HDR1012000150020524961500 Chickens and Eggs                                     
                                                                                
Released May 24, 1996, 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 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.  For assistance with general agricultural      
statistics, information about NASS, its products or services, contact the NASS  
Information Hotline at 1-800-727-9540 or E-mail:  NASS@NASS.USDA.GOV.           
Estimates refer to March, April and May 1996.                                   
                                                                                
                                                                                
                 April Egg Production up 1 percent                              
                                                                                
U.S. egg production totaled 6.25 billion during April 1996, up 1 percent from   
the 6.18 billion produced  1995.  Production included 5.29 billion table eggs   
and 958 million hatching egg type, of which 895 million were broiler-type and   
63.0 million were egg-type.  The total number of layers during April 1996       
averaged 297 million, up 1 percent from the average number of layers during     
April 1995.  April egg production per 100 layers was 2,102 eggs, compared with  
2,092 in April 1995.                                                            
                                                                                
Pou 1-1 (5-96)                                                                  
                                                                                
                                                                                
All layers in the U.S. on May 1, 1996, totaled 295 million, up fractionally     
from a year ago.  The 295 million layers consisted of 243 million layers        
producing table or commercial type eggs, 50.1 million layers producing          
broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.69 million layers producing egg-type          
hatching eggs.  Rate of lay per day on May 1, 1996, averaged 69.2 eggs per 100  
layers, up slightly from the 69.1 eggs a year ago.                              
                                                                                
Laying flocks in the 30 major egg production States produced 5.91 billion eggs  
during April, up 1 percent from April 1995.  The average number of layers       
during April, at 281 million, was  up 1 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 April totaled 35.6 million, up 2 percent from    
April 1995.  Eggs in incubators totaled 33.1 million on May 1, 1996, down       
1 percent from a year ago.                                                      
                                                                                
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply        
flocks by leading breeders totaled 252,000 during April 1996, down 21 percent   
from the 317,000 of April 1995.                                                 
                                                                                
                                                                                
                     Broiler Hatch Up Slightly                                  
                                                                                
The April 1996 hatch of broiler-type chicks, at 665 million, was slightly       
above April of the previous year. There were 567 million eggs in incubators on  
May 1, 1996, up 1 percent from a year earlier.                                  
                                                                                
Leading breeders placed 6.44 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future      
domestic hatchery supply flocks during April 1996, up 2 percent from            
April 1995.                                                                     
                                                                                
