The USDA’s recent World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report presents a positive outlook for U.S. poultry production in 2025, forecasting continued growth as the industry rebounds from recent challenges. Broiler production is expected to reach 47.5 billion pounds in 2025, maintaining the momentum built over previous years. This projection reflects the resilience of the poultry sector, which has navigated the effects of avian influenza and fluctuating feed costs with notable stability.
However, while production is on the rise, price forecasts for poultry products show a more nuanced picture. The USDA has slightly lowered its broiler price forecast for 2025 to $1.27 per pound, a small decline from the $1.29 per pound expected in 2024. This adjustment is attributed to stronger-than-anticipated prices through mid-2024, which led to higher-than-expected prices in the first quarter of 2025 (Zia Commodities, LLC) (USDA ERS).
In contrast, the outlook for turkey prices has been revised downward. The USDA has adjusted its 2024 forecast to 94.2 cents per pound, with prices expected to remain subdued into 2025 at $1.05 per pound. This decline reflects recent market data indicating weaker-than-expected demand and reduced pricing power in the turkey sector.
Egg prices, however, are anticipated to remain relatively high in 2024, with the USDA raising its forecast to $2.71 per dozen for the latter half of the year. This increase is driven by tighter inventories and stronger market conditions. Looking ahead to 2025, the USDA expects egg prices to moderate somewhat to $1.75 per dozen, although they will remain elevated compared to historical averages (Zia Commodities, LLC) (USDA ERS).
In summary, while the U.S. poultry industry is set for another year of production growth in 2025, price trends will vary across different products. Broiler prices are expected to ease slightly, turkey prices are projected to decline further, and egg prices will likely remain relatively high before moderating as the market stabilizes.
