U.S. egg production declined during December.
The USDA says 9.12 billion eggs were produced during the last month of 2024, falling 3% from December 2023, at least partially because of culling due to highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The number of layers fell 3% to 372.59 million head with the rate of production per 100 layers down 1% on the year at an average of 2,448.
The number of egg-type chicks hatched was 1% less than the previous year, with placements for future flocks declining 2%, and while the number of broiler-type chicks hatched was 3% higher, placements were 5% lower.
The USDA recently cut its 2025 egg production estimate because of HPAI related impact, with the next projection out February 11th.
