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Broiler hatchery numbers stay on uptrend

The USDA’s broiler hatchery numbers continue to point to a larger supply of chicken in 2024.

247.149 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators last week, up nearly 2 million on the week and 2% above a year ago, with average hatchability declining slightly to 78.9%.

190.007 million broiler-type chicks entered into meat production, slightly more than the previous week and 1% larger than last year, with those birds heading to market in August.

The USDA’s updated 2024 and 2025 broiler production projections are out Friday.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 25.49 million eggs, compared to 25.529 million a week ago; Placements: 21.853 million head, compared to 21.521 million last week

Kentucky: Sets: 8.197 million eggs, compared to 8.219 million a week ago; Placements: 5.907 million head, compared to 5.907 million last week

Missouri: Sets: 8.775 million eggs, compared to 8.992 million a week ago; Placements: 5.844 million head, compared to 5.315 million last week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.362 million eggs, compared to 13.534 million a week ago; Placements: 12.601 million head, compared to 12.104 million last week