Chicken Prices Skyrocket as Demand Rises

According to the National Chicken Council, the average price of a whole bird is up nearly 4% from the same time period last year. This comes as demand for chicken continues to grow, with consumers looking for healthier and cheaper alternatives to beef and pork.

Many factors are driving the increase in chicken prices, including higher fuel costs and a decrease in the supply of breeder hens. The avian flu outbreak earlier this year also contributed to the price hike, as many farmers were forced to cull their flocks.

So what can consumers do to save on chicken? One option is to buy frozen birds, which tend to be cheaper than fresh ones. Another is to purchase chicken in bulk, either from a grocery store or a butcher. And finally, try cooking simpler dishes that don't require a lot of ingredients.

Whatever you do, don't wait too long to buy chicken - the prices are only going to go up from here.

Americans Consume More Chicken Than Ever

Americans are eating more chicken than ever before. The US Department of Agriculture reports that per capita chicken consumption has reached a record high of 83.9 pounds in 2016, up from 81.3 pounds in 2015 and 68.2 pounds in 2000.

What is driving this increase in chicken consumption? There are several factors at work. For one, chicken is a relatively affordable source of protein compared to other meats such as beef or pork. Additionally, chicken has gained a reputation for being a healthy protein source, with many people believing that it is lower in fat and calories than red meat.

Finally, the U.S. chicken industry has worked hard to make its product more appealing to consumers. This has included developing new breeds of chickens that produce leaner meat and expanding the variety of cuts available in grocery stores.

The bottom line is that Americans are eating more chicken than ever before, and the trend is likely to continue in the years ahead.

Poultry Producers Brace for Tough Times

The poultry industry is facing some difficult times ahead, as the amount of available land for production continues to shrink and the cost of feed rises.

The amount of available land for poultry production is shrinking as urbanization spreads and more people demand access to fresh produce and meat. At the same time, the cost of feed is increasing, as corn prices continue to rise due to drought conditions in major growing regions.

All of these factors are likely to lead to increased prices for poultry products in the months and years ahead. Poultry producers will need to find new ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs in order to remain competitive.

One potential solution is to focus on higher-value products such as organic and free-range chickens. These products typically command a higher price, and consumers are willing to pay more for them in order to support sustainable farming practices.

Another solution is to focus on international markets. The growth in Asia's middle class has created opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports, and there is still room for growth in this market. Poultry producers that can find new ways to tap into these markets will be better positioned to survive the challenging times ahead.

Tyson Foods to Close Two Poultry Plants

Tyson Foods, one of the world's largest meat producers, has announced that it will close two poultry processing plants in the coming months. The closures are expected to result in the loss of nearly 1,500 jobs.

The first plant to be closed is located in Holcomb, Kansas. It employs almost 700 people and processes more than 1.3 million chickens per week. The second plant is located in Arkansas and employs around 800 people. It processes around 1.6 million chickens per week.

The company has blamed the closures on falling demand for chicken. They say that changing tastes among consumers have led to a decline in demand for traditional, processed chicken products.

This isn't the first time that Tyson has had to close a poultry plant due to declining demand. In 2015, they closed a plant in Union City, Tennessee, which employed around 700 people.

The closure of these two plants is likely to have a significant impact on the economies of Holcomb and Arkansas. Tyson is one of the largest employers in both towns and its closure will leave thousands of people unemployed.

USDA Promotes Poultry Consumption

The USDA has announced a new campaign to promote poultry consumption. The campaign, dubbed "Poultry is Power", will emphasize the nutritional benefits of poultry.

"Poultry is power," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "It's packed with protein and other nutrients that are essential for a healthy diet."

The USDA points to research that shows that poultry consumption can help reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and cancer. Poultry is also an excellent source of Vitamin B6, selenium, and zinc.

In support of the new campaign, the USDA has launched a website, www.PoultryIsPower.com, which provides information on the nutritional benefits of poultry and recipes for healthy dishes made with poultry.

So why not give poultry a try? It may be power to the rescue when it comes to your health!