News

Broiler hatchery numbers hold to uptrend

2024 broiler sets and placements remain on a faster than 2023 pace.

The USDA says 247.104 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators last week, up 1.756 million from the prior week and 3% above a year ago, with the average hatchability remaining just under 80%.

193.522 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, dipping 212,000 on the week, but rising 3% on the year, with cumulative placements running 2% ahead of last year.

Those birds will start heading to market starting in mid-winter.

The USDA’s updated annual broiler production projections are out January 10^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 25.906 million eggs, compared to 25.69 million the week before; Placements: 21.381 million head, compared to 21.414 million the prior week

Kentucky: Sets: 8.1 million eggs, compared to 7.896 million the week before; Placements: 6.343 million head, compared to 6.034 million the prior week

Missouri: Sets: 8.624 million eggs, compared to 9.157 million the week before; Placements: 5.134 million head, compared to 5.734 million the prior week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.809 million eggs, compared to 15.712 million the week before; Placements: 13.614 million head, compared to 14.043 million the prior week