Chickens
and Eggs
 
National
Agricultural
Statistics
Service
 
 
USDA
Washington, D.C.
 
 
Released April 23, 1999, 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. For information on Hatch call Tom Kruchten at (202) 690-4870,
office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.
 
 
 
 
                 March Egg Production Up 3 Percent
 
U.S. egg production totaled 7.05 billion during March 1999, up 3 percent
from the 6.87 billion produced in 1998. Production included 5.94 billion
table eggs and 1.11 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.04 billion were
broiler-type and 70.0 million were egg-type. The total number of layers
during March 1999 averaged 323 million, up 3 percent from the total
average number of layers during March 1998. March egg production per 100
layers was 2,183 eggs, down slightly from 2,187 eggs in March 1998.
 
 
Pou 1-1  (4-99)
 
 
 
All layers in the U.S. on April 1, 1999, totaled 323 million, up 3
percent from a year ago. The 323 million layers consisted of 262 million
layers producing table or commercial type eggs, 57.3 million layers
producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.94 million layers producing
egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on April 1, 1999, averaged
71.1 eggs per 100 layers, down fractionally from the 71.3 a year ago.
 
Laying flocks in the 30 major egg producing States produced 6.66 billion
eggs during March, up 2 percent from March 1998. The average number of
layers during March, at 305 million, was up 3 percent from a 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 March totaled 41.3 million, up 2 percent
from March 1998. Eggs in incubators totaled 38.0 million on April 1,
1999, up 12 percent from a year ago.
 
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply
flocks by leading breeders totaled 257,000 during March 1999, up 14
percent from March 1998.
 
 
                   Broiler Hatch Up 3 Percent
 
The March 1999 hatch of broiler-type chicks, at 755 million, was up 3
percent from March of the previous year. There were 626 million eggs in
incubators on April 1,1999, up 3 percent from a year earlier.
 
Leading breeders placed 7.20 million broiler-type pullet chicks for
future domestic hatchery supply flocks during March 1999, up 6 percent
from March 1998.
 
 
 
 
 
              All Layers:  Average Number on Hand During the Month,
                             United States, 1996-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Month  :      1996       :      1997      :      1998       :      1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                             1,000 Layers
         :
Dec 1/   :     299,345          304,463           311,888           321,193
Jan      :     299,230          304,289           311,876           322,136
Feb      :     298,904          304,000           313,245           322,754
Mar      :     298,853          304,285           314,101           323,027
Apr      :     297,493          303,618           311,917
May      :     295,516          302,241           309,615
Jun      :     294,837          300,537           309,166
Jul      :     296,290          299,605           308,927
Aug      :     297,804          300,211           309,251
Sep      :     298,582          303,661           311,278
Oct      :     300,052          306,807           314,847
Nov      :     302,386          309,670           318,797
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  December preceding year.
 
 
 
 
                   Eggs:  Production During the Month by Type,
                             United States, 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :     Total Eggs      :      Table Eggs      :     Hatching Eggs
   Month   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1998   :   1999   :   1998   :   1999    :   1998    :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :                            Million Eggs
           :
Dec 1/     :   6,841      7,029      5,802      5,957       1,039       1,072
Jan        :   6,766      6,971      5,720      5,890       1,046       1,081
Feb        :   6,109      6,282      5,150      5,296         959         986
Mar        :   6,869      7,052      5,797      5,943       1,072       1,109
Apr        :   6,603                 5,556                  1,047
May        :   6,665                 5,584                  1,081
Jun        :   6,456                 5,433                  1,023
Jul        :   6,720                 5,674                  1,046
Aug        :   6,694                 5,655                  1,039
Sep        :   6,480                 5,480                  1,000
Oct        :   6,791                 5,746                  1,045
Nov        :   6,723                 5,695                  1,028
During Year:  79,717     27,334     67,292     23,086      12,425       4,248
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  December preceding year.
 
