United States,              
                               January 1996-97 1/                               
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 2/    :  Hatching Eggs 2/  
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1996   :   1997   :   1996   :   1997   :  1996   :   1997   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs                          
               :                                                                
AL             :    211        209         90         91       121       118    
AR             :    298        276        115         96       183       180    
CA             :    553        589                                              
CO             :     71         71                                              
CT             :     79         78                                              
FL             :    200        194        188        179        12        15    
GA             :    382        404        229        245       153       159    
HI             :     16         15         16         15         0         0    
IL             :     74         78         73         77         1         1    
IN             :    473        472        464        462         9        10    
IA             :    409        436                                              
ME             :    120        124                                              
MD             :     78         76         70         68         8         8    
MI             :    111        110                                              
MN             :    255        255        245        245        10        10    
MS             :    124        131         52         45        72        86    
MO             :    144        140                                              
NE             :    195        211        195        211         0         0    
NY             :     94         80                                              
NC             :    263        246        131        120       132       126    
OH             :    538        595                                              
OK             :     81         74         50         42        31        32    
OR             :     59         60         58         58         1         2    
PA             :    486        503        468        487        18        16    
SC             :    101        101         82         84        19        17    
SD             :     40         45         40         45         0         0    
TX             :    333        354                                              
VA             :     77         80         40         52        37        28    
WA             :    118        118                                              
WI             :     72         83                                              
               :                                                                
30 Sts         :  6,055      6,208      5,140      5,287       915       921    
               :                                                                
Oth Sts 3/     :    343        346        280        280        63        66    
               :                                                                
US             :  6,398      6,554      5,420      5,567       978       987    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.                                                                    
2/  Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing         
    individual operations.                                                      
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.                          
                                                                                
               Egg Production:  By Type, State, and United States,              
                               February 1996-97 1/                              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 2/    :  Hatching Eggs 2/  
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1996   :   1997   :   1996   :   1997   :  1996   :   1997   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs                          
               :                                                                
AL             :    192        185         80         81       112       104    
AR             :    282        250        109         84       173       166    
CA             :    515        519                                              
CO             :     67         63                                              
CT             :     75         73                                              
FL             :    180        169        168        156        12        13    
GA             :    361        375        217        225       144       150    
HI             :     15         14         15         14         0         0    
IL             :     69         74         68         73         1         1    
IN             :    446        429        437        420         9         9    
IA             :    369        394                                              
ME             :    113        114                                              
MD             :     74         69         66         62         8         7    
MI             :    107        100                                              
MN             :    242        230        232        221        10         9    
MS             :    114        116         47         38        67        78    
MO             :    129        125                                              
NE             :    183        181        183        181         0         0    
NY             :     84         73                                              
NC             :    243        225        120        108       123       117    
OH             :    504        531                                              
OK             :     75         66         46         37        29        29    
OR             :     60         60         58         59         2         1    
PA             :    451        449        436        435        15        14    
SC             :     92         87         75         71        17        16    
SD             :     36         41         36         41         0         0    
TX             :    310        314                                              
VA             :     70         68         36         44        34        24    
WA             :    110        104                                              
WI             :     67         74                                              
               :                                                                
30 Sts         :  5,635      5,572      4,777      4,730       858       842    
               :                                                                
Oth Sts 3/     :    319        312        259        252        60        60    
               :                                                                
US             :  5,954      5,884      5,036      4,982       918       902    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1997 preliminary, 1996 Revised.                                             
2/  Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing         
    individual operations.                                                      
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.                          
                                                                                
                  Forced Molt:  Percent of All Layers by Month,                 
                            United States, 1996-97 1/                           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :       Percent Being Molted        :    Percent with Molt Completed    
  Month :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
        :      1996       :      1997       :      1996       :      1997       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :                                Percent                                
        :                                                                       
Jan     :       3.7               3.8              24.3              22.3       
Feb     :       5.4               5.1              22.3              21.6       
Mar     :       3.5               2.4              23.3              22.8       
Apr     :       1.9                                22.9                         
May     :       5.4                                22.2                         
Jun     :       4.7                                22.2                         
Jul     :       4.0                                22.9                         
Aug     :       4.7                                22.0                         
Sep     :       4.3                                22.3                         
Oct     :       4.8                                23.0                         
Nov     :       3.1                                23.9                         
Dec     :       2.1                                23.5                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  As of first of month.                                                       
                                                                                
