Domestic Poultry Production Value Jumped Sharply in 2025

Egg production accounted for much of the increase.

Indoors chicken farm, chicken feeding

davit85 – stock.adobe.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — U.S. poultry production value rose sharply in 2025, driven mainly by stronger egg and turkey returns. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said the combined value of broilers, eggs, turkeys, and chicken sales reached $81.7 billion, up 16 percent from $70.3 billion in 2024.

Eggs accounted for much of the increase. USDA said egg production value climbed 49 percent to $31.5 billion, even though output fell 4 percent to 105 billion eggs. That shows price strength more than made up for reduced production.

Turkey’s value also moved sharply higher. Production value rose 51 percent to $5.58 billion, while the number of turkeys raised fell 3 percent and total turkey production dropped 5 percent to 6.22 billion pounds.

Broilers remained the largest part of the poultry sector. USDA said broiler value slipped 2 percent to $44.6 billion, even as the number of broilers produced rose 1 percent and liveweight production increased 2 percent to 62.2 billion pounds.

Chicken sales outside broilers accounted for a very small share of total sales and fell sharply. The broader report still showed poultry returns improved overall in 2025 despite mixed output trends across categories.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher egg and turkey values lifted overall poultry returns even as production trends stayed mixed.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
Strong blending demand continues to support ethanol use even as production and exports fluctuate.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
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.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
Stronger U.S.-Guatemala trade rules favor dependable, regionally integrated supply chains — rewarding execution and commitment over cost-only sourcing.
China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.
Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.