 
 
 
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,
            and Forced Molt, United States, February-March 1998-99 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1999
                Item                :   Unit   :   1998   :   1999   : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers During Feb                   :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          :313,245    322,754       103
    Table Egg Type                  :          :255,841    263,473       103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          : 57,404     59,281       103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          : 54,760     56,467       103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :  2,644      2,814       106
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers During Feb      :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :  1,950      1,946       100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :  2,013      2,010       100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :  1,671      1,663       100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :  1,647      1,640       100
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :  2,156      2,132        99
                                    :          :
Eggs Produced During Feb            :  Million :
  All Layers                        :          :  6,109      6,282       103
    Table Egg Type                  :          :  5,150      5,296       103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :    959        986       103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :    902        926       103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :     57         60       105
                                    :          :
Layers on Mar 1                     :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          :314,322    323,357       103
    Table Egg Type                  :          :256,928    263,840       103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          : 57,394     59,517       104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          : 54,711     56,653       104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :  2,683      2,864       107
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers on Mar 1        :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :     69.6       69.6     100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :     71.8       71.9     100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :     59.6       59.4     100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :     58.7       58.6     100
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :     78.3       75.1      96
                                    :          :
Forced Molt Layers on Mar 1         :  Percent :
  Percent Being Molted              :          :      4.4        3.3      75
  Percent with Molt Completed       :          :     21.2       21.8     103
                                    :          :
Layers Sold for Slaughter During Feb:  1,000   : 14,468     14,906       103
                                    :          :
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,   :          :
 Composted or Disappeared For Any   :          :
 Reason During Feb                  :  1,000   :  3,077      3,255       106
                                    :          :
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks          :          :
 of Age, Mar 1                      :  1,000   : 88,604     94,924       107
                                    :          :
Pullets Added During Feb 2/         :  1,000   : 22,580     21,641        96
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.
2/  Pullet chicks one day old added to pullet flocks.
 
 
 
 
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,
               and Forced Molt, United States, March-April 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1999
                Item                :   Unit   : 1998 1/  :   1999   : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers During Mar                   :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          : 314,101    323,027      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          : 256,570    263,125      103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :  57,531     59,902      104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :  54,854     56,997      104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,677      2,905      109
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers During Mar      :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :   2,187      2,183      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :   2,259      2,259      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   1,863      1,851       99
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   1,836      1,823       99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,428      2,410       99
                                    :          :
Eggs Produced During Mar            :  Million :
  All Layers                        :          :   6,869      7,052      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          :   5,797      5,943      103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   1,072      1,109      103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   1,007      1,039      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :      65         70      108
                                    :          :
Layers on Apr 1                     :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          : 313,833    322,655      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          : 256,185    262,392      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :  57,648     60,263      105
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :  54,987     57,326      104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,661      2,937      110
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers on Apr 1        :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :    71.3       71.1      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :    73.8       73.7      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :    60.0       59.7      100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :    59.2       58.7       99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    78.0       77.8      100
                                    :          :
Forced Molt Layers, Apr 1           :  Percent :
  Percent Being Molted              :          :     2.2        2.8      127
  Percent with Molt Completed       :          :    22.1       21.2       96
                                    :          :
Layers Sold for Slaughter During Mar:  1,000   :  16,652     16,006       96
                                    :          :
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed.   :          :
 Composted or Disappeared For Any   :          :
 Reason During Mar                  :  1,000   :   3,310      3,661      111
                                    :          :
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks          :          :
 of Age, Apr 1                      :  1,000   :  88,552     95,276      108
                                    :          :
Pullets Added During Mar 2/         :  1,000   :  20,788     21,043      101
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.
2/  Pullet chicks one day old added to pullet flocks.
 
 
 
 
     Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, and Forced
             Molt, February-March, 30 Selected States, 1998-99 1/ 2/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1999
                Item                :   Unit   :   1998   :   1999   : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers During Feb                   :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          : 295,978    305,127      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          : 242,853    250,288      103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :  53,125     54,839      103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :  50,587     52,145      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,538      2,694      106
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers During Feb      :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :   1,954      1,948      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :   2,016      2,009      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   1,673      1,669      100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   1,649      1,645      100
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,167      2,116       98
                                    :          :
Eggs Produced During Feb            :  Million :
  All Layers                        :          :   5,784      5,943      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          :   4,895      5,028      103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :     889        915      103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :     834        858      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :      55         57      104
                                    :          :
Layers on Mar 1                     :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          : 296,954    305,686      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          : 243,849    250,698      103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :  53,105     54,988      104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :  50,536     52,241      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,569      2,747      107
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers on Mar 1        :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :    69.7       69.6      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :    71.9       71.8      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :    59.7       59.6      100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :    58.8       58.8      100
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    78.0       75.4       97
                                    :          :
Forced Molt Layers on Mar 1         :  Percent :
  Percent Being Molted              :          :     4.4        3.3       75
  Percent with Molt Completed       :          :    21.2       21.4      101
                                    :          :
Layers Sold for Slaughter During Feb:  1,000   :  13,855     14,312      103
                                    :          :
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,   :          :
 Composted or Disappeared For Any   :          :
 Reason During Feb                  :  1,000   :   2,892      3,122      108
                                    :          :
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks          :          :
 of Age, Mar 1                      :  1,000   :  83,462     89,464      107
                                    :          :
Pullets Added During Feb  3/        :  1,000   :  21,464     20,902       97
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.
2/  Revised.
3/  Pullet chicks one day old added to pullet flocks.
 
