Chickens
and Eggs
 
National
Agricultural
Statistics
Service
 
 
USDA
Washington, D.C.
 
 
Released January 29, 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.
 
 
 
               December Egg Production Up 2 Percent
 
U.S. egg production totaled 7.01 billion during December 1998, up 2
percent from the 6.84 billion produced in 1997. Production included 5.93
billion table eggs and 1.07 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.01 billion
were broiler-type and 64.0 million were egg-type. The total number of
layers during December 1998 averaged 320 million, up 3 percent from the
total average number of layers during December 1997. December egg
production per 100 layers was 2,190 eggs, down slightly from 2,193 eggs
in December 1997.
 
 
 
 
All layers in the U.S. on January 1, 1999, totaled 319 million, up 2
percent from a year ago. The 319 million layers consisted of 261 million
layers producing table or commercial type eggs, 56.0 million layers
producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.70 million layers producing
egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on January 1, 1999, averaged
70.3 eggs per 100 layers, down fractionally from the 70.4 a year ago.
 
Laying flocks in the 30 major egg production States produced 6.61
billion eggs during December, up 2 percent from December 1998. The
average number of layers during December, at 302 million, was up 2
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 94 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 Down 1 Percent
 
Egg-type chicks hatched during December totaled 35.4 million, down 1
percent from December 1997. Eggs in incubators totaled 32.8 million on
January 1, 1999, up 2 percent from a year ago.
 
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply
flocks by leading breeders totaled 175,000 during December 1998, down 15
percent from December 1997.
 
 
                   Broiler Hatch Up 3 Percent
 
The December 1998 hatch of broiler-type chicks, at 734 million, was up 3
percent from December of the previous year. There were 619 million eggs
in incubators on January 1,1999, up 5 percent from a year earlier.
 
Leading breeders placed 7.26 million broiler-type pullet chicks for
future domestic hatchery supply flocks during December 1998, up 16
percent from December 1997.
 
 
 
Pou 1-1  (1-99)
 
 
 
              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           320,036
Jan      :     299,230          304,289           311,876
Feb      :     298,904          304,000           313,245
Mar      :     298,853          304,285           314,101
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     7,008       5,802      5,934       1,039       1,074
Jan        :   6,766                 5,720                  1,046
Feb        :   6,109                 5,150                    959
Mar        :   6,869                 5,797                  1,072
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     7,008      67,292      5,934      12,425       1,074
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  December preceding year.
 
 
 
 
           Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,
          and Forced Molt, United States, November-December 1997-98 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
                Item                :   Unit   :   1997   :   1998   : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers During Nov                   :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          : 309,670    318,797       103
    Table Egg Type                  :          : 254,381    261,472       103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :  55,289     57,325       104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :  52,742     54,746       104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,547      2,579       101
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers During Nov      :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :   2,122      2,109        99
    Table Egg Type                  :          :   2,192      2,178        99
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   1,801      1,793       100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   1,780      1,768        99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,238      2,326       104
                                    :          :
Eggs Produced During Nov            :  Million :
  All Layers                        :          :   6,572      6,723       102
    Table Egg Type                  :          :   5,576      5,695       102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :     996      1,028       103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :     939        968       103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :      57         60       105
                                    :          :
Layers on Dec 1                     :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          : 312,137    320,694       103
    Table Egg Type                  :          : 256,676    263,040       102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :  55,461     57,654       104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :  52,919     55,038       104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :   2,542      2,616       103
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers on Dec 1        :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :      71.0       70.8     100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :      73.4       73.2     100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :      59.7       59.8     100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :      58.9       59.0     100
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :      76.8       77.4     101
                                    :          :
Forced Molt Layers on Dec 1         :  Percent :
  Percent Being Molted              :          :       2.8        2.7      96
  Percent with Molt Completed       :          :      24.0       23.9     100
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.
 
