Gov. Dave Heineman today was joined by Steve Nelson, President of Nebraska Farm Bureau and Michael Kelsey, Executive Director of Nebraska Cattlemen to call for repeal of the Nebraska Inheritance Tax.
“Nebraska is one of only eight states that has an inheritance tax and we need to change that,” said Gov. Dave Heineman. “Four years ago we eliminated the state’s estate tax and this is the final element of eliminating Nebraska’s Death tax.”
In his State of the State address, Governor Heineman outlined his tax relief proposal that includes the repeal of the inheritance tax. “Farming and ranching is a capital intensive business which can show very high values on paper, but often times has slim operating margins,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President, Steve Nelson. “So the inheritance tax makes it difficult for farmers and ranchers to pass their operations on to the next generation.”
“It is so important today to make sure that Nebraska has a positive business environment to insure that the next generation of Nebraska’s beef farmers and ranchers can begin their life of food production with positive momentum rather than shackled by a government tax,” said Executive Director of Nebraska Cattlemen, Michael Kelsey.
Additionally, Gov. Heineman’s proposal lowers income tax rates and expands the tax brackets for Nebraska’s middle class taxpayers and reduces the corporate income tax rate to help small businesses grow. Tax relief for Nebraska’s is the primary focus of Gov. Heineman’s 2012 Legislative agenda.
New Farmer/Veteran Project
The Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reaching out to veterans who would like to start or return to farming. FSA is also interested in landowners who are willing to offer ground to help a veteran farm, which could include land leasing options or some type of ownership assistance effort. Through a grant and a partnership with the Center for Rural Affairs and other partner agencies, FSA is proud to play a role in helping these individuals attain their dreams.
Outreach is a significant component of this project as the goal is to identify a minimum of 100 veterans who may be interested in farming. Interested farmers and ranchers will be invited to two workshops in Kansas and two workshops in Nebraska as well as two farm tours in each state.
One workshop in each state will focus on specialty crops and one will focus on livestock. Topics will include crop insurance options, markets and production techniques for high value markets, financial tools and business planning, state-level resources for beginners, USDA programs, resources for disabled veteran-farmers, and organizations that support beginners. Speakers will be experienced in the topics presented.
The farm tours will demonstrate production, marketing, and decision making. Individual consultation will be available for financial and production advising and will include one-on-one financial advising for loan applications or business management.
The Farmer-Veteran Coalition has developed a resource guide for new veteran farmers. State partners plan to add state and local resources to the guide and share the information with those veterans interested in farming.
Kansas workshops will be held March 19 and 20, 2012 in Olathe and Manhattan, respectively. Nebraska workshops will be held March 22 and 23, 2012 in Lincoln and Curtis, respectively. The March 22nd session will be held from 9am to 4pm at UNL's ARDC near Mead. Farm tours will occur in July with locations to be determined. Kansas will host one farm tour in western Kansas in the region of the Hi Plains Food Coop.
If you are aware of any veteran interested in starting or returning to farming or know of a landowner who would be willing to assist with the process, please contact the Thurston County FSA Office at (402) 846-5655. You may also contact the Nebraska State FSA Office at (402) 437-5581 or the Center for Rural Affairs by emailing Kathie Starkweather at kathies@cfra.org or Wyatt Fraas at wyattf@cfra.org or by calling (402) 617-7946.
Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Offered in Dodge County
UNL Extension Educator Dave Varner
Private Pesticide Applicators requiring recertification or seeking initial certification are invited to participate in training sessions to be conducted February 15, 1:00 p.m. or February 16, 9:00 a.m. at the UNL Extension Office, Fremont, or February 17, 1:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, Dodge. Each session lasts approximately three hours.
Producers should bring their current Nebraska Department of Agriculture certification card and the letter received from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture if recertifying. The certification fee is $30.
Private pesticide applicators are persons using restricted use pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by the person or person’s employer or under the person’s general control; or on the property of another person if applied without compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities.