 
 
 
     Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, and Forced
                Molt, 30 Selected States, March-April, 1998-99 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1999
                Item                :   Unit   : 1998 2/  :   1999   : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers During Mar                   :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          : 296,894    305,134      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          : 243,673    249,787      103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :  53,221     55,347      104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :  50,659     52,561      104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,562      2,786      109
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers During Mar      :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          :   2,189      2,183      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :   2,260      2,256      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   1,866      1,854       99
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   1,838      1,825       99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,420      2,405       99
                                    :          :
Eggs Produced During Mar            :  Million :
  All Layers                        :          :   6,499      6,661      102
    Table Egg Type                  :          :   5,506      5,635      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :     993      1,026      103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :     931        959      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :      62         67      108
                                    :          :
Layers on Apr 1                     :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          : 296,804    304,550      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          : 243,481    248,863      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :  53,323     55,687      104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :  50,776     52,869      104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,547      2,818      111
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers on Apr 1        :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :    71.4       71.1      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :    73.8       73.6      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :    60.2       59.7       99
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :    59.3       58.8       99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    78.4       77.9       99
                                    :          :
Forced Molt Layers, Apr 1           :  Percent :
  Percent Being Molted              :          :     2.3        2.9      126
  Percent with Molt Completed       :          :    22.1       21.0       95
                                    :          :
Layers Sold for Slaughter During Mar:  1,000   :  15,598     15,364       99
                                    :          :
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,   :          :
 Composted or Disappeared For Any   :          :
 Reason During Mar                  :  1,000   :   3,175      3,514      111
                                    :          :
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks          :          :
 of Age, Apr 1                      :  1,000   :  83,235     90,122      108
                                    :          :
Pullets Added During Mar 3/         :  1,000   :  19,782     20,329      103
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.
2/  Revised.
3/  Pullet chicks one day old added to pullet flocks.
 
 
 
 
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State
                   and United States, During February 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 1/   :     All Layers 1/
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1998    :  1999 2/   :  1998  : 1999 2/ :   1998    :  1999 2/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----
           :
AL         :    4,133       4,004     10,838    10,947     1,790       1,781
AR         :    4,585       4,732     15,199    15,275     1,678       1,709
CA         :   24,474      25,508     25,131    26,238     1,962       1,963
CO         :    3,106       2,999      3,678     3,536     1,958       1,867
CT         :    3,277       2,911      3,449     3,089     2,001       2,072
FL         :    9,382      10,213     10,017    10,960     1,987       2,099
GA         :   11,598      12,143     20,844    21,687     1,871       1,872
HI         :      611         600        638       629     1,887       1,876
IL         :    2,933       2,527      3,217     2,783     2,060       2,048
IN         :   21,324      21,364     22,059    22,095     2,004       2,010
IA         :   21,818      23,769     22,685    24,696     1,984       2,017
ME         :    4,683       4,827      4,797     4,948     2,230       2,223
MD         :    2,970       3,176      3,442     3,580     2,034       2,151
MI         :    4,825       5,613      5,098     5,898     2,010       1,952
MN         :   11,328      11,493     12,061    12,216     2,015       1,940
MS         :    1,771       1,853      6,922     6,991     1,748       1,831
MO         :    5,374       5,155      6,740     6,558     2,003       1,998
NE         :   10,234      10,694     10,384    10,844     2,013       1,964
NY         :    3,217       3,472      3,436     3,722     2,183       2,149
NC         :    3,978       3,634     11,297    11,440     1,717       1,766
OH         :   27,387      29,919     28,021    30,627     2,031       1,907
OK         :    2,141       1,987      3,979     3,990     1,709       1,754
OR         :    2,856       2,807      3,043     2,973     2,070       2,082
PA         :   20,893      21,376     22,238    22,790     2,082       2,089
SC         :    3,676       3,872      4,700     4,917     1,957       1,851
SD         :    2,038       1,928      2,233     2,168     2,156       2,076
TX         :   13,440      13,357     17,327    17,384     1,899       1,910
VA         :    1,622       1,531      3,620     3,691     1,796       1,761
WA         :    4,869       4,805      4,995     4,925     2,112       2,099
WI         :    3,282       3,026      3,890     3,530     1,954       2,096
           :
30 Sts     :  237,825     245,295    295,978   305,127     1,954       1,948
           :
Oth Sts 3/ :   11,846      12,127     17,267    17,627     1,882       1,923
           :
US         :  249,671     257,422    313,245   322,754     1,950       1,946
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes all layers and eggs produced in both table egg and hatching egg
    flocks regardless of size.
2/  Revised.
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.
 
