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  Overview (narratives)


• National Agricultural Statistics
  

  • Data Sources and Estimation Procedures
    
  • Summary
    
  • Electronic Dissemination of Data from NASS
• Crops
  
• Farm Economics
  
• Evironmental
  
• Livestock

National Agricultural Statistics Service

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) administers the
United States Department of Agriculture’s program for collecting and
publishing timely national, State, and county level agricultural
statistics. In 1862, the first Commissioner of the newly formed
Department of Agriculture, Isaac Newton, established a goal to "collect,
arrange, and publish statistical and other useful agricultural
information." A year later, in July 1863, the Department’s Division of
Statistics issued the Nation’s first official Crop Production report.

The structure of farming, ranching, and the agricultural industry has
changed dramatically during the succeeding 142 years. The need for
accurate, timely, and objective statistical information about the
Nation’s agriculture has become even more important as the country has
moved from subsistence agriculture to a highly industrialized business
that produces food and fiber for the world market.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service now publishes over 500
reports a year with official estimates covering over 120 crops and 45
livestock items. Each report is issued according to a published annual
calendar of release dates. Strict security procedures ensure that no one
gains premature access to the information. In addition, NASS has a
strong tradition of cooperation with other federal agencies, state
departments of agriculture, and universities to supplement the federal
statistics program. The state-federal cooperative relationship, which
began over 89 years ago, eliminates duplication and provides state input
while maintaining consistency in surveys conducted across the U.S.

Data Sources and Estimation Procedures

The official estimates prepared by NASS are based on data obtained from
farm and ranch operators, agribusinesses such as grain elevators,
shippers, processors, and commercial storage firms. Scientifically
designed sampling methods are used to determine the operations to be
included in each survey. Operators are interviewed by professionally
trained interviewers, either in person or by telephone. In some
instances operators will receive a questionnaire by mail with a
postage-paid return envelope or via the internet. Anyone not returning
the form is usually telephoned.

Survey response is voluntary. Very stringent laws and procedures protect
the confidentiality of each operator’s response.

NASS maintains extensive lists of farm and ranch operations along with
identifiers that indicate size and type of operation. NASS also
maintains complete lists of grain storage facilities, commercial
operations such as feedlots, cold storage facilities, and manufactured
dairy processors. Nearly every report issued by NASS is based on survey
sample data collected from farms or other agribusinesses selected from
these lists.

NASS also maintains an area sampling frame. The area frame, which is
essentially the entire land mass of the United States, ensures complete
coverage of the U.S. farm population. The Area Frame survey provides
accurate estimates of crop acres and is the primary basis for the June
Acreage report. The area frame is also used to measure the
incompleteness of the list frame.

Sampling from the area frame is a multi-step process. First, all land in
each state is classified into land use categories by the intensity of
cultivation using a variety of map products and satellite imagery. These
land use classifications range from intensively cultivated land to
marginally cultivated grazing land to urban areas. The land in each use
category is then divided into segments ranging from about 1 square mile
in cultivated areas to 0.1 square mile in urban areas. This allows
intensively cultivated land segments to be selected with a greater
frequency than those less intensively cultivated. Nearly 12,000 area
segments are selected nationwide for the large scale survey conducted
each June. Using maps and aerial photos that show the exact site and
boundaries of each sample segment, interviewers locate and interview
every operator with land inside the segment boundaries. They obtain
information on the crops planted in each field, livestock inventory, and
quantities of grain in storage.

A considerable amount of data are also available from other
organizations, both private and public. The administrative data are used
to evaluate the accuracy of production estimates and in some cases to
determine the final estimates. The information becomes available during
the marketing year but often after the preliminary production estimates
are determined. Some examples of administrative data follow.

Utilization data. Information about imports, exports, soybean crush, and
industrial use are available from the Bureau of the Census. These data
are used in a balance sheet that starts with carryover stocks from the
previous year and the current production estimate, which measures total
supply. At the end of the marketing year, when subtracting utilization
data from the supplies at the beginning of the crop year, the result
should correspond closely with the ending stocks. If there is a large
unexplained difference between survey stocks and indicated stocks from
the balance sheet, then the previous year acreage, yield, and production
survey and stocks data are reviewed to determine if revisions should be
made.

Slaughter statistics. NASS receives data through the Food Safety and
Inspection Service about the number of animals inspected at slaughter
operations. These data are used to monitor the accuracy of the livestock
production statistics.