For more information, please contact UNL Extension Educator Dave Varner at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension office in Dodge County at 402-727-2775. Advanced registration is not required.
UNL Leads $25 Million Project Targeting E. coli Threat to Food Safety
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will lead a $25 million project to reduce throughout the beef production chain the occurrence of E. coli strains that pose a major threat to public health.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced the grant at UNL Monday (Jan. 23).
The project targets Shiga-toxin producing E. coli, or STEC, which cause more than 265,000 illnesses in the United States annually. Eating contaminated food or having direct contact with fecal matter from infected cattle and other ruminants cause most of these illnesses.
UNL will lead a team of 48 scientists from 11 land-grant universities and other partner institutions to conduct integrated research, education and extension projects on eight types of STEC. Studies will include the best-known STEC, E. coli O157:H7, along with seven strains that are not as well understood, partly because outbreaks due to these strains are rarely identified.
UNL and Kansas State University -- with 32 scientists -- will conduct most of the research, education and extension work for this project.
"This research has enormous ramifications here in Nebraska and across the nation," said UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman. "Beef is big business in the state, and the industry prides itself on delivering a safe product to consumers. This project will help ensure the safety of beef products, through the research conducted at participating institutions, the transfer of this knowledge to collaborators in the beef industry and educational programs for consumers."
The $25 million grant is the largest-ever USDA grant to UNL and one of the single largest grants it's ever received.
"Shiga toxin-producing E. coli are a serious threat to our food supply and public health, causing more than 265,000 infections each year," said Chavonda Jacobs-Young, acting NIFA director. "As non-O157 STEC bacteria have emerged and evolved, so too must our regulatory policies to protect the public health and ensure the safety of our food supply. This research will help us to understand how these pathogens travel throughout the beef production process and how outbreaks occur, enabling us to find ways to prevent illness and improve the safety of our nation’s food supply."
Jim Keen, a UNL veterinary scientist who is leading the project, said there are 500 known STEC, 100 of which can cause illness in humans. This research will focus on the seven most dangerous strains of E. coli, plus a new strain that made its first widespread appearance in an outbreak in Europe in 2011.
"We will be studying the entire beef chain, from the time an animal is born until the time beef products are consumed," said Keen. He is based at the Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center near Clay Center, Neb.
Scientists will build on years of research into E. coli O157:H7 by UNL and other institutions as a baseline, Keen said. He noted that O157:H7 is something of an anomaly among STEC because it is relatively easy to culture and study. The other 99 strains of STEC that can cause illness typically come and go without being diagnosed. While large-scale E. coli outbreaks garner headlines, they represent only about 25 percent of infections. The rest are individual or small-scale outbreaks.
The first step will be to develop diagnostic techniques to determine the presence of STEC in cattle, both pre- and post-harvest. Scientists also will:
– study the biological and epidemiological factors that drive STEC-caused illnesses;
– develop intervention techniques to reduce STEC risks from cattle, hides, carcasses and beef and devise ways to implement these interventions for all sizes of beef producers;
– develop a risk analysis model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of mitigation strategies; and
– communicate findings to stakeholders, food safety professionals, regulators, educators and consumers so they can implement efforts to lower STEC exposure.
About one-third of the $25 million will be devoted to extension and educational efforts, Keen said. For example, university students from across the country will have opportunities for internships with any of the 48 scientists.
"Part of this project is to help educate the next generation of scientists" who will deal with these issues in the coming decades, Keen said.
In addition to UNL and KSU, participating institutions include: North Carolina State University; the University of California, Davis; the University of Delaware; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; the New Mexico Consortium; USDA-Agricultural Research Service; New Mexico State University; Texas A&M University; and the University of Arkansas.
Ronnie Green, Harlan vice chancellor of UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said UNL is well-suited to lead the research.
"With 6.2 million cattle and the nation's No. 1 ranking for red meat production, Nebraska is an economic epicenter for the beef industry," Green said. "This collaborative research will enable the University of Nebraska and 10 partner institutions to expand on a long history of high impact research to ensure the safety of beef products on dinner tables around the world."
