2012 chicken prices expected to increase2012 chicken prices expected to increase

John T.
Barone

Poultry producers continue to be battered by high feed costs and low market prices for chicken parts. While the Department of Agriculture is still forecasting broiler output for 2012 down just 1 percent from 2010, some private forecasters are projecting bird cutbacks of up to 7 percent, fueled by losses and bankruptcies among chicken processors. And if corn prices continue to hold at over $6 for another year, the poultry industry is in trouble.


The USDA’s most recent report showed 4.2 percent fewer birds slaughtered in September versus a year ago and meat output at 1.8 percent below a year ago. 


This year will rival 2006 as one of the lowest-price years on record for boneless skinless chicken breast, but lower fourth-quarte...