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Broiler hatchery numbers continue year-over-year rise

U.S. broiler hatchery numbers had another round of year-to-year gains last week.

The USDA says 251.452 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, a rise of 992,000 on the week and 3% on the year, with the average hatchability at 78.7%.

That continues to imply increased production in 2025.

190.641 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, up 455,000 from the previous week and 2% from last year, with those birds heading to market in early April. Cumulative placements are 3% ahead of a year ago.

The USDA’s updated annual broiler production numbers are out Tuesday, March 11^th at Noon Eastern/11 Central.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 27.21 million eggs, compared to 26.649 million the week before; Placements: 21.565 million head, compared to 21.952 million the prior week

Kentucky: Sets: 34.364 million eggs, compared to 34.486 million the week before; Placements: 5.663 million head, compared to 5.86 million the prior week

Missouri: Sets: 9.013 million eggs, compared to 8.903 million the week before; Placements: 5.514 million head, compared to 5.956 million the prior week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 16.112 million eggs, compared to 15.981 million the year before; Placements: 14.242 million head, compared to 13.423 million the prior week