HDR1012000150021022971500Chickens and Eggs                                      
                                                                                
Chickens                                                                        
and Eggs                                                                        
                                                                                
National                                                                        
Agricultural                                                                    
Statistics                                                                      
Service                                                                         
                                                                                
USDA                                                                            
Washington, D.C.                                                                
                                                                                
Released September 22, 1997, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service    
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  For     
information on "Chickens and Eggs" call Dan Boostrom at (202) 720-3244, office  
hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
               August Egg Production Up Fractionally                            
                                                                                
U.S. egg production totaled 6.47 billion during August 1997, up fractionally    
from the 6.45 billion produced in 1996.  Production included 5.45 billion       
table eggs and 1.02 billion hatching eggs, of which 962 million were            
broiler-type and 56.0 million were egg-type.  The total number of layers        
during August 1997 averaged 299 million, up 1 percent from the average number   
of layers during August 1996.  August egg production per 100 layers was 2,164   
eggs, compared with 2,172 in August 1996.                                       
                                                                                
                                                                                
Pou 1-1 (9-97)                                                                  
All layers in the U.S. on September 1, 1997, totaled 300 million, up 1 percent  
from a year ago.  The 300 million layers consisted of 245 million layers        
producing table or commercial type eggs, 52.0 million layers producing          
broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.43 million layers producing egg-type          
hatching eggs.  Rate of lay per day on September 1, 1997, averaged 70.0 eggs    
per 100 layers, up fractionally from the 69.9 a year ago.                       
                                                                                
Laying flocks in the 30 major egg production States produced 6.14 billion eggs  
during August, up 1 percent from August 1996.  The average number of layers     
during August, at 283 million, was  up 1 percent from a year earlier.           
                                                                                
Individual State estimates are available for the 30 major egg producing         
States.  These States are listed on page 8 of this release and account for      
approximately 95 percent of the total U.S. egg production.  Production for the  
other States are grouped into an "Other States" category and combined with the  
30 States published individually to obtain a U.S. estimate.  Individual State   
estimates' for "Other States" are available annually in the "Layers and Egg     
Production" report.                                                             
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 2 Percent                            
                                                                                
Egg-type chicks hatched during August totaled 32.9 million, up 2 percent from   
August 1996.  Eggs in incubators totaled 31.3 million on September 1, 1997, up  
13 percent from a year ago.                                                     
                                                                                
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply        
flocks by leading breeders totaled 284,000 during August 1997, up 53 percent    
from the 186,000 of August 1996.                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                     Broiler Hatch Up 3 Percent                                 
                                                                                
The August 1997 hatch of broiler-type chicks, at 709 million, was up 3 percent  
from  August of the previous year. There were 590 million eggs in incubators    
on September 1, 1997, up 4 percent from a year earlier.                         
                                                                                
Leading breeders placed 6.70 million  broiler-type pullet chicks for future     
domestic hatchery supply flocks during August 1997, up 3 percent from           
August 1996.                                                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                
                           For information call Tom Kruchten at (202) 690-4870  
                                                                                
                                                                                
                    Layers:  Average Number During the Month,                   
                             United States, 1994-97                             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Month  :      1994       :      1995      :      1996       :      1997       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                             1,000 Layers                             
         :                                                                      
Dec 1/   :     290,642          299,160           298,861           303,669     
Jan      :     290,041          298,367           298,814           303,293     
Feb      :     290,047          297,293           298,357           302,971     
Mar      :     290,719          296,561           298,209           303,244     
Apr      :     290,073          295,464           296,605           302,666     
May      :     288,784          293,198           294,458           301,235     
Jun      :     287,974          290,313           293,915           299,427     
Jul      :     287,990          288,213           295,349           298,548     
Aug      :     290,321          288,359           296,785           299,017     
Sep      :     293,381          290,337           297,696                       
Oct      :     295,172          292,516           299,196                       
Nov      :     297,134          296,724           301,604                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  December preceding year.                                                    
                                                                                
                                                                                
                   Eggs:  Production During the Month by Type,                  
                             United States, 1996-97                             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :     Total Eggs      :      Table Eggs      :     Hatching Eggs     
   Month   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1996   :   1997   :   1996   :   1997    :   1996    :   1997    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :                            Million Eggs                            
           :                                                                    
Dec 1/     :   6,523      6,678      5,548      5,695         975         983   
Jan        :   6,398      6,554      5,420      5,567         978         987   
Feb        :   5,954      5,887      5,036      4,985         918         902   
Mar        :   6,495      6,600      5,505      5,580         990       1,020   
Apr        :   6,243      6,334      5,284      5,336         959         998   
May        :   6,340      6,495      5,341      5,449         999       1,046   
Jun        :   6,169      6,265      5,209      5,250         960       1,015   
Jul        :   6,440      6,433      5,457      5,400         983       1,033   
Aug        :   6,447      6,471      5,465      5,453         982       1,018   
Sep        :   6,235                 5,297                    938               
Oct        :   6,495                 5,539                    956               
Nov        :   6,409                 5,471                    938               
During Year:  76,148     57,717     64,572     48,715      11,576       9,002   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  December preceding year.                                                    
                                                                                
           Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,          
             and Forced Molt, United States, July-August 1996-97 1/             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :    1996    :    1997    :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Jul              (1,000)   :                                      
  All Layers                             : 295,349      298,548         101     
    Table Egg Type                       : 243,171      243,046         100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :  52,178       55,502         106     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :  49,605       53,001         107     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :   2,573        2,501          97     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Jul (Number)  :                                      
  All Layers                             :   2,180        2,155          99     
    Table Egg Type                       :   2,244        2,222          99     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   1,884        1,861          99     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   1,863        1,840          99     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :   2,293        2,319         101     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Jul       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :   6,440        6,433         100     
    Table Egg Type                       :   5,457        5,400          99     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     983        1,033         105     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     924          975         106     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :      59           58          98     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Aug 1                (1,000)   :                                      
  All Layers                             : 296,612      298,417         101     
    Table Egg Type                       : 244,521      242,925          99     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :  52,091       55,492         107     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :  49,591       53,026         107     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :   2,500        2,466          99     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Aug 1   (Number)  :                                      
  All Layers                             :      70.2         69.6        99     
    Table Egg Type                       :      72.2         71.9       100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      60.9         59.5        98     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      60.2         58.7        98     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :      74.5         75.7       102     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers on Aug 1              :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :       4.7          3.5        74     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :      22.0         21.9       100     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.                                                                    
           Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,          
            and Forced Molt, United States, August-September 1996-97            
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :  1996 1/   :  1997 2/   :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Aug                (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  296,785      299,017        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  244,647      244,037        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   52,138       54,980        105     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   49,634       52,527        106     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,504        2,453         98     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Aug  (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    2,172        2,164        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :    2,234        2,234        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :    1,883        1,852         98     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :    1,866        1,831         98     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,236        2,283        102     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Aug       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    6,447        6,471        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :    5,465        5,453        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      982        1,018        104     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      926          962        104     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :       56           56        100     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Sep 1                  (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  296,911      299,578        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  244,751      245,130        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   52,160       54,448        104     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   49,664       52,017        105     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,496        2,431         97     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Sep 1    (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :     69.9         70.0        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :     71.8         72.3        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     61.0         60.1         99     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     60.3         59.4         99     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :     74.6         76.5        103     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers, Sep 1                :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :      4.3          4.0         93     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :     22.3         21.4         96     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Revised.                                                                    
2/  Preliminary.                                                                
     Eggs and Layers:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, and Forced     
              Molt, July-August, 30 Selected States, 1996-97 1/ 2/              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :    1996    :    1997    :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Jul                (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  279,294      282,981        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  230,800      231,281        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   48,494       51,700        107     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   46,010       49,290        107     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,484        2,410         97     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Jul  (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    2,183        2,155         99     
    Table Egg Type                       :    2,246        2,220         99     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :    1,883        1,863         99     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :    1,860        1,840         99     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,295        2,324        101     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Jul       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    6,096        6,098        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :    5,183        5,135         99     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      913          963        105     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      856          907        106     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :       57           56         98     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Aug 1                  (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  280,696      282,876        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  232,212      231,203        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   48,484       51,673        107     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   46,082       49,300        107     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,402        2,373         99     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Aug 1    (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :     70.3         69.6         99     
    Table Egg Type                       :     72.3         71.9         99     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     60.9         59.5         98     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     60.2         58.7         98     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :     74.7         75.5        101     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers on Aug 1              :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :      4.7          3.5         74     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :     22.2         21.9         99     
                                         :                                      
Layers Sold During Jul           (1,000) :   16,381       13,777         84     
                                         :                                      
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,        :                                      
 Composted or Disappeared For Any Reason :                                      
 During Jul                      (1,000) :    2,949        3,953        134     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks               :                                      
 of Age, Aug 1                   (1,000) :   71,448       77,621        109     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Added During Jul  3/     (1,000) :   18,851       18,966        101     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.                            
2/  Revised.                                                                    
3/  1996 is pullets added less than 20 weeks old to pullet flocks.  1997 is     
    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, August-September, 1996-97 1/             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :  1996 2/   :  1997 3/   :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :                                      
Layers During Aug                (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  280,782      283,431        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  232,214      232,258        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   48,568       51,173        105     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   46,157       48,810        106     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,411        2,363         98     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers During Aug  (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    2,174        2,166        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :    2,235        2,235        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :    1,884        1,849         98     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :    1,863        1,830         98     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,281        2,243         98     
                                         :                                      
Eggs Produced During Aug       (Million) :                                      
  All Layers                             :    6,104        6,138        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :    5,189        5,192        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :      915          946        103     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :      860          893        104     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :       55           53         96     
