A chicken recovery?

In trying to figure out the state of the economy, we analysts tend to look for lots of data. Not necessarily just systematic data, like figures on employment or housing (those are a given), but also anecdotal data which may provide economic insight or at least food for thought. Yesterday, an odd headline caught me eye. A good place to gauge the economy is by watching food sales- a fairly real time indicator.

Tyson Foods, the giant $27 billion processor of chicken, beef and pork and derivative products released quarterly earnings after which the stock traded down sharply in an otherwise bullish tape. When the economy improves, or at least bottoms out, companies like Tyson normally see improved pricing and demand. This is generally true of most food stuffs. Nonetheless, the CEO said (as always, emphasis is mine)