Price statistics. Extensive use is made of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing
Service market news data to prepare the monthly average prices received
from the sales of livestock species. Also, Bureau of Labor price indices
are used to measure the relative changes in prices paid for production
input items.

Summary

NASS is a world leader in the use of statistical methodology to produce
statistics about agriculture. NASS statisticians provide consultative
services to a large number of developing countries around the world,
helping them develop statistical information about their agriculture.
NASS has also been a leader in making information available through
electronic media. Globalization of markets is expanding as buyers and
sellers have nearly instant access to market information from around the
world.

The 2002 U.S. Census of Agriculture is now available on the internet.
The census of agriculture is conducted every 5 years and is the most
complete accounting of U.S. agriculture and the only source of uniform,
comprehensive data for every county in the nation.

All information is currently available on the Internet at
www.nass.usda.gov. To order a printed copy or a CDROM, call National
Technical Information Service sales desk at 800-999-6779. For more
detail on the census of agriculture information call 800-727-9540.

Electronic Dissemination of Data from NASS

NASS National and State reports, data, agricultural graphics, and Agency
information are available on the Internet. From the NASS Homepage there
are nine areas that can be accessed for more information. "Today’s
Reports" is one of the areas and is updated every day showing the
reports released for that day. Reports are generally available within 5
minutes after release time.

Electronic Subscriptions

All of the NASS National reports are also available via an automated
mailing list. You may subscribe to as many reports as you wish and they
will be sent directly to your e-mail address within 3 hours of release,
all at no charge.

For further information, send an e-mail to:

and in the body of the message, type the word: list. Additional information is also available by
selecting Publications from the NASS Homepage.

2005 Corn Grain Production Down 6 Percent from 2004

Corn for grain production in 2005 was 11.1 billion bushels, down 6
percent from the 11.8 billion bushels produced in 2004. The average U.S.
grain yield was 147.9 bushels per acre, down 12.5 bushels from 2004.
Both production and yield estimates were the second largest on record,
behind 2004. Planted area totaled

81.8 million acres, up 1 percent from 2004. Area harvested for grain, at
75.1 million acres, was up 2 percent from 2004. Planting of the 2005
corn crop began in early April as mostly dry conditions in the Corn Belt
and Great Plains allowed rapid planting progress. Temperatures averaged
above normal through most of the month, but turned cooler in the final
week. Freezing temperatures in the northern and central Great Plains and
Corn Belt toward month’s end caused only minimal damage to emerging
corn. Due to the rapid planting pace, the corn crop emerged ahead of
normal, reaching 95 percent complete by June 5.

Corn crop conditions began to decline in June as warm, dry weather
depleted soil moisture levels from eastern Texas, across the Mississippi
Delta, through the central Corn Belt, and into the Ohio Valley and
middle Atlantic Coast States. Meanwhile, moderate to heavy precipitation
and above-normal temperatures in the northern and central Great Plains
benefitted crop development.

Temperatures during July were below normal in parts of the central Corn
Belt, central and southern Great Plains, and Southeast. Tropical Storm
Cindy and Hurricane Dennis spread moderate to heavy rainfall across the
Southeast and parts of the Mississippi Delta and Ohio Valley improving
crop conditions in those areas. However, precipitation continued to be
scarce across the central Great Plains and much of the Corn Belt,
lowering crop condition ratings.

Hot, dry conditions persisted across the central Corn Belt and central
Great Plains into early August, promoting crop development, but causing
further declines in crop conditions. Cooler, wetter weather prevailed
later in the month which eased dryness and halted the steady decline in
crop conditions. Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Katrina and its remnants
during late August and early September benefitted the corn crop from the
eastern Delta, across the eastern Corn Belt, Ohio Valley, and into the
Northeast. Later in September, rain from Hurricane Rita improved crop
conditions across the central Corn Belt and Northeast.

Above normal temperatures and mostly dry conditions across the Corn Belt
during the first three weeks of October promoted crop maturation and
accelerated harvest progress. The mild, mostly dry weather favored the
corn harvest which was 95 percent complete by mid-November, 10
percentage points ahead of 2004 and 4 points ahead of normal.