                                         :                                      
Layers on Sep 1                  (1,000) :                                      
  All Layers                             :  280,834      283,955        101     
    Table Egg Type                       :  232,202      233,299        100     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :   48,632       50,656        104     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :   46,222       48,311        105     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :    2,410        2,345         97     
                                         :                                      
Eggs per 100 Layers on Sep 1    (Number) :                                      
  All Layers                             :     69.9         70.1        100     
    Table Egg Type                       :     71.8         72.3        101     
    Hatching Egg Type                    :     61.1         60.2         99     
      Broiler-Type Hatching              :     60.4         59.4         98     
      Egg-Type Hatching                  :     74.7         76.3        102     
                                         :                                      
Forced Molt Layers, Sep 1                :                                      
  Percent Being Molted                   :      4.3          4.0         93     
  Percent with Molt Completed            :     22.5         21.4         95     
                                         :                                      
Layers Sold During Aug           (1,000) :   13,884       13,758         99     
                                         :                                      
Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,        :                                      
 Composted or Disappeared For Any Reason :                                      
 During Aug                      (1,000) :    3,322        3,160         95     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Less Than 20 Weeks               :                                      
 of Age, Sep 1                   (1,000) :   71,645       77,506        108     
                                         :                                      
Pullets Added During Aug 4/       (1,000):   18,271       17,548         96     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  The 30 States are listed in the table on page 8.                            
2/  Revised.                                                                    
3/  Preliminary.                                                                
4/  1996 is pullets added less than 20 weeks old to pullet flocks.  1997 is     
    pullet chicks one day old added to pullet flocks.                           
           Layers and Eggs:  Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State          
                    and United States, During July 1996-97 1/                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for    
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 2/   :     All Layers 2/      
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1996    :    1997    :  1996  :  1997   :   1996    :    1997    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----    
           :                                                                    
AL         :    3,878       3,986     10,349    10,853     2,029       1,963    
AR         :    5,033       4,140     14,431    14,266     1,933       1,837    
CA         :   24,260      24,629     24,810    25,255     2,197       2,198    
CO         :    2,633       2,728      3,163     3,268     2,181       2,234    
CT         :    3,479       3,180      3,612     3,319     2,298       2,290    
FL         :    8,169       7,962      8,786     8,617     2,197       2,112    
GA         :   10,453      10,859     18,447    19,568     2,103       2,090    
HI         :      706         685        736       708     1,953       2,015    
IL         :    3,024       2,684      3,225     2,840     2,357       2,183    
IN         :   20,225      20,248     21,329    21,108     2,246       2,293    
IA         :   18,619      20,268     19,459    21,186     2,261       2,214    
ME         :    4,886       4,823      5,027     4,934     2,407       2,452    
MD         :    2,998       2,881      3,470     3,317     2,248       2,171    
MI         :    4,471       4,743      4,706     4,980     2,300       2,241    
MN         :   11,385      10,715     12,223    11,533     2,184       2,116    
MS         :    2,237       1,851      6,617     6,603     2,010       1,984    
MO         :    5,583       5,487      6,703     6,659     2,104       2,178    
NE         :    9,092       9,318      9,242     9,468     2,148       2,167    
NY         :    3,357       3,211      3,635     3,402     2,283       2,352    
NC         :    5,403       4,530     12,680    12,477     1,940       1,916    
OH         :   23,865      24,596     24,326    25,152     2,302       2,242    
OK         :    1,915       1,625      3,875     3,575     1,987       1,986    
OR         :    2,462       2,826      2,646     3,000     2,457       2,267    
PA         :   19,355      19,420     20,640    20,675     2,277       2,268    
SC         :    3,589       3,742      4,598     4,779     2,175       2,176    
SD         :    1,870       1,748      2,080     2,023     2,362       2,173    
TX         :   12,404      13,411     15,549    16,737     2,116       2,127    
VA         :    1,928       1,508      4,189     3,550     2,172       1,803    
WA         :    5,034       4,861      5,273     5,232     2,352       2,294    
WI         :    2,995       3,264      3,468     3,897     2,278       2,335    
           :                                                                    
30 Sts     :  225,308     225,929    279,294   282,981     2,183       2,155    
           :                                                                    
Oth Sts 3/ :   11,075      10,701     16,055    15,567     2,136       2,146    
           :                                                                    
US         :  236,383     236,630    295,349   298,548     2,180       2,155    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 August 1996-97 1/                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  Table Egg Layers in   :                  :    Eggs per 100 for    
           :Flocks 30,000 and Above :  All Layers 2/   :     All Layers 2/      
   State   :--------------------------------------------------------------------
           :   1996    :    1997    :  1996  :  1997   :   1996    :    1997    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           :  ----------------- 1,000 ----------------     ----- Number ----    
           :                                                                    
AL         :    3,961       4,021     10,402    10,726     1,990       1,958    
AR         :    4,933       4,546     14,358    14,452     1,936       1,841    
CA         :   24,623      24,636     25,186    25,235     2,176       2,191    
CO         :    2,659       2,827      3,220     3,402     2,174       2,205    
CT         :    3,503       3,115      3,634     3,254     2,229       2,336    
FL         :    8,136       8,095      8,726     8,730     2,269       2,176    
GA         :   10,670      11,016     18,607    19,723     2,085       2,069    
HI         :      722         687        749       711     1,922       1,950    
IL         :    3,031       2,561      3,226     2,712     2,387       2,212    
IN         :   20,497      20,300     21,611    21,150     2,253       2,293    
IA         :   18,800      20,160     19,662    21,081     2,243       2,201    
ME         :    4,929       4,796      5,059     4,902     2,431       2,428    
MD         :    3,089       2,862      3,528     3,275     2,154       2,229    
MI         :    4,564       4,774      4,791     5,010     2,229       2,272    
MN         :   11,445      10,770     12,273    11,605     2,167       2,103    
MS         :    2,140       1,883      6,580     6,667     2,006       1,995    
MO         :    5,705       5,637      6,745     6,818     2,194       2,288    
NE         :    9,030       9,383      9,180     9,533     2,189       2,186    
NY         :    3,331       3,133      3,610     3,331     2,299       2,342    
NC         :    5,446       4,397     12,747    12,314     1,961       1,933    
OH         :   23,748      24,661     24,230    25,211     2,295       2,297    
OK         :    1,890       1,673      3,890     3,578     1,979       1,956    
OR         :    2,518       2,733      2,710     2,900     2,325       2,310    
PA         :   19,350      19,825     20,593    21,053     2,253       2,275    
SC         :    3,628       3,617      4,660     4,674     2,232       2,246    
SD         :    1,883       1,840      2,095     2,118     2,344       2,170    
TX         :   12,631      13,482     15,973    16,889     2,016       2,096    
VA         :    1,969       1,422      4,130     3,324     2,349       1,895    
WA         :    4,892       4,882      5,122     5,253     2,362       2,303    
WI         :    3,020       3,167      3,485     3,800     2,181       2,368    
           :                                                                    
30 Sts     :  226,743     226,901    280,782   283,431     2,174       2,166    
           :                                                                    
Oth Sts 3/ :   11,158      10,717     16,003    15,586     2,137       2,137    
           :                                                                    
US         :  237,901     237,618    296,785   299,017     2,172       2,164    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1997 preliminary, 1996 Revised.                                             
2/  Includes all layers and eggs produced in both table egg and hatching egg    
    flocks regardless of size.                                                  
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.                          
               Egg Production:  By Type, State, and United States,              
                                 July 1996-97 1/                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 2/    :  Hatching Eggs 2/  
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1996   :   1997   :   1996   :   1997   :  1996   :   1997   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs                          
               :                                                                
AL             :    210        213         92         91       118        122   
AR             :    279        262        107         79       172        183   
CA             :    545        555                                              
CO             :     69         73                                              
CT             :     83         76                                              
FL             :    193        182        181        170        12         12   
GA             :    388        409        234        241       154        168   
HI             :     14         14         14         14         0          0   
IL             :     76         62         75         60         1          2   
IN             :    479        484        469        473        10         11   
IA             :    440        469                                              
ME             :    121        121                                              
MD             :     78         72         70         65         8          7   
MI             :    108        111                                              
MN             :    267        244        257        233        10         11   
MS             :    133        131         50         43        83         88   
MO             :    141        145                                              
NE             :    199        205        199        205         0          0   
NY             :     83         80                                              
NC             :    246        239        121         99       125        140   
OH             :    560        564                                              
