USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

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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 144 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 90 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 CD-ROM, 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:
usda-reports@usda.mannlib.cornell.edu and in the body of the message,
type the word: list. Additional information is also available by
selecting Publications from the NASS Homepage.

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:

usda-reports@usda.mannlib.cornell.edu

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

2006 Corn for Grain Production Down 5 Percent from 2005

U.S. Corn for grain production during 2006 totaled 10.5 billion bushels,
down 5 percent from 2005. The average U.S. grain yield was 149.1 bushels
per acre, 1.1 bushels above 2005. This was the second highest yield on
record, behind 2004, and the third largest production on record. Planted
area totaled 78.3 million acres, down 4 percent from 2005 as some
growers switched to less input intensive crops due to high fertilizer
and fuel costs. Area harvested for grain, at 70.6 million acres, was
down 6 percent from 2005.

Corn planting began slowly in the Corn Belt and northern Great Plains as
moderate precipitation hampered progress. Planting progress accelerated
rapidly during April despite periods of heavy rainfall, as warm
temperatures helped fields dry quickly. Mostly warm, dry conditions
across the western Corn Belt and Great Plains during May and June
favored planting and crop development, but caused crop conditions to
decline. Meanwhile, persistent rainfall and below normal temperatures
across the eastern Corn Belt and Ohio Valley during May hindered
planting progress and limited crop emergence. However, warmer
temperatures in these areas during June helped spur crop development. By
May 28, planting was 97 percent complete compared with the average of 93
percent. Crop emergence was 98 percent on June 11, two points ahead of
the normal pace.

Above-normal temperatures prevailed nearly nationwide during the last
three weeks in July. In the western Corn Belt and Great Plains, mostly
dry conditions combined with the well-above-normal temperatures to
deplete soil moisture and worsen crop conditions. Moderate to heavy
precipitation in August helped improve soil moisture levels and crop
conditions. Meanwhile, frequent showers in the eastern Corn Belt and
Ohio Valley during July held soil moisture at adequate levels and kept
crop conditions better than a year ago.

The above-normal temperatures promoted rapid crop development throughout
the Corn Belt and adjacent areas of the Great Plains. Corn silking began
near the normal pace, but progressed rapidly throughout the Corn Belt.
By August 6, ninety-seven percent of the acreage was at or beyond the
silking stage, 5 percentage points ahead of normal. Ninety-seven percent
of the acreage was at or beyond the dough stage on September 3 compared
with 92 percent for the average.

The crop continued to mature ahead of the normal pace during September
despite below normal temperatures across much of the Corn Belt, Great
Plains, and Ohio Valley. By October 8, ninety-five percent of the crop
was rated mature or beyond, 4 percentage points ahead of normal.

Despite crop development and maturation progressing ahead of normal,
harvest progress was behind normal across most of the Corn Belt during
October, particularly the eastern-most areas of the region, due to wet
field conditions. Though dry conditions prevailed in the western Corn
Belt and Great Plains in October, growers there focused on harvesting
soybeans.

Harvest gained momentum in the eastern Corn Belt during November,
despite persistent precipitation. In the Great Plains and western Corn
Belt, corn harvest progressed rapidly under mostly dry conditions. By
November 27, growers had harvested 97 percent of their acreage, 1 point
behind normal.

2006 Soybean Production Up 4 Percent to Record High

Production in 2006 totaled 3.19 billion bushels, up 4 percent from 2005
and the largest U.S. soybean crop in history. The average yield per acre
is estimated at 42.7 bushels, 0.3 bushel below last year's record high
yield. Planted area for the U.S., at a record high 75.5 million acres,
is up 5 percent from 2005. Soybean growers harvested a record high 74.6
million acres, also up 5 percent from last year.

