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Cumulative broiler placements 2% ahead of last year

A couple of months into 2026, broiler hatchery numbers continue to point to higher production than 2025.

The USDA says 254.46 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, up 432,000 on the week and 2% on the year, with the average rate of hatchability at 78.5%.

193.977 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, jumping 1.532 million from the previous week and 2% from a year ago, with those birds heading to market starting later this month.

For the year date, placements are 2% ahead of last year’s pace.

The USDA’s updated annual broiler production projection is out on Tuesday the 10^th at Noon Eastern/11 Central.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 26.744 million eggs, compared to 26.663 million the previous week; Placements: 22.353 million head, compared to 22.118 million the week before

Kentucky: Sets: 8.154 million eggs, compared to 8.018 million the previous week; Placements: 5.924 million head, compared to 5.957 million the week before

Missouri: Sets: 9.123 million eggs, unchanged from the previous week; Placements: 5.774 million head, compared to 5.521 million the week before

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 16.016 million eggs, compared to 15.931 million the previous week; Placements: 13.989 million head, compared to 13.272 million the week before