                  Forced Molt:  Percent of All Layers by State                  
                       and United States, March 1996-97 1/                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :       Percent Being Molted        :   Percent with Molt Completed   
   State  :---------------------------------------------------------------------
          :      1996       :      1997       :      1996      :      1997      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :                               Percent                               
          :                                                                     
AL        :       1.5               4.5              12.5             11.0      
AR        :       2.0               3.0               9.5              8.0      
CA        :       6.5               4.5              46.5             43.0      
CO        :       2.5               2.0              25.0             25.0      
CT        :        .0                .0              12.5             13.0      
FL        :       5.5               2.5              28.0             36.0      
GA        :       2.5               1.5              23.0             22.5      
HI        :       5.0               8.0              52.5             46.5      
IL        :       4.5               1.5              42.0             20.5      
IN        :       3.0               1.5              23.5             19.0      
IA        :       8.0               3.0              27.5             36.5      
ME        :        .0                .5                .5              3.0      
MD        :       4.0               3.5              33.0             32.0      
MI        :       1.5               2.0              23.0             13.5      
MN        :       1.5               5.5              33.5             30.5      
MS        :        .5                .5              15.0             14.5      
MO        :       1.5                .0              28.5             18.0      
NE        :       7.5               5.0              33.0             26.0      
NY        :        .0               1.5               8.5              5.0      
NC        :       3.5               1.0              14.0             11.5      
OH        :        .0               1.0              12.0             12.5      
OK        :       3.0               1.5              11.5             12.5      
OR        :       3.5                .5              36.0             39.5      
PA        :       4.0               2.0              20.0             18.5      
SC        :       3.0               2.0              30.5             24.0      
SD        :       1.0                .0              23.0             53.0      
TX        :       6.0               3.0              20.0             24.5      
VA        :       5.0                .0              15.5             15.5      
WA        :       6.5               6.0              39.5             44.0      
WI        :        .5               3.5              27.5             23.0      
          :                                                                     
30 Sts    :       3.5               2.5              23.5             22.8      
          :                                                                     
Oth Sts 2/:       3.0               1.1              20.5             22.5      
          :                                                                     
US        :       3.5               2.4              23.3             22.8      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  As of first of month.                                                       
2/  Estimates for individual States are not available.                          
                                                                                
            Hatchery Production:  Eggs in Incubators, Chicks Hatched,           
          and Placements by Type, United States, February-March 1996-97         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :    1996    :    1997    :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         : -------- 1,000 -------     Percent   
                                         :                                      
Egg-Type                                 :                                      
  Eggs in Incubators on Mar 1            :    34,669       33,211        96     
  Chicks Hatched During Feb              :    34,652       35,318       102     
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Feb            :    66,199       68,649       104     
  Pullets Hatched During Jan for Intended:                                      
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :       238          216        91     
    7-18 Month Earlier  1/               :     3,089        2,929        95     
                                         :                                      
Broiler-Type                             :                                      
  Eggs in Incubators on Mar 1            :   573,793      591,898       103     
  Chicks Hatched During Feb              :   646,085      631,259        98     
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Feb            : 1,332,444    1,331,726       100     
  Pullets Hatched During Jan for Intended:                                      
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :     5,916        5,799        98     
    7-15 Months Earlier 2/               :    54,522       56,512       104     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1997 includes pullet chicks hatched Aug 1995 through Jul 1996.              
2/  1997 includes pullet chicks hatched Nov 1995 through Jul 1996.              
                                                                                
                                                                                
           Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators:  By Region and United States,           
                                March 1, 1996-97                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                Geographic               :    1996    :    1997    :  as % of   
                 Division                :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :   ------ 1,000 ------      Percent   
                                         :                                      
North Atlantic                           :    4,624        5,858        127     
E North Central                          :    9,167        8,525         93     
W North Central                          :    6,287        5,520         88     
South Atlantic                           :    5,231        4,766         91     
South Central                            :    3,587        3,590        100     
West                                     :    5,773        4,952         86     
                                         :                                      
US                                       :   34,669       33,211         96     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
Regional Listing:                                                               
North Atlantic  = CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT.                           
E North Central = IL, IN, MI, OH, WI.                                           
W North Central = IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD.                                   
South Atlantic  = DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV.                               
South Central   = AL, AR, KY, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX.                               
West            = AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.           
                                                                                