Planting of the 2006 soybean crop started off extremely well for most of
the major growing areas, as most States were at or ahead of the normal
pace by the end of April. In early May, spring rains caused soybean
planting to fall behind the normal pace across the Corn Belt and
adjacent areas of the Great Plains. However, planting progressed rapidly
through the rest of the month and was ahead of normal by the end of May
for all States except Indiana and North Carolina, where fields had
excess moisture. The crop began emerging slightly behind normal in
mid-May, but advanced rapidly during the remainder of the month to be
ahead of the 5-year average by the end of the month.

The soybean crop progressed well through June and July, with plant
emergence and blooming ahead of normal in nearly all States as hot, dry
conditions prevailed across the Corn Belt and Great Plains. By the end
of July, pod-setting was at or ahead of normal in all States except
Illinois and Indiana. However, the hot weather during July had a
negative impact on the condition of the soybean crop. Conditions did
improve during the month of August due to above-normal precipitation in
the Great Plains and near-normal precipitation across the Corn Belt.
However, drought conditions persisted in Alabama, Georgia, and
Mississippi.

Crop conditions continued to improve during September as temperatures
were below normal nearly nationwide. Eighty-seven percent of the
soybeans were dropping leaves by October 1, four points behind last year
but 3 points ahead of the 5-year average. However, harvest lagged behind
normal as heavy rainfall during September limited fieldwork in the Ohio
River Valley and middle Atlantic Coast States. Precipitation was lighter
across the Corn Belt and adjacent areas of the Great Plains, but it was
enough to slow crop harvest during September. As of October 1, only 19
percent of the crop was harvested, 14 points behind last year and 7
points behind the 5-year average. Harvest lagged a week or more behind
normal in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and South Dakota.

Soybean harvest progressed rapidly during the first half of October as
dry conditions in the Great Plains and western Corn Belt were beneficial
to fieldwork. However, harvest was slowed in the latter part of October
as rainfall in the eastern Corn Belt continued to hinder fieldwork. By
October 29, eighty-three percent of the crop was harvested, 8 percentage
points behind last year and 2 points behind the 5-year average. By
November 19, conditions had allowed harvest to progress to 96 percent
complete.

2006 All Wheat Production Down 14 Percent

All Wheat: Production totaled 1.81 billion bushels in 2006, 14 percent
below 2005. Grain area is 46.8 million acres, down 7 percent from last
year. The U.S. yield is 38.7 bushels per acre, down 3.3 bushels from
last year. The level of production and change from last year by type
are: winter wheat, 1.30 billion bushels, down 13 percent; other spring
wheat, 460 million bushels, down 9 percent; Durum wheat, 53.5 million
bushels, down 47 percent.

Winter Wheat: The 2006 winter wheat production is estimated at 1.30
billion bushels down 13 percent from last year. The U.S. yield is 41.7
bushels per acre, down 2.7 bushels from last year's final yield. Area
harvested for grain is estimated at 31.1 million acres, down 8 percent
from the previous year. Hard Red Winter harvested acreage is down about
13 percent from the previous year while Soft Red Winter harvested
acreage is up about 20 percent.

Hard Red Winter (HRW) harvested acreage is down significantly from last
year mostly due to drought conditions in the Great Plains States that
persisted throughout much of the growing season. These conditions caused
the crop's condition ratings to decline as it matured. Harvested acreage
is down in all States in the region except Arizona. In Texas, wheat
production is the lowest since 1971, while acres harvested for grain are
the lowest since 1925. Oklahoma's production is the lowest since 1971
and acres harvested for grain are the lowest since 1955. Hot and dry
weather during the summer months across much of the growing region
accelerated the growth and maturation of the crop but decreased it's
yield potential. Harvest of the crop started slightly ahead of normal
and finished well ahead of the normal pace due to these weather
conditions. Yields are down from the previous year in all HRW States
except Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Arizona. Record high yields
are reported in Minnesota and Iowa due to ideal weather conditions
during growth and development of the crop. Overall, HRW production
totals 682 million bushels, down 27 percent from last year.

