CoBank: Opportunities for Increasing Broiler Output Narrowing

Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — New challenges could limit the broiler industry’s ability to maintain recent production growth, even as consumer demand for chicken continues to rise. A new report from CoBank notes that while chicken demand has been on a decades-long upward trend, opportunities to increase output are becoming more constrained.

Brian Earnest, animal protein economist with CoBank, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the findings.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Earnest outlined what has driven long-term growth in consumer demand for chicken and how the broiler industry has historically kept pace with that demand. He also addressed concerns about the obstacles the industry may face if demand continues to climb, particularly in expanding production.

Earnest also touched on whether value-added products, such as chicken strips and nuggets, will remain a key growth area for chicken sales going forward.

Related Stories
Record pace corn exports are helping stabilize prices despite softer global grain production and ongoing supply competition.
Broader export demand helps stabilize prices and supports stronger marketing opportunities over time.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.
Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
Producers across the country balanced winter weather disruptions, shifting export demand, and tightening margins as year-end decisions come into focus.
Stronger rail movement and lower fuel prices are easing logistics, even as export pace and river conditions remain uneven.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Traders are keeping a close eye on China’s soybean purchases as markets track export sales, shipments, and progress toward the ‘magical’ 12 million ton target promised last year.
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.