POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 30, 2009
Maggie Cox makes a good point. If public libraries on rural islands are to be closed to save the state some money, it’s only fair that libraries on Oahu share the pain.
Cox represents Kauai on the Board of Education and though none of the libraries at the top of the list for shuttering are on the Garden Island, Cox speaks in defense of the stepchildren of the state.
They are the Cinderella regions of Hawaii, exploited for the natural beauty they have largely retained while most of Oahu has been so disfigured it is no longer eligible for the tourism image of unspoiled paradise.
They are expected to do the heavy lifting for undesirable projects like prisons and military training grounds, but stand at the back of the line for the good stuff like technologically top-grade schools and medical facilities.
HAWAII AQUACULTURE
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Please visit the website for more information:
http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/
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Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
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"HAWAII AQUACULTURE" reports are available on our website and also PRINTED annually. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $2 per year to all others.
Hawaii grown aquaculture reached a record $34.7 million in 2008, increasing 38 percent from 2007. Algae sales accounted for 45 percent of the value and amounted to $15.7 million. Finfish sales by weight valued at $7.0 million, comprised 20 percent of the total. The ornamental category was pegged at $3.3 million or 10 percent of the total. The ‘other’ category includes seed stock, brood stock, and other items counted by number, accounted for 24 percent or $8.3 million. Hawaii County continued to lead the State in aquaculture sales with $27.8 million or 80 percent of the total value. Sales from Honolulu, Kauai and Maui Counties accounted for the remaining 20 percent.
Recent ‘Awa (Kava Kava) Harvest
Uaka Kava of Hilo Hawaii have recently restocked ‘Awa (Kava Kava) powder they make from the dried fresh root of the Mahakea variety grown on the Big Island. This powder is for sale on their website:
http://www.mauikava.com
There still continues to be a shortage of fresh root due to the disruption in planting caused by BfArM (German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) erroneously linking fresh ‘Awa root to liver damage in 2001. This was subsequently disproved by UH Scientists:
A team of University of Hawai’i scientists may have solved the mystery of why some Europeans who used products containing kava extract suffered severe liver damage, prompting a number of nations to ban sales of the herbal supplement.
Read Complete Honolulu Advertiser article . . .
There have actually been reports of health benefits from using ‘Awa root:
American Association for Cancer Research
Fiji Times
When the supply is normal Uka Kava makes dried fresh root powder processed from these varieties:
‘Awa Hanakapi ‘ai
‘Awa Hiwa
‘Awa Honokane Iki
‘Awa Kumakua
‘Awa Mahakea
‘Awa Mapulehu
‘Awa Pana’ewa
‘Awa Mo’i
‘Awa Nene
‘Awa ‘Opihikao
‘Awa Papa ‘Ele’ele
‘Awa Papa Kea
‘Awa Papa’ Ele’ele Pu’upu’u
During fresh root shortages Uka Kava offers their “Hang Loose Instant Kawa” product which many people prefer anyway due to ease of preparation.
Uka Kava also has a Woodworking Division which produces bowls and other objects made from exotic local woods such as Koa, Milo, Pride of India (China berry), and Norfolk pine.
Hawaii Crop Weather Weekly Report
Here is the PDF file for the Hawaii Crop Weather (crop progress and condition) Report for the week ending October 14, 2007.
Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
1-800- 804-9514
Agricultural Highlights
Fruits
Bananas
Big Island orchards were in generally good condition. Soil moisture was adequate. Field activities such as spraying for disease control, leaf trimming, and harvesting were on-going in Pepeekeo and Keaau. Leeward and central fields on Oahu were in good condition with moderate to heavy supplies for the market. Heavy irrigation continued as those fields remained dry. Windward fields were in fair to good condition with light supplies. Overall harvesting on Oahu was expected to be at moderate to heavy levels as the shorter day length and slightly cooler temperatures have slowed ripening. Kauai?s orchards were in fair to good condition. Passing showers provided some valuable soil moisture for most orchards. Spraying for insect infestation was on a regular schedule.