                                                                                
                         For information call Tom Kruchten at (202) 690-4870    
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                    Layers:  Average Number During the Month,                   
                            United States, 1993-96 1/                           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Month  :      1993       :      1994      :      1995       :      1996       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                             1,000 Layers                             
         :                                                                      
Dec 2/   :     284,267          290,642           299,434           299,066     
Jan      :     284,398          290,041           299,084           299,513     
Feb      :     284,638          290,047           297,759           299,222     
Mar      :     284,405          290,719           296,796           299,066     
Apr      :     284,234          290,073           295,293           297,164     
May      :     283,694          288,784           292,548                       
Jun      :     282,914          287,974           289,705                       
Jul      :     283,324          287,990           287,557                       
Aug      :     284,192          290,321           287,837                       
Sep      :     285,418          293,381           290,021                       
Oct      :     286,948          295,172           292,459                       
Nov      :     288,875          297,134           295,562                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Data are for chart on cover page.                                           
2/  December preceding year.                                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                
                   Eggs:  Production During the Month by Type,                  
                             United States, 1995-96                             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :     Total Eggs      :      Table Eggs      :     Hatching Eggs     
   Month   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1995   :   1996   :   1995   :   1996    :   1995    :   1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :                            Million Eggs                            
           :                                                                    
Dec 1/     :   6,516      6,534      5,568      5,559         948         975   
Jan        :   6,369      6,411      5,417      5,433         952         978   
Feb        :   5,714      5,971      4,854      5,053         860         918   
Mar        :   6,448      6,513      5,492      5,523         956         990   
Apr        :   6,177      6,246      5,238      5,288         939         958   
May        :   6,251                 5,271                    980               
Jun        :   6,010                 5,060                    950               
Jul        :   6,145                 5,179                    966               
Aug        :   6,146                 5,191                    955               
Sep        :   5,990                 5,063                    927               
Oct        :   6,260                 5,301                    959               
Nov        :   6,232                 5,298                    934               
During Year:  74,258     31,675     62,932     26,856      11,326       4,819   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  December preceding year.                                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
           Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,          
                   and Forced Molt, United States, March-April                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1996    
                   Item                  :    1995    :  1996 1/   :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1995    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Mar              (1,000)   :                                      
  All Layers                             : 296,796      299,066         101     
    Table Egg Type                       : 244,606      245,560         100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :  52,190       53,506         103     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :  49,307       50,767         103     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :   2,883        2,739          95     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Mar (Number)  :                                      
  All Layers                             :   2,173        2,178         100     
    Table Egg Type                       :   2,245        2,249         100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   1,832        1,850         101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   1,805        1,824         101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :   2,289        2,337         102     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Mar       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :   6,448        6,513         101     
    Table Egg Type                       :   5,492        5,523         101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     956          990         104     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     890          926         104     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :      66           64          97     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Apr 1                (1,000)   :                                      
  All Layers                             : 296,290      298,871         101     
    Table Egg Type                       : 243,972      245,692         101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :  52,318       53,179         102     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :  49,376       50,440         102     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :   2,942        2,739          93     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Apr 1   (Number)  :                                      
  All Layers                             :      71.1         70.9       100     
    Table Egg Type                       :      73.6         73.2        99     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      59.5         60.1       101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      58.5         59.2       101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :      76.0         76.9       101     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers, Apr 1                :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :       3.4          2.0        59     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :      23.8         22.9        96     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.                                                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                
           Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,          
                and Forced Molt, United States, April-May 1995-96               
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1996    
                   Item                  :    1995    :  1996 1/   :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1995    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Apr                (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  295,293      297,164        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  242,812      244,158        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   52,481       53,006        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   49,578       50,288        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,903        2,718         94     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Apr  (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    2,092        2,102        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :    2,157        2,166        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :    1,789        1,807        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :    1,761        1,780        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,274        2,318        102     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Apr       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    6,177        6,246        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :    5,238        5,288        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      939          958        102     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      873          895        103     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :       66           63         95     
                                         :                                      
Layers on May 1                  (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  294,697      295,399        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :  242,070      242,593        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   52,627       52,806        100     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   49,769       50,120        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,858        2,686         94     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on May 1    (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :     69.1         69.2        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :     71.0         71.2        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     60.2         60.3        100     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     59.2         59.4        100     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :     77.2         76.3         99     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers, May 1                :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :      5.7          5.5         96     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :     22.4         22.4        100     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Preliminary.                                                                
                                                                                
     Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, and Forced     
                Molt, March-April, 30 Selected States, 1995-96 1/               
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1996    
                   Item                  :    1995    :  1996 2/   :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1995    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Mar                (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  280,309      283,117        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  231,541      233,163        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   48,768       49,954        102     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   45,968       47,317        103     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,800        2,637         94     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Mar  (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    2,171        2,178        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :    2,242        2,247        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :    1,833        1,852        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :    1,803        1,824        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,321        2,351        101     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Mar       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    6,085        6,165        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :    5,191        5,240        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      894          925        103     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      829          863        104     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :       65           62         95     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Apr 1                  (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  279,970      283,016        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  231,056      233,369        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   48,914       49,647        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   46,040       47,004        102     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,874        2,643         92     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Apr 1    (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :     71.1         70.9        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :     73.5         73.2        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     59.5         60.0        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     58.5         59.1        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :     75.9         76.6        101     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers, Apr 1                :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :      3.4          2.0         59     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :     23.9         23.0         96     
                                         :                                      
Layers Sold During Mar           (1,000) :   17,183       15,440         90     
                                         :                                      
Layers Died, Destroyed, or               :                                      
Disappeared For Any Reason               :                                      
 During Mar                      (1,000) :    2,662        2,644         99     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks               :                                      
 of Age, Apr 1                   (1,000) :   72,019       70,209         97     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Added During Mar         (1,000) :   21,187       17,338         82     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.                            
2/  Revised.                                                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                
     Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, and Forced     
                 Molt, April-May, 30 Selected States, 1995-96 1/                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1996    
                   Item                  :    1995    :  1996 2/   :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1995    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Apr                (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  279,036      281,307        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  230,022      231,792        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   49,014       49,515        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   46,187       46,893        102     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,827        2,622         93     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Apr  (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    2,091        2,102        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :    2,155        2,165        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :    1,791        1,808        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :    1,760        1,779        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,299        2,326        101     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Apr       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    5,836        5,913        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :    4,958        5,018        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      878          895        102     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      813          834        103     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :       65           61         94     
                                         :                                      
Layers on May 1                  (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  278,513      279,553        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :  229,412      230,194        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   49,101       49,359        101     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   46,326       46,769        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,775        2,590         93     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on May 1    (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :     69.1         69.2        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :     71.0         71.1        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     60.2         60.4        100     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     59.2         59.5        101     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :     77.0         75.9         99     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers, May 1                :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :      5.7          5.6         98     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :     22.4         22.5        100     
                                         :                                      
Layers Sold During Apr           (1,000) :   17,866       16,941         95     
                                         :                                      
Layers Died, Destroyed, or               :                                      
 Disappeared For Any Reason              :                                      
 During Apr                      (1,000) :    2,788        2,585         93     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks               :                                      
 of Age, May 1                   (1,000) :   71,580       70,733         99     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Added During Apr         (1,000) :   20,173       17,386         86     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.                            
2/  Preliminary.                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State          
                   and United States, During March 1995-96 1/                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for    
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 2/   :     All Layers 2/      
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1995    :    1996    :  1995  :  1996   :   1995    :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----    
           :                                                                    
AL         :    4,736       4,044     11,720    10,810     1,988       1,924    
AR         :    6,017       5,686     16,024    16,008     1,922       1,887    
CA         :   25,487      24,706     26,073    25,246     2,178       2,242    
CO         :    2,673       2,574      3,224     3,174     2,171       2,237    
CT         :    3,359       3,342      3,549     3,484     2,282       2,296    
FL         :    8,587       8,416      9,202     9,099     2,282       2,187    
GA         :   10,412      10,923     18,109    18,962     2,098       2,120    
HI         :      725         733        768       776     2,080       2,083    
IL         :    2,642       2,948      2,839     3,141     2,325       2,356    
IN         :   20,522      20,549     21,416    21,624     2,265       2,238    
IA         :   15,840      17,351     16,725    18,210     2,033       2,186    
ME         :    4,822       4,737      4,977     4,870     2,331       2,485    
MD         :    3,242       3,641      3,823     4,109     2,223       2,166    
MI         :    4,966       4,823      5,250     5,085     2,325       2,217    
MN         :   10,253      11,033     11,096    11,881     2,217       2,222    
MS         :    2,330       2,358      6,189     6,309     1,971       2,013    
MO         :    5,865       5,448      6,728     6,573     2,155       2,099    
NE         :    8,850       8,956      9,000     9,106     2,313       2,201    
NY         :    3,483       3,609      3,840     3,928     2,396       2,317    
NC         :    6,416       6,029     14,101    13,787     1,929       1,908    
OH         :   21,928      23,019     22,263    23,494     2,313       2,328    
OK         :    2,035       1,998      3,750     3,888     2,053       2,032    
OR         :    2,330       2,601      2,536     2,804     2,287       2,389    
PA         :   20,385      19,830     21,790    21,175     2,322       2,333    
SC         :    4,065       3,793      5,075     4,781     2,207       2,175    
SD         :    1,493       1,743      1,725     1,935     2,275       2,201    
TX         :   12,398      13,405     15,726    16,681     2,137       2,134    
VA         :    1,717       1,602      3,864     3,695     2,045       1,976    
WA         :    5,257       4,914      5,531     5,152     2,242       2,368    
WI         :    2,864       2,837      3,396     3,330     2,179       2,222    
           :                                                                    
30 Sts     :  225,699     227,648    280,309   283,117     2,171       2,178    
           :                                                                    
Oth Sts 3/ :   11,682      11,069     16,487    15,949     2,202       2,176    
           :                                                                    
US         :  237,381     238,717    296,796   299,066     2,173       2,178    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  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.                          
                                                                                
