This special edition of CHICK-NEWS sponsored by BIG Dutchman USA features the unique DuoChain feeding system designed to supplement existing systems as a retrofit or as an original installation. The additional articles on industry statistics indicating current realities and trends should be of benefit to subscribers in planning and execution of projects.

Production manuals published by primary breeders stress the need to achieve uniformity in the growth and development of both cockerels and pullets to attain genetic potential. This is achieved in part by ensuring even and rapid distribution of feed for both sexes during rearing and subsequently after the onset of production.

The Big Dutchman DuoChain system was developed to satisfy the feed intake requirements of breeder flocks and to optimize floor area by saving space.

In response to original customer requests for a single-length chain feeder system for cockerels, Big Dutchman engineers designed a chain feeding system that compresses a complete circuit into a single trough. This allows simultaneous transport of feed in both directions.

After successful field testing, the application of the DuoChain principle was extended to flocks of rearing pullets, mature hens, and cockerels. By combining the proven efficiency and durability of the Challenger feed chain with an innovative drive system, compatible corners, and a divided trough, it was possible to feed flocks within a short period. The DuoChain system eliminates competition and selective eating, resulting in uniform body weight, organ development, and maturity during rearing and even feed intake during production.

Each trough is 4.8 inches in width and 2.5 inches in depth from the inward curved lips to the base. The parallel chains moving in opposite directions are located within the trough with a shallow longitudinal partition. The feed hopper is placed either at the front or centrally along the line. Each unit can accommodate a house length of 500 ft. Separate grills are provided for the exclusion of males from the female trough or with suitably spaced “toast rack” grills to exclude females from the male feeder line.

Chains run in both directions for fast and space-saving feed distribution

Single Ttrough chain loop with center divider

With a single-phase power supply chain, speeds of 60, 90, 100, or 120 feet per minute can be selected depending on house configuration. With a three-phase supply, variable speed control is optional.

Since the DuoChain installation comprises a single line, it can be installed in existing houses to increase feeding space or as a retrofit to provide separate male feeding that is considered essential for modern broiler breeds.

Advantages of the DuoChain system include:

• Either a suspended or standing installation is available. In the U.S., most systems are suspended with height adjusted by a winch
• Selecting a range of chain speeds to suit flock size and house layout
• Adjustment of height to accommodate the growth of cockerels and pullets
• Rapid feed distribution is achieved to prevent both skip-a-day and restricted daily issues
• Chain feeding promotes natural wear of the upper and lower beaks
• The open trough allows for ease of cleaning and prevents the accumulation of stale feed that may contribute to mycotoxicosis
• Visualization of the flock is facilitated by the uniform positioning of both cockerels and pullets during feeding throughout the rearing phase and then in laying houses after transfer

Following breeder recommendations for feeding space (2 inches per bird through 35 days and 6 inches for up to 105 days), DuoChain feeders will contribute to uniformity irrespective of whether a grading program is used to achieve low flock CV% values.

The Big Dutchman broiler breeder catalog lists the full range of products and accessories, including:

Champion® chain feeders for conventional single-circuit  and DuoChain installations   Flex-vey® auger fill systems   Big Dutchman feed bins (silos) featuring auto-lock ground control access and drip-lip design features for deflection of rainwater   Feed weigh scales for silos to facilitate measured feed distribution   Nipple drinkers with or without drip cups and optional water filtering and automatic flushing features   NXB single-hole nests with bird excluders.   Relax communal nests designed for optimal gathering of clean hatching eggs   The EggTrax egg transfer system promoting gentle transport of eggs   EggSort egg collection tables for convenience and saving of labor   Titan fans with capacities ranging from 2,800 cfm to 3,500 cfm at 0.05" SP with high efficiency of power consumed   NBC fan units incorporating belt-driven fans in either 52" or 54" size with displacements from 3,400 to 4,500 cfm with associated galvanized cones and stainless-steel shutters   RainMaker evaporative pad cooling systems with plastic-coated pads for prolonged life   SOLaire™ radiant brooders incorporating stainless-steel components   BigFoot radiant tube heaters for high-efficiency area applications   Swing20 in-house poultry scale to monitor average flock weight   ZeusLED ceiling lights for long life and sustainability   DOL 53 ammonia sensors compatible with the ViperTouch climate computer

Big Dutchman assists customers in selecting and installing equipment for both retrofits and new buildings.