 
 
 
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State
                     and United States, During March 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 1/   :     All Layers 1/
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1998    :    1999    :  1998  :  1999   :   1998    :    1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----
           :
AL         :    4,184       3,924     10,939    10,886     1,975       1,984
AR         :    4,631       4,721     15,084    15,281     1,903       1,924
CA         :   24,589      25,448     25,280    26,122     2,215       2,205
CO         :    3,164       2,944      3,769     3,485     2,149       2,123
CT         :    3,234       2,887      3,400     3,066     2,324       2,316
FL         :    9,359      10,554      9,990    11,281     2,142       2,260
GA         :   11,808      11,580     21,199    21,226     2,142       2,129
HI         :      616         612        642       641     2,025       2,075
IL         :    3,009       2,539      3,292     2,830     2,339       2,261
IN         :   21,092      21,384     21,800    22,148     2,239       2,230
IA         :   22,177      23,713     23,038    24,665     2,192       2,287
ME         :    4,589       4,706      4,717     4,827     2,438       2,486
MD         :    2,932       3,128      3,330     3,485     2,372       2,324
MI         :    5,009       5,640      5,282     5,923     2,276       2,181
MN         :   11,220      11,483     11,995    12,208     2,276       2,146
MS         :    1,723       1,751      6,790     6,941     2,003       2,046
MO         :    5,294       5,189      6,688     6,612     2,243       2,238
NE         :   10,325      10,744     10,475    10,894     2,186       2,185
NY         :    3,297       3,457      3,529     3,724     2,380       2,390
NC         :    3,946       3,742     11,210    11,633     1,945       1,951
OH         :   27,497      30,094     28,135    30,805     2,278       2,204
OK         :    2,108       1,956      3,977     4,104     1,936       1,974
OR         :    2,809       2,779      2,985     2,950     2,412       2,271
PA         :   20,898      21,376     22,248    22,790     2,319       2,326
SC         :    3,707       3,832      4,752     4,866     2,189       2,076
SD         :    2,053       1,913      2,251     2,153     2,355       2,276
TX         :   13,432      13,422     17,374    17,483     2,187       2,162
VA         :    1,609       1,474      3,663     3,680     1,966       1,984
WA         :    4,949       4,695      5,072     4,815     2,317       2,334
WI         :    3,373       3,125      3,988     3,610     2,207       2,244
           :
30 Sts     :  238,633     244,812    296,894   305,134     2,189       2,183
           :
Oth Sts 2/ :   11,758      12,281     17,207    17,893     2,150       2,185
           :
US         :  250,391     257,093    314,101   323,027     2,187       2,183
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes all layers and eggs produced in both table egg and hatching egg
    flocks regardless of size.
2/  Estimates for individual States are not available.
 