2005 U.S. Soybean Yield - Highest on Record

Soybean production in 2005 totaled 3.09 billion bushels, just 1 percent
below the record-breaking crop of 2004. The U.S. average yield per acre
is estimated at a record high 43.3 bushels, 1.1 bushels above last year.
Planted and harvested area in the U.S., at 72.1 million acres and 71.4
million acres, respectively, are both down 4 percent from last year.

Planting of the 2005 soybean crop started off slightly behind normal
across most of the Corn Belt and Central Great Plains, but dry
conditions allowed for rapid progress through the month of May. Wet
weather slowed planting progress in Minnesota and the Dakotas, where
some producers struggled well into June to get the last

Statistical Highlights 2005/2006 of their soybeans planted. Across the
Mississippi Delta, Corn Belt, and Ohio Valley, soybean conditions
deteriorated quickly during June as warm, dry weather prevailed.
However, due to rapid planting earlier in the season, emergence and
development of the crop progressed at or ahead of normal. Crop
conditions continued to decline through the summer as dry weather
depleted soil moisture in the Corn Belt, particularly in an area
extending from Illinois, southwest through Missouri and down to Texas.
But the crop continued to progress well under the dry conditions.

Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi on August 29. As the
storm moved inland the rainfall associated with its remnants benefitted
the soybean crop in the Ohio Valley and in the Central and Eastern Corn
Belt. The crop continued to progress ahead of the normal pace as
September’s above normal temperatures promoted crop development and
maturation. Conditions stabilized during the month and improved slightly
as rain from the remnants of Hurricane Rita replenished soil moisture in
the Corn Belt. In October, dry conditions in the Great Plains and Corn
Belt favored soybean maturation and harvest continued ahead of normal
throughout the month. Even moderate early-November precipitation in the
Corn Belt did not deter progress as the final soybean harvest was
complete by mid-month.

2005 All Wheat Production Down 2 Percent

The production of all wheat totaled 2.10 billion bushels in 2005, 2
percent below 2004. Area harvested for grain at 50.1 million acres, was
fractionally above last year. The U.S. yield was 42.0 bushels per acre,
down

1.2 bushels from a year ago. The 2005 winter wheat production was
estimated at 1.50 billion bushels, down fractionally from last year. The

U.S. yield was 44.4 bushels per acre, 0.9 bushel above last year.
Acreage for grain was estimated at 33.8 million acres, 2 percent below
the previous year. Hard Red Winter (HRW) harvested acreage was down from
last year in the southern portion of the Great Plains States due to
fewer planted acres. In Texas, harvested acres were lost partly because
of severe weather in the Panhandle during the month of June. Harvested
acres in the central and northern portions of the Great Plains, Rocky
Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest States were up with the exception
of Oregon. The yield potential for most HRW States was high during the
fall and early spring because of conditions that were beneficial for
crop emergence and development. However, dry conditions during the
spring coupled with hot and dry weather during the summer months
decreased the yield potential for the crop. Yields were up for all
States in the central and southern portion of the Great Plains except
Oklahoma. In the Dakotas, yields were down from last year. Overall, HRW
production totaled 930 million bushels, up 9 percent from last year.
Farther west, record high State yields were set in Montana, Idaho, and
Nevada.

Soft Red Winter (SRW) harvested acreage was below 2004 because
excessively wet conditions in the fall resulted in dramatically reduced
planted acreage. Wet weather continued through the winter in Arkansas,
southern Missouri, and southern Illinois, hampering the crop. The
growing conditions for the crop were ideal during the spring and
promoted growth and development. The yield potential for the crop was
good throughout the growing season and was not affected significantly by
the hot and dry weather during the summer months. Yields in the SRW
growing area were up in all Sates except Florida and the Delta States.
Record high State yields were set in Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina,
and South Carolina. Tennessee’s yield tied the record high that was set
in 1999. Overall, SRW production was 309 million bushels, down 19
percent from 2004.

White Winter production, at 260 million bushels, was down 1 percent from
last year. Yields in the Pacific Northwest States (Idaho, Oregon, and
Washington) were at or above last year’s level. In Idaho, excellent
irrigated winter wheat yields, combined with good dryland yields
resulted in the highest winter wheat yield on record.