              Egg-Type Chicks Hatched:  By State and United States,             
                                February 1996-97                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :            February            :             Jan-Feb             
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1997   :          :           :   1997   
             :   1996   :   1997   : as % of  :   1996   :   1997    : as % of  
             :          :          :   1996   :          :           :   1996   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :  ----- 1,000 -----    Percent     ----- 1,000 -----     Percent  
             :                                                                  
AR           :   1,277      1,005       79        2,108      1,608        76    
FL           :     986      1,039      105        2,029      2,117       104    
GA           :   1,899      2,039      107        4,029      4,138       103    
IN           :   7,364      7,326       99       14,644     14,531        99    
IA           :   3,301      3,381      102        5,394      6,880       128    
KS           :     326        173       53          666        548        82    
MN           :   2,326      2,247       97        4,241      4,420       104    
MO           :     322        321      100          369        672       182    
PA           :   4,046      4,868      120        7,306      9,103       125    
             :                                                                  
Oth Sts  1/  :  12,805     12,919      101       25,413     24,632        97    
             :                                                                  
US           :  34,652     35,318      102       66,199     68,649       104    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
           Egg-Type Chicks Hatched:  By Month, United States, 1995-97           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      :            By Months             :              Cumulative              
      :-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Month:        :        :        : 1997  :          :         :        :  1997  
      :  1995  :  1996  :  1997  :as % of:   1995   :  1996   :  1997  :as % of 
      :        :        :        : 1996  :          :         :        :  1996  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      : --------- 1,000 --------  Percent  ---------- 1,000 ----------  Percent 
      :                                                                         
Jan   : 32,375   31,547   33,331    106     32,375     31,547   33,331    106   
Feb   : 32,745   34,652   35,318    102     65,120     66,199   68,649    104   
Mar   : 36,021   37,687                    101,141    103,886                   
Apr   : 35,020   35,553                    136,161    139,439                   
May   : 37,482   38,477                    173,643    177,916                   
Jun   : 34,948   33,998                    208,591    211,914                   
Jul   : 29,554   33,828                    238,145    245,742                   
Aug   : 31,434   32,474                    269,579    278,216                   
Sep   : 33,578   31,956                    303,157    310,172                   
Oct   : 33,384   33,176                    336,541    343,348                   
Nov   : 29,130   31,495                    365,671    374,843                   
Dec   : 30,797   33,161                    396,468    408,004                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
        Intended Placements:  Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply        
              Flocks by Month and Total, United States, 1995-97 1/              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements  
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1997  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks 
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-18 Months Earlier 2/       
         :--------------------------: 1996  :-----------------------------------
         :  1995  :  1996  :  1997  :       :   1995    :   1996    :   1997    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : -------- 1,000 -------    Percent    ----------- 1,000 -----------   
         :                                                                      
Jan      :   236      171     205      120      3,022       3,108       2,905   
Feb      :   251      238     216       91      3,009       3,089       2,929   
Mar      :   356      317                       3,075       2,943       2,938   
Apr      :   317      252                       3,106       2,920       2,877   
May      :   193      291                       3,119       2,951       2,801   
Jun      :   234      282                       3,187       2,835       2,968   
Jul      :   235      259                       3,045       2,941       2,952   
Aug      :   163      172                       3,068       2,876       2,986   
Sep      :   292      231                       3,135       2,863       2,964   
Oct      :   309      233                       3,232       2,824               
Nov      :   124      291                       3,272       2,759               
Dec      :   231      215                       3,131       2,857               
         :                                                                      
Total    : 2,941    2,952                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  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 30 dozen case of eggs.                             
2/  For February 1997, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Aug 1995 through  
    Jul 1996.  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:  By Region                  
                       and United States, March 1, 1996-97                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :                   :                   :        1997        
     Geographic    :       1996        :       1997        :      as % of       
      Division     :                   :                   :        1996        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :      ---------- 1,000 ----------             Percent       
                   :                                                            
North Atlantic     :       12,531              11,984                96         
E North Central    :        8,074               7,997                99         
W North Central    :       19,331              22,729               118         
South Atlantic     :      231,127             231,332               100         
South Central      :      280,897             294,741               105         
West               :       21,833              23,115               106         
                   :                                                            
US                 :      573,793             591,898               103         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
                     Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched:  By State                     
                       and United States, February 1996-97                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :            February            :             Jan-Feb             
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1997   :          :           :   1997   
             :   1996   :   1997   : as % of  :   1996   :   1997    : as % of  
             :          :          :   1996   :          :           :   1996   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             : ------ 1,000 -----    Percent   ------- 1,000 -------   Percent  
             :                                                                  
AL           :  80,253     82,820      103       168,102     174,840     104    
AR           : 101,870     99,157       97       210,699     207,506      98    
DE           :  15,494     15,053       97        32,079      31,125      97    
FL           :   9,910      9,149       92        20,522      19,081      93    
GA           :  96,817     95,542       99       201,541     201,817     100    
MD           :  32,022     27,164       85        63,661      59,030      93    
MS           :  52,653     55,756      106       109,125     117,710     108    
NC           :  59,255     55,020       93       124,090     116,022      93    
PA           :  10,121     11,574      114        21,407      24,344     114    
SC           :  14,511     14,026       97        30,156      29,876      99    
TX           :  38,764     36,949       95        81,081      81,095     100    
VA           :  22,395     21,543       96        46,259      45,350      98    
CA TN & WV   :  31,198     31,372      101        65,680      66,620     101    
             :                                                                  
15 Sts 1/    : 565,263    555,125       98     1,174,402   1,174,416     100    
             :                                                                  
OR & WA      :   4,894      5,233      107        10,673      11,529     108    
             :                                                                  
Oth Sts 2/   :  75,928     70,901       93       147,369     145,781      99    
             :                                                                  
US           : 646,085    631,259       98     1,332,444   1,331,726     100    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  States in the weekly hatchery production estimating program.                
2/  Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
                                                                                