Papayas
Big Island orchards in the lower Puna area were in good to fair condition. Good soil moisture and sunny periods benefited most of the young and new orchards. Young trees in the Pohoiki area were in the seedling to first flower stage of development. Mature trees in adjacent fields had medium to full fruit columns. Mature trees in the lower Opihikao area were in generally good condition with full fruit columns. Isolated orchards in the area had young trees with heavy insect infestation. Spraying for insect control was required. Spraying for weed control was also required in some fields. On Oahu, overall harvesting was at moderate levels with some orchards being reworked for future harvest after being damaged by a wildfire. In other areas of the island, fruit development and ripening were fair to good with cooler temperatures favoring crop progress. Orchards on Kauai continued to make fair to good progress during the week. Pickings continued at moderate to light levels from several fields in active harvest.
Vegetables
Head Cabbage
The Big Island?s Waimea crop was in fair to good condition. Heavy irrigation maintained normal crop progress. Maui?s crop continued to benefit from the cooling growing conditions, even though there has been some noticeable decrease in growth and development for most fields. Insect pressure was moderate to low. Steady planting and harvesting was observed. Overall, the crop was in mostly good condition. On Oahu, insect infestations were light and being controlled by regular spraying. Harvesting will be light.
Sweet corn
Big Hawaii fields made good progress due to sunny weather and beneficial showers providing adequate moisture. Supplies will be for local sales. Windward and central Oahu fields continued to make good progress with the sunny and dry weather during the week along with heavy irrigation. Areas affected by water use restrictions have cut back on planting activities and have experienced decreased yields. Overall supplies will be moderate to heavy.
Dry onion
Maui?s crop made steady progress. Growth and development were good with less heat stress than the previous months. Insect pressure was still present in most fields, but the crop was not adversely affected and rated in fair condition. Planting activity slowed slightly.
Other Crops
Coffee
Kauai?s fields were in good condition due to favorable weather during the week. Mostly sunny days prevailed with beneficial rains keeping the reservoirs supplied for irrigation and providing soil moisture good that ensured normal crop development. Occasional breezy trade winds and rains caused light fruit drop, however, harvesting continued very active with about a month left to the season.
Sugarcane
Sugarcane fields on Kauai were in very good condition for the last week of this season?s harvest. Planting was expected to continue until the end of the year. Favorable weather conditions including rains at the upper elevations kept reservoir levels and ditches supplied which ensured adequate irrigation for good crop progress.
Hawaii Weekly Crop Weather Report
Here is the PDF file for the Hawaii Crop Weather (crop progress and condition) Report for the week ending September 9, 2007.
Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
1-800- 804-9514
Agricultural Highlights
Fruits
Bananas
Orchards located in the windward areas of the Big Island were in generally good condition. Adequate soil moisture combined with sunny and warm days provided good conditions for orchard progress. Young plantings in the Pepeekeo and Keaau areas made good progress. Spraying was required to minimize Black Leaf Streak disease incidences. Oahu orchards were in fair to good condition. Leeward and central Oahu fields remained in active harvest with heavy supplies. Heavy irrigation continued as fields remained dry. Orchards on Kauai were in fair to good condition. Spraying for insect infestation was on a regular schedule.
Papayas
Orchards in the lower Puna district of the Big Island made good progress during the week. Sunny days and adequate soil moisture were beneficial. Seedlings sprouted from newly planted fields in Pohoiki. Spraying for disease and weed control was on going. Overall harvesting on Oahu was reduced by fire damaged fields that were in active harvest. In other areas, fruit development and ripening were fair to good. High temperatures slowed crop progress. Mealy bugs were mostly under control while ring spot virus and wild pig damage continued to lower harvesting in some fields. Kauai?s orchards continued to make good to fair progress during the week. Pickings were at moderate levels from several fields in harvest. New fields entering active harvest provided a boost to available supplies.
Vegetables
Head Cabbage
The Big Island?s Waimea crop was in generally good condition. Medium-sized heads were harvested. Heavy irrigation was maintaining normal crop progress. The Volcano crop was in fair condition as dry conditions and cooler temperatures slowed the progress of non-irrigated plantings. Volcano supplies were for the local markets. Maui?s crop continued to make relatively steady progress. Evening temperatures have been notably cooler in the Kula area. Insect pressure continued range from high to moderate, with most operations being able to manage insect damage. However, some operations have reported a high amount of losses due to insect damage over the past couple of weeks. Overall, the Maui head cabbage crop was in fair condition.