 
 
 
           Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,
            and Forced Molt, United States, December-January 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
                Item                :   Unit   : 1997 1/  : 1998 2/  : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers During Dec                   :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          :  311,888    320,036      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          :  255,919    261,844      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   55,969     58,192      104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   53,449     55,531      104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    2,520      2,661      106
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers During Dec      :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :    2,193      2,190      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :    2,267      2,266      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :    1,856      1,846       99
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :    1,832      1,819       99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    2,381      2,405      101
                                    :          :
Eggs Produced During Dec            :  Million :
  All Layers                        :          :    6,841      7,008      102
    Table Egg Type                  :          :    5,802      5,934      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :    1,039      1,074      103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :      979      1,010      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :       60         64      107
                                    :          :--------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1999
                                    :          : 1998 1/  : 1999 2/  : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
                                    :          :--------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers on Jan 1                     :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          :  311,593    319,320      102
    Table Egg Type                  :          :  255,137    260,614      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   56,456     58,706      104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   53,966     56,010      104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    2,490      2,696      108
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers on Jan 1        :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :     70.4       70.3      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :     72.9       72.8      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :     59.4       58.9       99
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :     58.6       58.0       99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :     77.1       77.2      100
                                    :          :
Forced Molt Layers on Jan 1         :  Percent :
  Percent Being Molted              :          :      4.1        4.1      100
  Percent with Molt Completed       :          :     21.8       22.6      104
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.
2/  Preliminary.
 
 
 
 
     Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, and Forced
           Molt, November-December, 30 Selected States, 1997-98 1/ 2/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
                Item                :   Unit   :   1997   :   1998   : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers During Nov                   :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          :  293,227    301,139      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          :  241,819    248,159      103
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   51,408     52,980      103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   48,950     50,500      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    2,458      2,480      101
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers During Nov      :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :    2,122      2,109       99
    Table Egg Type                  :          :    2,190      2,176       99
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :    1,803      1,797      100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :    1,781      1,770       99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    2,238      2,339      105
                                    :          :
Eggs Produced During Nov            :  Million :
  All Layers                        :          :    6,222      6,352      102
    Table Egg Type                  :          :    5,295      5,400      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :      927        952      103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :      872        894      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :       55         58      105
                                    :          :
Layers on Dec 1                     :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          :  295,534    303,120      103
    Table Egg Type                  :          :  244,021    249,858      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   51,513     53,262      103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   49,065     50,744      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    2,448      2,518      103
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers on Dec 1        :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :     70.9       70.7      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :     73.2       73.0      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :     59.8       60.0      100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :     59.0       59.1      100
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :     76.7       77.7      101
                                    :          :
Forced Molt Layers on Dec 1         :  Percent :
  Percent Being Molted              :          :      2.8        2.7       96
  Percent with Molt Completed       :          :     24.1       23.7       98
                                    :          :
Layers Sold for Slaughter During Nov:  1,000   :   12,669     12,038       95
                                    :          :
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,   :          :
 Composted or Disappeared For Any   :          :
 Reason During Nov                  :  1,000   :    2,714      2,780      102
                                    :          :
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks          :          :
 of Age, Dec 1                      :  1,000   :   84,607     90,510      107
                                    :          :
Pullets Added During Nov  3/        :  1,000   :   20,020     20,209      101
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.
2/  Revised.
3/  Pullet chicks one day old added to pullet flocks.
 
 
 