Other Spring production for 2005 was estimated at 504 million bushels,
down 11 percent from last year. Harvested area was 13.6 million acres,
up 3 percent from 2004. The U.S. yield was 37.1 bushels per acre, down

6.1 bushels from the record high yield in 2004. The spring wheat crop
got off to a good start in the 6 major-producing States, with planting
and emergence advancing well ahead of the 5-year average. This rapid
progress was due to mild and dry weather during the early spring months.
The crop began heading behind the 5-year average in all States except
Washington. However, hot and dry weather during July accelerated
development and rushed heading ahead of normal. Yield potential for the
crop was reduced by these weather conditions. Early harvest progress
lagged but quickly advanced ahead of the normal pace because of dry
weather during the month of August. The crop was 90 percent harvested by
September 4, 9 points ahead of the 5-year average.

Yields were down in all States except Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and
Oregon. The objective yield survey data showed that gross weight per
head was down 15 percent from 2004. In Wyoming, a record high yield was
reported because of excellent irrigated yields.

Durum production for 2005 totaled 101 million bushels, 12 percent above
last year. Grain area harvested totaled

2.72 million acres, up 15 percent from 2004. The U.S. yield was
estimated at 37.2 bushels per acre, 0.8 bushel below 2004. Production
was down from last year in all States except North Dakota. In North
Dakota, yields were higher than last year due to favorable weather
conditions throughout the growing season. Yields in Montana were down
from last year because of hot and dry weather during the summer months.

2005 Fresh Market Vegetable Production Down 2 Percent from 2004

Fresh market vegetable and melon production for the 24 selected crops
estimated in 2005 totaled 473 million hundredweight, down 2 percent from
last year’s comparable States. Harvested area covered 1.94 million
acres, down less than 1 percent from comparable States in 2004. Value of
the 2005 crop was estimated at 9.82 billion dollars, up 1 percent from
comparable States a year ago. The three largest crops, in terms of
production, were onions, head lettuce, and tomatoes, which combined to
account for 37 percent of the total production. Tomatoes, head lettuce,
and onions claimed the highest values, accounting for 36 percent of the
total value when combined.

For the 24 selected vegetables and melons estimated in 2005, California
continued to be the leading fresh market State, accounting for 44
percent of the harvested area, 48 percent of production, and 47 percent
of the value.

2005 Processing Production of 8 Selected Vegetables Down
11 Percent from 2004

Processing production of 8 selected vegetables estimated in 2005 totaled
15.7 million tons, down 11 percent from 2004’s comparable States. Area
harvested was estimated at 1.29 million acres, down 1 percent from
comparable States a year before. Processing crop value was estimated at
1.27 billion dollars, 9 percent below comparable States in 2004. The 3
largest crops, in terms of production, were tomatoes, sweet corn, and
snap beans, which combine to account for 90 percent of the 8 processing
crops estimated in 2005. The 3 most valuable of the 8 processed
vegetables estimated in 2005 were tomatoes, sweet corn, and cucumbers
for pickles, accounting for 78 percent of the total value when combined.

2005 Noncitrus Fruit Utilized Production Up 3 Percent, Value Up 4 Percent

In 2005, the Nation's utilized production of the leading noncitrus fruit
crops totaled 17.2 million tons, up 3 percent from the comparable 2004
utilized production. Utilized production increased from 2004 for
cultivated blueberries, Maine wild blueberries, Oregon loganberries,
Oregon black raspberries, red raspberries, tart cherries, cranberries, grapes,
California kiwifruit, California olives, California plums, California prunes, and strawberries.

The value of utilized production for noncitrus fruit crops totaled 9.34
billion dollars, up 4 percent from 2004. The value of utilized
production for California prunes increased 81 percent, nectarines
increased 51 percent, California olives are up 28 percent, California
plums increased 27 percent, and apricots were up 16 percent from 2004.
However, the value of utilized production for prunes and plums decreased
27 percent, California dates were down 14 percent, Hawaii papayas
decreased 11 percent, tart cherries decreased 6 percent, strawberries
were down 5 percent, and Hawaii pineapples decreased 5 percent from
2004.

Utilized apple production for 2005 was estimated at 9.78 billion pounds,
down 6 percent from the 2004 level. Utilized production for Washington
and New York decreased 6 percent and 20 percent, respectively, while
Michigan’s utilized production increased 8 percent compared to 2004. In
New York, a spring frost during bloom, extreme heat during early summer,
and heavy rains and winds during mid October reduced the 2005 crop.
Below normal humidity levels in Michigan kept disease pressure low and
the apple crop was ahead of normal development throughout the growing
season.