OK             :     77         71         46         39        31         32   
OR             :     65         68         63         67         2          1   
PA             :    470        469        455        454        15         15   
SC             :    100        104         82         85        18         19   
SD             :     49         44         49         44         0          0   
TX             :    329        356                                              
VA             :     91         64         45         31        46         33   
WA             :    124        120                                              
WI             :     79         91                                              
               :                                                                
30 Sts         :  6,096      6,098      5,183      5,135       913        963   
               :                                                                
Oth Sts 3/     :    344        335        274        265        70         70   
               :                                                                
US             :  6,440      6,433      5,457      5,400       983      1,033   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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,              
                                August 1996-97 1/                               
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :  Total Production   :    Table Eggs 2/    :  Hatching Eggs 2/  
     State     :----------------------------------------------------------------
               :   1996   :   1997   :   1996   :   1997   :  1996   :   1997   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               :                          Million Eggs                          
               :                                                                
AL             :    207        210         90         90       117        120   
AR             :    278        266        104         91       174        175   
CA             :    548        553                                              
CO             :     70         75                                              
CT             :     81         76                                              
FL             :    198        190        187        178        11         12   
GA             :    388        408        234        242       154        166   
HI             :     14         14         14         14         0          0   
IL             :     77         60         76         59         1          1   
IN             :    487        485        477        475        10         10   
IA             :    441        464                                              
ME             :    123        119                                              
MD             :     76         73         69         67         7          6   
MI             :    107        114                                              
MN             :    266        244        256        233        10         11   
MS             :    132        133         50         44        82         89   
MO             :    148        156                                              
NE             :    201        208        201        208         0          0   
NY             :     83         78                                              
NC             :    250        238        125         97       125        141   
OH             :    556        579                                              
OK             :     77         70         45         39        32         31   
OR             :     63         67         61         66         2          1   
PA             :    464        479        450        465        14         14   
SC             :    104        105         86         86        18         19   
SD             :     49         46         49         46         0          0   
TX             :    322        354                                              
VA             :     97         63         48         32        49         31   
WA             :    121        121                                              
WI             :     76         90                                              
               :                                                                
30 Sts         :  6,104      6,138      5,189      5,192       915        946   
               :                                                                
Oth Sts 3/     :    343        333        276        261        67         72   
               :                                                                
US             :  6,447      6,471      5,465      5,453       982      1,018   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1997 preliminary, 1996 Revised.                                             
2/  Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing         
    individual operations.                                                      
3/  Estimates for individual States are not available.                          
                  Forced Molt:  Percent of All Layers by Month,                 
                            United States, 1996-97 1/                           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :       Percent Being Molted        :    Percent with Molt Completed    
  Month :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
        :      1996       :      1997       :      1996       :      1997       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        :                                Percent                                
        :                                                                       
Jan     :       3.7               3.8              24.3              22.3       
Feb     :       5.4               5.1              22.3              21.6       
Mar     :       3.5               2.4              23.3              22.9       
Apr     :       1.9               3.1              22.9              21.8       
May     :       5.4               5.3              22.2              19.8       
Jun     :       4.7               4.4              22.2              20.8       
Jul     :       4.0               4.8              22.9              21.1       
Aug     :       4.7               3.5              22.0              21.9       
Sep     :       4.3               4.0              22.3              21.4       
Oct     :       4.8                                23.0                         
Nov     :       3.1                                23.9                         
Dec     :       2.1                                23.5                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  As of first of month.                                                       
                  Forced Molt:  Percent of All Layers by State                  
                     and United States, September 1996-97 1/                    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :       Percent Being Molted        :   Percent with Molt Completed   
   State  :---------------------------------------------------------------------
          :      1996       :      1997       :      1996      :      1997      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          :                               Percent                               
          :                                                                     
AL        :       2.0               2.0              16.0             12.0      
AR        :       3.0               1.0               8.5             12.0      
CA        :       8.5               9.0              40.0             35.5      
CO        :       4.0               5.5              24.0             19.0      
CT        :       3.0               3.5              12.5              9.0      
FL        :       9.0               3.0              37.0             32.0      
GA        :       3.5               4.5              24.5             22.0      
HI        :       2.5               7.0              55.0             52.0      
IL        :       6.0               2.5              18.0             30.5      
IN        :       1.5               2.5              21.0             21.0      
IA        :       5.5               3.0              27.5             23.0      
ME        :        .0                .0               1.5              1.0      
MD        :       5.0              10.5              35.0             40.5      
MI        :       8.0               4.0              12.5             21.5      
MN        :       4.0               2.0              26.5             35.0      
MS        :       1.0               1.0              14.5             14.0      
MO        :       1.0               1.5              25.5             25.0      
NE        :       8.0               8.0              31.5             23.5      
NY        :       2.0               1.5               5.0              2.5      
NC        :       2.0               1.0              14.5             10.5      
OH        :       2.5               4.5              11.5             11.5      
OK        :       2.0               2.0              14.5              8.5      
OR        :      10.0               6.0              32.5             38.5      
PA        :       5.0               6.5              20.5             13.5      
SC        :       3.5               3.5              27.5             25.0      
SD        :      16.0                .5              41.5             57.0      
TX        :       5.0               3.5              22.0             27.0      
VA        :       3.0                .0               9.0             11.5      
WA        :       6.5               8.0              44.0             37.0      
WI        :       3.0               3.5              23.5             24.0      
          :                                                                     
30 Sts    :       4.3               4.0              22.5             21.4      
          :                                                                     
Oth Sts 2/:       4.6               4.3              18.6             21.9      
          :                                                                     
US        :       4.3               4.0              22.3             21.4      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, August-September 1996-97        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                   Item                  :    1996    :    1997    :  as % of   
                                         :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         : -------- 1,000 -------     Percent   
                                         :                                      
Egg-Type                                 :                                      
  Eggs in Incubators on Sep 1            :    27,792       31,318       113     
  Chicks Hatched During Aug              :    32,393       32,903       102     
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Aug            :   277,659      287,746       104     
  Pullets Hatched During Jul for Intended:                                      
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :       186          284       153     
    7-18 Month Earlier  1/               :     2,924        2,929       100     
                                         :                                      
Broiler-Type                             :                                      
  Eggs in Incubators on Sep 1            :   567,598      590,336       104     
  Chicks Hatched During Aug              :   690,838      709,281       103     
  Chicks Hatched Jan thru Aug            : 5,439,577    5,580,442       103     
  Pullets Hatched During Jul for Intended:                                      
   Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks  :     6,510        6,697       103     
    7-15 Months Earlier 2/               :    55,752       56,719       102     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  1997 includes pullet chicks hatched Feb 1996 through Jan 1997.              
2/  1997 includes pullet chicks hatched May 1996 through Jan 1997.              
                                                                                