Soft Red Winter (SRW) harvested acreage is up from last year due to
ideal conditions during the fall that resulted in dramatically increased
planted acreage from last year, when excessively wet conditions
prevented many acres from being seeded. Harvested area is at or above
last year's level in all States in the growing region except for a band
of States on the Atlantic Coast extending from Georgia to New Jersey. In
Wisconsin, harvested acreage is at a record high level. The crop's yield
potential was good throughout the growing season despite dry conditions
across much of the growing area during the early spring months. This was
due to ideal growing conditions during the late spring and summer
months. Yields are at or above last year's level in all States in the
growing region except Florida and Indiana. Record high yields are set in
the Delta States, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina,
Illinois, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
Wisconsin, and Michigan. Overall, SRW production is 390 million bushels,
up 26 percent from last year. White Winter production is 226 million
bushels, down 13 percent from last year. Yields in the Pacific Northwest
States (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) are at or below last year's
level. In Idaho, yields are down from last year due to a lack of timely
rains during the growing season. Crop development and harvest progress
in Washington and Oregon were accelerated due to hot and dry weather
during June and July. Yields in these States are down from last year
mostly due to these weather conditions.

Other Spring Wheat: Production for 2006 is estimated at 460 million
bushels, unchanged from the Small Grains 2006 Summary but down 9 percent
from last year. Harvested area is 13.9 million acres, up 2 percent from
2005. The U.S. yield is 33.2 bushels per acre, down 3.9 bushels from
last year.

Spring wheat planting in the six major producing States started off
behind normal mostly due to excessive moisture during April. However,
planting had progressed ahead of normal by mid-May due to warm and dry
weather across much of the growing area. The crop's development and
maturation was accelerated by hot and dry weather during the months of
June and July. This weather caused the crop condition ratings to decline
but pushed maturation and harvest progress ahead of the normal pace in
all States in the growing area except Washington and Oregon. Yields were
also reduced by this hot and dry weather. Yields are down from the
previous year in all States except Minnesota, Colorado, Nevada,
Washington, and Idaho. Montana, South Dakota, and Utah yields are down
at least 10 bushels per acre from the previous year.

Durum Wheat: Production for 2006 totals 53.5 million bushels down 47
percent from the previous year. Grain area harvested is 1.82 million
acres, down 33 percent from the previous year. This is the lowest
harvested area since 1961 and the lowest production since 1988. The U.S.
yield is estimated at 29.5 bushels, down 7.7 bushels from 2005. In the
northern Great Plains, hot and dry weather during the months of June and
July accelerated crop development but reduced the yield from last year.
Yields are at or below last year's level in all States except Idaho and
California.

2006 Fresh Market Vegetable Production Down 1 Percent from 2005

Fresh market vegetable and melon production for the 24 selected crops
estimated in 2006 totaled 466 million hundredweight, down 1 percent from
last year's comparable States. Harvested area covered 1.91 million
acres, down less than 1 percent from comparable States in 2005. Value of
the 2006 crop is estimated at 10.2 billion dollars, up 3 percent from
comparable States a year ago. The three largest crops, in terms of
production, are onions, head lettuce, and watermelons, which combined to
account for 37 percent of the total production. Tomatoes, head lettuce,
and onions claim the highest values, accounting for 34 percent of the
total value when combined.

For the 24 selected vegetables and melons estimated in 2006, California
continues to be the leading fresh market State, accounting for 44
percent of the harvested area, 48 percent of production, and 51 percent
of the value.

2006 Processing Production of 8 Selected Vegetables Up 2 Percent from 2005

Processing production of 8 selected vegetables estimated in 2006 totaled
16.0 million tons, up 2 percent from last year's comparable States. Area
harvested is estimated at 1.25 million acres, down 2 percent from
comparable States a year ago. Processing crop value is estimated at 1.32
billion dollars, 5 percent above comparable States in 2005. The three
largest crops, in terms of production, are tomatoes, sweet corn, and
snap beans, which combine to account for 91 percent of the 8 processing
crops estimated in 2006. The three most valuable of the 8 processed
vegetables estimated in 2006 are tomatoes, sweet corn, and cucumbers for
pickles, accounting for 78 percent of the total value when combined.

