Source: MEATINGPLACE, 11/1/13

A spike in broiler-type hatching layers in USDA’s latest chickens and eggs report points to an expanding meat supply next year, cautioned J.P. Morgan analyst Ken Goldman.

Broiler-type hatching layers, which are pullets plus older hens, increased 4.9 percent in September -- the largest year-over-year rise in any month since 1998, Goldman said in a report to clients.

Layer numbers remain below the 10-year average but are closing in, he said. Pullet hatching data were mixed: Hatchings in September rose 3.4 percent, but August was revised down to negative 2.8 percent, he said.

“Though the data are not necessarily surprising, they point to further increases in chicken meat supply next year,” Goldman wrote.

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