Broiler Hatchery Trends Point to Increased U.S. Chicken Production in 2025

Sep 22, 2025

Broiler hatchery numbers continue to point towards bigger production in 2025 vs 2024. The USDA says 245.99 million broiler-type eggs were in incubation, falling 1.941 million on the week, but rising 4% on the year, with the average rate of hatchability at 79.8%.

193.907 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, down 176,000 from the previous week, but up 1% from a year ago, with cumulative placements staying 1% ahead of last year’s pace. The USDA’s next annual broiler production projection will be released on October 9^th.

Comparisons for selected states:

Arkansas: Sets: 25.191 million eggs, compared to 25.962 million the week before; Placements: 21.498 million head, compared to 21.307 million the prior week

Kentucky: Sets: 8.004 million eggs, compared to 7.962 million the week before; Placements: 5.985 million head, compared to 6.064 million the prior week

Missouri: Sets: 8.915 million eggs, compared to 9.187 million the week before; Placements: 5.392 million head, compared to 5.949 million the prior week

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 15.93 million eggs, compared to 15.904 million the week before; Placements: 13.957 million head, compared to 14.097 million the prior week

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Given the number of flocks that were devastated during the height of the bird flu epidemic, it is good news to see replacement numbers rising. Demand for poultry products has continued to be strong and this increased production will be welcome news for consumers. It is also favorable for poultry producers who have been quietly working through the havoc caused by the virus that ravaged their flocks.

It appears poultry production is normalizing and that producers will be content to take a slow measured approach to rebuilding supply. That said, don’t underestimate their ability to purchase or lease one or more of those trucks on your lot. Put poultry producers on your customer prospect list and your inventory on AgTruckTrader.com®.