News

Broiler sets, placements higher than prior year

Broiler hatchery numbers were up on the year for the second week in a row.

The USDA says 246.921 million broiler type eggs were set into incubators last week, an increase of 2.412 million from the previous week and 2% from a year ago, a sign some producers are trying to expand production.

The average hatchability rate remained around 79%.

Placements of broiler type chicks into the meat production system were 189.769 million head, 428,000 lower than the week before, but 2% higher than a year ago, heading to market starting in early to mid-June.

The USDA expects 2024 broiler production to be 47.1 billion pounds, with the next update scheduled for May 10^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 25.727 million eggs, compared to 25.284 million a week ago; Placements: 20.329 million head, compared to 21.69 million last week

Kentucky: Sets: 8.128 million eggs, compared to 8.105 million a week ago; Placements: 5.996 million head, compared to 6.07 million last week

Missouri: Sets: 8.99 million eggs, compared to 8.981 million a week ago; Placements: 5.529 million head, compared to 5.122 million last week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 13.9 million eggs, compared to 13.99 million a week ago; Placements: 13.207 million head, compared to 11.597 million last week