Projects are tailored to the specifications and operating parameters established by the producer, considering factors such as flock size, labor availability and training, climate, sustainability, welfare requirements, and return on investment.

Additional information can be accessed on the Big Dutchman website by clicking on the company logo at the top of this edition.

OVERVIEW

The USDA provided updated projections for the production of corn and soybeans in the August12thWorld Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) #663, reflecting the 2025 crop. Production values for corn and soybeans were updated from previous editions. Projections of crop size and ending stocks are derived from acreage planted, recent annual crop yields, the latest crop progress reports, data relating to domestic use and tariff policy and competition that influence exports.

The August WASDE report confirmed that the 2025 corn crop will be harvested from an expanded 88.7 million acres, (82.7 million acres in 2024). The soybean crop will be harvested from a reduced 80.1 million acres, (86.3 million acres in 2024).

The August WASDE yield value for the 2025 corn crop was predicted at 188.8 bushels per acre up 4.3 percent from July. By comparison yield was 183.1 bushels per acre in 2024. The projected value for soybean yield was an optimistic 53.6 bushels per acre up 2.1 percent from July. By comparison yield was 51.7 bushels per acre for the previous 2024 crop.

The August WASDE projection for the ending stock of corn was increased 27.5 percent from July to 2,117 million bushels. The August USDA projection for the ending stock of soybeans was down 6.5 percent from July to 290 million bushels due to reduced supply and lower exports.

The August WASDE projected the corn price for the 2025-2026 market year at an average of 390 cents per bushel. The projected average season price for soybeans was unchanged at 1,010 cents per bushel. The price of soybean meal was lowered 3.4 percent to $280 per ton. USDA commodity prices suggest stable to lower feed costs for livestock and poultry producers. Row crop farmers and especially corn growers will experience declining margins. In some areas corn will be below break-even given relative production costs and per bushel prices. It is probable that high support prices will be required if importing nations respond negatively to tariffs proposed by the Administration.

Projections for world output included in the August 2025 WASDE report, reflect the most recent estimates for the production and export of commodities especially in the Southern Hemisphere with an emphasis on Argentine and Brazil. Economists also considered the impacts of weather patterns arising from the La Nina event especially on South America.

It is accepted that USDA projections for export will be influenced by the fluid situation relating to tariffs. Exports are also based on the perceived intentions and needs of China. This Nation has sharply curtailed purchases of commodities and especially U.S. soybeans during the previous and current market year.

CORN

Production parameters for corn were updated from the July WASDE, influenced by data on crop progress and acreage planted. The August WASDE Report projected a 2025 crop of 16,742 million bushels, compared to 15,413 million bushels for the previous 2024 record harvest. As of August 10th, 94 and 14 percent of the crop had attained the stages of silking and dent respectively. The “Feed and Residual” category was raised 4.3 percent from July to 6,100 million bushels. The Food and Seed category was projected at 1,380 million bushels. The Ethanol and Byproducts Category was raised 1.8 percent to 5,600 million bushels consistent with estimated demand for E-10 and higher blends for driving needs. Projected corn exports were raised 7.5 percent to 2,875 million bushels, based on recent orders and shipments. The anticipated ending stock of corn will be 2,117 million bushels or 11.8 percent of projected availability.

The forecast USDA average season farm price for corn in the August WASDE report was 390 cents per bushel. At 16H00 EDT on August 12th after the noon release of the WASDE, the CME spot price for corn was 394 cents per bushel, 1.0 percent above the USDA projection but down 7.1 percent from July 12th CME price.

