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U.S. broiler sets, placements stay ahead of last year

Broiler hatchery numbers continued their faster than a year ago pace as the industry continues to try to meet demand.

The USDA says 250.381 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators, down 591,000 on the week with laying at least somewhat impacted by high temperatures, but up slightly on the year.

196.571 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production rising 759,000 from the previous week and 2% from last year.

Cumulative 2026 placements are 2% ahead of 2025.

Those birds will start heading to market in mid-September.

The USDA’s next round of annual broiler production projections is out September 11^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 26.284 million eggs, compared to 26.131 million the week before; Placements: 22.009 million head, compared to 22.422 million the week prior

Kentucky: Sets: 7.72 million eggs, compared to 7.828 million the week before; Placements: 5.858 million head, compared to 5.819 million the week prior

Missouri: Sets: 9.072 million eggs, unchanged from the week before; Placements: 6.033 million head, compared to 5.588 million the week prior

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.859 million eggs, compared to 15.828 million the week before; Placements: 13.187 million head, compared to 13.984 million the week prior