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Broiler sets up week-to-week as placements dip

Broiler numbers were mixed on the week, still pointing to a year-over-year rise in production.

The USDA says 247.786 million broiler-type eggs went into incubation, an increase of 2.564 million on the week as temperatures in some areas eased, supporting laying efficiency, and up 2% on the year thanks to the larger overall number of laying hens.

194.595 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, falling 327,000 from the previous week because of lower sets earlier in the month, and slightly below a year ago.

Even with that week-to-week decline, cumulative 2026 placements are 2% ahead of 2025.

The USDA’s updated annual egg and broiler production projections are out October 9^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 25.747 million eggs, compared to 25.602 million the week before; Placements: 21.712 million head, compared to 21.791 million the prior week

Kentucky: Sets: 7.71 million eggs, compared to 7.737 million the week before; Placements: 5.945 million head, compared to 5.814 million the prior week

Missouri: Sets: 8.693 million eggs, compared to 8.63 million the week before; Placements: 5.69 million head, compared to 4.844 million the prior week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.726 million eggs, compared to 15.715 million the week before; Placements: 13.834 million head, compared to 14.049 million the prior week