USDA’s latest hatchery figures continue to signal expanded broiler production in 2025 compared to 2024, reinforcing expectations of stronger demand for feed grains and potential shifts in poultry pricing.
For the most recent reporting week, 245.99 million broiler-type eggs were set in incubators. This was down 1.941 million from the previous week but 4% higher than the same week in 2024. Hatchability averaged 79.8%.
Broiler-type chick placements into meat production totaled 193.907 million, a decline of 176,000 from the prior week but up 1% from year-ago levels. Cumulative placements remain 1% ahead of the 2024 pace, underscoring steady production growth.
Rising placements suggest upward pressure on feed grain usage, particularly corn and soybean meal, which make up the bulk of broiler rations. Even modest year-over-year gains in broiler output can translate into significant increases in aggregate feed demand, given the scale of US production. This could contribute to volatility in feed markets, especially if coupled with uncertainty around the 2025 corn and soybean harvest outlook.
The USDA will issue its next annual broiler production projection on October 9, which is expected to provide further insight into supply expansion, feed utilization trends, and potential downstream impacts on wholesale poultry prices and processor margins.
