May 8, 2020 Weekly Newsletter -

This is the second issue of our weekly news update. For most relevant COVID-19 updates and resources, please visit the COVID-19 section of our webpage.

BC chicken growers and industry partners,

This is our second weekly update, I hope that you are finding the information to be timely and useful.

Processing Update

Thanks once again to the cooperation between our processors, virtually all of the birds ready for market this week were processed. At the time that I am writing this, we are aware that a relatively small number of this week’s broilers may be held over to next week in anticipation of the reopening of one of the plants that has been closed for two weeks due to COVID-19.  It is not a given that this will occur at this point, and any reopening will come with additional challenges such as reduced line speeds and staffing, at least initially. Our appreciation goes out to the growers that continue to provide the flexibility that is required in order that processors are able to juggle their processing schedules to accommodate all of the birds during this time of reduced processing capacity.

One of our specialty processors has also experienced a short closure and reduced processing capacity due to COVID-19 and is working closely with their TC growers in order to ensure that all birds are processed. A number of growers have been asked to hold their birds for extra days while the plant works to catch up on their production.

A-163 Production

Sunday, May 10 will mark the beginning of shipments for period A-163. The cutbacks in egg sets and placements for A-163 will not be felt until week four when the initial 5% reduction takes effect. Weeks five through eight will see increased reductions with the final three weeks at 15%. As of this date, the Board has not taken any decisions with regard to growers that will be under or over produced as a result of the reductions in allotments to all growers in period A-163, but will take steps to ensure that all growers are dealt with fairly.

Pricing

The A-163 pricing bulletins will be sent out by separate email as per the practice at the beginning of each period and they are also posted on our website here.

Thanks to all for your continued support, stay safe and healthy

B. Vanderspek

Executive Director

The four poultry boards in BC is requesting feed companies in BC not to increase feed prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. We sent a formal letter to the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada's (ANAC) British Columbia branch on May 6 and had an informative meeting on May 8. We will keep you updated.