Prem S. Paul, UNL vice chancellor for research and economic development, said: "Today's complex challenges simply demand this kind of large-scale collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. Working together, we can accomplish so much. I commend USDA NIFA for funding big, multi-institutional grants to address big problems."
New Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors Positions for 2012
The Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors met Thursday, January 19, 2012, at the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District office to discuss and vote on January’s committee actions and reports. During the meeting, Upper Big Blue NRD board members were nominated and votes were cast to fill board positions for 2012 as follows:
Roger W. Houdersheldt of Shelby—CHAIRMAN;
Douglas Bruns of Waco—VICE CHAIRMAN;
Ronda Rich of York—SECRETARY;
William “Bill” Stahly of Milford—TREASURER;
Larry K. Moore of Ulysses—NARD (Nebraska Association of Resources Districts) REPRESENTATIVE;
Gary E. Eberle of Bradshaw—NARD (Nebraska Association of Resources Districts) REPRESENTATIVE ALTERNATE.
GIPSA Administrator Butler Resigns
J. Dudley Butler, administrator of USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, resigned his position last week. He supported controversial livestock marketing regulations advanced by his group under proposed legislation known as the GIPSA rule.
The rule aimed to give Butler's agency expanded authority under the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect livestock and contract chicken producers from unfair practices. Many livestock groups objected vehemently saying the proposed GIPSA rule overreached the mandate made in the 2008 Farm Bill which requested a review of marketing practices by the livestock and poultry industries,
Throughout 2011, many livestock groups strongly urged officials in Congress to take action to prevent the implementation of the GIPSA rule. USDA’s final GISPA rule was published on Dec. 8, 2011. A full review of the final rule is available here. However, last summer, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that denied funding for USDA to implement the rule.
Alan Christian, current deputy administrator for GIPSA, will serve as administrator until Butler is replaced, according to USDA.
High Court Tosses California ‘Downer’ Law
In a unanimous decision issued today, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a California law that bans the processing of all non-ambulatory animals, including hogs. NPPC hailed the ruling.
The California Legislature approved the law in 2008 after a video was released by animal activists, showing non-ambulatory, or “downed,” cows at a California beef packing plant being dragged and prodded to enter the processing line. The statute prohibited the buying, selling, or receiving of non-ambulatory animals, the processing, butchering or selling of meat or products from non-ambulatory animals for human consumption and the holding of non-ambulatory animals without taking immediate action to humanely euthanize them.
[As part of its efforts to address Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, or “mad cow” disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture already forbids the slaughter of “downed” cattle.]
The National Meat Association (NMA) challenged the law, and a federal district court judge in California blocked it. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco in 2010 overturned the lower court ruling. NMA appealed the case to the Supreme Court, arguing that the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) pre-empts the California law.
The high court agreed with NMA, ruling that the FMIA “expressly pre-empts” the California law’s application to federally inspected swine slaughterhouses. It reversed the Ninth Circuit decision and sent the case back to that court “for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”
“The Supreme Court’s ruling affirms the supremacy of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and USDA’s role in regulating meat process plants,” said NPPC President Doug Wolf, a hog farmer from Lancaster, Wis. “It also recognized that non-ambulatory hogs with proper recovery time and veterinary oversight do not need to be condemned immediately in all cases.”
NPPC, which along with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and the National Farmers Union filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case, argued that the California law would create an animal health risk and criminalizes the work of federal slaughterhouse inspectors. The organization also has pointed out that the state law could have prevented from being shipped to California meat processed in another state that did not adhere to the statute’s ban.
“Non-ambulatory hogs that are allowed to recover pose no food-safety risk to the public,” Wolf said. “Such pigs are inspected by USDA inspectors and veterinarians regarding their fitness for processing and entering the human food supply, and strong regulatory safeguards for humane treatment in the processing of animals already exist.”