 
           Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,
        and Forced Molt, 30 Selected States, December-January 1997-99 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
                Item                :   Unit   : 1997 2/  : 1998 3/  : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers During Dec                   :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          :  295,072    302,423      102
    Table Egg Type                  :          :  243,165    248,630      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   51,907     53,793      104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   49,483     51,242      104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    2,424      2,551      105
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers During Dec      :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :    2,193      2,187      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :    2,265      2,260      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :    1,857      1,850      100
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :    1,831      1,821       99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    2,393      2,430      102
                                    :          :
Eggs Produced During Dec            :  Million :
  All Layers                        :          :    6,471      6,614      102
    Table Egg Type                  :          :    5,507      5,619      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :      964        995      103
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :      906        933      103
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :       58         62      107
                                    :          :--------------------------------
                                    :          :          :          :   1999
                                    :          : 1998 2/  : 1999 3/  : as % of
                                    :          :          :          :   1998
                                    :          :--------------------------------
                                    :          :
Layers on Jan 1                     :  1,000   :
  All Layers                        :          :  294,576    301,681      102
    Table Egg Type                  :          :  242,291    247,378      102
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :   52,285     54,303      104
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :   49,892     51,728      104
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :    2,393      2,575      108
                                    :          :
Eggs per 100 Layers on Jan 1        :  Number  :
  All Layers                        :          :     70.5       70.2      100
    Table Egg Type                  :          :     72.9       72.7      100
    Hatching Egg Type               :          :     59.5       59.0       99
      Broiler-Type Hatching         :          :     58.7       58.0       99
      Egg-Type Hatching             :          :     77.1       77.7      101
                                    :          :
Forced Molt Layers on Jan 1         :  Percent :
  Percent Being Molted              :          :      4.2        4.1       98
  Percent with Molt Completed       :          :     21.8       22.4      103
                                    :          :
Layers Sold for Slaughter During Dec:  1,000   :   14,194     16,000      113
                                    :          :
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,   :          :
  Composted or Disappeared For Any  :          :
  Reason During Dec                 :  1,000   :    3,053      3,156      103
                                    :          :
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks          :          :
 of Age, Jan 1                      :  1,000   :   81,546     89,211      109
                                    :          :
Pullets Added During Dec 4/         :  1,000   :   15,812     18,543      117
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.
2/  Revised.
3/  Preliminary.
4/  Pullet chicks one day old added to pullet flocks.
 
 
 
 
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State
                  and United States, During November 1997-98 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 2/   :     All Layers 2/
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1997    :    1998    :  1997  :  1998   :   1997    :    1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----
           :
AL         :    3,911       4,437     10,428    11,085     1,937       1,967
AR         :    4,436       4,428     14,399    14,574     1,820       1,859
CA         :   25,424      25,045     26,091    25,702     2,165       2,202
CO         :    3,087       3,123      3,688     3,682     2,223       2,146
CT         :    3,231       2,870      3,397     3,037     2,296       2,305
FL         :    9,940       9,698     10,615    10,388     2,073       2,166
GA         :   11,631      12,198     20,573    21,649     2,076       2,042
HI         :      707         596        732       623     1,788       2,087
IL         :    3,139       2,657      3,375     2,921     2,311       2,123
IN         :   21,156      21,373     21,919    22,047     2,194       2,123
IA         :   20,549      23,755     21,448    24,660     2,205       2,076
ME         :    4,729       5,009      4,857     5,118     2,409       2,384
MD         :    2,698       3,038      3,165     3,501     2,148       2,114
MI         :    4,958       5,427      5,210     5,704     2,139       2,191
MN         :   11,110      11,478     11,849    12,166     2,085       2,104
MS         :    1,883       2,126      6,790     7,056     1,826       1,899
MO         :    5,705       5,403      7,028     6,851     2,134       2,146
NE         :    9,774      10,377      9,924    10,527     2,094       2,156
NY         :    3,290       3,353      3,500     3,602     2,314       2,332
NC         :    4,251       3,783     11,575    11,332     1,832       1,915
OH         :   26,082      27,866     26,639    28,515     2,215       2,199
OK         :    2,125       1,994      4,058     4,003     1,922       1,924
OR         :    2,854       2,627      3,031     2,788     2,210       2,188
PA         :   21,295      21,405     22,573    22,721     2,255       2,205
SC         :    3,626       3,648      4,667     4,676     2,207       2,096
SD         :    1,940       2,010      2,175     2,233     2,127       2,194
TX         :   13,458      13,723     17,146    17,580     2,076       2,059
VA         :    1,606       1,652      3,539     3,715     1,978       1,911
WA         :    4,862       4,873      4,997     4,993     2,315       2,271
WI         :    3,218       3,146      3,839     3,690     2,292       2,195
           :
30 Sts     :  236,675     243,118    293,227   301,139     2,122       2,109
           :
Oth Sts 3/ :   11,490      12,238     16,443    17,658     2,129       2,101
           :
US         :  248,165     255,356    309,670   318,797     2,122       2,109
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.
2/  Includes all layers and eggs produced in both table egg and hatching egg
    flocks regardless of size.
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.
 
