Broiler Placements Stay Ahead of 2025 Pace

The 2026 broiler hatchery pace continues to run ahead of 2025, implying a year-to-year rise in chicken production.

The USDA says 256.232 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, rising 1.994 million on the week and 2% on the year, with average hatchability holding at 79.2%.

Placements of broiler-type chicks into incubation were 198.74 million head, down 221,000 from the previous week due to lower sets earlier in June, but up 2% from a year ago.

For the year-to-date, cumulative placements remain 2% ahead of last year.

Comparisons for select states:

Arkansas: Sets: 27.116 million eggs, compared to 26.662 million the week before; Placements: 23.033 million head, compared to 22.891 million the prior week.

Kentucky: Sets: 8.144 million eggs, compared to 8.194 million the week before; Placements: 6.096 million head, compared to 5.852 million the prior week.

Missouri: Sets: 9.127 million eggs, compared to 9.159 million the week before; Placements: 5.85 million head, compared to 5.626 million the prior week.

California/Tennessee/West Virginia: Sets: 16.158 million eggs, compared to 16.083 million the week before; Placements: 14.01 million head, compared to 13.95 million the prior week.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

All these statistics simply mean more supply of broiler chickens, which could likely lead to lower prices at grocery stores and restaurants. Good news for consumers. Poultry has become a staple in many diets and is often featured on restaurant menus. Hopefully this trend will continue through 2026.

Now may be a good time to remind your entire staff to put ag customers at the top of their prospect list. Don’t overlook the opportunity to sell into a market that represents nearly a million trucks year in and year out. Statistics show that this number is consistent over time. Don’t miss out. Make sure to put that inventory on AgTruckTrader.com® today if you haven’t already done so!