Dry Onion
On Maui, most fields have been planted for the fall harvest and are reportedly doing well. A few additional fields may be planted this month for the late fall/early winter harvest. Overall the dry onion crop was in fair condition.
Sweet Corn
Windward and central Oahu fields continued to make good progress. Sunny and dry weather during the week proved improved growing and field conditions. Areas affected by water use restrictions have resulted in a cutback on planting activities and have experienced decreased yields. Big Island plantings made good progress due to adequate soil moisture and sunny weather. Harvest was active and crop quality was generally good.
Other Crops
Coffee
Coffee harvesting was in progress in the Kona districts of the Big Island. Orchards on Kauai were in good condition with increased harvesting forecast to continue this coming week as fruit ripening was steady. Sunny days and light to moderate winds have kept fields dry allowing for good harvesting. Rains at the upper elevations during the weekend boosted reservoir levels which allowed adequate irrigation for all trees.
Ginger root
The young ginger crop on the Big Island made favorable progress during the week. Sunny weather and adequate soil moisture benefited root development.
Hawaii Crop Weather Weekly Report
Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Crop Weather* (crop progress and condition) Report for the week ending *July 22, 2007*
Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
1-800- 804-9514
Agricultural Highlights
Fruits
Bananas
Orchards in windward areas of the Big Island made good progress. Soil moisture was adequate. Sunny, warm days aided orchard progress. Disease incidences were minimized by routine spraying. Bunchy Top disease incidences remained isolated in the Puna and Kona areas. Growers were replanting in the Keaau area. Oahu orchards were in fair to good condition. Fields in windward areas remained in fair condition. A seasonal upswing kept leeward and central Oahu fields in active harvest with heavy supplies. Irrigation remained at heavy levels during the week because of dry conditions. Kauai?s orchards were in good condition. The slightly cooler weather and rains provided good soil moisture which benefited most orchards.
Papayas
Orchards in the lower Puna areas of the Big Island made good progress. Mostly sunny and dry weather during the work week reduced soil moisture levels. Increased moisture from the passing storm system helped boost soil moisture. On Oahu, fruit development and ripening were aided by increased day length and mostly sunny conditions. Mealy bugs were mostly under control while Ring Spot virus lowered harvesting in some fields. Orchards on Kauai continued to make fair to good progress during the week. Pickings were at light to moderate levels from several small fields. Spraying to contain the insect population was slowed as the winds and rains picked up.
Vegetables
Head Cabbage
The Big Island?s Waimea crop was in fair to good condition. Heavy irrigation was required for normal crop progress. Routine spraying minimized insect and disease incidences. New plantings made steady progress. The Volcano crop made slower progress. Maui?s crop continued to show fair and steady progress. Increased irrigation was essential for steady growth and development as well as maintaining quality heads. Farmers were minimizing losses from damage by insects by maintaining a steady and effective spraying program. Insect pressure was a concern, but it has been kept under control. Overall, the head cabbage crop was in fair to good condition. On Oahu, some fields were abandoned to control the increasing pressure from a Diamondback moth infestation.
Dry Onions
Maui?s dry onion crop remained in fair condition. The prolonged hot and dry growing conditions have made it very challenging growers to maintain steady growth and development. Increased irrigation has helped some fields, but older fields have already achieved their potential yield. Most of these mature fields will have a greater percentage of medium bulbs. Overall, the dry onion crop was in fair condition.
Sweet Corn
On Oahu, harvesting was expected to be active with heavy supplies reaching the market. Some reports of light worm damage remained during the week. Isolated windward fields experienced some growing problems and lower than expected yields. Sweet corn plantings in windward areas of the Big Island were in generally good to fair condition. Weather conditions were favorable for crop development. Other Crops
Ginger Root
The Big Island crop made good progress during the week. Soil moisture was adequate and replenished over the weekend by Cosme?s rain. Sunny and warm weather throughout most of the week benefited root development.