 
 
 
               Egg Production:  By Type, State, and United States,
                                February 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 1/    :  Hatching Eggs 1/
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1998   : 1999 2/  :   1998   : 1999 2/  :  1998   : 1999 2/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs
               :
AL             :   194        195         86         83        108       112
AR             :   255        261         86         93        169       168
CA             :   494        515
CO             :    72         66
CT             :    69         64
FL             :   199        230        188        217         11        13
GA             :   391        406        232        241        159       165
HI             :    12.0       11.8       12.0       11.8        0         0
IL             :    67         57         63         53          4         4
IN             :   443        444        432        433         11        11
IA             :   450        498
ME             :   107        110
MD             :    70         77         63         71          7         6
MI             :   102        115
MN             :   243        237        233        227         10        10
MS             :   121        128         36         41         85        87
MO             :   135        131
NE             :   209        213        209        213          0         0
NY             :    75         80
NC             :   194        202         78         78        116       124
OH             :   569        584
OK             :    68         70         42         41         26        29
OR             :    64         62         62         61          2         1
PA             :   463        476        449        460         14        16
SC             :    94         91         78         76         16        15
SD             :    48         45         48         45          0         0
TX             :   329        332
VA             :    65         65         33         32         32        33
WA             :   106        103
WI             :    76         74
               :
30 Sts         : 5,784      5,943      4,895      5,028        889       915
               :
Oth Sts 3/     :   325        339        255        268         70        71
               :
US             : 6,109      6,282      5,150      5,296        959       986
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing
    individual operations.
2/  Revised.
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.
 
 
 
 
               Egg Production:  By Type, State, and United States,
                                  March 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 1/    :  Hatching Eggs 1/
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1998   :   1999   :   1998   :   1999   :  1998   :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs
               :
AL             :   216        216         96         91         120       125
AR             :   287        294        101        105         186       189
CA             :   560        576
CO             :    81         74
CT             :    79         71
FL             :   214        255        202        242          12        13
GA             :   454        452        273        268         181       184
HI             :    13.0       13.3       13.0       13.3         0         0
IL             :    77         64         73         60           4         4
IN             :   488        494        476        482          12        12
IA             :   505        564
ME             :   115        120
MD             :    79         81         72         76           7         5
MI             :   120        129
MN             :   273        262        261        251          12        11
MS             :   136        142         41         44          95        98
MO             :   150        148
NE             :   229        238        229        238           0         0
NY             :    84         89
NC             :   218        227         89         88         129       139
OH             :   641        679
OK             :    77         81         47         46          30        35
OR             :    72         67         70         66           2         1
PA             :   516        530        500        513          16        17
SC             :   104        101         86         83          18        18
SD             :    53         49         53         49           0         0
TX             :   380        378
VA             :    72         73         35         36          37        37
WA             :   118        112
WI             :    88         81
               :
30 Sts         : 6,499      6,661      5,506      5,635         993     1,026
               :
Oth Sts 2/     :   370        391        291        308          79        83
               :
US             : 6,869      7,052      5,797      5,943       1,072     1,109
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing
    individual operations.
2/  Estimates for individual States are not available.
 
 
 
 
                  Forced Molt:  Percent of All Layers by Month,
                            United States, 1998-99 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :       Percent Being Molted        :    Percent with Molt Completed
  Month :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
        :      1998       :      1999       :      1998       :      1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :                                Percent
        :
Jan     :       4.1               4.1              21.8              22.5
Feb     :       5.2               4.9              21.0              22.1
Mar     :       4.4               3.3              21.2              21.8
Apr     :       2.2               2.8              22.1              21.2
May     :       5.5                                20.0
Jun     :       4.8                                21.4
Jul     :       3.9                                21.6
Aug     :       3.9                                21.7
Sep     :       4.1                                21.9
Oct     :       4.9                                21.9
Nov     :       3.7                                21.8
Dec     :       2.7                                23.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  As of first of month.
 
 
 
