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.
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
January 23, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
January 22, 2026 06:34 PM
·
Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
January 22, 2026 06:25 PM
·
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
·
