Higher feed prices take a big toll on Georgia chicken farmers
(AP) -- Georgia poultry farmers are waiting to see whether they will have any chickens to raise at the end of the year.
Chicken producers are reeling from last summer's spike in corn prices - up to $7.50 a bushel. The University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development says record prices for diesel fuel aren't helping and consumers aren't eating out as much. As a result, many producers are cutting back. Pilgrim's Pride, out of Pittsburg, Texas, will end nightshift chicken production in Athens starting Feb. 9.
It will leave up to 90 unemployed and cut ties with 10 percent of their Georgia chicken producers.
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