                                                                                
           Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators:  By Region and United States,           
                              September 1, 1996-97                              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :            :            :    1997    
                Geographic               :    1996    :    1997    :  as % of   
                 Division                :            :            :    1996    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         :   ------ 1,000 ------      Percent   
                                         :                                      
North Atlantic                           :    5,215        5,980        115     
E North Central                          :    7,541        8,121        108     
W North Central                          :    4,667        5,625        121     
South Atlantic                           :    4,588        4,405         96     
South Central                            :    2,481        3,630        146     
West                                     :    3,300        3,557        108     
                                         :                                      
US                                       :   27,792       31,318        113     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
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,             
                                 August 1996-97                                 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :             August             :             Jan-Aug             
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1997   :          :           :   1997   
             :   1996   :   1997   : as % of  :   1996   :   1997    : as % of  
             :          :          :   1996   :          :           :   1996   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :  ----- 1,000 -----    Percent    ------ 1,000 ------    Percent  
             :                                                                  
AR           :   1,147        940       82        7,595       6,697       88    
FL           :     979      1,179      120        8,600       9,666      112    
GA           :   2,043      2,184      107       16,666      16,806      101    
IN           :   7,505      7,141       95       58,491      58,082       99    
IA           :   2,845      3,997      140       27,071      31,669      117    
KS           :     343        142       41        2,047       2,128      104    
MN           :   1,951      1,507       77       16,617      15,586       94    
MO           :     382        400      105        2,764       3,121      113    
PA           :   3,863      3,983      103       31,785      38,742      122    
             :                                                                  
Oth Sts  1/  :  11,335     11,430      101      106,023     105,249       99    
             :                                                                  
US           :  32,393     32,903      102      277,659     287,746      104    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
           Egg-Type Chicks Hatched:  By Month, United States, 1995-97           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      :            By Months             :              Cumulative              
      :-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Month:        :        :        : 1997  :          :         :        :  1997  
      :  1995  :  1996  :  1997  :as % of:   1995   :  1996   :  1997  :as % of 
      :        :        :        : 1996  :          :         :        :  1996  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      : --------- 1,000 --------  Percent  ---------- 1,000 ----------  Percent 
      :                                                                         
Jan   : 32,374   31,523   33,331    106     32,374     31,523   33,331    106   
Feb   : 32,743   34,627   35,318    102     65,117     66,150   68,649    104   
Mar   : 36,019   37,474   37,648    100    101,136    103,624  106,297    103   
Apr   : 35,078   35,628   38,746    109    136,214    139,252  145,043    104   
May   : 37,540   38,607   38,891    101    173,754    177,859  183,934    103   
Jun   : 34,996   34,076   36,955    108    208,750    211,935  220,889    104   
Jul   : 29,572   33,331   33,954    102    238,322    245,266  254,843    104   
Aug   : 31,442   32,393   32,903    102    269,764    277,659  287,746    104   
Sep   : 33,586   32,070                    303,350    309,729                   
Oct   : 33,383   33,065                    336,733    342,794                   
Nov   : 29,129   31,437                    365,862    374,231                   
Dec   : 30,639   33,017                    396,501    407,248                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Intended Placements:  Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply        
              Flocks by Month and Total, United States, 1995-97 1/              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements  
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1997  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks 
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-18 Months Earlier 2/       
         :--------------------------: 1996  :-----------------------------------
         :  1995  :  1996  :  1997  :       :   1996    :   1997    :   1998    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : -------- 1,000 -------    Percent    ----------- 1,000 -----------   
         :                                                                      
Jan      :   236      219     208       95      3,108       2,953       2,814   
Feb      :   251      238     219       92      3,089       2,984       2,747   
Mar      :   356      317     206       65      2,943       3,007       2,845   
Apr      :   317      252     316      125      2,920       2,946               
May      :   193      291     268       92      2,951       2,870               
Jun      :   234      282     256       91      2,835       2,956               
Jul      :   235      266     199       75      2,941       2,940               
Aug      :   163      186     284      153      2,924       2,929               
Sep      :   292      231                       2,911       2,910               
Oct      :   309      233                       2,872       2,799               
Nov      :   124      210                       2,807       2,863               
Dec      :   231      215                       2,905       2,840               
         :                                                                      
Total    : 2,941    2,940                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 August 1997, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Feb 1996 through Jan
    1997.  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, September 1, 1996-97                    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :                   :                   :        1997        
     Geographic    :       1996        :       1997        :      as % of       
      Division     :                   :                   :        1996        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   :      ---------- 1,000 ----------             Percent       
                   :                                                            
North Atlantic     :       11,949              12,316               103         
E North Central    :        7,820               6,892                88         
W North Central    :       22,066              22,904               104         
South Atlantic     :      222,466             225,926               102         
South Central      :      281,757             300,783               107         
West               :       21,540              21,515               100         
                   :                                                            
US                 :      567,598             590,336               104         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched:  By State                     
