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Broiler placements hold faster than last year pace

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

254.134 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation last week, 267,000 less than the previous week, but 2% more than a year ago, even as the average rate of hatchability declined slightly to 79.1%.

194.392 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, down 115,000 on the week, but up 1% on the year, with cumulative 2026 placements staying 2% ahead of 2025.

Those birds will start heading to market late this month.

The USDA will update their annual broiler production outlook August 12^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 26.566 million eggs, compared to 26.698 million the week before; Placements: 21.863 million head, compared to 21.445 million the prior week

Kentucky: Sets: 8.052 million eggs, compared to 7.915 million the week before; Placements: 5.91 million head, compared to 5.789 million the prior week

Missouri: Sets: 9.01 million eggs, compared to 9.055 million the week before; Placements: 5.64 million head, compared to 5.535 million the prior week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 16.015 million eggs, compared to 16.124 million the week before; Placements: 12.866 million head, compared to 12.76 million the prior week