News

2026 broiler placements remain faster than 2025

Hatchery numbers continue to imply increased chicken production in 2026.

The USDA says 254 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, 501,000 less than the previous week, but up 1% from a year ago, with the average rate of hatchability at 79.2%.

198.899 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, rising 480,000 on the week and 2% on the year.

For the year to date, 2026 placements remain 2% ahead of 2025.

The USDA’s updated annual broiler production projection is out July 10^th.

Arkansas: Sets: 26.662 million eggs, compared to 27.186 million the week before; Placements: 22.891 million head, compared to 22.801 million the prior week

Kentucky: Sets: 8.194 million eggs, compared to 7.88 million the week before; Placements: 5.841 million head, compared to 6 million the prior week

Missouri: Sets: 9.159 million eggs, compared to 9.174 million the week before; Placements: 5.626 million head, compared to 5.535 million the prior week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 16.033 million eggs, compared to 16.12 million the week before; Placements: 14.009 million head, compared to 14.014 million the prior week