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.
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.
January 26, 2026 03:00 PM
·
A mid-January winter storm delivered snow, ice, and extreme cold to a broad swath of the U.S., disrupting transportation, stressing livestock systems, and adding cost and complexity to winter farm operations as producers look toward spring.
January 26, 2026 01:10 PM
·
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
January 26, 2026 11:19 AM
·
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
January 26, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
·
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.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
·