 
 
 
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State
                  and United States, During December 1997-98 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 2/   :     All Layers 2/
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1997    :    1998    :  1997  :  1998   :   1997    :    1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----
           :
AL         :    3,921       4,325     10,524    11,030     2,033       1,995
AR         :    4,500       4,565     14,600    14,851     1,870       1,919
CA         :   25,305      25,489     25,961    26,137     2,265       2,273
CO         :    3,008       2,989      3,612     3,556     2,298       2,193
CT         :    3,282       2,911      3,457     3,088     2,285       2,299
FL         :   10,044       9,893     10,705    10,698     2,167       2,243
GA         :   11,402      11,892     20,439    21,417     2,172       2,134
HI         :      690         578        715       604     1,818       2,152
IL         :    3,101       2,713      3,382     2,959     2,336       2,129
IN         :   21,340      21,265     21,987    21,965     2,260       2,213
IA         :   20,912      24,261     21,775    25,177     2,223       2,157
ME         :    4,712       5,082      4,831     5,195     2,484       2,464
MD         :    2,712       3,172      3,188     3,634     2,227       2,312
MI         :    4,935       5,486      5,196     5,763     2,215       2,238
MN         :   11,288      11,403     11,991    12,119     2,168       2,178
MS         :    1,909       1,876      6,870     6,866     1,863       1,952
MO         :    5,708       5,179      7,075     6,641     2,205       2,259
NE         :   10,002      10,522     10,152    10,672     2,177       2,202
NY         :    3,216       3,322      3,419     3,577     2,398       2,432
NC         :    4,216       3,847     11,565    11,552     1,902       1,974
OH         :   26,635      27,636     27,222    28,341     2,296       2,304
OK         :    2,155       1,988      4,095     4,025     2,002       1,963
OR         :    2,807       2,874      2,993     3,031     2,239       2,270
PA         :   21,459      21,389     22,763    22,752     2,320       2,334
SC         :    3,686       3,660      4,705     4,667     2,210       1,971
SD         :    2,038       1,960      2,233     2,203     2,239       2,270
TX         :   13,381      13,719     17,132    17,608     2,171       2,175
VA         :    1,561       1,545      3,534     3,644     2,037       1,894
WA         :    4,841       4,893      4,971     5,013     2,426       2,322
WI         :    3,360       3,171      3,980     3,638     2,286       2,281
           :
30 Sts     :  238,126     243,605    295,072   302,423     2,193       2,187
           :
Oth Sts 3/ :   11,635      12,171     16,816    17,613     2,200       2,237
           :
US         :  249,761     255,776    311,888   320,036     2,193       2,190
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1998 preliminary, 1997 Revised.
2/  Includes all layers and eggs produced in both table egg and hatching egg
    flocks regardless of size.
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.
 
 
 