                                                                                
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State          
                   and United States, During April 1995-96 1/                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for    
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 2/   :     All Layers 2/      
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1995    :    1996    :  1995  :  1996   :   1995    :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----    
           :                                                                    
AL         :    4,641       4,254     11,630    10,811     1,917       1,905    
AR         :    5,890       5,345     15,965    15,497     1,867       1,839    
CA         :   24,962      24,061     25,536    24,600     2,091       2,146    
CO         :    2,656       2,625      3,217     3,228     2,114       2,076    
CT         :    3,412       3,338      3,596     3,479     2,225       2,213    
FL         :    8,284       8,240      8,927     8,915     2,196       2,120    
GA         :   10,184      10,721     17,921    18,709     2,070       2,036    
HI         :      712         729        758       767     2,058       1,950    
IL         :    2,581       3,001      2,774     3,189     2,199       2,320    
IN         :   20,374      20,321     21,255    21,378     2,150       2,138    
IA         :   16,125      17,678     16,990    18,542     1,954       2,184    
ME         :    4,890       4,735      5,049     4,878     2,238       2,378    
MD         :    3,388       3,595      3,953     4,039     2,125       1,981    
MI         :    4,968       4,825      5,250     5,091     2,205       2,163    
MN         :   10,218      11,145     11,078    11,990     2,130       2,135    
MS         :    2,348       2,333      6,254     6,382     1,951       1,927    
MO         :    5,765       5,330      6,628     6,466     2,127       2,057    
NE         :    8,875       8,849      9,025     8,999     2,223       2,178    
NY         :    3,379       3,675      3,727     4,002     2,254       2,299    
NC         :    6,400       5,862     14,030    13,549     1,882       1,867    
OH         :   21,878      23,159     22,256    23,644     2,233       2,233    
OK         :    2,043       1,963      3,761     3,841     1,968       1,927    
OR         :    2,366       2,535      2,572     2,735     2,216       2,267    
PA         :   20,135      19,635     21,520    20,983     2,207       2,221    
SC         :    4,071       3,673      5,065     4,676     2,152       2,117    
SD         :    1,553       1,898      1,793     2,108     2,157       2,097    
TX         :   12,381      13,378     15,776    16,581     2,035       2,051    
VA         :    1,632       1,657      3,841     3,804     1,953       1,866    
WA         :    5,279       4,921      5,560     5,164     2,176       2,246    
WI         :    2,787       2,765      3,329     3,260     2,133       2,147    
           :                                                                    
30 Sts     :  224,177     226,246    279,036   281,307     2,091       2,102    
           :                                                                    
Oth Sts 3/ :   11,425      11,042     16,257    15,857     2,098       2,100    
           :                                                                    
US         :  235,602     237,288    295,293   297,164     2,092       2,102    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1996 preliminary.                                                           
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,              
                                March 1995-96 1/                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 2/    :  Hatching Eggs 2/  
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1995   :   1996   :   1995   :   1996   :  1995   :   1996   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs                          
               :                                                                
AL             :    233        208        109         87       124       121    
AR             :    308        302        133        117       175       185    
CA             :    568        566                                              
CO             :     70         71                                              
CT             :     81         80                                              
FL             :    210        199        199        185        11        14    
GA             :    380        402        234        246       146       156    
HI             :     16         16         16         16         0         0    
IL             :     66         74         65         73         1         1    
IN             :    485        484        475        475        10         9    
IA             :    340        398                                              
ME             :    116        121                                              
MD             :     85         89         75         81        10         8    
MI             :    122        113                                              
MN             :    246        264        236        253        10        11    
MS             :    122        127         52         54        70        73    
MO             :    145        138                                              
NE             :    208        200        208        200         0         0    
NY             :     92         91                                              
NC             :    272        263        142        131       130       132    
OH             :    515        547                                              
OK             :     77         79         49         49        28        30    
OR             :     58         67         56         65         2         2    
PA             :    506        494        488        477        18        17    
SC             :    112        104         94         86        18        18    
SD             :     39         43         39         43         0         0    
TX             :    336        356        286        302        50        54    
VA             :     79         73         40         36        39        37    
WA             :    124        122                                              
WI             :     74         74                                              
               :                                                                
30 Sts         :  6,085      6,165      5,191      5,240       894       925    
               :                                                                
Oth Sts 3/     :    363        348        301        283        62        65    
               :                                                                
US             :  6,448      6,513      5,492      5,523       956       990    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  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.                          
                                                                                
