Experts predict poultry and egg market prices for 2025 and beyond
Since the deadly United States outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in February 2022, the poultry industry has been challenged with fluctuating prices, bird losses and additional inputs. As 2024 ends, many are looking to 2025 and beyond as the U.S. Department of Agriculture has released expectations for the future of poultry and egg markets.
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, in September 2022, there were 372 million laying hens in the U.S.—a 3% decrease from the previous year. In contrast, in August 2024 the USDA reported there were 369 million laying hens. Since the disease spread to nearly every state, it has drastically affected the poultry industry, leading to the death or euthanasia of millions of laying hens.
Even though the poultry industry is the most vertically integrated business in the livestock sector, and it takes less time to rebuild poultry flocks than it does cow herds, the restoration of U.S. poultry numbers will not happen overnight.
Market expectations
The USDA’s November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report indicates broiler production will be increased based on recent hatchery data that suggests higher production during the first quarter of 2025. Egg production is expected to be lowered for the first half of 2025 due to laying hen losses from 2024. The 2025 export broiler estimates are also reduced. Turkey exports were reduced in 2024, and they are expected to remain steady in 2025.
According to the USDA, broiler production is expected to reach 47.5 billion pounds in 2025, and the broiler price forecast is $1.27 per pound. This is a 2 cent decrease from 2024.
Turkey prices are expected to decease with lower demand. Turkey prices for 2025 are expected to be $1.05 per pound.
Egg prices are tied to demand as well as inventory, which was reduced with additional outbreaks of HPAI in 2024. In a September 2024 USDA report, U.S. egg production totaled 8.92 billion, down 2% from that time the previous year. As far as egg prices go, the USDA expects 2025 egg prices to be around $1.75 per dozen.
As the poultry industry continues to recover from HPAI, it is expected to see steady growth through 2033. According to the USDA, market prices for broilers and eggs are expected to increase over the next 10 years, while turkey prices are expected to decrease.
Cases of HPAI are still being reported in backyard birds and commercial poultry operations, but USDA officials are calling the outbreaks “sporadic.” The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service continues to monitor HPAI cases, and it is working to prevent the spread of the disease.
In the U.S., poultry is the most consumed protein with broiler and turkey meat amounting to 46% of all red meat and poultry consumption in 2023. USDA officials say as long as there are no new disease outbreaks, and existing U.S. and global trade agreements continue, the future is bright for white meat.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
