Georgia Dock chicken index suspended, not enough data

The benchmark chicken price index known as “Georgia Dock” did not publish prices to its website on Wednesday (Nov. 30). The Georgia Department of Agriculture said the “Georgia Dock Price will not be reported this week due to an insufficient supply of data.”

Georgia Dock officials had warned that poultry companies must submit price affidavits to the agency by Tuesday (Nov. 29). The agency said not enough companies participated which led to the index suspension. Department spokeswoman Julie McPeake explained that at least half of the nine companies that compose the index are needed for an accurate index report and less than that submitted the sworn pricing affidavits by the deadline.

Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride and Sanderson Farms, three of the four largest chicken companies and all part of the index each indicated they would sign the affidavits, though it’s not clear if they each did so ahead of the recent deadline.

Georgia Dock officials said they understand some companies may need additional time to process the new requirements.