                        and United States, August 1996-97                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :             August             :             Jan-Aug             
             :------------------------------------------------------------------
    State    :          :          :   1997   :          :           :   1997   
             :   1996   :   1997   : as % of  :   1996   :   1997    : as % of  
             :          :          :   1996   :          :           :   1996   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             : ------ 1,000 -----    Percent   ------- 1,000 -------   Percent  
             :                                                                  
AL           :  89,106     93,944      105       702,198     732,372     104    
AR           : 106,065    106,407      100       839,670     849,486     101    
DE           :  17,124     17,704      103       129,717     132,349     102    
FL           :  10,507      9,317       89        81,963      75,720      92    
GA           : 103,340    107,987      104       817,962     846,482     103    
MD           :  30,606     30,685      100       246,430     245,552     100    
MS           :  58,548     60,829      104       455,242     495,743     109    
NC           :  63,766     62,505       98       502,005     491,189      98    
PA           :  12,266     13,158      107        93,067     101,625     109    
SC           :  15,540     15,531      100       121,787     122,580     101    
TX           :  41,219     44,575      108       328,490     350,506     107    
VA           :  23,859     23,841      100       186,613     189,652     102    
CA TN & WV   :  33,950     36,247      107       274,443     279,434     102    
             :                                                                  
15 Sts 1/    : 605,896    622,730      103     4,779,587   4,912,690     103    
             :                                                                  
OR & WA      :   5,704      5,359       94        45,511      47,736     105    
             :                                                                  
Oth Sts 2/   :  79,238     81,192      102       614,479     620,016     101    
             :                                                                  
US           : 690,838    709,281      103     5,439,577   5,580,442     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, 1995-97           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :            By Months             :             Cumulative              
       :------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Month :        :        :        : 1997  :        :         :         :  1997  
       :  1995  :  1996  :  1997  :as % of:  1995  :  1996   :  1997   :as % of 
       :        :        :        : 1996  :        :         :         :  1996  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       :--------- 1,000 ---------  Percent----------- 1,000 ----------- Percent 
       :                                                                        
Jan    :662,467  689,994  700,467    102    662,467   689,994   700,467   102   
Feb    :600,095  645,590  631,259     98  1,262,562 1,335,584 1,331,726   100   
Mar    :679,066  692,287  716,374    103  1,941,628 2,027,871 2,048,100   101   
Apr    :664,121  668,378  690,790    103  2,605,749 2,696,249 2,738,890   102   
May    :691,935  700,556  720,610    103  3,297,684 3,396,805 3,459,500   102   
Jun    :670,815  672,168  702,511    105  3,968,499 4,068,973 4,162,011   102   
Jul    :673,666  679,766  709,150    104  4,642,165 4,748,739 4,871,161   103   
Aug    :674,054  690,838  709,281    103  5,316,219 5,439,577 5,580,442   103   
Sep    :638,882  658,976                  5,955,101 6,098,553                   
Oct    :655,036  652,232                  6,610,137 6,750,785                   
Nov    :629,208  631,142                  7,239,345 7,381,927                   
Dec    :693,007  695,011                  7,932,352 8,076,938                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Intended Placements:  Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery         
                  Supply Flocks by Month and Total, 1995-97 1/                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         :                          :       :  Cumulative Potential Placements  
         :  Pullet Chicks Hatched   : 1997  : Relative to Current Supply Flocks 
  Month  :                          :as % of:      7-15 Months Earlier 2/       
         :--------------------------: 1996  :-----------------------------------
         :  1995  :  1996  :  1997  :       :   1996    :   1997    :   1998    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         : -------- 1,000 --------   Percent   ------------ 1,000 -----------   
         :                                                                      
US       :                                                                      
 Place-  :                                                                      
 ments   :                                                                      
Jan      :  5,710    5,487   6,393     117     54,562      56,074      56,607   
Feb      :  5,484    5,916   5,913     100     54,522      56,090      57,718   
Mar      :  6,161    6,093   6,439     106     55,178      55,944      57,907   
Apr      :  6,320    6,746   6,122      91     55,053      55,892               
May      :  6,135    6,776   7,056     104     55,356      56,626               
Jun      :  6,178    6,169   6,008      97     56,528      57,218               
Jul      :  6,302    6,029   7,332     122     56,585      57,072               
Aug      :  6,475    6,510   6,697     103     55,752      56,719               
Sep      :  6,288    6,166                     55,533      55,856               
Oct      :  6,013    6,221                     55,448      56,126               
Nov      :  6,656    6,508                     55,892      56,219               
Dec      :  6,218    5,947                     56,193      56,765               
         :                                                                      
Annual   :                                                                      
 Total   : 73,940   74,568                                                      
         :                                                                      
Total    :                                                                      
 Place-  :                                                                      
 ments3/ :                                                                      
Jan      :  7,040    6,693   7,665     115                                      
Feb      :  7,180    7,167   7,252     101                                      
Mar      :  7,577    7,501   8,030     107                                      
Apr      :  7,835    7,903   7,453      94                                      
May      :  7,873    8,234   8,660     105                                      
Jun      :  7,485    7,467   7,483     100                                      
Jul      :  7,730    7,572   8,714     115                                      
Aug      :  7,850    8,120   8,350     103                                      
Sep      :  7,730    7,771                                                      
Oct      :  7,301    7,892                                                      
Nov      :  7,784    7,860                                                      
Dec      :  7,750    7,709                                                      
         :                                                                      
Annual   :                                                                      
 Total   : 91,135   91,889                                                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Aug 1997, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched May 1996 through Jan   
    1997.                                                                       
3/  U.S. production of intended placements worldwide.                           
                     Procedures and Reliability                                 
                                                                                
