According to the median of seven analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg, wholesale chicken prices will likely fall by 7.1% to .92 cents per pound in 2014 as corn prices fall 50 from their high point last year. According to the National Chicken Council processors are earning .05 cents per pound compares to losses of .04 -.05 cents per pound experienced a year before. In September there was an average 345.5 million egg-laying hens – a 2% increase from a year before and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) production of meat from broilers will rise 2.1% to a record 37.809 billion pounds this year and increase a further 2.5% to 38.75 billion pounds in 2014. It is predicted that restaurants will pay 10% less for chicken next year as processors slaughtered 705.7 million chickens in September 2013 – a 4.5% increase from September 2012 indicating a trend of upward supply. However as consumer demand for cheaper chicken over beef or pork increases, prices may moderate.
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