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
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
Payment totals alone do not show financial stress — production costs and net losses complete the picture.
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
Todd Janzen with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law explains the updated ag data use agreement model and what it means for farmers and companies alike.
UT Extension also offers tips to help consumers stretch their grocery budgets, including meal planning, sticking to a shopping list, and choosing store or generic brands.
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.