Swine Herd Expansion Modest, Despite Profitability
Hog producers have remained cautious about expanding their breeding herds despite the industry's return to profitability -- a wise decision considering there is still much economic uncertainty for them, Purdue Extension agricultural economist Chris Hurt says.
According to the December inventory report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the country's breeding herd grew by only 0.4 percent even though 2011 profits averaged about $15 per head. While that is far from the $27 a head that producers made in 2006, producers lost money over the next few years as feed costs skyrocketed.
Although the USDA has estimated that pork production will rise by 2-2.5 percent this year, Hurt said most of that increase will be attributed to there being more pigs per litter, rather than expansion of the herd.
As the U.S. economy improves in 2012, Hurt said pork demand should remain strong. Exports are expected to comprise 22 percent of all production, meaning pork availability in the U.S. will increase only by about 1 percent. Smaller supplies of beef and poultry, however, will drive pork demand.
But even with the strong demand, pork producers are likely to see a slight decline in profits.
"Estimated profits above all costs are expected to drop to about $13 per head in 2012," Hurt said. "The strongest profits are expected in the second and third quarters. Some profit is expected in the final quarter of 2012 due to lower corn prices if U.S. corn and soybean yields return to near normal."
Even after the bearish January grain reports, world inventories of corn and soybeans are still tight and will keep feed costs high by historical standards. Should worldwide crop yields increase this year, Hurt said feed prices could come down, especially by fall, if the U.S. has a good crop. But if there are yield reductions in major production areas, feed prices could climb again.
"Given the hog and soybean meal price outlook for 2012, the break-even corn price is about $6.75 to $7 per bushel," he said. "If corn prices stay at or below this area, hog producers could cover all costs or make a profit. If they move above this area, the 2012 profit potential could shift toward a loss."
With all of the unanswered questions about profitability, Hurt said hog producers would be wise not to expand for a little while.
"These uncertainties suggest producers should continue to wait to expand until 2012 yields in the U.S. are better assured. This means expansion should not begin until mid-summer 2012."
Vilsack to headline National Ethanol Conference
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack will be the headline speaker at the 17th Annual National Ethanol Conference of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) in Orlando, Florida. Vilsack will address the crowd of some 1,400 attendees at 8:20 a.m. Eastern on February 24.
During his tenure, Secretary Vilsack has been a champion for all domestic renewable fuels, including ethanol. Secretary Vilsack has led the charge to modernize America’s fueling infrastructure through the installation of blender pumps. Under his leadership, USDA is investing in new ethanol technologies that will turn abundant materials like grasses, wood wastes, ag residues, and municipal solid waste into ethanol. And, Secretary Vilsack has been a steady voice is combating falsehoods about ethanol, including soundly refuting claims ethanol is the driving factor behind rising food prices.
“Secretary Vilsack is an advocate without equal when it comes to the importance of domestic renewable fuels like ethanol and we are honored to welcome him to the National Ethanol Conference,” said Bob Dinneen, RFA President and CEO. “America’s ethanol industry is embarking on a new era for renewable fuels in this country. With the continued support of Secretary Vilsack and the Obama Administration, domestically produced ethanol will displace greater amounts of imported oil, expand the benefits of ethanol production beyond the traditional Corn Belt, and create tens of thousands of jobs all across America. No one better appreciates the potential of domestic ethanol production than Secretary Vilsack and his remarks will be eagerly received by those attending the NEC.”
The National Ethanol Conference is the preeminent conference for delivering accurate, timely information on marketing, legislative and regulatory issues facing the ethanol industry. More information on this year’s event, including registration opportunities and a complete agenda, can be found at www.NationalEthanolConference.com.
American Ethanol Announces Partnerships with RCR and RAB Racing
In a nod to its commitment to the sport, American Ethanol today announced at the NASCAR Preview fan event in Charlotte, N.C., that it will continue relationships with Richard Childress Racing and RAB Racing for the 2012 season.
