Poultry and egg production poised for stability
Poultry and egg production this past year was estimated to be lower in comparison to 2026, according to the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report.
The report, issued Jan. 12, estimated broiler production at about 48.6 million pounds compared to 48 million pounds in 2025. WASDE is a product of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Turkey production was projected at just under 5 million pounds, which was slightly up from 2025. Egg production was estimated at about 9.2 million dozen eggs in 2026, which was much higher than the projected 8.6 million dozen eggs in 2025.
For 2026, broiler and turkey production was raised on recent production and hatchery data. Egg production was lowered for the first and second quarters on layer inventory data through Dec. 1, but was still up in comparison to a year ago.
Broiler prices were unchanged. Turkey prices were raised as higher prices in 2025 carried over into 2026. Egg prices were reduced on recent price declines.
Prices for the first quarter of 2026 for broilers and turkeys were estimated at 120 and 160 cents a pound, respectively, and for eggs were estimated at 120 cents per dozen. A year ago, the price was 675.3 cents a dozen, which occurred during the height of the highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Egg market
According to the USDA’s Egg Market Overview, wholesale prices for national trading of trucklot quantities of graded, loose, white large shell eggs decreased $0.23 to $0.36 per dozen with a weak undertone. The overview, issued Jan. 9, noted the wholesale price on the New York market for formula trading of large cartoned shell eggs delivered to retailers declined $0.26 to $0.74 per dozen with a weak undertone.
In the major Midwest production region, wholesale prices for large, white, shell eggs delivered to warehouses entered the week down $0.18 to $0.93 per dozen with a lower undertone while the price to producers for large cartoned shell eggs was down to $0.75 per dozen.
Cage-free stock accounted for 38% of eggs processed the previous week. Production of whole egg increased 9% while production of whites was down a half percent and yolks down 3%. Dried egg production increased 12.5% and production of inedible egg rose 4%.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
