September 2, 2004

South Africa's 2004 Broiler Production Down From Last Year

South Africa's broiler production in 2003 is estimated at 808,000 metric tons, 6.3% more than in 2002. A small decrease in production is expected for 2004 as imports increase due to the strong SA Rand, according to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service web site, dated Aug. 31 and released Wednesday.

Production

Broiler meat production in 2003 is estimated at 808,000 tons. This amounts to 612 million birds, or 11.8 million per week. Unit weight is taken at 1.32 kg. (without giblets). This is still 6.3% more than the estimated 760,000 tons, or 11.1 million per week produced in 2002.

A small decrease in production is expected for 2004 as the strong SA Rand allows more competitive imports but this should turn around again in 2005.