Mississippi Crop Report:
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State poultry passes billion dollar markBy Bethany L. Waldrop MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's poultry industry set a state record for 1994 as its estimated value of farm production passed the billion dollar mark. Poultry and eggs top Mississippi's commodity list for 1994, at about $1.08 billion, surpassing timber's $1.07 billion and cotton's $844 million. Dr. Tom Smith, extension poultry specialist at Mississippi State University, said increases in both income and production earned poultry its record-breaking value for 1994. "Total poultry income increased 17 percent in 1994, while production increased 15 percent," Smith said. "The national average for poultry income increased only 6 percent for '94, so we're growing much faster than the national average." Poultry production and processing also expanded to new areas of the state this year. Projected final production figures indicate 608 million broilers and 825 million eggs were produced in Mississippi in 1994. "The total linkage value for poultry also increased for 1994," Smith said. "The total linkage value reflects a commodity's true economic contribution to the state -- the effect it has on local economies and jobs." Poultry's value is the highest in the state at $6.78 billion followed by timber's about $2.9 billion. "Increased consumer acceptance is a major benefit for poultry. Consumption has been increasing at about 2 pounds per consumer annually," said Dr. Bo Haynes, leader of extension poultry science at MSU. "Fast food chains are increasing the amounts of poultry products on their menus as well." Haynes said the industry also is doing its best to provide a more consumer-friendly product with easier to prepare, cut-up pieces. Since 1991, increased exports also have kept the demand for poultry products high. "Exports of broilers in 1994 increased by about 40 percent over 1993," Smith said. "Egg exports have increased 17 percent." Of the agricultural income contributed by poultry, broilers accounted for about 90.3 percent, egg production accounted for 9.3 percent and less than 1 percent was other poultry products. "Mississippi still ranks fifth in broiler production and 17th in egg production," Smith said. "But if production and income continue to increase, we may move up in the ranks in the next five years." High yields from state grain and soybean crops will provide a good local source for poultry feed for 1995. "Mississippi poultry farmers prefer state-grown grain because it's fresh, economical and it benefits state growers," Smith said. "The poultry industry uses about 68 railcars of grain and soybeans each day." For 1995, poultry is expected to receive less of the market share. "Poultry's market share will still increase for '95, but it will be less than previous years," said Mike McAlpin, president of the Mississippi Poultry Association. "A tremendous oversupply of all meat products will lower prices during 1995." McAlpin said new overseas markets will continue to benefit the industry, along with NAFTA, which has broken down some export barriers. Released:
Dec. 13, 1994 |
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