2026 broiler hatchery numbers continue to surpass the 2025 pace, pointing to a year-to-year rise in chicken production.
The USDA says 253.405 million broiler-type eggs were in incubation, an increase of 1.856 million on the week and 2% on the year, with average hatchability at 79.6%.
196.431 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, up 433,000 from the previous week and 3% from a year ago, with those birds heading to market starting in mid-February.
The USDA’s updated annual broiler production projection is out February 10th.
Comparisons for Brownfield states:
Arkansas: Sets: 26.209 million eggs, compared to 26.159 million the week before; Placements: 23.283 million head, compared to 21.83 million the prior week
Kentucky: Sets: 8.063 million eggs, compared to 8.053 million the week before; Placements: 5.904 million head, compared to 6.053 million the prior week
Missouri: Sets: 9.091 million eggs, compared to 9.114 million the week before; Placements: 5.774 million head, compared to 5.998 million the prior week
California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.953 million eggs, compared to 16.081 million the week before; Placements: 15.122 million head, compared to 13.262 million the prior week