 
               Egg Production:  By Type, State, and United States,
                               November 1997-98 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 2/    :  Hatching Eggs 2/
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1997   :   1998   :   1997   :   1998   :  1997   :   1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs
               :
AL             :    202        218         88        102       114        116
AR             :    262        271         88         98       174        173
CA             :    565        566
CO             :     82         79
CT             :     78         70
FL             :    220        225        208        212        12         13
GA             :    427        442        261        267       166        175
HI             :     13         13         13         13         0          0
IL             :     78         62         75         58         3          4
IN             :    481        468        471        457        10         11
IA             :    473        512
ME             :    117        122
MD             :     68         74         61         66         7          8
MI             :    111        125
MN             :    247        256        237        247        10          9
MS             :    124        134         38         46        86         88
MO             :    150        147
NE             :    208        227        208        227         0          0
NY             :     81         84
NC             :    212        217         89         89       123        128
OH             :    590        627
OK             :     78         77         47         45        31         32
OR             :     67         61         66         60         1          1
PA             :    509        501        494        486        15         15
SC             :    103         98         84         79        19         19
SD             :     46         49         46         49         0          0
TX             :    356        362
VA             :     70         71         38         37        32         34
WA             :    116        113
WI             :     88         81
               :
30 Sts         :  6,222      6,352      5,295      5,400       927        952
               :
Oth Sts 3/     :    350        371        281        295        69         76
               :
US             :  6,572      6,723      5,576      5,695       996      1,028
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.
2/  Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing
    individual operations.
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.
 
 
 
 
               Egg Production:  By Type, State, and United States,
                               December 1997-98 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 2/    :  Hatching Eggs 2/
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1997   :   1998   :   1997   :   1998   :  1997   :   1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs
               :
AL             :    214        220         94        100        120       120
AR             :    273        285         93        103        180       182
CA             :    588        594
CO             :     83         78
CT             :     79         71
FL             :    232        240        219        226         13        14
GA             :    444        457        270        274        174       183
HI             :     13         13         13         13          0         0
IL             :     79         63         75         59          4         4
IN             :    497        486        486        474         11        12
IA             :    484        543
ME             :    120        128
MD             :     71         84         63         76          8         8
MI             :    115        129
MN             :    260        264        250        254         10        10
MS             :    128        134         39         43         89        91
MO             :    156        150
NE             :    221        235        221        235          0         0
NY             :     82         87
NC             :    220        228         92         94        128       134
OH             :    625        653
OK             :     82         79         50         46         32        33
OR             :     67         69         65         68          2         1
PA             :    528        531        514        515         14        16
SC             :    104         92         86         76         18        16
SD             :     50         50         50         50          0         0
TX             :    372        383
VA             :     72         69         38         33         34        36
WA             :    121        116
WI             :     91         83
               :
30 Sts         :  6,471      6,614      5,507      5,619        964       995
               :
Oth Sts 3/     :    370        394        295        315         75        79
               :
US             :  6,841      7,008      5,802      5,934      1,039     1,074
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1998 preliminary, 1997 Revised.
2/  Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing
    individual operations.
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.
 
 
 
