News

Modestly higher broiler set, placement trend continues

U.S. broiler sets and placements continued their faster than 2023 pace last week.

The USDA says there were 244.765 million eggs in incubators, slightly lower than the previous week, but up 1% from last year, with average hatchability improving slightly, while remaining around 79%.

188.807 million chicks entered meat production, also a little bit lower than the prior week but modestly higher than a year ago, implying a larger supply when those birds head to market this summer.

The USDA’s next round of annual broiler production projections is out June 12^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 25.507 million eggs, compared to 25.399 million a week ago; Placements: 22.817 million head, compared to 31.034 million last week

Kentucky: Sets: 8.055 million eggs, compared to 8.092 million a week ago; Placements: 6.088 million head, compared to 5.895 million last week

Missouri: Sets: 8.721 million eggs, compared to 8.857 million a week ago; Placements: 5.103 million head, compared to 6.446 million last week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 13.283 million eggs, compared to 13.547 million a week ago; Placements: 11.538 million head, compared to 11.449 million last week