 
                  Forced Molt:  Percent of All Layers by State
                       and United States, April 1998-99 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :       Percent Being Molted        :   Percent with Molt Completed
   State  :---------------------------------------------------------------------
          :      1998       :      1999       :      1998      :      1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :                               Percent
          :
AL        :        1.0               0.5             10.5             13.0
AR        :        3.0               2.5             10.0              9.5
CA        :        3.5               5.0             37.0             37.5
CO        :        3.0               4.5             16.0             34.0
CT        :        2.0               0.0             12.0              9.5
FL        :        2.5               6.5             39.5             18.0
GA        :        1.0               2.5             16.5             17.0
HI        :        7.0               3.5             43.5             39.0
IL        :        0.5               3.5             19.5             22.5
IN        :        0.5               2.5             25.0             31.0
IA        :        3.5               4.5             38.0             27.5
ME        :        0.0               0.0              0.0              1.5
MD        :        0.0               0.0             45.0             36.0
MI        :        2.0               0.5             16.5             22.0
MN        :        3.5               2.0             31.0             34.5
MS        :        0.5               4.0             10.0              6.0
MO        :        0.0               0.0             22.0             19.5
NE        :        5.5               6.0             25.0             18.0
NY        :        1.0               0.0              2.0              4.5
NC        :        1.0               0.5             12.0              8.5
OH        :        0.5               1.5             12.0             15.0
OK        :        1.0               1.0             12.5              6.5
OR        :        3.5               7.5             41.5             42.0
PA        :        3.5               4.0             17.0             17.5
SC        :        0.0               2.5             32.0             19.0
SD        :        3.0               3.5             25.0             27.5
TX        :        4.0               0.5             23.0             17.5
VA        :        8.0               5.0              7.0              1.5
WA        :        4.0               4.0             29.0             47.0
WI        :        3.0               7.5             21.0             27.0
          :
30 Sts    :        2.3               2.9             22.1             21.0
          :
Oth Sts 2/:        0.4               1.3             22.3             24.6
          :
US        :        2.2               2.8             22.1             21.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, March-April 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1999
                   Item                  :    1998    :    1999    :  as % of
                                         :            :            :    1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         : -------- 1,000 -------     Percent
                                         :
Egg-Type                                 :
  Eggs in Incubators on Apr 1            :    33,944       37,970       112
  Chicks Hatched During Mar              :    40,590       41,325       102
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Mar            :   112,342      112,626       100
  Pullets Hatched During Mar for Intended:
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :       225          257       114
    7-18 Month Earlier  1/               :     2,863        3,020       105
                                         :
Broiler-Type                             :
  Eggs in Incubators on Apr 1            :   606,668      626,019       103
  Chicks Hatched During Mar              :   730,316      755,179       103
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Mar            : 2,086,869    2,152,266       103
  Pullets Hatched During Mar for Intended:
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :     6,776        7,195       106
    7-15 Months Earlier 2/               :    57,677       60,699       105
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1999 includes pullet chicks hatched Sep 1997 through Aug 1998.
2/  1999 includes pullet chicks hatched Dec 1997 through Aug 1998.
 
 
 
 
           Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators:  By Region and United States,
                                April 1, 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1999
                Geographic               :    1998    :    1999    :  as % of
                 Division                :            :            :    1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :   ------ 1,000 ------      Percent
                                         :
North Atlantic                           :    5,461        6,945        127
E North Central                          :    9,180        9,586        104
W North Central                          :    6,267        7,336        117
South Atlantic                           :    4,733        4,724        100
South Central                            :    4,055        3,705         91
West                                     :    4,248        5,674        134
                                         :
US                                       :   33,944       37,970        112
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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,
                                  March 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :             March              :             Jan-Mar
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1999   :          :           :   1999
             :   1998   :   1999   : as % of  :   1998   :   1999    : as % of
             :          :          :   1998   :          :           :   1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :  ----- 1,000 -----    Percent    ------ 1,000 ------    Percent
             :
AR           :     882        749       85        2,752       2,308       84
FL           :   1,004      1,067      106        3,278       3,344      102
GA           :   2,283      1,821       80        6,212       5,999       97
IN           :   7,303      7,531      103       20,864      20,858      100
IA           :   5,773      5,542       96       12,874      14,354      111
KS           :     306        166       54          629         887      141
MN           :   1,715      2,213      129        5,260       6,046      115
MO           :     381        381      100        1,012       1,012      100
PA           :   5,647      6,110      108       15,865      16,703      105
             :
Oth Sts  1/  :  15,296     15,745      103       43,596      41,115       94
             :
US           :  40,590     41,325      102      112,342     112,626      100
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
 
 
 