AUGUST 2025 WASDE #663 Projections for the 2025 Corn Harvest:

Average Farm Price: 390 cents per bushel.

SOYBEANS

Production parameters for corn were updated from the July WASDE, influenced by crop progress data and acreage planted. The August WASDE Report projected a 2025 yield of 53.6 bushels per acre but with reduced acreage planted compared to 2024. The August WASDE projected the soybean crop to be 4,292 million bushels. As of August 10th, 71 percent of the crop was setting pods. Crush volume was unchanged from July at 2,540 million bushels despite recently increased industry capacity. Projected exports were reduced 6.0 percent to 1,705 million bushels based on the prospect of reduced imports by China following uncertainty over tariffs and diplomatic conflict. Ending stocks were anticipated to be 290 million bushels, down 6.5 percent from the July WASDE. Prior to 2018, China, the largest trading partner for U.S. agricultural commodities, imported the equivalent of 25 percent of U.S. soybeans harvested.

The USDA WASDE August projection for the ex-farm price for soybeans was unchanged from July at 1,010 cents per bushel. At 16H00 EDT on August 12th following release of the WASDE, the CME spot price was 1,032 cents per bushel, 2.2 percent above the August USDA projection and 2.5 percent above the July 12th CME price.

AUGUST 2025 WASDE #663 Projection for the 2025 Soybean Harvest:-

Average Farm Price: 1,010 cents per bushel

SOYBEAN MEAL

The projected parameters for soybean meal were retained from July. Production will attain 59.9 million tons, consistent with the unchanged soybean crush volume of 2,540 million bushels. Projected production reflects the stagnant demand for biodiesel despite expanded U.S. crushing capacity. Crush volume is driven both by exports and domestic consumption for livestock feed and for soy oil supplying the food and biodiesel segments. The projection of domestic use was 41,775 million tons. Exports were estimated at 18.7 million tons.

The USDA projected the ex-plant price of soybean meal at $310 is unchanged since the February WASDE as an average for the season based on supply and demand considerations. USDA predicted an ending stock of 475,000 tons representing 0.8 percent of supply.

At 16H00 EDT on August 12th the CME spot price for soybean meal was $292 per ton, up 4.3 percent compared to the August WASDE projection of $280 per ton and up 2.8 percent from the July CME price.

 AUGUST 2025 WASDE #663 Projection of Soybean Meal Production and Use

(Quantities in thousand short tons)

Average Price ex plant:$280 per ton

I

MPLICATIONS FOR PRODUCTION COST

The price projections based on CME quotations for corn and soybeans suggest lower feed production costs for broilers and eggs. Going forward, prices of commodities will be determined by World supply and demand and U.S. domestic yield, use and exports.

For each 10 cents per bushel change in corn:-

• The cost of egg production would change by 0.45 cent per dozen
• The cost of broiler production would change by 0.25 cent per live pound

For each $10 per ton change in the cost of soybean meal:-

• The cost of egg production would change by 0.35 cent per doze
• The cost of broiler production would change by 0.30 cent per live pound.

WORLD SITUATION

With respect to world coarse grains and oilseeds the August 2025 WASDE Report included the following appraisals by USDA:-

COARSE GRAINS:

“Global coarse grain production for 2025/26 is forecast 24.9 million tons higher to 1.572 billion.

This month’s 2025/26 foreign coarse grain outlook is for lower production, trade, and ending

stocks relative to last month. Foreign corn production is down reflecting cuts to the EU and

Serbia that are partially offset by increases for Ukraine and Canada. For the EU and Serbia

extreme heat and dryness in southeastern Europe during the month of July reduces yield

prospects. Area is also lowered for the EU. Ukraine production is raised on greater area. Canada

is higher reflecting an increase in yield expectations. Foreign barley production for 2025/26 is

reduced with a decline for Uruguay”.

