Source: MEATINGPLACE, 12/16/16

A slump in chicken prices is typical for this time of year, but competing lower prices for beef and pork may not allow those prices to rebound as they did last year, according to the analysts in the Daily Livestock Report.

In recent weeks, wholesale chicken breast prices have dipped below $1 per pound for the first time in a decade.  Strong export sales have allowed chicken leg quarter prices have remained stable at 32 cents to 35 cents per pound since July. Chicken wing prices remain the bright spot, at $1.90, basis the USDA-AMS market quote for the Northeast, up from $1.50 at mid-year and $1.60 a year ago.

While chicken prices relative to feed costs remain favorable, the analysts added, “but not enough to be a catalyst for industry expansion plans in the coming year.”

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