Drought hits Maui, worsens on Big Island
Pacific Business News (Honolulu) – 9:28 AM HAST Wednesday, June 13, 2007
by Howard Dicus
The Maui Department of Water Supply has declared a drought in Upcountry Maui, imposing mandatory water restrictions, while dry conditions are getting worse on the Big Island.
Maui officials Tuesday imposed 10 percent water restrictions on nonagricultural users in Haiku, Haliimaile, Kanaio, Keokea, Kula, Makawao, Olinda, Omaopio, Pukalani, Pulehu, Ulupalakua, and Waiohuli, but gave farmers 30 days grace.
HAWAII MONTHLY LIVESTOCK REVIEW
Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Monthly Livestock Review *Report.
Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/
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Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
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“HAWAII MONTHLY LIVESTOCK REVIEW” reports are available on our website http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/ and also PRINTED monthly. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $4 per year to all others.
February Egg Production Down 19 Percent From A Year Ago
Hawaii egg production totaled 6.4 million (17,778 cases) in February 2007, down 19 percent from February 2006. The average number of layers on hand during February 2007 was estimated at 395,000, down 2 percent from January and down 17 percent from February 2006.
The average rate of lay during February 2007 was 1,620 per 100 layers (57.9 percent rate of lay), down 3 percent from February 2006.
February Cattle Marketings Down 32 Percent From 2006
Total cattle marketings for February 2007 is estimated at 2,300 head, down 32 percent from February 2006. Cumulative cattle marketings for the first two months of 2007 totaled 8,100 head, down 15 percent from a year ago.
February exports down 42 percent from year ago
Exports of steers and heifers totaled 1,500 head in February 2007, down 42 percent from a year ago. During the first two months of 2007, 6,400 head have been exported, down 19 percent from the same period a year ago. A breakdown of February 2007 exports shows that both categories of cattle experienced a decline. At 700 head, February 2007 exports of steers were down 42 percent from February 2006. Exports of heifers also totaled 700 head in February 2007, down 50 percent from last February. Exports of other classes of cattle were not included.
Average live weight up 4 percent
The average live weight of steers and heifers exported from Hawaii in February 2007 was 446 pounds, up 16 percent or 61 pounds from a year ago. Commercial Beef Production Up 7 Percent Hawaii commercial beef production (local slaughter) during February 2007 totaled 478,000 pounds, up 7 percent from February 2006. Cumulative beef production (local slaughter) for the first two months of 2007 totaled 1.0 million pounds, up 13 percent from a year ago. Commercial kill totaled 800 head in February, unchanged from the February 2006?s total of 800 head. Average live weight per head increased to 1,093 pounds in February 2007, 3 percent heavier than in February 2006.
Commercial Beef Production
Up 7 Percent Hawaii commercial beef production (local slaughter) during February 2007 totaled 478,000 pounds, up 7 percent from February 2006. Cumulative beef production (local slaughter) for the first two months of 2007 totaled 1.0 million pounds, up 13 percent from a year ago. Commercial kill totaled 800 head in February, unchanged from the February 2006?s total of 800 head. Average live weight per head increased to 1,093 pounds in February 2007, 3 percent heavier than in February 2006.
Commercial Pork Production Down 8 Percent
Hawaii commercial pork production during February 2007 totaled 254,000 pounds, down 8 percent from February 2006. Cumulative pork production during the first two months of 2007 totaled 535,000 pounds, down 8 percent from a year ago. Total hog kill was 1,500 head in February 2007, down 12 percent from a year ago. Average live weight per head was 219 pounds in February 2007, down 2 percent from the 224-pound average a year ago.
Hawaii County
Hilo and Puna districts saw an increase in new grass growth as temperatures slowly began to rise and days lengthen. Ranchers reported adequate water supplies in streams as well as in stock ponds. Cattle and calves were in good condition with no unusual losses being reported.
Ka`u district pastures were in fair to good condition as soil moisture was adequate. Lower elevation pastures were fairly green, but growth was slow. Pahala pastures were beginning to show stress from low moisture. Further south, rainfall was more plentiful and grass growth was evident in the Kahuku and South Point areas.