                                                                                
               Egg Production:  By Type, State, and United States,              
                                April 1995-96 1/                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 2/    :  Hatching Eggs 2/  
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1995   :   1996   :   1995   :   1996   :  1995   :   1996   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs                          
               :                                                                
AL             :    223        206        100         90       123       116    
AR             :    298        285        126        106       172       179    
CA             :    534        528                                              
CO             :     68         67                                              
CT             :     80         77                                              
FL             :    196        189        185        176        11        13    
GA             :    371        381        227        228       144       153    
HI             :     15         15         15         15         0         0    
IL             :     61         74         60         73         1         1    
IN             :    457        457        447        448        10         9    
IA             :    332        405                                              
ME             :    113        116                                              
MD             :     84         80         75         73         9         7    
MI             :    116        110                                              
MN             :    236        256        226        245        10        11    
MS             :    122        123         53         49        69        74    
MO             :    141        133                                              
NE             :    201        196        201        196         0         0    
NY             :     84         92                                              
NC             :    264        253        139        125       125       128    
OH             :    497        528                                              
OK             :     74         74         48         46        26        28    
OR             :     57         62         55         60         2         2    
PA             :    475        466        458        449        17        17    
SC             :    109         99         91         82        18        17    
SD             :     39         44         39         44         0         0    
TX             :    321        340        272        288        49        52    
VA             :     75         71         37         35        38        36    
WA             :    121        116                                              
WI             :     71         70                                              
               :                                                                
30 Sts         :  5,836      5,913      4,958      5,018       878       895    
               :                                                                
Oth Sts 3/     :    341        333        280        270        61        63    
               :                                                                
US             :  6,177      6,246      5,238      5,288       939       958    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1996 preliminary.                                                           
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, 1995-96 1/                           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :       Percent Being Molted        :    Percent with Molt Completed    
  Month :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
        :      1995       :      1996       :      1995       :      1996       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :                                Percent                                
        :                                                                       
Jan     :       4.6               3.7              23.9              24.3       
Feb     :       6.3               5.5              23.7              22.4       
Mar     :       4.8               3.5              24.1              23.4       
Apr     :       3.4               2.0              23.8              22.9       
May     :       5.7               5.5              22.4              22.4       
Jun     :       6.0                                23.0                         
Jul     :       4.9                                23.4                         
Aug     :       4.1                                23.4                         
Sep     :       4.6                                23.3                         
Oct     :       5.1                                23.3                         
Nov     :       3.6                                24.2                         
Dec     :       2.2                                25.5                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  As of first of month.                                                       
                                                                                
