AMI Releases 2007 Version of Meat & Poultry Facts

The American Meat Institute (AMI) in cooperation with Sterling Marketing, Inc. has released the 2007 edition of Meat & Poultry Facts, the industry’s leading statistical book.

The 36th edition of this popular resource contains the latest statistics on production, consumption, prices, imports, exports, employment, wages and much more. The 62-page book was compiled by John Nalivka, president of Sterling Marketing, Inc.

“The production of alternative energy sources in the U.S. became a significant factor affecting the livestock and meat industry in late 2006 and 2007,” Nalivka says in his introduction to Meat & Poultry Facts. “Consequently, a growing usage for the U.S. corn crop is for ethanol production and corn prices have risen accordingly. Higher corn prices have affected every aspect of the food industry.”

In 2007, U.S. farmers planted the largest number of acres to corn since 1944, Nalivka noted. Nalivka also pointed out that while costs of production have risen significantly, the continued drive toward increased vertical integration and consolidation across the pork industry supply chain have left that industry better able to weather issues such as rising corn prices and drought conditions. “In fact, producers have so far not only weathered the storm, but are modestly expanding production into second-half 2007 and into 2008,” he notes.

The dynamics of the packing industry continue to evolve, according to Nalivka, noting that pork exports have grown nearly 300% between 1995 and 2007.

“’Meat & Poultry Facts’ has a proven track record as an invaluable resource. AMI is pleased to again partner with Sterling Marketing on this important project,” AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle said.

The new edition of Meat & Poultry Facts will be sold during AMI’s International Meat, Poultry & Seafood Convention & Exposition, part of Worldwide Food Expo., October 24-27, 2007, in Chicago, Ill., for a special onsite price of $20 for AMI members, academics and $100 for non-members (cash only).

The regular price is $35 for AMI members, academics and government and $150 for non-members. To place an order, contact Jessica Mosley, AMI education and marketing coordinator, at 202-587-4252 or jmosley@meatami.com.

AMI represents the interests of packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey products and their suppliers throughout North America. Together, AMI’s members produce 95 percent of the beef, pork, lamb and veal products and 70 percent of the turkey products in the United States. The Institute provides legislative, regulatory, public relations, technical, scientific and educational services to the meat and poultry packing and processing industry.