 
           Egg-Type Chicks Hatched:  By Month, United States, 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :             By Months             :            Cumulative
        :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Month :        :        :        :  1999  :        :        :        :  1999
        :  1997  :  1998  :  1999  :as % of :  1997  :  1998  :  1999  :as % of
        :        :        :        :  1998  :        :        :        :  1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        : --------- 1,000 --------  Percent  --------- 1,000 ---------  Percent
        :
Jan     : 33,752   37,159   35,653     96     33,752   37,159   35,653     96
Feb     : 35,655   34,593   35,648    103     69,407   71,752   71,301     99
Mar     : 37,347   40,590   41,325    102    106,754  112,342  112,626    100
Apr     : 38,842   39,043                    145,596  151,385
May     : 39,020   39,192                    184,616  190,577
Jun     : 36,796   39,302                    221,412  229,879
Jul     : 33,772   35,558                    255,184  265,437
Aug     : 33,061   33,380                    288,245  298,817
Sep     : 37,118   37,943                    325,363  336,760
Oct     : 35,262   34,649                    360,625  371,409
Nov     : 28,122   31,251                    388,747  402,660
Dec     : 35,796   35,733                    424,543  438,393
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
        Intended Placements:  Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply
              Flocks by Month and Total, United States, 1997-99 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1999  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-18 Months Earlier 2/
         :--------------------------: 1998  :-----------------------------------
         :  1997  :  1998  :  1999  :       :   1997    :   1998    :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : -------- 1,000 -------    Percent    ----------- 1,000 -----------
         :
Jan      :   208      189     166       88      2,953       2,823       3,029
Feb      :   222      250     267      107      2,984       2,764       3,120
Mar      :   209      225     257      114      3,007       2,863       3,020
Apr      :   316      333                       2,946       3,034       2,942
May      :   273      192                       2,870       3,057       3,044
Jun      :   254      354                       2,956       2,976       3,132
Jul      :   207      298                       2,940       2,968       3,108
Aug      :   285      185                       2,929       2,949       3,085
Sep      :   402      324                       2,913       2,977       3,102
Oct      :   256      358                       2,805       2,993       3,134
Nov      :   129      217                       2,869       3,010
Dec      :   207      183                       2,851       2,929
         :
Total    : 2,968    3,108
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 March 1999, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Sep 1997 through Aug
    1998.  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, April 1, 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :                   :                   :        1999
     Geographic    :       1998        :       1999        :      as % of
      Division     :                   :                   :        1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :      ---------- 1,000 ----------             Percent
                   :
North Atlantic     :       12,112              12,005                99
E North Central    :        7,880               8,134               103
W North Central    :       22,689              22,199                98
South Atlantic     :      230,885             240,300               104
South Central      :      309,239             318,094               103
West               :       23,863              25,287               106
                   :
US                 :      606,668             626,019               103
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
                     Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched:  By State
                        and United States, March 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :             March              :             Jan-Mar
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1999   :          :           :   1999
             :   1998   :   1999   : as % of  :   1998   :   1999    : as % of
             :          :          :   1998   :          :           :   1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             : ------ 1,000 -----    Percent   ------- 1,000 -------   Percent
             :
AL           :  93,160     97,138      104       266,426     281,817     106
AR           : 108,407    112,380      104       311,196     318,215     102
DE           :  16,865     16,908      100        46,866      46,143      98
FL           :  10,016     10,587      106        28,462      29,221     103
GA           : 107,784    114,245      106       311,877     326,887     105
MD           :  32,067     31,915      100        90,780      90,879     100
MS           :  64,959     65,866      101       185,041     189,870     103
NC           :  64,196     64,375      100       178,377     183,645     103
PA           :  13,227     13,525      102        37,741      38,268     101
SC           :  15,069     16,617      110        43,101      47,273     110
TX           :  47,026     49,605      105       134,077     141,303     105
VA           :  24,366     24,826      102        68,883      70,225     102
CA TN & WV   :  39,648     41,831      106       111,529     116,069     104
             :
15 Sts 1/    : 636,790    659,818      104     1,814,356   1,879,815     104
             :
Oth Sts 2/   :  93,526     95,361      102       272,513     272,451     100
             :
US           : 730,316    755,179      103     2,086,869   2,152,266     103
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :            By Months             :             Cumulative
       :------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Month :        :        :        : 1999  :        :         :         :  1999
       :  1997  :  1998  :  1999  :as % of:  1997  :  1998   :  1999   :as % of
       :        :        :        : 1998  :        :         :         :  1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :--------- 1,000 ---------  Percent----------- 1,000 ----------- Percent
       :
Jan    :699,952  711,373  735,348    103    699,952   711,373   735,348   103
Feb    :634,142  645,180  661,739    103  1,334,094 1,356,553 1,397,087   103
Mar    :718,413  730,316  755,179    103  2,052,507 2,086,869 2,152,266   103
Apr    :693,717  708,260                  2,746,224 2,795,129
May    :724,679  739,319                  3,470,903 3,534,448
Jun    :704,247  717,967                  4,175,150 4,252,415
Jul    :710,622  722,715                  4,885,772 4,975,130
Aug    :708,572  715,650                  5,594,344 5,690,780
Sep    :684,156  695,281                  6,278,500 6,386,061
Oct    :683,185  693,189                  6,961,685 7,079,250
Nov    :648,141  678,003                  7,609,826 7,757,253
Dec    :711,808  737,840                  8,321,634 8,495,093
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
          Intended Placements:  Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery
                  Supply Flocks by Month and Total, 1997-99 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1999  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-15 Months Earlier 2/
         :--------------------------: 1998  :-----------------------------------
         :  1997  :  1998  :  1999  :       :   1997    :   1998    :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : -------- 1,000 --------   Percent   ------------ 1,000 -----------
         :
US       :
 Place-  :
 ments   :
Jan      :  6,397    6,765   7,059     104     56,101      56,552      59,403
Feb      :  5,916    6,328   6,882     109     56,122      57,494      59,937
Mar      :  6,443    6,776   7,195     106     55,981      57,677      60,699
Apr      :  6,036    6,687                     55,933      58,228      61,775
May      :  7,062    7,062                     56,667      58,085      61,893
Jun      :  6,008    6,932                     57,264      58,516      62,877
Jul      :  7,167    6,788                     57,115      58,325      63,005
Aug      :  6,697    7,109                     56,761      59,054      63,377
Sep      :  6,502    7,328                     55,897      58,320      63,197
Oct      :  6,254    6,883                     56,165      59,088      63,460
Nov      :  6,347    7,312                     56,167      58,608
Dec      :  6,252    6,904                     56,714      58,973
         :
Annual   :
 Total   : 77,081   82,874
         :
Total    :
 Place-  :
 ments3/ :
Jan      :  7,547    8,613   8,679     101
Feb      :  7,122    8,273   8,473     102
Mar      :  7,894    8,760   8,863     101
Apr      :  7,238    8,300
May      :  8,505    8,957
Jun      :  7,381    8,757
Jul      :  8,460    8,423
Aug      :  8,132    8,686
Sep      :  8,092    8,985
Oct      :  8,142    8,756
Nov      :  7,973    9,412
Dec      :  8,237    8,830
         :
Annual   :
 Total   : 94,723  104,752
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Mar 1999, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Dec 1997 through Aug
    1998.
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 p.m. ET on May 24,
1999.
 
