News

Broiler numbers stay below a year ago

Broiler hatchery numbers continue to point to tighter chicken supplies in early 2024.

The USDA says 231.052 million eggs were placed into incubators last week, 4% below a year ago, while the average hatchability improved slightly, remaining around 80%.

184.577 million chicks were moved into meat production, 3% under last year, with cumulative placements for the year to date 1% behind 2022.

The USDA is projecting higher broiler production in 2024 with the next estimate out January 12^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 24.131 million eggs, compared to 24.363 million a week ago; Placements: 21.785 million head, compared to 21.18 million last week

Kentucky: Sets: 6.625 million eggs, compared to 6.781 million a week ago; Placements: 5.095 million head, compared to 5.076 million last week

Missouri: Sets: 8.469 million eggs, compared to 8.844 million a week ago; Placements: 4.568 million head, compared 5.403 million last week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 13.336 million eggs, compared to 14.435 million a week ago; Placements: 12.071 million head, compared to 11.197 million last week