For the 8 processed vegetables estimated in 2006, California leads the
nation with 25 percent of the harvested acreage, 65 percent of the
production, and 52 percent of the value.

2006 Noncitrus Fruit Utilized Production Down 8 Percent, Value Up 7
Percent

In 2006, the Nation's utilized production of the leading noncitrus fruit
crops totaled 16.9 million tons, down 8 percent from the 2005 utilized
production. Utilized production increased from 2005 for prunes and plums
(ID, MI, OR, and WA), California prunes, Maine wild blueberries, sweet
cherries, cultivated blueberries, boysenberries, California all
raspberries, dates, cranberries, strawberries, apples, and pears.

The value of utilized production for noncitrus fruit crops totaled 10.5
billion dollars, up 7 percent from 2005. The value of utilized
production for California prunes increased 85 percent, prunes and plums
(ID, MI, OR, and WA) increased 60 percent, Maine wild blueberries are up
52 percent, cultivated blueberries increased 45 percent, apples are up
32 percent, and California all raspberries increased 24 percent.
However, the utilized value of production for olives decreased 77
percent, loganberries are down 47 percent, red raspberries decreased 44
percent, avocados decreased 41 percent, apricots decreased 26 percent,
and tart cherries are down 16 percent.

Utilized apple production for 2006 is estimated at 9.84 billion pounds,
up 2 percent from 2005. Washington's utilized production, at 5.65
billion pounds, is down 1 percent from 2005. Utilized production in
Michigan and New York increased 9 percent and 20 percent, respectively.
Frost during bloom in Washington was a problem for some growers and
protective measures were implemented in many areas. Hail, heavy rains,
and high winds during early July caused major damage to the apple crop
in north central Washington. In New York, abundant rainfall across the
State increased disease pressure and severe weather during the fall
caused significant losses to some orchards. These adverse weather
conditions resulted in higher than normal unharvested production. In
Michigan, freezing temperatures in the northwest during April and cold
temperatures in the western part of the State during pollination greatly
reduced fruit set. However, plentiful rain in August and September aided
fruit sizing.

Utilized grape production for 2006 totaled 6.41 million tons, down 18
percent from the 2005 crop. The California crop, which accounts for 90
percent of the 2006 U.S. utilized grape production, is down 17 percent
from the previous year. Also for California, wine type production
decreased 17 percent, while table type and raisin type production fell
16 percent and 19 percent from 2005, respectively. Utilized production
decreased from 2005 in all grape estimating States except Arkansas,
Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia. Spring freezes in the
Midwest significantly lowered utilized production in the region.

Utilized peach production in 2006 is estimated at 987,080 tons, down 14
percent from the previous year and 20 percent below 2004. The California
crop, accounting for 72 percent of the U.S. utilized

peach production, is down 18 percent from 2005. For California, the
Clingstone utilized production is down 26 percent and the Freestone
utilized production is down 8 percent from 2005.

Utilized pear production for 2006 is 831,120 tons, up 1 percent from the
previous year. Washington, the top producing State, utilized 361,000
tons, down 13 percent from 2005. California, the second largest producer
at 229,000 tons, is up 13 percent from the previous season. Utilized
pear production in Oregon, the third largest producing State, is 215,000
tons, up 13 percent from 2005.

U.S. Nut Production Up 9 Percent, Value Down 17 Percent

U.S. tree nut production for crop year 2006 is estimated at 1.59 million
tons (in-shell basis), 9 percent greater than a year earlier. The almond
crop is 953,000 tons, up 23 percent from 2005. Walnut production in
2006, at 346,000 tons, is down 3 percent from the previous year. The
pistachio crop is 119,000 tons, 16 percent smaller than 2005. Pecan
production in 2006 totals 103,150 tons, a 26 percent drop from 2005. The
hazelnut crop, at 43,000 tons, is 56 percent larger than the previous
year. Macadamia production is 29,000 tons, up 7 percent.