Utilized grape production for 2005 totaled 6.97 million tons, up 12
percent from the 2004 crop. The California crop, which accounts for 88
percent of the 2005 U.S. utilized grape production, was up 9 percent
from the previous year. Also for California, raisin type production rose
3 percent from 2004, wine type production increased 14 percent, and
table type production was up 8 percent. Utilized production increased
from 2004 in all grape estimating States except Arizona, Arkansas, and
Texas.

Utilized peach production in 2005 was estimated at 1.14 million tons,
down 7 percent from the previous year and 5 percent below 2003. The
California crop, accounting for 76 percent of the U.S. utilized peach
production, was down 6 percent from 2004. For California, the Clingstone
peach estimate was down 10 percent and the Freestone estimate was down 1
percent from 2004.

Utilized pear production for 2005 was 811,670 tons, down 7 percent from
the previous year. Washington, the top producing State, utilized 400,000
tons, up 9 percent from 2004. California, the second largest producer at
200,000 tons, was down 26 percent from the previous season. Utilized
pear production in Oregon, the third largest producing State, was
196,000 tons, down 7 percent from 2004.

Citrus Utilized Production Down 31 Percent, Value Down 4 Percent

The 2004-05 season started with 4 hurricanes causing damage to Florida’s
citrus crop, severely limiting production. Three hurricanes hit
Southeast Florida during September. On September 5, Frances made
landfall along Florida's east coast, with sustained winds of over 100
miles per hour. Citrus crops, already damaged by Hurricane Charley in
August, received additional damage. Ivan hit the Gulf Coast on September
16, causing extensive wind damage in the Florida panhandle. On September
26, Jeanne made landfall in almost the same spot as Frances 3 weeks
earlier, dealing yet another blow to Florida's citrus groves. The Indian
River growing area was greatly affected by Hurricane Frances on
September 5 and Hurricane Jeanne on September 29. Both storms brought
high winds and heavy rain which blew fruit off the trees, broke limbs,
and uprooted trees. Standing water in groves caused softening of fruit
and continued fruit droppage. Fruit drop rate was a limiting factor for
citrus production in Florida, remaining at above average rates for most
of the 2004-05 season.

Citrus utilized production for the 2004-05 season totaled 11.4 million
tons, 31 percent below the 2003-04 season and 36 percent lower than the
record high production of 17.8 million tons for the 1997-98 season.
Florida accounted for 67 percent of total U.S. citrus production,
California totaled 29 percent, while Texas and Arizona produced the
remaining 4 percent.

Florida’s 2004-2005 orange production of 150 million boxes was down 38
percent from the previous season. Grapefruit utilization in Florida, at
12.8 million boxes, was down 69 percent from the previous season’s
utilization. Florida’s total citrus utilization decreased 42 percent
from the previous season, due to the hurricanes’ effect. Bearing
acreage, at 641,400 acres, was the lowest since the 1993-94 season.

California increased utilized citrus production by 16 percent from the
2003-04 season. California’s all orange production, at 61.0 million
boxes, was 21 percent higher than the previous season. Grapefruit
production, at

5.80 million boxes, was unchanged from the 2003-04 season. Utilized
production of citrus in Texas was up 14 percent from the 2003-04 season.
Orange production increased 7 percent from the previous season and
grapefruit production was up 16 percent. Arizona’s total citrus
production was down 22 percent from last season. Grapefruit utilized
production was unchanged, while oranges and lemons were down 9 and 20
percent, respectively, from the 2003-04 season. The value of the 2004-05
U.S. citrus crop was down 4 percent from the previous season to $2.39
billion (packinghouse-door equivalent). Total value of production for
2004-05 was lower for all types of citrus, except grapefruit, lemons,
and tangerines. Orange value of production decreased 16 percent from
last season, while grapefruit value increased 25 percent. Tangerine
value of production increased 13 percent from last season. Lemon value
of production increased 30 percent. Tangelo and temple values were down
20 percent and 33 percent, respectively, from the previous season.

U.S. Nut Production Down 4 Percent, Value Up 22 Percent

The 2005 U.S. nut production was estimated at 1.46 million tons
(in-shell basis), a 4 percent decrease from a year earlier. The almond
crop totaled 775,900 tons, down 10 percent from 2004. Walnut production
for 2005, at 355,000 tons, was up 9 percent from the previous year. The
pistachio crop totaled 141,500 tons, 18 percent less than 2004. Pecan
production for 2005 was estimated at 129,800 tons, a 40 percent increase
from 2004. Hazelnut production, at 28,000 tons, was down 25 percent from
the previous year. Macadamia production, at 30,000 tons, was up 6
percent.

