January 26, 2024

US egg production shows growth in December 2023

In a recent report, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed a surge in US egg production for December 2023, signalling an imminent increase in short-term table egg supplies while indicating a tightening in broiler chicken numbers, Brownfield Ag News reported.

According to the USDA data, December 2023 witnessed the production of 9.54 billion eggs, marking a 3% rise from the figures reported in December 2022. This included over 8 billion market and table eggs, along with 1.3 billion hatching eggs.

Within the hatching eggs category, the production of broiler-type chicks totalled 849 million, experiencing a slight 1% dip compared to the previous year. The number of chicks in incubators remained marginally below the figures recorded a year ago.

The report highlighted a 4% decline in December 2023 placements by breeders of broiler-type chicks for future hatchery supplies, hinting at potential tighter supplies in the upcoming months.

Egg-type chicks hatched saw a decrease of 3%, with 48.4 million head, despite a 3% increase in the number of eggs in incubation. Breeders placed 219,000 egg-type pullets for future hatchery supplies, marking a 1% increase from the previous year.

As of January 1, 2024, the number of laying hens in the US reached 379 million head, reflecting a 1% increase. The majority of these hens were laying for market and table eggs, with the lay rate showing a 2% rise.

The USDA's next annual broiler and egg production report is scheduled for release on February 8, 2024.

-        Brownfield Ag News