North and South Kona districts received good showers early in the month, but new grass growth could not be sustained due to the rapid decrease in soil moisture due to dry weather. Pastures in the upper slopes experienced cloudy skies, cool afternoons, and showers which helped to spur re-growth. Coastal and low elevation pastures were very dry with only dry feed available for grazing. Prospects for new grass growth were poor. Stock water supplies were low.
North and South Kohala districts experienced heavy showers in isolated areas at the start of the month. The Puukapu and Mana areas had new grass growth and available feed supplies were good. Cooler temperatures had a slight slowing effect on grass growth. Increased soil moisture in thenormally dry Lalamilo pastures boosted new grass growth. Leeward Kohala mountain pastures, that were brown from a lack of rain, were observed with new grass growth. Adequate soil moisture in the Kapaau and Hawi pastures helped to produce adequate feed supplies. South Kohala coastal areas had only dry standing feed and were in poor condition. Pastures below Waikii received good showers and had fair new grass growth. Upper Waikii and Kilohana pastures remained very dry. A brush fire blackened about 50 acres of dry rangeland in the Kilohana area.
Hamakua district pastures were in generally good condition. Warmer temperatures and increasingly longer days have spurred grass growth. Stock water supplies are mostly adequate as streams were flowing at near normal levels.
Maui County
Maui Island:
Pastures on the east side of Maui received beneficial showers, but cool temperatures prevented optimal growth. Some pastures have been re-seeded to increase the quality of forage. Overall, these pastures were in fair to good condition. Lower pastures in Ulupalakua were drying out and mice have become a concern. Upper elevation pastures were in fair condition, but rainfall is needed. Pastures in Keokea were still able to provide feed, although there is a greater percentage of dry forage. Lower elevation pastures in Kulawere drying out. There was still a good amount of dry forage available, but green forage was of inferior quality. Haiku pastures were in fair condition. Previously irrigated pastures in the central area of the Maui were drying out and did not appear to be receiving irrigation. Pastures in Kahakuloa were able to maintain steady re-growth due to occasional showers and decreased grazing pressure.
Honolulu County
Except for some interior sections, rainfall was below normal on Oahu. Pastures were in fair condition with some supplemental feeding being supplied.
Kauai County
Windward areas record near or above normal rainfall while leeward sections were below normal. Pastures were in fair to good conditions with lots of weeds in some areas. Livestock conditions were generally good.
1/ Rainfall stations were selected from the National Weather Service?s Hydronet system of automated rain gages. Featured stations may vary each month. All rainfall data has not been quality controlled, and therefore is not certified by the National Weather Service. A complete listing of Hydronet stations, rainfall gage location maps, and other rainfall data may be found at the National Weather Service?s hydrology homepage: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/pages/hydrology.php
February Milk Production Down 23 Percent From Year Ago
Hawaii?s dairy cows produced 3.7 million pounds of milk in February 2007, down 23 percent from a year ago. Cumulative milk production for the first two months of 2007 totaled 8.1 million pounds, down 20 percent from the same period in 2006.
February?s Cow Herd
Down 16 Percent From Year Ago Hawaii?s cow herd, both dry and milking, numbered 3,700 head in February 2007, down 3 percent from January 2007 and down 16 percent from February 2006. Average milk per cow is estimated at 1,000 pounds for February 2007, down 8 percent from last February?s average of 1,090 pounds per cow.
Livestock Prices Higher Than Year-ago
Steers and heifers
The average dress weight farm price for steers and heifers is estimated at 99.0 cents per pound for February 2007, unchanged from January. Compared to a year ago, the February 2007 average dress weight farm price was 2 cents higher.
Cows
The average dress weight farm price for cows is estimated at 54.0 cents per pound in February 2007, unchanged from January. Compared to a year ago, the average dress weight farm price for cows was 2 cents per pound higher in February 2007.
Market hogs
The average dress weight farm price for market hogs is estimated at $1.30 per pound for February 2007, unchanged from January. Compared to a year ago, the dressed weight for market hogs was up 15 cents per pound this February.
Milk
The average farm price for milk was $26.90 per hundredweight during February 2007, up 10 cents per hundredweight from January. February 2007?s farm price for milk was 3 percent higher than a year ago.
