The USDA reports that both the hatching of broiler-type chicks and their subsequent placement into meat production experienced a 1% decline from 2022, with totals reaching 9.93 billion and 9.68 billion head, respectively.
Despite this, there appears to be potential for growth this year, as the placements of intended pullets for future domestic hatchery supply flocks increased by 5% to 103 million head.
In contrast, the number of egg-type chicks saw a 2% rise, reaching 638 million head. However, intended placements dipped by 2% to 2.71 million head, suggesting some degree of contraction in this sector.
Turkey poults hatched decreased by 1% to 271 million, while net placements for meat production remained slightly lower compared to the previous year, totaling 253 million head.
At the onset of 2024, the capacity of chicken hatcheries increased by 1% compared to the beginning of 2023, while turkey capacity experienced a 2% reduction.
The USDA is set to release its annual poultry production projections on April 11th.