                                                                                
            Broiler Chicks Hatched:  By Month, United States, 1995-97           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :            By Months             :             Cumulative              
       :------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Month :        :        :        : 1997  :        :         :         :  1997  
       :  1995  :  1996  :  1997  :as % of:  1995  :  1996   :  1997   :as % of 
       :        :        :        : 1996  :        :         :         :  1996  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :--------- 1,000 ---------  Percent----------- 1,000 ----------- Percent 
       :                                                                        
Jan    :662,476  686,359  700,467    102    662,476   686,359   700,467   102   
Feb    :600,116  646,085  631,259     98  1,262,592 1,332,444 1,331,726   100   
Mar    :679,090  689,719                  1,941,682 2,022,163                   
Apr    :664,150  665,443                  2,605,832 2,687,606                   
May    :692,004  698,176                  3,297,836 3,385,782                   
Jun    :670,839  670,593                  3,968,675 4,056,375                   
Jul    :673,687  677,611                  4,642,362 4,733,986                   
Aug    :674,068  688,591                  5,316,430 5,422,577                   
Sep    :638,901  656,696                  5,955,331 6,079,273                   
Oct    :654,221  651,791                  6,609,552 6,731,064                   
Nov    :627,767  631,292                  7,237,319 7,362,356                   
Dec    :691,193  694,811                  7,928,512 8,057,167                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
          Intended Placements:  Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery         
                  Supply Flocks by Month and Total, 1995-97 1/                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements  
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1997  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks 
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-15 Months Earlier 2/       
         :--------------------------: 1996  :-----------------------------------
         :  1995  :  1996  :  1997  :       :   1995    :   1996    :   1997    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : -------- 1,000 --------   Percent   ------------ 1,000 -----------   
         :                                                                      
US       :                                                                      
 Place-  :                                                                      
 ments   :                                                                      
Jan      :  5,710    5,538   5,917     107     53,071      54,562      56,103   
Feb      :  5,484    5,916   5,799      98     53,563      54,522      56,512   
Mar      :  6,161    6,374                     53,808      55,178      56,374   
Apr      :  6,320    6,442                     54,576      55,053      56,322   
May      :  6,135    6,776                     54,930      55,356      57,004   
Jun      :  6,178    6,169                     55,297      56,528      57,596   
Jul      :  6,302    6,422                     55,376      56,585      57,169   
Aug      :  6,475    6,518                     54,965      55,803      56,644   
Sep      :  6,288    6,166                     54,183      55,584      55,667   
Oct      :  6,013    6,221                     54,433      55,781               
Nov      :  6,656    6,508                     54,649      55,921               
Dec      :  6,218    5,947                     54,720      56,222               
         :                                                                      
Annual   :                                                                      
 Total   : 73,940   74,997                                                      
         :                                                                      
Total    :                                                                      
 Place-  :                                                                      
 ments3/ :                                                                      
Jan      :  7,040    6,782   7,234     107                                      
Feb      :  7,180    7,167   7,120      99                                      
Mar      :  7,577    7,645                                                      
Apr      :  7,835    7,664                                                      
May      :  7,873    8,234                                                      
Jun      :  7,485    7,467                                                      
Jul      :  7,730    7,923                                                      
Aug      :  7,850    8,128                                                      
Sep      :  7,730    7,771                                                      
Oct      :  7,301    7,892                                                      
Nov      :  7,784    7,860                                                      
Dec      :  7,750    7,709                                                      
         :                                                                      
Annual   :                                                                      
 Total   : 91,135   92,242                                                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  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 30 dozen case of eggs.                             
2/  For Feb 1997, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Nov 1995 through Jul   
    1996.                                                                       
3/  U.S. production of intended placements worldwide.                           
                                                                                
