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
Strong consumer demand supports livestock market outlook.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses a new rail antitrust case in Kansas and its potential implications for farmers as rail upgrades signal continued export-driven demand for logistics.
Surging energy markets are quickly becoming a cost story for U.S. agriculture as crude oil climbs on supply fears tied to the Middle East conflict.
Logistics remain firm, but freight costs continue to rise.
Strong corn demand and cotton shipments support export outlook.
New research shows that most farmers do not have a formal resiliency plan in place. Devin Fuhrman highlights how Nationwide’s Farm Risk Ready initiative supports farmers in building stronger, more resilient operations.

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:

Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
Fed cattle numbers are down two percent in February, according to the latest USDA report. Marketings fell 13 percent, signaling continued pressure on beef prices in 2026.
Galynn Beer of Tidal Grow Agri-Science joined us to discuss challenges in fertility management, the benefits of Align-N, and what growers can expect at Commodity Classic next week.
Iowa farmer Derek Hommer joined us to discuss grain bin safety, ongoing prevention efforts, and the importance of community preparedness during Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week.
Congresswoman Celeste Maloy of Utah joins Champions of Rural America to discuss her new leadership role in the Western Caucus and her perspective on the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s tariff policy.
National FFA Secretary Lilly Nyland talks about the significance of National FFA Week, member engagement, and the influence FFA continues to have on students nationwide.