The 2005 U.S. value of utilized nut production was estimated at 4.30
billion dollars, up 22 percent from the revised 2004 value. The almond
crop was valued at 2.72 billion dollars, up 24 percent from 2004.
Pistachio value for 2005, at 574 million dollars, was 24 percent greater
than last year. The pecan crop showed a 22 percent increase in value, to
400 million dollars. Hazelnut value, at 57.1 million dollars, was 6
percent higher than the previous year. The macadamia value, at 46.8
million dollars, was up 13 percent.

The number of U.S. farms fell slightly to 2.10 million in 2005, 0.6
percent below the 2004 level. The average farm size increased by 1 acre,
to 444 acres. Land in farms decreased 2.90 million acres, to 933.4
million acres. Farms with annual sales of over $100,000 accounted for
16.0 percent of all farms and for 59.4 percent of land in farms.

Average Farm Real Estate Values

The value of U.S. farm real estate, including all land and buildings,
averaged $1,510 per acre as of January 1, 2005, up 11 percent from the
previous year. Farm real estate values increased in all states from the
previous year. The $150 per acre increase in average U.S. farm real
estate values extends an upward trend that began in 1988. The change in
value closely tracked increases in U.S. cropland and pasture values,
which rose by 11.3 and 9.5 percent, respectively, during 2004. The
increase in farm real estate, and its cropland and pasture components,
was driven by a combination of factors, including; low interest rates,
higher cash receipts, and demand for recreational and developmental
uses.

Cash Receipts

U.S. cash receipts from farm marketings totaled $241 billion in 2004, up
11 percent from $217 billion in 2003. Crop cash receipts, at $118
billion, were up 6.1 percent while livestock receipts, at $124 billion,
were up 17 percent.

Prices Received and Prices Paid Index

The 2005 annual average index of prices received by farmers for all farm
products, based on 1990-92=100, was 116, down 2.5 percent from the 2004
annual average of 119. The 2005 annual average index of all crop prices,
at 112, was down 4.3 percent due to lower prices for many crops. The
2005 livestock and products price index, at 120, was down 1.6 percent
from 2004. Overall, the 2005 index of annual average prices paid by
farmers (PPITW) was 141 (1990-92=100), up 5.2 percent from 2004. The
annual average PPITW was 144 for the crop sector and 137 for the
livestock sector. Both increased from 2004.

Grazing Fees

In 2005, ranchers in the 17 Western States paid monthly fees for grazing
livestock on private non-irrigated grazing lands averaging $13.20 per
animal unit month, up 0.8 percent from 2004.

Farm Production Expenditures and Wage Rates

Farm production expenditures increased 5.1 percent in 2004. The U.S.
annual average wage rate for all hired workers rose to $9.50 per hour in
2005, up from $9.23 in 2004.

The inventory of all cattle and calves on hand January 1, 2006, was 97.1
million head, up 2 percent from the previous year. All inventory classes
increased from a year earlier. Beef and milk replacement heifers posted
the largest increase, up 4 percent from the previous year. The 2005 calf
crop of 37.8 million head was up 1 percent from a year earlier. The
number of operations with cattle during 2005 was 982,510, down 1 percent
from 2004.

On January 1, 2006, the inventory of cattle on feed in the U.S. totaled
14.1 million head, up 3 percent from the previous year. For feedlots
with a capacity of 1,000 or more head, inventories increased 4 percent
over last year. With an inventory of 11.8 million head, these feedlots
account for 84 percent of the U.S. total. Fed cattle marketings from
these feedlots totaled 22.2 million head.

Commercial beef production for 2005 totaled 24.7 billion pounds, up 1
percent from the previous year.

Milk Production Up 3.5 Percent

U.S. milk production increased 3.5 percent to 177 billion pounds in
2005. Milk cow numbers were up fractionally, while production per cow
increased 3 percent from a year ago. The number of operations with milk
cows during 2005 fell to 78,295, down 4 percent from a year earlier. The
number of operations with fewer than 500 head declined, while those with
500 or more head increased. Operations with 500 or more head continued
to increase their share of production.