Austin Dillon, 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, will drive the iconic No. 3 Chevrolet during the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series season with American Ethanol serving as the primary sponsor for six races as well as one race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2012. Dillon’s No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet paint scheme was unveiled at the event.
“I’m proud to carry the American Ethanol colors in NASCAR,” said Dillon. “Growth Energy is committed to clean air, and as an avid outdoorsman I truly appreciate their desire to protect our nation’s air and water for future generations. I commend the work they do and I am looking forward to representing American Ethanol, Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association.”
In addition to American Ethanol’s partnership with Dillon, the organization will serve as an associate sponsor with the entire RCR family of drivers. Team owner Richard Childress as well as RCR’s Sprint Cup Series veterans Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Paul Menard will also serve as spokesmen for the cause.
Kenny Wallace, who notched 11 top-ten finishes last year, will drive the No. 09 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for RAB Racing. American Ethanol will partner with Wallace for the Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500, as well as five races in the Nationwide Series.
"I'm honored to represent American Ethanol. I not only talk about American Ethanol, I truly believe in it. I’ve been to the farms, I’ve met the families, I’ve been to the ethanol plants, and I’ve been in the hallways of the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C., in support of it. I believe it is our job to cut down on dependency of foreign oil, and American Ethanol is a major part of that,” Wallace said.
“American Ethanol is in this for the long haul. Through our partnerships with Austin Dillon and Kenny Wallace, we are telling NASCAR and its fans that American Ethanol is committed to the sport,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, which led the effort to create American Ethanol. “These drivers are ideal ambassadors for the American Ethanol team and will help tell the story of how American-made ethanol creates jobs, cleans our air and fosters energy independence.”
“American Ethanol is getting a lot of positive attention because it’s a good fit for NASCAR’s green initiative, and because of the increased horsepower on the track,” said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer. “Our partnership with RCR and RAB Racing will assure continued success in letting the American public know that if ethanol can stand the stress these drivers put it through, it’s good for the family car, too.”
The American Ethanol partnership was established with the goal of increasing awareness of ethanol’s renewable, clean-burning, high-octane abilities as a fuel. One initiative included the release last September of a white paper detailing NASCAR’s use of E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) in more than a million miles of racing, qualifying and practice laps – proving that E15 can withstand the test of America’s toughest proving ground.
With new cellulosic ethanol joint venture, POET to decline DOE loan guarantee before drawing funds
In light of its joint venture with DSM, POET does not plan to utilize the loan guarantee it was awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). POET received a commitment for a $105 million loan guarantee to finance Project LIBERTY on September 23, 2011. Upon the closing of the joint venture, POET will officially decline the guarantee prior to drawing any funds.
"The loan guarantee commitment from the DOE was an important milestone in our quest to commercialize cellulosic ethanol, and we are appreciative of the work they put into the due diligence process," POET founder and CEO Jeff Broin said. "We believe that the joint venture with DSM positions us well to meet our ambitious cellulosic ethanol production goals, and thus the loan guarantee has become unnecessary."
Earlier today, POET announced a joint venture with DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, to commercially demonstrate and license cellulosic ethanol. For more information on Project LIBERTY and the POET -- DSM Cellulosic Ethanol joint venture, please visit http://www.poetdsm.com/.
Global Feed Tonnage Reaches Record 873 Million
The world’s feed production has reached an estimated 873 million metric tons, according to a global survey commissioned by Alltech. Conducted through Alltech’s regional managers, the survey assessed the tonnage of 132 countries and all species.
“This new global estimate is quite significant, especially when compared to the 2010 WATT report, which indicated 717.6 million metric tons,” said Aidan Connolly, vice president of corporate accounts at Alltech. “Feed production is an increasingly global phenomenon and this survey is the broadest in its reach and, therefore, also complete in terms of its review of the state of play in the world feed industry.”
Asia has secured a role as the number one feed producing region with a tonnage of 305 million, and China is the leading country with a total tonnage of 175.4 million. Europe follows Asia with 200 million. North America, Latin America and the Middle East/Africa round out the listing with 185 million, 125 million and 47 million respectively.
