News

Rising broiler numbers imply increased production

U.S. broiler sets and placements continue to move faster than last year, pointing to higher production in 2026 than in 2025.

The USDA says 253.971 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators, rising 1.517 million on the week and 2% on the year, with average hatchability at 79%.

196.137 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, 487,000 higher than the previous week and 3% above a year ago, with those birds heading to market starting in early March.

Cumulative 2026 placements are 2% ahead of 2025, in-line with USDA projections.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 26.994 million eggs, compared to 27.015 million the week before; Placements: 21.914 million head, compared to 23.131 million the week prior

Kentucky: Sets: 7.943 million eggs, compared to 7.975 million the week before; Placements: 6.184 million head, compared to 5.78 million the week prior

Missouri: Sets: 9.122 million eggs, unchanged from the before; Placements: 5.733 million head, compared to 5.541 million the week prior

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.731 million head, compared to 15.971 million the week before; Placements: 13.818 million head, compared to 13.743 million the week prior