                                                                                
                  Forced Molt:  Percent of All Layers by State                  
                        and United States, May 1995-96 1/                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :       Percent Being Molted        :   Percent with Molt Completed   
   State  :---------------------------------------------------------------------
          :      1995       :      1996       :      1995      :      1996      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :                               Percent                               
          :                                                                     
AL        :       4.0               1.5              11.5             10.0      
AR        :       5.0               3.5              12.5              8.5      
CA        :      11.0              11.0              40.0             41.0      
CO        :       6.0               5.0              24.5             24.0      
CT        :        .5               4.5              14.0              9.5      
FL        :      15.0               6.0              28.5             36.0      
GA        :       4.0               7.5              20.0             21.5      
HI        :       7.0              12.0              51.5             52.5      
IL        :       5.0               4.5              26.5             29.5      
IN        :       4.0               4.0              31.5             26.5      
IA        :       6.0               5.5              32.0             29.5      
ME        :        .5                .0                .5               .0      
MD        :       5.0              16.5              27.5             37.0      
MI        :       6.5               9.5              15.0             17.5      
MN        :       7.0               6.5              24.0             27.5      
MS        :       2.5               5.0              16.0             13.0      
MO        :       2.5               8.0              20.0             24.5      
NE        :       5.0               4.5              21.5             33.0      
NY        :       3.0               1.5               5.0              1.5      
NC        :       2.5               2.0              16.5             13.0      
OH        :       4.5               3.5              10.5             10.5      
OK        :       1.5               3.5              14.0             12.0      
OR        :      11.5               8.0              35.0             37.0      
PA        :       5.0               6.5              21.5             19.5      
SC        :      15.5               7.0              24.0             30.5      
SD        :       2.5               1.0              32.5             42.5      
TX        :       6.5               4.5              21.5             20.5      
VA        :       8.5               2.0              15.0             13.5      
WA        :       6.5              11.0              40.5             38.5      
WI        :       5.5               9.0              31.0             22.5      
          :                                                                     
30 Sts    :       5.7               5.6              22.4             22.5      
          :                                                                     
Oth Sts 2/:       5.8               3.9              23.1             20.6      
          :                                                                     
US        :       5.7               5.5              22.4             22.4      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, May-June 1995-96            
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1996    
                   Item                  :    1995    :    1996    :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1995    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         : -------- 1,000 -------     Percent   
                                         :                                      
Egg-Type                                 :                                      
  Eggs in Incubators on May 1            :    33,229       33,053        99     
  Chicks Hatched During Apr              :    35,020       35,553       102     
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Apr            :   136,161      139,439       102     
  Pullets Hatched During Apr for Intended:                                      
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :       317          252        79     
    7-18 Month Earlier  1/               :     3,106        2,920        94     
                                         :                                      
Broiler-Type                             :                                      
  Eggs in Incubators on May 1            :   563,712      567,484       101     
  Chicks Hatched During Apr              :   664,150      665,443       100     
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Apr            : 2,605,832    2,687,606       103     
  Pullets Hatched During Apr for Intended:                                      
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :     6,320        6,442       102     
    7-15 Months Earlier 2/               :    54,576       55,053       101     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1996 includes pullet chicks hatched Oct 1994 through Sep 1995.              
2/  1996 includes pullet chicks hatched Jan 1995 through Sep 1995.              
                                                                                
           Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators:  By Region and United States,           
                                 May 1, 1995-96                                 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1996    
                Geographic               :    1995    :    1996    :  as % of   
                 Division                :            :            :    1995    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :   ------ 1,000 ------      Percent   
                                         :                                      
North Atlantic                           :    4,378        4,546        104     
E North Central                          :    9,009        9,513        106     
W North Central                          :    6,195        6,289        102     
South Atlantic                           :    5,075        4,926         97     
South Central                            :    3,576        3,315         93     
West                                     :    4,996        4,464         89     
                                         :                                      
US                                       :   33,229       33,053         99     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
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,             
                                  April 1995-96                                 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :             April              :             Jan-Apr             
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1996   :          :           :   1996   
             :   1995   :   1996   : as % of  :   1995   :   1996    : as % of  
             :          :          :   1995   :          :           :   1995   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :  ----- 1,000 -----    Percent    ------ 1,000 ------    Percent  
             :                                                                  
AR           :   1,198        743       62        4,326       3,654       84    
FL           :     890      1,202      135        3,876       4,194      108    
GA           :   1,687      2,040      121        6,990       8,431      121    
IN           :   7,168      7,768      108       27,410      29,917      109    
IA           :   3,705      3,232       87       14,415      12,455       86    
KS           :     216        146       68          950         990      104    
MN           :   2,167      2,196      101        8,316       8,474      102    
MO           :     630        414       66        1,796       1,210       67    
PA           :   3,301      3,798      115       13,164      15,225      116    
             :                                                                  
Oth Sts  1/  :  14,058     14,014      100       54,918      54,889      100    
             :                                                                  
US           :  35,020     35,553      102      136,161     139,439      102    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
           Egg-Type Chicks Hatched:  By Month, United States, 1994-96           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      :            By Months             :              Cumulative              
      :-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Month:        :        :        : 1996  :          :         :        :  1996  
      :  1994  :  1995  :  1996  :as % of:   1994   :  1995   :  1996  :as % of 
      :        :        :        : 1995  :          :         :        :  1995  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      : --------- 1,000 --------  Percent  ---------- 1,000 ----------  Percent 
      :                                                                         
Jan   : 33,236   32,375   31,547     97     33,236     32,375   31,547     97   
Feb   : 31,086   32,745   34,652    106     64,322     65,120   66,199    102   
Mar   : 33,489   36,021   37,687    105     97,811    101,141  103,886    103   
Apr   : 35,657   35,020   35,553    102    133,468    136,161  139,439    102   
May   : 35,322   37,482                    168,790    173,643                   
Jun   : 31,985   34,948                    200,775    208,591                   
Jul   : 29,613   29,554                    230,388    238,145                   
Aug   : 31,295   31,434                    261,683    269,579                   
Sep   : 31,587   33,578                    293,270    303,157                   
Oct   : 32,066   33,384                    325,336    336,541                   
Nov   : 26,075   29,130                    351,411    365,671                   
Dec   : 30,166   30,797                    381,577    396,468                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
        Intended Placements:  Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply        
              Flocks by Month and Total, United States, 1994-96 1/              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements  
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1996  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks 
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-18 Months Earlier 2/       
         :--------------------------: 1995  :-----------------------------------
         :  1994  :  1995  :  1996  :       :   1994    :   1995    :   1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : -------- 1,000 -------    Percent    ----------- 1,000 -----------   
         :                                                                      
Jan      :   213      236     171      72       3,021       3,022       3,108   
Feb      :   184      251     238      95       3,041       3,009       3,089   
Mar      :   259      356     317      89       2,997       3,075       2,943   
Apr      :   277      317     252      79       3,033       3,106       2,920   
May      :   334      193                       3,051       3,119       2,951   
Jun      :   257      234                       2,944       3,187       2,835   
Jul      :   254      235                       3,025       3,045       2,941   
Aug      :   309      163                       3,011       3,068       2,876   
Sep      :   315      292                       3,052       3,135       2,863   
Oct      :   278      309                       3,019       3,232       2,824   
Nov      :   240      124                       3,021       3,272       2,759   
Dec      :   125      231                       3,056       3,131               
         :                                                                      
Total    : 3,045    2,941                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 April 1996, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Oct 1994 through     
    Sep 1995.  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, May 1, 1995-96                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :                   :                   :        1996        
     Geographic    :       1995        :       1996        :      as % of       
      Division     :                   :                   :        1995        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :      ---------- 1,000 ----------             Percent       
                   :                                                            
North Atlantic     :       11,586              11,490                99         
E North Central    :        8,956               7,761                87         
W North Central    :       19,311              22,700               118         
South Atlantic     :      223,147             223,378               100         
South Central      :      277,669             278,625               100         
West               :       23,043              23,530               102         
                   :                                                            
US                 :      563,712             567,484               101         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
                                                                                
