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Another week-to-week rise for broiler hatchery numbers

Broiler hatchery numbers are maintaining their faster than last year pace, pointing towards higher production in 2026.

The USDA says 251.449 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, falling 753,000 on the week, but rising 1% on the year, with average hatchability dipping to 79.1%.

194.735 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, 648,000 less than the previous week, but 1% more than a year ago, with those birds heading to market starting later this month.

Cumulative 2026 placements are 2% ahead of 2025.

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

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 27.015 million eggs, compared to 26.497 million the year before; Placements: 23.131 million head, compared to 22.026 million the prior year

Kentucky: Sets: 7.975 million eggs, compared to 7.977 million the year before; Placements: 5.76 million head, compared to 5.987 million the prior year

Missouri: Sets: 9.122 million eggs, unchanged from the year before; Placements: 5.541 million head, compared to 5.367 million the prior year

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.713 million eggs, compared to 15.412 million the year before; Placements: 13.826 million head, compared to 13.027 million the prior year