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.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Bigger flocks are rebuilding egg and poultry supply.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
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.
The Texas Department of Agriculture confirmed a New World Screwworm case about 119 miles from the Texas border, near Zapata, Texas, and north and west of the Rio Grande Valley.
Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.
April 30, 2026 05:12 PM
·
Beef is leading the decline as slaughter drops and supplies tighten.
April 30, 2026 05:01 PM
·
Chad Fiechter joins us to discuss Purdue’s precision ag study, challenges in capturing value from technology, and what farmers should consider when investing in and adopting these tools.
April 30, 2026 04:40 PM
·
Ethanol demand held together last week, but lower production and thinner stocks put more focus on export strength. Production capacity is also strengthening over time and benefiting soybean farmers.
April 30, 2026 01:38 PM
·
John Mays with Central Life Sciences joins us to discuss the importance of pest management ahead of wheat storage and how protecting grain quality can support stronger marketing opportunities.
April 29, 2026 03:18 PM
·
