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Broiler placements stay 2% ahead of the 2025 pace

Broiler hatchery numbers continue to imply more chicken in 2026. That comes as producers try to meet demand and continue to rebuild from the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in recent years.

The USDA says 255.839 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, up 56,000 on the week and 3% on the year, with average hatchability improving slightly to 79.4% of all eggs.

197.497 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, falling 1.219 million head from the previous week because of a big dip in sets in mid-June, but rising 1% from a year ago.

Year-to-date placements remain 2% ahead of the 2025 pace.

The USDA’s updated annual broiler production projection is out Friday.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 22.305 million eggs, compared to 22.671 million the prior week; Placements: 22.305 million head, compared to 22.671 million the week before

Kentucky: Sets: 8.134 million eggs, compared to 8.184 million the prior week; Placements: 6.154 million head, compared to 6.096 million the week before

Missouri: Sets: 9.072 million eggs, compared to 9.127 million the prior week; Placements: 5.724 million head, compared to 5.927 million the week before

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.867 million eggs, compared to 15.815 million the prior week; Placements: 13.078 million head, compared to 13.257 million the week before