 
 
 
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender,
religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital
or family status.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  Persons
with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program
information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA's
TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
 
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, D.C., 20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD).  USDA is an
equal opportunity provider and employer.
 
 
                        ACCESS TO REPORTS!!
 
 
 
For your convenience, there are several ways to obtain NASS reports, data
products, and services:
 
                          INTERNET ACCESS
 
All NASS reports are available free of charge on the worldwide Internet.  For
access, connect to the Internet and go to the NASS Home Page at:
http://www.usda.gov/nass/.  Select "Today's Reports" or Publications and then
Reports by Calendar or Publications and then Search, by Title or Subject.
 
                        E-MAIL SUBSCRIPTION
 
All NASS reports are available by subscription free of charge direct to your
e-mail address.  Send an e-mail message to:
usda-reports@usda.mannlib.cornell.edu.  In the body of the message type the
word:  list.
 
 
                          AUTOFAX ACCESS
 
NASSFax service is available for some reports from your fax machine.  Please
call 202-720-2000, using the handset attached to your fax.  Respond to the
voice prompts.  Document 0411 is a list of available reports.
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
                PRINTED REPORTS OR DATA PRODUCTS
 
 CALL OUR TOLL-FREE ORDER DESK:   800-999-6779 (U.S. and Canada)
Other areas, please call 703-834-0125                FAX:  703-834-0110
(Visa, MasterCard, check, or money order acceptable for payment.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
                           ASSISTANCE
 
For assistance with general agricultural statistics or further information
about NASS or its products or services, contact the Agricultural Statistics
Hotline at 800-727-9540, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail:
nass@nass.usda.gov.