Egg Output Declines as U.S. Layer Flock Contracts

Smaller flocks and lower lay rates are pressuring table egg supplies, even as hatchery activity edges higher.

Carol_Ann_Sayle_05_27_16_USA_TX_Boggy_Creek_Farm_014.jpg

FarmHER, Inc.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monthly Chickens and Eggs Report showed lower egg production in August as flock numbers continued to shrink.

Total U.S. output reached 8.89 billion eggs, down two percent from last year. Of that, 7.59 billion were table eggs and 1.30 billion were hatching eggs, including 1.19 billion broiler-type and 118 million egg-type.

The average number of layers in August was 364 million, one percent below a year ago, while production-per-100 layers fell one percent to 2,444 eggs.

As of September 1, the nation’s flock totaled 366 million layers, representing a one-percent decrease year-over-year. The flock included 301 million table egg layers, 59.9 million producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 4.65 million producing egg-type hatching eggs. The daily lay rate decreased to 78.6 eggs per 100 layers, also representing a one percent decline.

On the hatching side, egg-type chicks totaled 57.4 million in August, up five percent from last year, while broiler-type chicks reached 879 million, up slightly.

Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas remain the top five states in egg production.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Smaller flocks and lower lay rates are pressuring table egg supplies, even as hatchery activity edges higher.
Related Stories
Lower inventories and cautious farrowing plans suggest tighter hog supplies into 2026, keeping producer margins sensitive to demand trends and health risks.
Listen to Alex’s Dirt Diaries episode today on all podcast platforms or tune into Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147 to listen, weekends at 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET.
Bird owners are urged to practice strong biosecurity as fall brings a rise in high path avian flu cases.
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.
On this week’s episode of FarmHER + RanchHER, host Kirbe Schnoor travels to Wilson’s ranch to see how she blends tradition and technology to raise elite Red Angus cattle.
Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
What is it like working cattle with an outbreak of New World Screwworm so close to home? Wayne Cockrell, with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joined us on Wednesday to discuss.
UNL Animal Science Ph.D candidate Anna Kobza joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to share her agriculture story and tips for other producers hoping to share their ag stories online or with the media.
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.

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:

A regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture, prepared by RFD-TV Markets Specialist Tony St. James, for the week of Monday, November 24, 2025.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller warns horse owners after EHV-1 cases linked to the Waco WPRA Finals. Horses linked to recent Waco events should be isolated and closely monitored, as early action is critical to stopping the spread of EHV-1.
Farmers with unpaid Hansen-Mueller grain should verify delivery records immediately and file indemnity claims quickly, as coverage rules differ sharply by state.
According to November’s Cattle on Feed Report, Nebraska now leads the nation in cattle feeding as tighter supplies continue to reshape regional market power and long-term price dynamics.
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.
Industry support ensures continued funding for mango marketing and research, helping sustain long-term demand growth.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.