Data Sources:  Primary data for the "Chickens and Eggs" report are from weekly  
               and/or monthly questionnaires sent to producers.  An attempt is  
made to collect information for layer and egg estimates from each known         
contractor and independent producer who has over 30,000 table egg layers.       
Coverage for operations with less than 30,000 table egg layers are estimated    
each month based on data reported in December.  Approximately 900 contractors,  
independent egg producers, and started pullet operations are contacted each     
month.  All known hatcheries, approximately 360, are contacted for information  
on a weekly and/or monthly basis.                                               
                                                                                
                                                                                
Revisions:  The previous month's estimates are subject to revision if late      
            reports or corrected data indicates a different level.              
Additionally, revisions needed after the monthly report will be made at the     
end of the marketing year and published in the annual summaries of "Layers and  
Egg Production" and "Hatchery Production".                                      
                                                                                
                                                                                
Procedures and Reliability:  Operations are mailed a questionnaire and given    
                             adequate time to respond by mail.  Those that do   
not respond are phoned.  Great care is exercised to ensure that all operations  
are accounted for during each survey period.  However, there are usually        
missing reports that must be accounted for in the estimates.                    
                                                                                
Sound statistical methodology is employed to derive estimates from the          
reported data.  All data are checked for unusual values.  All operations' data  
are compared to their own past operating profiles and also to trends from       
other operations.  Data for missing operations are estimated based on similar   
operations or historical data.  Survey data are subject to non-sampling errors  
such as omissions and mistakes in reporting and in processing.  While these     
errors cannot be measured directly, they are minimized by reviewing all data    
for consistency and reasonableness.                                             
                                                                                
