Forecast - Lower egg prices, more chickens in 2024

Feb 22, 2024

By Farms.com

In its eagerly anticipated Chickens and Eggs report, the USDA presents a forecast that spells good news for the poultry industry in 2024. The report predicts a 1.4% rise in egg production, totaling 96 billion eggs, alongside a modest 1% increase in the chicken population, underscoring a potential for growth amidst the agricultural sector's broader struggles.

This positive outlook arrives as the industry grapples with decreasing farm numbers and challenges such as the effects of high path avian influenza, which continues to impact poultry. Despite these obstacles, poultry stands out for its growth potential, contrasting with shrinking inventories in other protein sectors.

With egg prices expected to drop to an average of $1.83 per dozen, consumers may find some relief at the grocery store. This forecast is crucial for market analysis and strategic planning, especially given the forthcoming farm bill, which aims to bolster the agricultural sector's resilience by providing crucial support to farmers.

The significance of sustaining the agricultural industry cannot be overstated, with the report and the 2022 Census of Agriculture emphasizing the need for policies that ensure the continuity and prosperity of farming.

As the sector faces transformative challenges, the focus on securing a stable, affordable food supply through the farm bill and other measures is vital for both the national economy and global food security.

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.