“Major global coarse grain trade changes for 2025/26 include higher corn exports for the United

States and Ukraine but reductions for Serbia and the EU. Corn imports are raised for Mexico, the

EU, Egypt, Colombia, and Turkey but lowered for Canada. Foreign corn ending stocks are down,

reflecting declines for China, Indonesia, and the EU that are partly offset by increases for

Ukraine and Egypt. Global corn stocks, at 282.6 million tons, are up 10.4 million”.

OILSEEDS:

“Global 2025/26 oilseed production is lowered 3.3 million tons to 690.1 million mainly on lower

soybean, sunflower seed, and cottonseed production. Global sunflower seed production is

lowered 1.2 million tons to 55.1 million on hot and dry weather conditions leading to lower yields for the EU, Ukraine, Turkey, and Serbia”.

“Global soybean supply and demand forecasts for 2025/26 include lower production, exports, and ending stocks. Global production for 2025/26 is lowered mainly on lower production for the

United States and Serbia. Exports are reduced for the United States but raised for Argentina and

Uruguay. Imports are reduced for the EU, Iran, and Vietnam. Global ending stocks are reduced

1.2 million tons to 124.9 million on lower stocks for Argentina, the EU, Iran, Vietnam, and the

United States.”

World and U.S. Data Combined for Coarse Grains and Oilseeds:-

*Values rounded to one million metric ton

(1 metric ton corn= 39.37 bushels. 1 metric ton of soybeans = 36.74 bushels) 

(“ton” represents 2,000 pounds)

The two largest U.S.-based public-quoted broiler producers recently published quarterly results confirming the disproportionate profitability of chicken in comparison to other animal-derived protein.

Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN)

TSN broiler segment represented:-

 75.3% of sales ($4220*).

141% of operating income. 

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (PPC)

*$x1,000

The two significant public-quoted protein producers based in Brazil recently published quarterly results that may be compared with Tyson Foods in the accompanying posting in this edition:-

JBS NV (JBS)

Pilgrim’s Pride Mainly broiler segment represented:-

22.6 % of sales ($4,755*)

41.3 % of operating income

BRF (BRFS)

-$U.S. x 1,000

OVERVIEW

Total exports of bone-in broiler parts and feet during January-June 2025 attained 1,505,298 metric tons, 8.3 percent lower than in January-June 2024 (1,641,279 metric tons). Total value of broiler exports increased by 0.2 percent to $2,259 million ($2,255 million).

Total export volume of turkey products during January-June 2025 attained 87,186 metric tons, 15.7 percent less than in January-June 2024 (103,393 metric tons). Total value of turkey exports increased by 13.2 percent to $343 million ($303 million).

Average unit price for the broiler industry is constrained by the fact that leg quarters comprise over 96 percent of broiler meat exports by volume (excluding feet). Leg quarters represent a relatively low-value undifferentiated commodity lacking in pricing power. Exporters of commodities are subjected to competition from domestic production in importing nations. Generic products such as leg quarters are vulnerable to trade disputes and embargos based on real or contrived disease restrictions. To increase sales volume and value the U.S. industry will have to become more customer-centric offering value-added presentations with attributes required by importers. Whether this will increase margins is questionable given that leg quarters are regarded as a by-product of broiler production. A more profitable long-term strategy for the U.S. industry would be to develop products using dark meat to compete with and displace pork and beef in the domestic retail and institutional markets. Due to a shortage and hence high price for beef presentations this transition is now evident.

HPAI is now accepted to be a panornitic affecting the poultry meat industries of six continents with seasonal and sporadic outbreaks. The incidence rate and location of cases in the U.S. has limited the eligibility for export from many plants depending on restrictions imposed by importing nations. Although there have not been any incident cases in the U.S. for three months a resurgence is anticipated in the Fall.

Uncertainty surrounding tariff policy is an added complication potentially impacting export volume in 2025. In the event of reduced exports, leg quarters would be diverted to the domestic market resulting in a depression in average value derived from a processed bird.

