Turkey Count Now Annual

If you’ve got turkeys, the survey schedule for counting those grand and tasty poultry is changing starting in February 2009.

The “Turkeys Raised report” will now be issued annually in September by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), according to the NASS. The report was previously published biannually in January and August.

Additionally, the “Turkeys Raised Survey” will be conducted in February instead of December.

The results of this survey will also be available in the “Poultry – Production and Value report” to be released May 29, 2009.

Wondering Why the USDA Counts Turkeys
According to NASS:

• The “Turkeys Raised survey” measures the number of turkeys raised in total and by state for the current year and provides the number intended to be raised in the upcoming year.
• Additionally, the data can help producers assess industry trends and outlook for business planning and marketing decisions.
• Processors and retailers use the data to project supplies.
• Economists and other analysts use the data to monitor the health of the industry and evaluate the contribution to the general farm economy.

Which States are Most Affected?
NASS will contact all known turkey farmers and contractors in the 28 states that lead in turkey production:

The following states are in the program:

What All Does the Survey Ask?
Data are collected on

• The number of poults placed,
• Death loss, and
• The resulting number raised.

Producers are also asked to declare their production intentions for the upcoming year.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service

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