                     Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched:  By State                     
                        and United States, April 1995-96                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :             April              :             Jan-Apr             
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1996   :          :           :   1996   
             :   1995   :   1996   : as % of  :   1995   :   1996    : as % of  
             :          :          :   1995   :          :           :   1995   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             : ------ 1,000 -----    Percent   ------- 1,000 -------   Percent  
             :                                                                  
AL           :  92,086     83,990       91       366,639     339,313      93    
AR           : 102,220    101,413       99       404,833     419,918     104    
DE           :  16,538     15,313       93        66,439      64,383      97    
FL           :  10,613      9,875       93        38,236      40,863     107    
GA           :  96,551    100,159      104       376,266     406,241     108    
MD           :  31,828     30,698       96       125,148     126,374     101    
MS           :  53,652     56,207      105       213,456     221,179     104    
NC           :  63,735     62,702       98       245,164     251,364     103    
PA           :  11,375     11,174       98        43,918      44,342     101    
SC           :  15,254     14,854       97        61,068      60,692      99    
TX           :  39,400     40,125      102       151,383     162,973     108    
VA           :  23,789     23,001       97        93,951      93,647     100    
CA TN & WV   :  33,669     33,986      101       133,022     135,372     102    
             :                                                                  
15 Sts 1/    : 590,710    583,497       99     2,319,523   2,366,661     102    
             :                                                                  
OR & WA      :   5,669      6,130      108        22,149      22,292     101    
             :                                                                  
Oth Sts 2/   :  67,771     75,816      112       264,160     298,653     113    
             :                                                                  
US           : 664,150    665,443      100     2,605,832   2,687,606     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, 1994-96           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :            By Months             :             Cumulative              
       :------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Month :        :        :        : 1996  :        :         :         :  1996  
       :  1994  :  1995  :  1996  :as % of:  1994  :  1995   :  1996   :as % of 
       :        :        :        : 1995  :        :         :         :  1995  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :--------- 1,000 ---------  Percent----------- 1,000 ----------- Percent 
       :                                                                        
Jan    :618,111  662,476  686,359    104    618,111   662,476   686,359   104   
Feb    :558,589  600,116  646,085    108  1,176,700 1,262,592 1,332,444   106   
Mar    :640,316  679,090  689,719    102  1,817,016 1,941,682 2,022,163   104   
Apr    :627,050  664,150  665,443    100  2,444,066 2,605,832 2,687,606   103   
May    :658,689  692,004                  3,102,755 3,297,836                   
Jun    :647,342  670,839                  3,750,097 3,968,675                   
Jul    :646,875  673,687                  4,396,972 4,642,362                   
Aug    :654,309  674,068                  5,051,281 5,316,430                   
Sep    :626,706  638,901                  5,677,987 5,955,331                   
Oct    :620,679  654,221                  6,298,666 6,609,552                   
Nov    :600,055  627,767                  6,898,721 7,237,319                   
Dec    :663,595  691,193                  7,562,316 7,928,512                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
                                                                                
          Intended Placements:  Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery         
                  Supply Flocks by Month and Total, 1994-96 1/                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements  
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1996  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks 
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-15 Months Earlier 2/       
         :--------------------------: 1995  :-----------------------------------
         :  1994  :  1995  :  1996  :       :   1994    :   1995    :   1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : -------- 1,000 --------   Percent   ------------ 1,000 -----------   
         :                                                                      
US       :                                                                      
 Place-  :                                                                      
 ments   :                                                                      
Jan      :  5,988    5,710   5,538      97     49,351      53,071      54,562   
Feb      :  5,452    5,484   5,916     108     49,810      53,563      54,522   
Mar      :  6,334    6,161   6,374     103     50,568      53,808      55,178   
Apr      :  6,121    6,320   6,442     102     50,583      54,576      55,053   
May      :  6,266    6,135                     50,432      54,930      55,356   
Jun      :  5,911    6,178                     51,552      55,297      56,528   
Jul      :  6,104    6,302                     51,343      55,376      56,585   
Aug      :  6,064    6,475                     51,667      54,965      55,803   
Sep      :  6,336    6,288                     51,076      54,183      55,584   
Oct      :  6,342    6,013                     51,743      54,433      55,781   
Nov      :  5,819    6,656                     51,798      54,649      55,921   
Dec      :  6,413    6,218                     52,380      54,720               
         :                                                                      
Annual   :                                                                      
 Total   : 73,150   73,940                                                      
         :                                                                      
Total    :                                                                      
 Place-  :                                                                      
 ments3/ :                                                                      
Jan      :  7,171    7,040   6,782      96                                      
Feb      :  6,762    7,180   7,167     100                                      
Mar      :  7,464    7,577   7,645     101                                      
Apr      :  7,284    7,835   7,664      98                                      
May      :  7,394    7,873                                                      
Jun      :  7,382    7,485                                                      
Jul      :  7,146    7,730                                                      
Aug      :  7,290    7,850                                                      
Sep      :  7,545    7,730                                                      
Oct      :  7,959    7,301                                                      
Nov      :  7,251    7,784                                                      
Dec      :  7,908    7,750                                                      
         :                                                                      
Annual   :                                                                      
 Total   : 88,556   91,135                                                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Apr 1996, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Jan 1995 through       
    Sep 1995.                                                                   
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            
June 24, 1996.                                                                  
                                                                                
                                                                                
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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