EXPORT VOLUMES AND PRICES FOR BROILER MEAT

During January-June 2025 the National Chicken Council (NCC), citing USDA-FAS data, documented exports of 1,525,413 metric tons of chicken parts and other forms (whole and prepared), down 7.8 percent from January-June 2024. Exports were valued at $2,322 million, down 1.0 percent with a weighted average unit value of $1,522 per metric ton but up 9.5 percent over the corresponding six months in 2024.

The NCC breakdown of chicken exports for January-June 2025 by proportion and unit price for each category compared with the corresponding months in 2024 (with the unit price in parentheses) comprised:-

• Chicken parts (excluding feet)    95.1%; Unit value  $1,410 per metric ton   ($1,299)
• Prepared chicken                     4.1%; Unit value  $4,088 per metric ton   ($4,212)
• Whole chicken                         0.8%; Unit value  $1,700 per metric ton   ($1,650)
• Composite Total                  100.0%;  Av. value  $1,522 per metric ton    ($1,390)

The following table prepared from USDA data circulated by the USAPEEC, compares values for poultry meat exports during January-June 2025 compared with the corresponding months of 2024:-

                  COMPARISON OF U.S. CHICKEN AND TURKEY EXPORTS

                                    JANUARY-JUNE 2025 COMPARED TO 2024

BROILER EXPORTS

Total broiler parts, predominantly leg quarters but including feet, exported during January-June 2025 compared with the corresponding months in 2024 declined by 8.3 percent in volume but value was up 0.2 percent. Unit value was 9.2 percent higher to $1,501 per metric ton.

During 2024 exports attained 3,251,000 metric tons valued at $4,689 million, down 10.5 percent in volume and down 1.1 percent in value compared to 2023. Unit value was up 10.7 percent to $1,442 per metric ton

Broiler imports in 2025 are projected to attain an inconsequential 67,000 metric tons (134 million lbs.) compared to 82,000 metric tons (180,000 million lbs.) in 2024

The top five importers of broiler meat represented 50.2 percent of shipments during January-June 2025. The top ten importers comprised 65.6 percent of the total volume reflecting concentration among the significant importing nations. Eighth-ranked China declined 55 percent in volume to 42,426 tons and 29 percent in value to $143 million over the first half of 2025 compared to the corresponding period in 2024

Nations gaining in volume compared to the corresponding period in 2024 (with the percentage change indicated) in descending order of volume with ranking indicated by numeral were:-

3. Philippines, (+46%); 5. Canada, (+23%); 10. Ghana, (+28%); 11. Haiti,(+22%);

12. Georgia, (+3%); 14. Dominican Republic, (+9%)

Losses during January-June 2025 offset the gains in exports with declines for:-

1. Mexico, (-2%); 2. Cuba, (-5%); 3. Taiwan, (-1%); 6. Guatemala, (-3%);                  7.Viet Nam, (-19); 8. China, (-55%); 9. Angola, (-25%); 13. UAE, (-36%) and 15. Hong Kong, (-48%).

TURKEY EXPORTS

The volume of turkey meat exported during January-June 2025 declined by 15.7 percent to 87,186 metric tons from January-June 2024 but value was 13.2 percent higher to $343 million. Average unit value was 34.2 percent higher to $3,934 per metric ton.

Imports of turkey products attained 15,000 metric tons (33 million lbs.) in 2024 with a similar projection for 2025.

It is important to recognize that exports of chicken and turkey meat products to our USMCA partners amounted to $1,264 million in 2021, $1,647 million during 2022, $1,696 in 2023 and $1,108 million over the first six-months of 2025. It will be necessary for all three parties to the USMCA to respect the terms of the Agreement in good faith since punitive action against Mexico or Canada on issues unrelated to poultry products will result in reciprocal action by our trading partners to the possible detriment of U.S. agriculture. This is especially important as all three nations have newly elected chief executives and administrations.

