WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. egg production moved higher in February as layer numbers continued rebuilding, pointing to improving supply after last year’s disruptions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) latest chickens and eggs report (PDF Version) shows both table egg and hatchery production increasing due to a larger national poultry flock.
Total February egg production reached 8.36 billion eggs, up 5 percent from a year ago. That included 7.17 billion table eggs and 1.19 billion hatching eggs. USDA said the average number of layers during the month rose to 379 million, also up 5 percent, while production per 100 layers slipped slightly from last year.
The bigger story is flock growth. Layers on hand March 1 totaled 382 million, up 7 percent from a year earlier. That suggests supply recovery is being driven more by bird numbers than stronger laying rates, which could help ease pressure in egg markets if the trend holds.
Broiler-side numbers also stayed firm, with 798 million broiler chicks hatched, up 2 percent, while egg-type chicks hatched fell 5 percent.
The USDA’s data points to a poultry sector still rebuilding capacity, with larger flocks likely to keep expanding egg and chicken supplies into spring.
