USDA raises poultry and egg production forecasts for 2026 and 2027
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has raised its broiler, turkey and egg production forecasts for 2026 and 2027, citing increased slaughter expectations, stronger export demand and continued growth in the laying flock.
In its October World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, USDA increased its 2026 broiler and turkey production forecasts based on current slaughter, weight and hatchery data.
Egg production was also revised upward as the laying flock continues to expand.
For 2027, USDA raised its broiler and turkey production forecasts because of higher expected slaughter numbers. Egg production was increased for the first half of the year, reflecting continued growth in the laying flock.
Poultry export forecasts also increased for both years.
USDA raised its broiler export forecasts for 2026 and 2027, citing stronger-than-expected demand from Caribbean markets.
Turkey exports were also revised upward for both years, supported by the recent pace of shipments and expectations for increased domestic production.
Egg exports were lowered for 2026 based on updated trade data but remained unchanged for 2027.
Despite expectations for higher production and exports, USDA lowered its broiler price forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2026 and the second half of 2027. The revisions reflect increased domestic supplies and seasonal demand trends.
Turkey price forecasts moved in the opposite direction, with USDA raising its projections for both 2026 and 2027. The increases reflect current price strength and tight supplies of whole birds.
Egg price forecasts were lowered for the remainder of 2026 because of recent price weakness and increased production. USDA left its 2027 egg price forecast unchanged.
The revised outlook indicates increased poultry and egg production through 2027, with differing price expectations across the broiler, turkey and egg markets.
Egg Markets Overview
According to the USDA’s Egg Markets Overview on Oct. 9, In the major Midwest production region, wholesale prices for Large, white shell eggs delivered to warehouses were $0.01 lower at $0.64 per dozen with a steady undertone.
Feature activity for shell eggs at retail grocery stores was higher this week compared to a week ago. Cage-free types dominated features while conventional caged egg promotions increased. The average ad price for conventional caged eggs increased $0.07 to $1.38 per dozen.
“The inventory of shell eggs available for marketing at the start of the week was up less than 1% while the national inventory of Large class shell eggs was 1% higher,” the Overview stated. “The inventory of large shell eggs in the Midwest was 3% lower as movement into marketing channels is moderate.”
The inventory share of large class shell eggs was up 0.4% at a 47.8% share of all shell egg stocks on inventory at the start of the week, the Overview stated.