Value of U.S. utilized nut production in 2006 is estimated at 3.45
billion dollars, down 17 percent from the 2005 value. The almond crop is
valued at 2.04 billion dollars, 19 percent less than 2005. Walnuts are
valued at 554 million dollars, 1 percent less than 2005. Pistachio value
for 2006, at 455 million dollars, is 22 percent less than last year. The
value of the pecan crop decreased 21 percent to 321 million dollars.
Hazelnut value, at 46.4 million dollars, is 25 percent below last year.
The macadamia crop is valued at 38.9 million dollars, down 11 percent.

The number of U.S. farms fell slightly to 2.09 million in 2006, 0.4
percent below the 2005 level. The average farm size increased by 1 acre,
to 446 acres. Land in farms decreased 780 thousand acres to 932.4
million acres. Farms with annual sales of over $100,000 accounted for
16.2 percent of all farms and for 59.9 percent of land in farms.

Average Farm Real Estate Values

Farm real estate values, a measurement of the value of all land and
buildings on farms, averaged $2,160 per acre on January 1, 2007, up 14
percent from 2006. The $ 2,160 per acre is a record high and $260 more
than a year earlier. Cropland and pasture values rose by 13 and 16
percent, respectively, since January 1, 2006. Cropland values averaged
$2,700 per acre and pasture values averaged $1,160 per acre on January
1, 2007, compared with $2,390 and $1,000 per acre, respectively, a year
earlier. The increase in farm real estate values continues to be driven
by a combination of mostly nonagricultural factors, including relative
low interest rates and strong demand for nonagricultural land uses.
Demand for farm real estate as an investment continues to be a strong
market influence.

Cash Receipts

U.S. cash receipts from farm marketings totaled $239.3 billion in 2006,
down slightly from $240.7 billion in 2005. Crop cash receipts, at $120
billion, were up 3.5 percent while livestock receipts, at $119 billion,
were down 4.4 percent.

Prices Received and Prices Paid Index

The 2006 annual average index of prices received by farmers for all farm
products, based on 1990-92=100, was 116, up 0.9 percent from the 2005
annual average. The 2006 annual average index of all crop prices, at
119, was up 7.2 percent. The 2006 livestock and products price index, at
112, was down 6.7 percent from 2005. Overall, the 2006 index of annual
average prices paid by farmers (PPITW) was 148 (1990-92=100), up 4.2
percent from 2005. The annual average PPITW was 153 for the crop sector
and 144 for the livestock sector. Both increased from 2005.

Grazing Fees

In 2006, ranchers in the 17 Western States paid monthly fees for grazing
livestock on private non-irrigated grazing lands averaging $13.80 per
animal unit month, up 4.5 percent from 2005.

Farm Production Expenditures and Wage Rates

Farm production expenditures increased 5.4 percent in 2006. The U.S.
annual average wage rate for all hired workers rose to $9.87 per hour in
2006, up from $9.51 in 2005.

The inventory of all cattle and calves on hand January 1, 2007, was 97.0
million head, up slightly from the previous year. Inventories of milk
cows, milk replacement heifers, other heifers, and steers increased from
a year earlier. Steers posted the largest increase, up 2 percent. The
2006 calf crop of 37.6 million head was down slightly from a year
earlier. The number of operations with cattle during 2006 was 971,400,
down 1 percent from 2005.

On January 1, 2007, the inventory of cattle on feed in the U.S. totaled
14.3 million head, up 1 percent from the previous year. For feedlots
with a capacity of 1,000 or more head, inventories increased 1 percent
over last year. With an inventory of 12.0 million head, these feedlots
account for 84 percent of the U.S. total. Fed cattle marketings from
these feedlots totaled 22.5 million head.

