News

USDA reports big week-to-week surges in broiler sets, placements

Broiler sets and placements remain aggressive as 2025 draws to a close.

The USDA says 251.382 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, rising 3.419 million on the week and 1% on the year, with average hatchability of 79.8%.

Placements of broiler-type chicks into meat production were 196.616 million head, up 1.009 million from the previous week and 1% from a year ago, with those birds heading to market next month.

Cumulative 2025 placements remain 1% ahead of 2024.

The USDA’s updated annual broiler production projection is out January 12^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 26.062 million eggs, compared to 25.753 million the year before; Placements: 22.318 million head, compared to 22.897 million the year prior

Kentucky: Sets: 7.97 million eggs, compared to 7.74 million the year before; Placements: 5.927 million head, compared to 6.044 million the year prior

Missouri: Sets: 9.218 million eggs, compared to 9.203 million the year before; Placements: 5.824 million head, compared to 5.305 million the year prior

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.955 million eggs, compared to 15.274 million the year before; Placements: 14.519 million head, compared to 13.751 million the year prior