Feather meal prices rallied this week, topping out at $550 per ton FOB Mid-South. Strong exports and good demand from the fertilizer sector have helped to push the market higher. January has historically been a strong month, increasing four of the last five years relative to December. February has typically slowed, up three of the last five years relative to January. 

Broiler slaughter over the next six weeks is forecast at an average of 166.7 million head per week, up 7.7 percent from the prior six week average and down 2.4 percent compared to year prior levels. The increase coming off of the holiday slowdowns is expected to add additional supply to the market. There…