Higher chick placements and heavier birds lifted chicken meat output
U.S. chicken production recorded solid growth during 2025 as poultry companies responded to strong market conditions. More eggs were set for broiler grow out, leading to increased chick placements and higher meat output.
Eggs set for broiler production were up by one percent compared to the previous year. This increase resulted in more chicks being placed on farms. More birds also reached market weight successfully, which caused broiler slaughter to rise by 2.1 percent. In addition, birds were heavier than the year before. Average weights increased by 1.2 percent. These combined factors lifted total broiler production by 3.3 percent in 2025.
Strong profits encouraged higher production early in the year. High chicken prices and lower feed costs supported producer returns. The broiler cutout value, which measures the combined value of wholesale chicken parts, rose sharply. It climbed from 85 cents per pound in January to a peak of $1.07 per pound in May. This was much higher than the five-year average.
However, prices declined later in the year. By the end of December, the broiler cutout value dropped to 63 cents per pound. Breast meat prices fell from a midyear high of $2.77 per pound to $1.16 per pound. Leg meat also declined from 90 cents to 59 cents per pound. Chicken wing prices followed a similar pattern, falling to 98 cents per pound by the end of the year.
Looking ahead to 2026, the poultry industry faces both risks and opportunities. Lower prices may reduce profits, while highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to affect some farms. At the same time, chicken demand remains strong because chicken remains more affordable than beef. Egg sets and chick placements increased again in December 2025, showing that more chicken production is expected in early 2026.
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