NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD News) — U.S. chicken production expanded sharply in 2025, setting up lower prices and tighter margins for the poultry sector as the industry moves into 2026. Analysis by Dr. David Anderson, a professor and Extension economist at Texas A&M University, shows that broiler output rose 3.3 percent last year, driven by more birds and heavier weights.
Egg sets for broiler grow-out increased about 1 percent in 2025, leading to higher chick placements and a 2.1 percent increase in broiler slaughter. Average weights rose another 1.2 percent, compounding production gains. That growth was initially fueled by strong profitability early in the year, when the broiler cutout climbed from 85 cents per pound in January to a May peak of $1.07.
Prices, however, retreated sharply in the second half of the year. By late December, the broiler cutout had fallen to 63 cents per pound. Key wholesale items followed the same path, with breast meat, leg quarters, and wings all dropping well below year-ago levels.
Looking ahead, lower prices, ongoing HPAI risk, and rising production point to continued margin pressure, even as demand benefits from chicken’s affordability relative to beef.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
November 17, 2025 05:05 PM
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National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
November 17, 2025 02:03 PM
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Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
November 17, 2025 01:24 PM
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Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
November 17, 2025 01:20 PM
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Strong U.S. yields and steady demand leave most major crops well supplied, keeping price pressure in place unless usage strengthens or weather shifts outlooks.
November 17, 2025 01:17 PM
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Retail competition and improved supplies are helping offset food inflation, pushing Thanksgiving meal costs modestly lower despite higher prices for beef, eggs, and dairy.
November 16, 2025 03:00 PM
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While agriculture doesn’t predict every recession, the sector’s long history of turning down before the broader economy
November 16, 2025 12:00 PM
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ARC-CO delivers the bulk of 2024 support, offering key margin relief as producers manage tight operating conditions.
November 15, 2025 12:00 PM
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Higher menu prices and tax-free tips are reshaping restaurant economics, sharply lifting server take-home pay even as diners face higher out-the-door costs.
November 15, 2025 08:00 AM
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