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Broiler hatchery numbers hold faster than last year pace

The USDA’s broiler hatchery numbers continue to point to rising production in 2026.

254.35 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators, an increase of 993,000 on the week and 2% on the year, with average hatchability of 79.1%, generally in-line with recent weeks.

195.754 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, down 445,000 from the previous week, but up 2% from a year ago.

Those birds start heading to market in March.

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

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 26.7 million eggs, compared to 26.677 million the week before; Placements: 21.725 million head, compared to 21.84 million the prior week

Kentucky: Sets: 7.973 million eggs, compared to 7.943 million the week before; Placements: 5.903 million head, compared to 6.184 million the prior week

Missouri: Sets: 9.123 million eggs, compared to 9.122 million the week before; Placements: 6.067 million head, compared to 5.733 million the prior week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.872 million eggs, compared to 15.989 million the week before; Placements: 13.758 million head, compared to 13.384 million the prior week