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USDA reports mixed broiler hatchery trends as egg sets rise on week, but slip on year

U.S. broiler hatchery numbers are continuing their recent mixed trend.

Part of the week-to-week and year-to-year changes can be linked to the seasonal rise in reports of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, in addition to producers trying to adjust their flocks to meet demand.

The USDA says 249.787 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators last week, rising 1.048 million from the previous week, but falling 1% from a year ago, as average hatchability tightened fractionally to 79.7%.

190.573 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, down 561,000 on the week, but up 1% on the year.

Cumulative 2025 placements remain 1% ahead of 2024.

The USDA’s updated annual broiler production guess is out December 9^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: Sets: 25.68 million eggs, compared to 25.632 million the prior year; Placements: 21.684 million head, compared to 22.158 million the year before

Kentucky: Sets: 7.828 million eggs, compared to 7.802 million the prior year; Placements: 5.82 million head, compared to 5.776 million the year before

Missouri: Sets: 9.202 million eggs, compared to 8.713 million the year prior; Placements: 5.485 million head, compared to 5.437 million the year before

California/Tennessee/Wisconsin: Sets: 16.263 million eggs, compared to 16.306 million the year prior; Placements: 13.588 million head, compared to 14.418 million the year before