The emergence of H5N1strain avian influenza virus with a Eurasian genome in migratory waterfowl in all four Flyways of the U.S. during 2022 was responsible for sporadic outbreaks of avian influenza in backyard flocks and serious commercial losses in egg-producing complexes and turkey flocks but to a lesser extent in broilers. The probability of additional outbreaks of HPAI over succeeding weeks appears unlikely but outbreaks are expected to resume with fall migration of waterfowl. Incident cases affecting egg-production and turkey flocks will be a function of shedding by migratory and domestic birds and possibly free-living mammals and extension from dairy herds. Protection of commercial flocks at present relies on the intensity and efficiency of biosecurity including wild-bird laser repellant installations, representing investment in structural improvements and operational procedures. These measures are apparently inadequate to provide absolute protection, suggesting the need for preventive vaccination in high-risk areas for egg-producing, breeder and turkey flocks.

The application of restricted county-wide embargos following the limited and regional cases of HPAI in broilers with restoration of eligibility 28 days after decontamination has supported export volume for the U.S. broiler industry. Exports of turkey products were more constrained with plants processing turkeys in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wisconsin and Iowa impacted.  The future challenge will be to gain acceptance for limited preventive vaccination of laying hens and turkeys in high-risk areas accompanied by intensive surveillance. It is now accepted that H5N1 HPAI is panornitic in distribution among commercial and migratory birds across six continents. The infection is now seasonally or regionally endemic in many nations with intensive poultry production, suggesting that vaccination will have to be accepted among trading partners as an adjunct to control measures in accordance with WOAH policy.

The live-bird market system supplying metropolitan areas, the presence of numerous backyard flocks, gamefowl and commercial laying hens allowed outside access, potentially in contact with migratory and now some resident bird species, all represent an ongoing danger to the entire U.S. commercial industry. The live-bird segments of U.S. poultry production represent a risk to the export eligibility of the broiler and turkey industries notwithstanding compartmentalization for breeders and regionalization to counties or states for commercial production.

On August 18th 2025 the USDA-Economic Research Service released updated production and consumption data with respect to broilers and turkeys, covering 2024, a projection for 2025 and a forecast for 2026.

The revised 2025 projection for broiler production is for 47,762 million lbs. (21.710 million metric tons) up 1.6 percent from 2024. USDA projected per capita consumption of 102.7 lbs. (46.7 kg.) for 2025, up 1.6 percent from 2024. Exports will attain 6,481 million lbs. (2.946 million metric tons), 3.0 percent below the previous year.

The 2026 USDA forecast for broiler production will be 48,150 million lbs. (21.886 million metric tons) up 0.8 percent from 2025 with per capita consumption up 0.1 lb. to 102.8 lbs. (46.7 kg). Exports will be 2.0 percent higher compared to 2025 at 6,610 million lbs. (3.005 million metric tons), equivalent to 13.7 percent of production.

Production values for the broiler and turkey segments of the U.S. poultry meat industry are tabulated below:-

Source: Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook released August 18th 2025

The August USDA report updated projection for the turkey industry for 2025 including annual production of 4,791 million lbs. (2.173 million metric tons), down 6.4 percent from 2024. Consumption in 2025 is projected to be 13.0 lbs. (5.9 kg.) per capita, down by 5.8 percent from the previous year. Export volume will attain 412 million lbs. (187,272 metric tons) in 2025. Values for production and consumption of RTC turkey in 2025 are considered to be realistic, given year to date data, the prevailing economy, variable weekly poult placements, production levels, losses from HPAI and inventories consistent with season.

The 2026 forecast for turkey production is 5,121 million lbs. (2.328 million metric tons) up an optimistic 6.9 percent from 2025 with per capita consumption up 4.6 percent to 13.6 lbs. (6.2 kg). Exports will be 5.8 percent higher than in 2025 to 435 million lbs. (197,728 metric tons) equivalent to 8.5 percent of production.

Export projections do not allow for a breakdown in trade relations with existing major partners including Mexico, Canada and China nor the impact of catastrophic diseases including HPAI and vvND in either the U.S. or importing nations

The following production data reflecting the past calendar month was summarized from the July 21st 2025 edition of the USDA Chickens and Eggs-:

June 2025 broiler hatching egg production was 1,149 million, down 1.0 percent from June 2024.

