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Turkey hatchery numbers below year ago levels

U.S. turkey hatchery numbers declined in July. That decrease was partially in response to slower demand and producers trying to improve their bottom lines.

The USDA says there were 24.833 million turkey eggs in incubators on August 1^st, 2024, 4% more than on July 1^st, but 9% less than on August 1^st, 2023.

The number of poults hatched and the number of poults placed during July were also up on the month, but down on the year.

The USDA estimates 2024 turkey production at 5.115 billion pounds, a drop of 342 million from 2023, with the next guess out September 12^th.