News

USDA reports big weekly rise in broiler sets

Broiler numbers were generally up over the past week.

The USDA says 249.839 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, up 2.535 million on the week as high temperatures in some areas continue to ease, improving laying efficiency, and 3% on the year thanks to an overall larger number of laying hens.

Placements of broiler-type chicks into meat production were 193.295 million head, 1.213 million less than the previous week, but slightly more than last year.

Those birds will start heading to market late next month.

Cumulative 2026 placements remain 2% ahead of 2025, pointing towards higher production as the industry tries to meet demand.

The USDA’s updated annual egg and broiler production estimates are out October 9^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 26.101 million eggs, compared to 25.683 million the prior week; Placements: 21.267 million head, compared to 21.792 million the week before

Kentucky: Sets: 7.837 million eggs, compared to 7.71 million the prior week; Placements: 5.959 million head, compared to 5.945 million the week before

Missouri: Sets: 8.669 million eggs, compared to 8.693 million the prior week; Placements: 5.608 million head, compared to 5.69 million the week before

California/Tennessee/West Viriginia: Sets: 16.112 million eggs, compared to 15.703 million the prior week; Placements: 13.479 million head, compared to 13.834 million the week before