                     Procedures and Reliability                                 
                                                                                
Data Sources:  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 over 30,000 table egg layers.       
Coverage for operations with less than 30,000 table egg layers are estimated    
each month based on data reported in December.  Approximately 900 contractors,  
independent egg producers, and started pullet operations are contacted each     
month.  All known hatcheries, approximately 360, are contacted for information  
on a weekly and/or monthly basis.                                               
                                                                                
                                                                                
Revisions:  The previous month's estimates are subject to revision if late      
            reports or corrected data indicates a different level.              
Additionally, revisions needed after the monthly report will be made at the end 
of the marketing year and published in the annual summaries of "Layers and Egg  
Production" and "Hatchery Production".                                          
                                                                                
                                                                                
Procedures and Reliability:  Operations are mailed a questionnaire and given    
                             adequate time to respond by mail.  Those that do   
not respond are phoned.  Great care is exercised to ensure that all operations  
are accounted for during each survey period.  However, there are usually missing
reports that must be accounted for in the estimates.                            
                                                                                
Sound statistical methodology is employed to derive estimates from the reported 
data.  All data are checked for unusual values.  All operations' data are       
compared to their own past operating profiles and also to trends from other     
operations.  Data for missing operations are estimated based on similar         
operations or historical data.  Survey data are subject to non-sampling errors  
such as omissions and mistakes in reporting and in processing.  While these     
errors cannot be measured directly, they are minimized by reviewing all data for
consistency and reasonableness.                                                 
                                                                                
Egg-type chicks hatched are comprised of all chicks of egg-type domesticated    
breeds including males and chicks destined for hatchery supply flocks and       
research purposes.  The relationship of chicks hatched to chicken inventory and 
poultry marketings is 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.      
                                                                                
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 egg supply flocks several months before 
the pullets will actually move into the flocks.  Beginning with the January 1996
publication the broiler-type cumulative potential placements went from 7-14     
months earlier to 7-15 months earlier.  The egg-type cumulative potential       
placements of 7-18 months represent the first laying cycle.  Molting and        
additional laying cycles will increase the cumulative potential placements of   
egg-type hatching flocks.                                                       
The next "Chickens and Eggs" report will be released at 3:00 p.m. ET on         
April 22, 1997.                                                                 
                                                                                
                                                                                
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in  
its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age,  
disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status.  Persons with    
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program         
information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA     
Office of Communications at (202) 720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD).     
                                                                                
To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, USDA, Washington, D.C.,
20250, or call (202) 720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD).  USDA is an equal
employment opportunity employer.                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
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