News

Broiler sets, placements above year ago levels

All signs continue to point to a year-over-year expansion in U.S. chicken production.

The USDA says 254.005 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators, down 500,000 on the week, but up 1% on the year, with average hatchability 79.3% of all eggs.

195.709 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, falling 1.419 million from the previous week due to a decline in sets in some states in mid-June, but rising 1% above a year ago.

Those birds will start heading to market in early August.

Cumulative 2026 placements remain 2% ahead of 2025.

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

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 26.765 million eggs, compared to 26.926 million the week before; Placements: 21.975 million head, compared to 22.266 million the prior week

Kentucky: Sets: 8.102 million eggs, compared to 8.134 million the week before; Placements: 5.771 million head, compared to 6.134 million the prior week

Missouri: Sets: 8.687 million eggs, compared to 9.072 million the week before; Placements: 5 million head, compared to 5.623 million the prior week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.521 million eggs, compared to 14.748 million the week before; Placements: 13.075 million head, compared to 13.077 million the prior week