 
                  Forced Molt:  Percent of All Layers by Month,
                            United States, 1998-99 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :       Percent Being Molted        :    Percent with Molt Completed
  Month :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
        :      1998       :      1999       :      1998       :      1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :                                Percent
        :
Jan     :       4.1               4.1              21.8              22.6
Feb     :       5.2                                21.0
Mar     :       4.4                                21.2
Apr     :       2.2                                22.1
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, January 1998-99 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :       Percent Being Molted        :   Percent with Molt Completed
   State  :---------------------------------------------------------------------
          :      1998       :      1999       :      1998      :      1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :                               Percent
          :
AL        :        2.5               4.5             17.5             13.5
AR        :        1.0               2.5             12.0              8.0
CA        :        5.5               7.5             39.0             39.0
CO        :        1.5               2.5             14.5             36.0
CT        :        3.0               0.0             11.5             12.5
FL        :        1.5               4.5             37.0             36.0
GA        :        6.5               4.0             18.0             17.5
HI        :       15.5               7.5             45.5             42.0
IL        :       10.0               8.5             33.5             25.5
IN        :        4.0               1.0             26.0             29.5
IA        :        9.5               4.5             20.0             30.0
ME        :        0.0               0.0              2.0              1.5
MD        :        9.5               1.0             34.0             31.0
MI        :        6.0               6.5             17.5             21.5
MN        :        5.0               5.0             33.0             34.5
MS        :        1.0               4.5             10.0              8.5
MO        :        2.0               1.0             25.0             18.0
NE        :        4.5               5.5             29.0             15.0
NY        :        0.0               1.0              2.5              5.5
NC        :        2.5               1.5             12.0              9.5
OH        :        1.5               4.5             12.5             12.0
OK        :        1.0               1.0             11.0              8.5
OR        :       16.0               2.5             33.0             27.5
PA        :        4.0               4.5             17.0             21.0
SC        :        4.5               5.0             25.0             26.5
SD        :        2.0               3.0             27.0             26.0
TX        :        4.5               6.0             23.0             25.5
VA        :        3.5               3.5              8.5              4.0
WA        :        3.0               4.5             38.0             49.5
WI        :        6.0               3.5             25.5             29.0
          :
30 Sts    :        4.2               4.1             21.8             22.4
          :
Oth Sts 2/:        2.6               3.5             21.4             26.1
          :
US        :        4.1               4.1             21.8             22.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, December-January 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1999
                   Item                  :    1998    :    1999    :  as % of
                                         :            :            :    1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         : -------- 1,000 -------     Percent
                                         :
Egg-Type                                 :
  Eggs in Incubators on Jan 1            :    32,196       32,836       102
  Chicks Hatched During Dec 1/           :    35,890       35,430        99
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Dec 1/         :   425,007      440,498       104
  Pullets Hatched During Jan for Intended:
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :       207          175        85
    7-18 Month Earlier  2/               :     2,851        2,933       103
                                         :
Broiler-Type                             :
  Eggs in Incubators on Jan 1            :   590,889      619,107       105
  Chicks Hatched During Dec 1/           :   711,972      733,797       103
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Dec 1/         : 8,322,496    8,485,412       102
  Pullets Hatched During Jan for Intended:
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :     6,252        7,264       116
    7-15 Months Earlier 3/               :    56,714       58,937       104
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Previous year.
2/  1998 includes pullet chicks hatched Jun 1997 through May 1998.
3/  1998 includes pullet chicks hatched Sep 1997 through May 1998.
 
 
 
 
           Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators:  By Region and United States,
                               January 1, 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1999
                Geographic               :    1998    :    1999    :  as % of
                 Division                :            :            :    1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :   ------ 1,000 ------      Percent
                                         :
North Atlantic                           :    5,803        5,827        100
E North Central                          :    8,583        8,677        101
W North Central                          :    5,480        5,374         98
South Atlantic                           :    5,330        5,189         97
South Central                            :    3,378        3,808        113
West                                     :    3,622        3,961        109
                                         :
US                                       :   32,196       32,836        102
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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,
                                December 1997-98
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :            December            :             Jan-Dec
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1998   :          :           :   1998
             :   1997   :   1998   : as % of  :   1997   :   1998    : as % of
             :          :          :   1997   :          :           :   1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :  ----- 1,000 -----    Percent    ------ 1,000 ------    Percent
             :
AR           :     709        659       93        9,397       9,095       97
FL           :     993      1,032      104       14,013      12,443       89
GA           :   1,817      1,718       95       23,750      23,679      100
IN           :   7,513      7,372       98       85,609      84,411       99
IA           :   4,362      4,459      102       48,044      54,015      112
KS           :     379        415      109        3,256       3,025       93
MN           :   1,810      1,919      106       22,866      22,273       97
MO           :     372        306       82        4,692       4,473       95
PA           :   4,510      6,096      135       57,109      64,754      113
             :
Oth Sts  1/  :  13,425     11,454       85      156,271     162,330      104
             :
US           :  35,890     35,430       99      425,007     440,498      104
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
 
 
 
