USDA: Poultry production expectations raised for 2027
United States chicken and turkey farmers are expected to increase production in 2027, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.
Total U.S. red meat and poultry production was expected to increase, although that is landing primarily on pork and poultry sectors as the beef complex continues its rebuild. Broiler production was forecast above 2026 as producers respond to favorable margins and strong domestic demand.
The latest projections call for 49,600 million pounds in 2027, which is up from 49,146 million pounds that were projected for 2026. Turkey production also was forecast to increase for the second straight year on improving producer returns. Production for 2027 is estimated at 5,140 million pounds. In 2026 USDA estimated production at 5,055 million pounds.
Egg production was forecast higher, too. Production is estimated at 9,330 million dozen eggs for 2027. In 2026, egg production was estimated at 9,120 million dozen eggs.
The broiler production forecast was increased on official production data reported through March and on recent slaughter and hatchery data indicating higher production for the second and third quarters. The turkey production forecast was also raised. Egg production for 2026 was lowered on reductions to the laying flock based on recent hatchery data.
Broiler and turkey exports are forecast lower on increased global competition. Broiler and turkey exports are adjusted slightly, with broiler exports slightly lowered in the second quarter on recent trade data.
For 2027, turkey prices are forecast lower with increased production. The price was estimated at 130 cents per pound for 2027, compared to 160 cents per pound for 2026.
Meanwhile, broiler prices are forecast higher at 124 cents per pound in 2027 compared to 121.9 cents per pound for 2026. The numbers were based on supportive demand, the USDA said. Egg prices were forecast higher on improved demand at 110 cents per dozen for 2027, which is up from 97.6 cents per dozen for 2026.
In the latest USDA Egg Markets Overview, In the major Midwest production region, wholesale prices for large, white shell eggs delivered to warehouses remain were higher at $0.59 per dozen with a steady to instances of firm undertones as did the price to producers for large cartoned shell eggs at $0.42 per dozen.
“The inventory of shell eggs available for marketing at the start of the week decreased 8%, while the national inventory of Large class shell eggs was down 13%,” the report said. “The inventory of large shell eggs in the Midwest was down 25% as movement into marketing channels remains slow.” The average national wholesale price for breaking stock was higher at $0.1488 per dozen with a mostly steady undertone.
No new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza were reported this week, marking seven weeks since the last significant outbreak. In 2026 to date, based on the latest data from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, HPAI in commercial table egg layer flocks has resulted in the depopulation of 15.2 million birds in 24 confirmed outbreaks in five states—Colorado, Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected]