Hog Inventory Up Slightly

The inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2005 was 61.3 million
head, up 1 percent from the previous year. The inventory of breeding
animals was up 1 percent from 2004. Sows farrowed was unchanged from the
previous year and the pig crop during 2005 was up 1 percent from 2004.
The average pigs saved per litter increased 1 percent during 2005 to
9.01 compared with 8.94 a year earlier. The number of operations with
hogs has fallen steadily since 1980, and was down to 67,330 operations
in 2005. The share of inventory held by larger operations remained
steady; in 2005 the 7,598 operations with 2,000 or more hogs held 79
percent of the inventory, compared to 7,443 operations with 79 percent
of the inventory a year earlier. Commercial pork production totaled 20.7
billion pounds in 2005, up 1 percent from the previous year. The number
of head slaughtered was up slightly from 2004 while the average dressed
weight per animal was up two pounds.

Sheep Inventory Up 2 Percent

The inventory of all sheep and lambs on hand January 1, 2006, was 6.23
million head, up 2 percent from the previous year. Breeding inventory
was up 2 percent overall. Rams one year old and older were up 3 percent,
ewes one year old and older were up 2 percent and replacement lambs were
up 2 percent. Market sheep and lambs totaled 1.59 million head on
January 1, 2006, down 1 percent from the previous year.

The 2005 lamb crop at 4.13 million head, was up 1 percent from 2004. The
2005 lambing rate was 115 lambs per 100 ewes, up 2 percent from 2004.
Shorn wool production in the US totaled 37.2 million pounds in 2005,
down 1 percent from 2004. The number of sheep and lambs shorn in 2005
was 5.07 million head, slightly below the previous year.

December 1 Chicken Inventory Down Slightly

The number of chickens on December 1, 2005 (excluding commercial
broilers) was 453 million, down slightly from last year. Layers, at 348
million, were up 1 percent from the previous year. The 96.6 million
pullets were down 5 percent from the 101 million on hand December 1,
2004. All chickens were valued at $1.13 billion on December 1, 2005, up
1 percent from a year earlier. Average value increased from $2.48 per
bird on December 1, 2004, to $2.50 per bird on December 1, 2005.

Egg production during the year ending November 30, 2005 totaled a record
high 90.0 billion eggs, up 1 percent from the 89.1 billion eggs in 2004.
Layer numbers during 2005 averaged 344 million, up slightly from the
year earlier. The annual average production per layer on hand in 2005
was 262 eggs, up slightly from the 2004 average of 261.

Poultry Production

The combined value of production from broilers, eggs, and turkeys plus
the value of sales from other chickens in 2005 was $28.2 billion, down 2
percent from the $28.9 billion in 2004. Of the combined total, 74
percent was from broilers, 14 percent from eggs, 11 percent from
turkeys, and less than 1 percent from other chickens.

The value of broilers produced during 2005 was $20.9 billion, up 2
percent from 2004. The number of broilers produced was 8.87 billion in
2005, up 1 percent from 2004. The total live weight of broilers produced
in 2005 was 47.9 billion pounds, up 5 percent from 2004. The 2005
average price per pound on a live weight equivalent basis was 43.6.
cents per pound, compared with 44.6 cents in 2004.

The value of turkeys produced during 2005 was $3.23 billion, up 6
percent from $3.05 billion the previous year. Turkey production in 2005
totaled 7.21 billion pounds live weight, down 1 percent compared with
7.28 billion pounds in 2004. The average price received by producers
during 2005 was 44.9 cents per pound, compared with 42.0 cents in 2004.

Trout and Catfish Sales Increase

The total value of all sales, both fish and eggs, received by trout
growers in the 20 selected States totaled 74.2 million dollars during
2005, an increase of 4 percent from the 71.0 million dollars received in
2004. Growers in the 20 selected states sold a total of 59.7 million
pounds of trout measuring 12 inches or longer in 2005, up 4 percent from
the previous year.

Catfish growers in the 11 selected states had sales of 482 million
dollars during 2005, up slightly from the 2004 total of 480 million
dollars. Sales of foodsize fish totaled 450 million dollars, down
slightly from the previous year. Sales of stockers totaled 5.99 million
dollars, down 4 percent from 2004. Catfish water acres decreased 2
percent from January 1, 2005 to 170 thousand acres on January 1, 2006.