Eggs
The average farm price for a dozen eggs was $1.05 in February 2007, unchanged from January. Compared to a year ago, the farm price for a dozen eggs was 7 percent higher in February 2007.
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.62 billion pounds in February, up 4 percent from the 3.49 billion pounds produced in February 2006.
Beef production, at 1.95 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.56 million head, up 9 percent from February 2006. The average live weight was down 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,274 pounds.
Veal production totaled 12.2 million pounds, 7 percent above February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 66,900 head, up 27 percent from February 2006. The average live weight was down 50 pounds from last year, at 307 pounds.
Pork production totaled 1.64 billion pounds, down slightly from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 8.12 million head, down slightly February 2006. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 269 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 14.4 million pounds, was down 2 percent from February 2006. Sheepslaughter totaled 204,400 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, down 4 pounds from February a year ago.
U.S. egg production totaled 6.91 billion during February 2007, down 1 percent from last year. Production included 5.92 billion table eggs, and 998 million hatching eggs, of which 937 million were broilertype and 61 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during February 2007 averaged 347 million, down 1 percent from last year. February egg production per 100 layers was 1,992 eggs, down slightly from February 2006.
All layers in the U.S. on March 1, 2007 totaled 347 million, down 1 percent from last year. The 347 million layers consisted of 288 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 56.5 million layers producing broilertype hatching eggs, and 2.82 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on March 1, 2007, averaged 71.6 eggs per 100 layers, unchanged from March 1, 2006.
Excerpts from Livestock Slaughter (March 23, 2007) and Chickens and Eggs (March 23, 2007) releases.
Cattle/Beef: Low forage reserves continue to result in heavy cow and calf slaughter. Weekly year-to-date total calf slaughter is almost 28 percent above last year?s cumulative year-to-date total for the same period, while production is up only 6 percent. Farm-to-retail price spreads are increasing seasonally, along with increasing fed cattle and retail prices, and byproduct values are nearing record levels. Forecast beef exports for 2007, while up from the 2006 total, were reduced somewhat due to slow growth in shipments to major Asian markets.
Hogs/Pork: The USDA forecast for first-quarter 2007 commercial pork production was lowered 50 million pounds, to 5.325 billion pounds, due to slightly lower than expected slaughter and lower average dressed weights. First-quarter prices of live-equivalent 51-52 percent lean hogs are expected to range between $46 and $47 per hundredweight (cwt), more than 9 percent above first quarter a year ago. Hog prices will likely belower in the second half of this year as pork production accelerates seasonally and broiler production expands. U.S. packers and hog finishers are expected to import 9.35 million head of hogs from Canada this year, an increase of almost 7 percent over last year.
Dairy: Rapidly rising feed prices have limited production increases. The smaller production expansion in light of strong demand should boost prices for milk and dairy products in 2007. Exports of dry products continue to sharply raise prices in that segment of the market.
Poultry: With a decline in broiler meat production in January 2007, the estimate for first-quarter 2007 meat production was lowered by 75 million pounds to 8.75 billion pounds and the estimate for the second quarter was lowered by 50 million pounds, bringing the 2007 estimate to 35.9 billion pounds. Prices for almost all broiler products have strengthened considerably and are much higher than in the first 2 months of 2006. Turkey meat production in first-quarter 2007 isestimated at 1.41 billion pounds, up 4 percent from a year earlier. Even with the higher production and increased stock levels, prices for many turkey products were higher than at the start of 2006.
Poultry Trade: U.S. broiler exports finished strong in 2006, while turkey exports fell short. Broiler shipments were down, while turkey shipments were up, for January 2007. Broiler exports in January totaled 396 million pounds, a decline of 7 percent, while turkey exports totaled 42 million pounds, an increase of 13.3 percent from a year ago.
Sheep/Lamb: Typically, lamb demand exhibits some seasonality and is highest during the Passover/Easter holidays. As a result, production increases are expected in the weeks leading up to the holiday season. However, production for the first quarter 2007 is forecast 2 percent lower than for the same period last year. Choice Slaughter lamb prices at San Angelo have not seen significant increases despite lower production. Imports of lamb and mutton are expected to continue to increase, offsetting U.S. production declines.