Commercial beef production for 2006 totaled 26.2 billion pounds, up 6
percent from the previous year.

Milk Production Up 2.8 Percent

U.S. milk production increased 2.8 percent to 182 billion pounds in
2006. Milk cow numbers and production per cow both increased
approximately 1 percent from a year ago. The number of operations with
milk cows during 2006 fell to 75,140, 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 1.2 percent

The inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2006 was 62.5 million
head, up 2 percent from the previous year. The inventory of breeding
animals was up 1 percent from 2005. Sows farrowed was up 2 percent from
the previous year and the pig crop during 2006 was up 1 percent from
2005. The average pigs saved per litter increased 1 percent during 2006
to 9.08 compared with 9.01 a year earlier. The number of operations with
hogs has fallen steadily since 1980, and was down to 65,540 operations
in 2006. The share of inventory held by larger operations increased
slightly; in 2006 the 7,748 operations with 2,000 or more hogs held 80
percent of the inventory, compared to 7,598 operations with 79 percent
of the inventory a year earlier. Commercial pork production totaled 21.1
billion pounds in 2006, up 2 percent from the previous year. The number
of head slaughtered was up 1 percent from 2005 and the average dressed
weight per animal was up one pound.

Sheep Inventory Down 1 Percent

The inventory of all sheep and lambs on hand January 1, 2007, was 6.19
million head, down 1 percent from the previous year. Breeding inventory
was down slightly from 2006. Rams one year and old and older were down 1
percent, ewes one year old and older were up 1 percent and replacement
lambs were down 8 percent. Market sheep and lambs totaled 1.57 million
head on January 1, 2007, down 2 percent from the previous year.

The 2006 lamb crop at 4.09 million head, was down 1 percent from 2005.
The 2006 lambing rate was 112 lambs per 100 ewes, down 3 percent from
2005. Shorn wool production in the US totaled 36.0 million pounds in
2006, down 3 percent from 2005. The number of sheep and lambs shorn in
2006 was 4.85 million head, down 4 percent from the previous year.

Poultry Production

The combined value of production from broilers, eggs, and turkeys plus
the value of sales from other chickens in 2006 was $26.8 billion, down 5
percent from the $28.2 billion in 2005. Of the combined total, 70
percent was from broilers, 16 percent from eggs, 13 percent from
turkeys, and less than 1 percent from other chickens.

The value of broilers produced during 2006 was $18.9 billion, down 10
percent from 2005. The number of broilers produced was 8.88 billion in
2006, up slightly from 2005. The total live weight of broilers produced
in 2006 was 48.8 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 2005. The 2006
average price per pound on a live weight equivalent basis was 38.6 cents
per pound, compared with 43.6 cents in 2005.

The value of turkeys produced during 2006 was $3.55 billion, up 12
percent from $3.18 billion the previous year. Turkey production in 2006
totaled 7.42 billion pounds live weight, up 5 percent from the 7.10
billion pounds in 2005. The average price received by producers during
2006 was 47.9 cents per pound, compared with 44.9 cents in 2005.

Trout Sales Increase 8 Percent, Catfish Sales Down Slightly

The total value of fish sales received by trout growers in the 20
selected States totaled 74.9 million dollars during 2006, an increase of
8 percent from the 69.2 million dollars received in 2005. Growers in the
20 selected States sold a total of 61.5 million pounds of trout
measuring 12 inches or longer in 2006, up 3 percent from the previous
year.

Catfish growers in the 11 selected States had sales of 481 million
dollars during 2006, down slightly from the 2005 total of 482 million
dollars. Sales of foodsize fish totaled 452 million dollars, up slightly
from the previous year. Sales of stockers totaled 6.91 million dollars,
up 15 percent from 2005. Catfish water acres decreased 5 percent from
January 1, 2006 to 163 thousand acres on January 1, 2007.