LOWER EGG PRICES EXPECTED IN 19^6 

 By L. F. Stlce, Extension Marketing Specialist 



Egg prices are expected to remain strong during the rest of 19^5 and may even 

 advance in coming weeks because of the usual seasonal decline in production and upward 

 revisions of price ceilings. In the first half of 19^6, however, the price is expected 

 to be somewhat lower than for the same period in 19^5. The over-all meat shortage and a 

 six percent decline in egg production were major factors supporting egg prices at the 19^p 

 level. In 19^ civilian meat supplies will be more plentiful and egg production may be 

 higher, depending on the number of chickens sold for meat. On July 1, 19^5/ there were 

 six percent fewer laying hens on farms than on July 1, 19hh, but 11 percent more chicks 

 and young chickens. 



As civilian, military €md export demands for eggs decline, a lower level of pro- 

 duction will be necessary (see chart). Egg producers in the com belt states will be 

 particularly affected because a relatively larger part of their output has- been dried and 

 the production has- increased relatively more than in some other sections. With a pros- 

 pect for lower egg prices for 19^ and the present shortage of meats, Illinois farmers 

 should cull their flocks rather closely this fall and get rid of inefficient producers. 



PRODUCTION OF EGGS, U. S. AND -CORN BELT STATES, 1925-19^5* 



Total United States 



Com belt 



i 



J I I L 



J I ' , i 



I . I 



1 925 1930 



♦Preliminary estimate. 



1955 



191+0 



191+5 