June 2025 broiler hatch was 856.3 million, up 1.4 percent from June 2024.

January to June 2025 cumulative broiler hatch was 5,094 million, up 0.5 percent from first half of 2025

July 1st 2025 broiler hatching eggs in incubators, 754.3 million, up 1.4 percent from July 1st 2024

June 2025 U.S. Broiler parent pullets placed, 9.4 million, down <0.1 percent from June 2024

July 1st 2025 broiler parent hen population 60.4 million, down 2.4 percent from July 2024.

The take-away from July data is stability of the national breeder flock. This is consistent with prevailing demand, capacity and prices

Broiler Chick Placements June-July 2025.

According to the July 30th 2025 USDA Broiler Hatchery Report, 1.257 million eggs were set over five weeks extending from June 28th 2025 through July 26th 2025 inclusive. This was 1.0 percent higher compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

Total chick placements for the U.S. over the five-week period amounted to 972.9 million chicks. Claimed hatchability for the period averaged 79.3 percent for eggs set three weeks earlier. Each 1.0 percent change in hatchability represents approximately 1.94 million chicks placed per week and 1.84 million broilers processed, assuming five percent culls and mortality and within the current range of weekly settings.

Cumulative chick placements for the period January 7th through December 30th 2024 amounted to 9.67 billion chicks. For January 4th through July 28th 2025 chick placements attained 5.00 billion, up one percent from the corresponding week in 2023.

According to the July 21st 2025 edition of the USDA Chickens and Eggs, pullet breeder chicks hatched and intended for U.S. placement during June 2025 amounted to 9.38 million, down 3.9 percent (0.39 million pullet chicks) from June 2024 and 16.5 percent (1.38 million pullet chicks) more than the previous month of May 2025. Broiler breeder hen complement attained 60.37 million on July1st 2025, 2.4 percent (1.46 million hens) more than on July 1st 2024.

Broiler Production July 2025

As documented in the July 31st 2025 USDA Weekly Poultry Slaughter Reports for the processing week ending July 26th 2025, 170.1 million broilers were processed at 6.53 lbs. live. This was 1.8 percent more than the 167.1 million processed during the corresponding week in July 2024. Broilers processed in 2025 to date amounted to 4,966 million, 1.9 percent more than for the corresponding period in 2024.

Ready to cook (RTC) weight for the most recent week in July was 827.2 million lbs. (376,005 metric tons).  This was 0.3 percent less than the 829.3 million lbs. during the corresponding week in July 2024. Dressing percentage was a nominal 76.0 percent. For 2025 to date RTC broiler production attained 24,755 million lbs. (11.25 million metric tons). This quantity was 3.3 percent more than for the corresponding period in 2024.

The USDA posted live-weight data for the past week ending July 26th and YTD 2025 including:-

June 2025 Frozen Inventory

According to the July 25th 2025 USDA Cold Storage Report, issued monthly, stocks of broiler products as of June 30th 2025 compared to June 30th 2024 showed differences with respect to the following categories:-

• Total Chicken category attained 764.8 million lbs. (347.6 thousand metric tons) corresponding to approximately one week of production based on recent weekly RTC output. The June 2025 inventory was up 2.5 percent compared to 745,779 million lbs. (339.0 thousand metric tons) on June 30th 2024 and up 1.5 percent from the previous month of May 2025.

• Leg Quarters were up by 0.6 percent to 55.0 million lbs. compared to June 2024 consistent with the data on exports. Inventory was up 2.5 percent from May 2025. Given the trend in inventory of leg quarters it is evident that this category continues to be shipped in varying quantities as the principal (96 percent) chicken export product to a number of nations with the top five importers representing 48.6 percent of the January-May 2025 export total of 1,259,559 metric tons of chicken parts. Mexico was the leading importer with 23.3 percent followed by Cuba (7.9%); Taiwan, (6.6%); Philippines, (6.3%) and Canada, (5.8%)

• The Breasts and Breast Meat category was up 10.1 percent from June 2024 to 227.1 million lbs. indicating a relatively lower domestic consumer demand for this category despite concern over inflation in the cost of alternative proteins. June 30th 2025 stock was 2.1 percent higher than on May 31st 2025. The trend through the first five months of 2025 suggests stable but low retail and food service demand for the white meat category.  This is despite promotion of chicken sandwiches and wraps by QSRs in the face of a higher cost for beef and an increasing pattern of eat-at-home consumption.