 
           Egg-Type Chicks Hatched:  By Month, United States, 1996-98
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :             By Months             :            Cumulative
        :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Month :        :        :        :  1998  :        :        :        :  1998
        :  1996  :  1997  :  1998  :as % of :  1996  :  1997  :  1998  :as % of
        :        :        :        :  1997  :        :        :        :  1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        : --------- 1,000 --------  Percent  --------- 1,000 ---------  Percent
        :
Jan     : 31,580   33,815   37,234    110     31,580   33,815   37,234    110
Feb     : 34,608   35,762   34,573     97     66,188   69,577   71,807    103
Mar     : 36,890   37,410   39,986    107    103,078  106,987  111,793    104
Apr     : 35,740   38,873   39,926    103    138,818  145,860  151,719    104
May     : 38,028   39,078   39,602    101    176,846  184,938  191,321    103
Jun     : 33,017   36,861   39,206    106    209,863  221,799  230,527    104
Jul     : 31,920   33,838   36,567    108    241,783  255,637  267,094    104
Aug     : 31,782   33,125   33,514    101    273,565  288,762  300,608    104
Sep     : 31,930   37,181   38,611    104    305,495  325,943  339,219    104
Oct     : 32,319   35,328   35,039     99    337,814  361,271  374,258    104
Nov     : 30,947   27,846   30,810    111    368,761  389,117  405,068    104
Dec     : 32,879   35,890   35,430     99    401,640  425,007  440,498    104
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
        Intended Placements:  Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply
              Flocks by Month and Total, United States, 1996-98 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1998  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-18 Months Earlier 2/
         :--------------------------: 1997  :-----------------------------------
         :  1996  :  1997  :  1998  :       :   1997    :   1998    :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : -------- 1,000 --------   Percent    ----------- 1,000 -----------
         :
Jan      :   219      208      189      91      2,953       2,823       3,039
Feb      :   238      222      239     108      2,984       2,764       3,099
Mar      :   317      209      225     108      3,007       2,863       3,004
Apr      :   252      316      338     107      2,946       3,034       2,926
May      :   291      273      192      70      2,870       3,067       3,020
Jun      :   282      254      360     142      2,956       2,986       3,123
Jul      :   266      207      267     129      2,940       2,978       3,091
Aug      :   186      285      190      67      2,929       2,959
Sep      :   231      402      324      81      2,913       2,976
Oct      :   233      266      360     135      2,805       2,992
Nov      :   210      129      232     180      2,869       3,014
Dec      :   215      207      175      85      2,851       2,933
         :
Total    : 2,940    2,978    3,091     104
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 December 1998, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Jun 1997 through
    May 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, January 1, 1998-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :                   :                   :        1999
     Geographic    :       1998        :       1999        :      as % of
      Division     :                   :                   :        1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :      ---------- 1,000 ----------             Percent
                   :
North Atlantic     :       11,980              12,095               101
E North Central    :        6,985               8,233               118
W North Central    :       22,986              22,570                98
South Atlantic     :      225,735             235,463               104
South Central      :      301,973             316,978               105
West               :       21,230              23,768               112
                   :
US                 :      590,889             619,107               105
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
                     Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched:  By State
                       and United States, December 1997-98
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :            December            :             Jan-Dec
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1998   :          :           :   1998
             :   1997   :   1998   : as % of  :   1997   :   1998    : as % of
             :          :          :   1997   :          :           :   1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             : ------ 1,000 -----    Percent   ------- 1,000 -------   Percent
             :
AL           :  92,538     98,238      106     1,088,458   1,098,665     101
AR           : 107,893    108,872      101     1,264,780   1,243,780      98
DE           :  15,718     15,479       98       191,419     188,343      98
