News

Broiler placements down on week, up on year

USDA broiler hatchery data continues to imply higher production this year than last year.

The USDA says 251.544 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation last week, rising 1.083 million from the previous week and 1% from a year ago, with average hatchability improving slightly to 79.2%.

193.276 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, down 473,000 on the week, but up 1% on the year, with the 2025 pace remaining 1% ahead of 2024.

Those chickens will start heading to market in early summer.

The USDA’s updated annual broiler production projection is out June 12^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 26.643 million eggs, compared to 26.604 million the week before; Placements: 22.159 million head, compared to 21.225 million the prior week

Kentucky: Sets: 7.92 million eggs, compared to 7.998 million the week before; Placements: 5.818 million head, compared to 6.115 million the prior week

Missouri: Sets: 9.176 million eggs, compared to 9.196 million the week before; Placements: 5.564 million head, compared to 6.462 million the prior week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 16.216 million eggs, compared to 16.006 million the week before; Placements: 14.103 million head, compared to 14.028 million the prior week