WASDE slices poultry and egg production in August report
Overall poultry and egg production was reduced from the previous month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report issued Aug. 12.
Broiler production did show an increase reflecting reports and hatchery data; however, turkey production was lowered as was egg production, both of which were indicated in recent hatchery data.
Overall boiler and turkey production was raised for the year based on lower feed costs and supportive demand due to tighter red meat supplies, the report indicated. Egg production forecasts were unchanged from the previous month.
Based on August projections, broiler production on an annual basis was estimated at 47,762 million pounds, which was up from 47,690 million pounds in the July projection. In August 2026, the estimate production calls for 48,150 million pounds, which was similar to a month ago.
Turkey production on an annual basis was estimated at 4,791 million pounds, which was nearly identical to the previous month. A year from now, WASDE expects production on an annual basis to be 5.12 million pounds.
Egg production on an annual basis in August was estimated at 8,587 million dozen eggs, which was similar to a month ago. The August 2026 annual projection estimates 9,175 million eggs.
Exports and price forecasts
The broiler export forecast was raised for 2025 based on data through June and was unchanged for 2026. The turkey export forecast for 2025 was raised on data through June and higher exports for the third quarter. The 2026 turkey export forecast was unchanged.
The broiler export picture was estimated at 6,481 million pounds for August 2025. The turkey export was 412 million pounds.
As a response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza, the USDA announced earlier this year it would allow a greater importation of eggs to meet consumer needs and budgets this year, and WASDE noted the country imported 129.1 million dozen eggs on an annual basis in its most recent report. Next year at this time WASDE expects imports to be 70 million dozen eggs.
Broiler price forecasts for 2025 were reduced for the second half of the year based on recent price declines through early August, with reduced prices carrying into next year. Broiler prices were estimated at 131.2 cents per pound, which was 2.7 cents per pound lower than the previous month. The price in the first quarter is estimated to be 133 cents a pound.
Turkey prices were raised for the second half of 2025 and 2026 based on recent price strength and support from tight supplies of red meat. The price was at 127.3 cents a pound, which was nearly 9 cents a pound higher than the previous month although first quarter estimate for 2026 is for 125 cents per pound.
The egg price forecast for 2025 was reduced on lower fourth-quarter prices reflecting recent prices and improved shell egg inventories. The egg price forecast in 2026 was unchanged.
The price for eggs in August was projected at 412.4 cents per dozen, which was about 1.3 cents per dozen lower than in July. The price for the first quarter of 2026 was estimated at 250 cents a dozen.
Egg market report
The USDA’s Egg Markets Overview report issued Aug. 8, stated the wholesale prices for national trading of truck lot quantities of graded, loose, white large shell eggs decreased 46 cents to $2.46 per dozen. In the major Midwest production region, wholesale prices for large, white shell eggs delivered to warehouses decreased 9 cents to $3.50 per dozen with a weak overtone noted.
Shell egg demand continues to struggle into early August, as the report noted consumers have yet to fully adjust to current retail price levels and while grocers have been offering some relatively attractive price levels with advertising, the week-to-week consistency has been lacking leading to an “in-and-out” buying pattern by consumers. The report does expect demand to increase as a new school year approaches.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
