Record-high feed costs during the second half of 2012 and undoubtedly at least for the first half of 2013 make any predictions about the chicken business in the new year more difficult and precarious than usual.
With market-ready live chicken costs over 50 cents per pound and ready-to-cook weight costs essentially twice that amount, the one primary question is, “How much will production have to adjust to find the sweet spot where prices rise to cover at least break-even costs?” With the unprecedented cost challenges, chicken will venture into new territory in the 2013.