• Total inventory of dark meat (drumsticks legs, thighs and thigh quarters but excluding leg quarters) on June 30th 2025 decreased 2.3 percent from June 2024 to 63.7 million lbs. This difference suggests an increase in domestic demand for lower-priced dark meat against the prevailing price of white chicken meat. Higher prices for competitive proteins offer an opportunity to increase domestic demand for this category with innovative product development and promotion.

• Wings showed a 5.0 percent decrease from June 2024, contributing to a stock of 52.5 million lbs. Inventory of wings was 7.7 percent lower compared to May 2025. Movement in stock over the past 12 months has demonstrated lower demand for this category due in part from competitive “boneless wings.” Increased consumption traditionally associated with significant sports events including the College and Super Bowls reduced the volumes of storage in January and February 2025. The progressive increase in unit price during 2024 plateaued in 2025 due to consumer fatigue and competition from competing protein snacks despite continued interest in professional and collegiate football.

• The inventory of Paws and Feet was 4.2 percent higher than on June 30th 2024 to 31.9 million lbs. Stock was was 2.2 percent higher than on May 31st 2025. Prior to the April 2020 Phase-1 Trade Agreement approximately half of the shipments of paws and feet destined for Hong Kong were landed and transshipped to the Mainland, a trend that is re-emerging.
• The Other category comprising 321.8 million lbs. on June 30th 2025 was down 0.6 percent from June 2024 but represented a substantial 42.1 percent of inventory. The high proportion of the Other category suggests further classification or re-allocation by USDA to the designated major categories.

June 2025 Processed Broiler Production

The USDA Poultry Slaughter Report released on July 25th 2025 covered June 2025 comprising 20 working days, one less than June 2024. The following values were documented for the month:-

• A total of 787.3 million broilers were processed in June 2025, up 34.1 million or 4.5 percent from June 2024;
• Total live weight in June 2025 was 5,190 million lbs., up 255.8 million lbs. or 5.2 percent from June 2024;
• Unit live weight in June 2025 was 6.59 lbs., up 0.04lb. (0.6 percent) from June 2024.
• RTC in June 2025 attained 3,926 million lbs., up 5.3 million lbs. or 5.4 percent from June 2004.
• WOG yield in June 2025 was 75.6 percent, up from 75.5 percent in June 2024.
• The proportion marketed as chilled in June 2025 comprised 93.6 percent of RTC output compared to 93.4 percent in June 2024.
• Ante-mortem condemnation as a proportion of live weight attained 0.20 percent during June 2025 compared to 0.19 percent in June 2024.
• Post-mortem condemnations as a proportion of processed mass corresponded to 0.43 percent during June 2025 compared to 0.47 percent in June 2024. 
•  

Comments

Mexico has recognized the OIE principle of regionalization after intensive negotiations between SENASICA and the U.S. counterpart, USDA-APHIS assisted by USAPEEC. Provided importing nations adhere to OIE guidelines on regionalization, localized outbreaks of avian influenza or possibly Newcastle disease will affect exports only from states or counties with outbreaks in commercial flocks. The response of China, Japan and some other nations is less predictable with bans placed on a nationwide or statewide basis. The response by China to outbreaks is influenced more by self-interest than considerations of scientific fact or international trade obligations. Other importing nations have confined restrictions to counties following the WOAH principle of regionalization. The challenge facing the U.S. as the second largest exporting nation will be to gain acceptance for controlled vaccination against HPAI in specific industry sectors and regions with appropriate surveillance and certification to the satisfaction of importing nations.