September 1, 2011

Georgia's poultry sector reduces output to bolster prices

Georgia's poultry sector is decreasing output in a bid to increase poultry prices again, according to the Athens Banner-Herald.

Poultry farmers are being hit hard by fuel and feed costs, but prices they are paid for their products have remained low by caparison.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are bringing producers about US$1.50 a pound, down 20% from a year ago, according to the state Department of Agriculture. In stores, those breasts are selling for an average of about US$3.20 a pound.

The price of feed, which is about half poultry farmers' overhead, is up about 70% over the past year, said Mike Giles, president of the Gainesville-based Georgia Poultry Federation.