Fourth quarter 1994 and first quarter 1995 prices were significantly lower for broilers and this is why QTR I 1996 average prices should be above 1995. This is compared to 56.40 for all of 1995. Part of the price forecast is dependent upon competing meats and there will an abundance for this next year. Profits should still remain positive but not as good as 1995. Exports continue to become a more important part of this industry.
Integrators remain aggressive in the world market.
This has been a tremendous outlet for our dark-meat cuts and especially leg quarters. One potential problem is that Russia and China account for about two-thirds of our total exports. Canada and especially Mexico were down for this past year. Other markets, such as Korea, Japan, South America, and the Middle East continue to be good customers. Exports are probably tied to our cold storage holdings as a staging area for putting together large lots of specific parts for export.