FL           :  10,210      9,966       98       113,964     112,151      98
GA           : 105,891    112,103      106     1,255,943   1,288,439     103
MD           :  31,239     31,384      100       364,159     369,995     102
MS           :  62,068     63,512      102       736,196     749,096     102
NC           :  59,894     61,333      102       721,943     722,470     100
PA           :  12,800     12,811      100       151,545     150,792     100
SC           :  15,368     16,173      105       182,852     180,189      99
TX           :  45,767     48,633      106       529,995     542,971     102
VA           :  23,496     23,965      102       280,792     280,346     100
CA TN & WV   :  38,935     40,044      103       430,630     458,588     106
             :
15 Sts 1/    : 621,817    642,513      103     7,312,676   7,385,825     101
             :
Oth Sts 2/   :  90,155     91,284      101     1,009,820   1,099,587     109
             :
US           : 711,972    733,797      103     8,322,496   8,485,412     102
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 1996-98
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :            By Months             :             Cumulative
       :------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Month :        :        :        : 1998  :        :         :         :  1998
       :  1996  :  1997  :  1998  :as % of:  1996  :  1997   :  1998   :as % of
       :        :        :        : 1997  :        :         :         :  1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :--------- 1,000 ---------  Percent----------- 1,000 ----------- Percent
       :
Jan    :689,994  700,021  710,576    102    689,994   700,021   710,576   102
Feb    :645,590  634,253  644,504    102  1,335,584 1,334,274 1,355,080   102
Mar    :692,287  718,899  731,998    102  2,027,871 2,053,173 2,087,078   102
Apr    :668,378  693,746  709,360    102  2,696,249 2,746,919 2,796,438   102
May    :700,556  724,735  739,952    102  3,396,805 3,471,654 3,536,390   102
Jun    :672,168  704,129  718,983    102  4,068,973 4,175,783 4,255,373   102
Jul    :679,766  710,699  723,352    102  4,748,739 4,886,482 4,978,725   102
Aug    :690,838  708,637  713,211    101  5,439,577 5,595,119 5,691,936   102
Sep    :658,964  684,204  692,859    101  6,098,541 6,279,323 6,384,795   102
Oct    :653,537  683,113  692,913    101  6,752,078 6,962,436 7,077,708   102
Nov    :631,355  648,088  673,907    104  7,383,433 7,610,524 7,751,615   102
Dec    :694,726  711,972  733,797    103  8,078,159 8,322,496 8,485,412   102
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
          Intended Placements:  Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery
                  Supply Flocks by Month and Total, 1996-98 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1998  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-15 Months Earlier 2/
         :--------------------------: 1997  :-----------------------------------
         :  1996  :  1997  :  1998  :       :   1997    :   1998    :   1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : --------- 1,000 --------  Percent   ------------ 1,000 -----------
         :
US       :
 Place-  :
 ments   :
Jan      :  5,491    6,397    6,794    106     56,101      56,552      59,331
Feb      :  5,917    5,916    6,263    106     56,122      57,494      59,808
Mar      :  6,100    6,443    6,776    105     55,981      57,677      60,537
Apr      :  6,751    6,036    6,687    111     55,933      58,228      61,598
May      :  6,780    7,062    7,062    100     56,667      58,085      62,228
Jun      :  6,175    6,008    6,896    115     57,264      58,516      63,271
Jul      :  6,034    7,167    6,731     94     57,115      58,325      63,759
Aug      :  6,515    6,697    7,076    106     56,761      59,083
Sep      :  6,170    6,502    7,313    112     55,897      58,284
Oct      :  6,225    6,254    7,424    119     56,165      59,052
Nov      :  6,514    6,347    7,306    115     56,167      58,572
Dec      :  5,951    6,252    7,264    116     56,714      58,937
         :
Annual   :
 Total   : 74,623   77,081   83,592    108
         :
Total    :
 Place-  :
 ments3/ :
Jan      :  6,697    7,545    8,812    117
Feb      :  7,168    7,122    8,207    115
Mar      :  7,508    7,894    8,760    111
Apr      :  7,908    7,238    8,299    115
May      :  8,238    8,505    8,957    105
Jun      :  7,365    7,381    8,845    120
Jul      :  7,468    8,460    8,318     98
Aug      :  7,982    8,132    8,466    104
Sep      :  7,626    8,092    9,035    112
Oct      :  7,330    8,145    9,297    114
Nov      :  7,708    7,973    9,406    118
Dec      :  7,593    8,237    9,190    112
         :
Annual   :
 Total   : 90,591   94,724  105,592    111
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Dec 1998, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Sep 1997 through May
    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 February
23, 1999.
 
 
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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.