Egg-type chicks hatched are comprised of all chicks of egg-type domesticated    
breeds including males and chicks destined for hatchery supply flocks and       
research purposes.  The relationship of chicks hatched to chicken inventory     
and poultry marketings is carefully monitored.  The disposition of egg-type     
chicks hatched prior to placement into the laying flock can vary                
significantly, which can make comparisons to changes in layer inventory         
inconsistent over time.                                                         
                                                                                
Intended placement data reported by leading breeders include pullet chicks      
expected from eggs sold the preceding month.  The breeders in this report       
account for a large percentage of replacement pullets for hatchery supply       
flocks.  Production of replacement pullets by these breeders indicates the      
number of pullets available to hatchery egg supply flocks several months        
before the pullets will actually move into the flocks.  Beginning with the      
January 1996 publication the broiler-type cumulative potential placements went  
from 7-14 months earlier to 7-15 months earlier.  The egg-type cumulative       
potential placements of 7-18 months represent the first laying cycle.  Molting  
and additional laying cycles will increase the cumulative potential placements  
of egg-type hatching flocks.                                                    
                                                                                
The next "Chickens and Eggs" report will be released at 3:00 p.m. ET on         
October 21, 1997.                                                               
                                                                                
                                                                                
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in  
its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age,  
disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status.  Persons with    
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program         
information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA's   
TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).                                  
                                                                                
To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, USDA, Washington,      
D.C., 20250, or call 1-800-245-6340 (voice) or 202-720-1127 (TDD).  USDA is an  
equal employment opportunity employer.                                          
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                        ACCESS TO REPORTS!!                                     
                                                                                
                                                                                
For your convenience, there are several ways to obtain NASS reports, data       
products, and services:                                                         
                                                                                
                          INTERNET ACCESS                                       
                                                                                
All NASS reports are available free of charge on the worldwide Internet.  For   
access, connect to the Internet and go to the NASS Home Page at:                
http://www.usda.gov/nass/.  Select "Today's Reports" or Publications and        
then Reports by Calendar or Publications and then Search, by Title or Subject.  
                                                                                
                                                                                
                        E-MAIL SUBSCRIPTION                                     
                                                                                
All NASS reports are available by subscription free of charge direct to your    
e-mail address.  Send an e-mail message to:                                     
usda-reports@usda.mannlib.cornell.edu.  In the body of the message type the     
word:  list.                                                                    
                                                                                
                           AUTOFAX ACCESS                                       
                                                                                
NASSFax service is available for some reports from your fax machine.  Please    
call 202-720-2000, using the handset attached to your fax.  Respond to the      
voice prompts.  Document 0411 is a list of available reports.                   
                                                                                
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                            ASSISTANCE                                          
                                                                                
For assistance with general agricultural statistics or further information      
about NASS or its products or services, contact the Agricultural Statistics     
Hotline at 800-727-9540, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail:                  
nass@nass.usda.gov.                                                             
                                                                                
                                                                                
                 USDA to Hold Data Users Meeting                                
                      Holiday Inn Mart Plaza                                    
                        Chicago, Illinois                                       
                         October 20, 1997                                       
                                                                                
The National Agricultural Statistics Service will be organizing an open         
forum for Data Users.  The purpose will be to provide updates on pending        
changes in the USDA statistical and information programs including the          
status of the 1997 Census of Agriculture, and to seek comments and input        
from data users.  Other agencies to be represented will include the             
Agricultural Marketing Service, the Economic Research Service, the              
Foreign Agricultural Service, and the World Agricultural Outlook Board.         
                                                                                
                                                                                
For registration details, see the NASS home page http://www.usda.gov/nass/      
or contact Fred Vogel (NASS) (202) 720-3896 or fvogel@nass.usda.gov