In terms of species, poultry feed now represents 44% of world feed, which may reflect the cost, health and religious preferences of this white meat. Ruminant feed is calculated at more than 220 million tons but this does not include a similar quantity of dry matter fed as silage or forage on farm. Pig, equine and pet feeds have not changed significantly, but aquaculture is the fastest growing feed sector, totaling nearly 30 million tons.
“As we look to feed 7 billion people in 2012, it is clear that the efficient production of meat, milk and eggs has never been more important,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “Alltech has invested in this evaluation of the world’s feed industry as part of its ongoing commitment to information and technology transfer between providers and customers.”
AgRural Cuts Brazil Soybean View To 70 MMT
Despite the arrival of some much-needed rains in Brazil's drought-stricken southern grain belt last week, Brazilian analysts continue to lower their 2011-12 soybean crop forecasts. Perhaps the most radical adjustment yet was made Monday by AgRural in reducing its crop view by 3 million metric tons (mmt) to 70.2 million metric tons.
An extremely dry season has stressed soybeans across the south but the worst hit have been those in the west of Parana, where early planting meant plants lacked moisture during the key flowering and pod-filling stages. As a result, AgRural cut its number for the No. 2 producing state by 10% to 12.7 mmt. A lack of moisture has also hit crops in the southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, although later planting there means losses have not mounted to the same extent as in Parana, AgRural said. It reduced its forecast for the state by 5% to 9.8 mmt.
In contrast to the south, soybean crops in the center-west are looking in generally excellent shape and a large harvest is expected. The only blot on the landscape is the continued rain in Mato Grosso, which is hampering harvest efforts and affecting the quality of crops that have been desiccated for harvest.
Nonetheless, harvesting is slightly ahead of schedule in Mato Grosso at 3% complete. Goias and Parana are the only other states where in which there has been any significant harvest activity. Fieldwork typically picks up pace in the center-west during February and March.
December Milk Production up 2.7 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during December totaled 15.4 billion pounds, up 2.7 percent from December 2010. November revised production at 14.7 billion pounds, was up 2.2 percent from November 2010. The November revision represented an increase of 3 million pounds or less than 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate. Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,818 pounds for December, 27 pounds above December 2010. The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.49 million head, 99,000 head more than December 2010, and 12,000 head more than November 2011.
October - December Milk Production up 2.3 Percent
Milk production in the U.S. during the October - December quarter totaled 48.7 billion pounds, up 2.3 percent from the October - December quarter last year. The average number of milk cows in the U.S. during the quarter was 9.22 million head, 86,000 head more than the same period last year.
CWT Assists with 4 Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 18 requests for export assistance from Bongards, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 1,821 metric tons (4.015 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Central America. The product will be delivered January through June 2012.
In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 10.4 million pounds to 10 countries on three continents. That is the equivalent of 101 million pounds of milk, or the annual production of 4,800 cows.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
USDA: December Egg Production Up Slightly
United States egg production totaled 7.93 billion during December 2011, up slightly from last year. Production included 6.89 billion table eggs, and 1.04 billion hatching eggs, of which 973 million were broiler-type and 68 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during December 2011 averaged 338 million, down 1 percent from last year. December egg production per 100 layers was 2,344 eggs, up 1 percent from December 2010.
All layers in the United States on January 1, 2012 totaled 338 million, down 2 percent from last year. The 338 million layers consisted of 284 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 50.9 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.78 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on January 1, 2012, averaged 75.8 eggs per 100 layers, up 2 percent from January 1, 2011.
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 3 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during December 2011 totaled 38.9 million, up 3 percent from December 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 38.8 million on January 1, 2012, up slightly from a year ago. Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 277 thousand during December 2011, up 5 percent from December 2010.
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Down 3 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during December 2011 totaled 760 million, down 3 percent from December 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 634 million on January 1, 2012, down slightly from a year earlier. Leading breeders placed 6.44 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during December 2011, down 5 percent from December 2010.
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