Broiler-Type Eggs Set in the United States Up 3 Percent

Apr 08, 2015

Hatcheries in the United States weekly program set 218 million eggs in incubators during the week ending April 4, 2015, up 3 percent from a year ago. Hatcheries in the 19 State weekly program set 210 million eggs in incubators during the week ending April 4, 2015, up 3 percent from the year earlier. Average hatchability for chicks hatched during the week in the United States was 83 percent. Average hatchability is calculated by dividing chicks hatched during the week by eggs set three weeks earlier.

Broiler-Type Chicks Placed in the United States Up 2 Percent

Broiler growers in the United States weekly program placed 174 million chicks for meat production during the week ending April 4, 2015, up 2 percent from a year ago. Broiler growers in the 19 State weekly program placed 168 million chicks for meat production during the week ending April 4, 2015, up 1 percent from the year earlier. Cumulative placements from the week ending January 10, 2015 through April 4, 2015 for the United States were 2.28 billion. Cumulative placements were up 3 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Source: USDA

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.