US Broiler Market Outlook Week 2, January 13, 2025

Average broiler prices in the US market declined slightly last week. Over the week, broiler prices fell by 0.8%, while sales volume increased by 988,000 pounds compared to the previous week. Average prices for chicken cuts showed positive dynamics: prices increased for all types of products except chicken legs.

The first death from bird flu in the United States was recorded in Louisiana.

A Louisiana resident over 65 with underlying HEALTH conditions has become the first confirmed death from avian influenza (H5N1) in the United States, state health officials announced Monday. The patient contracted the virus after contact with a backyard flock and wild birds. Health experts emphasize that the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low. Dr. Diego Diehl of Cornell University advises avoiding contact with sick animals and wild birds. As of January 6, 917 cow herds in 16 states have tested positive for avian influenza . California, the largest MILK producer in the U.S., has declared a state of emergency to expedite its response as the outbreak engulfs its dairy herds.

Egg prices in the US have soared amid the avian flu crisis, setting new records. Egg prices in the Midwest reached $6.07 per dozen, breaking the previous record of $5.46 set in December 2022. Eggs remain a key indicator of food inflation and economic trends. Avian flu outbreaks and holiday demand have reduced supply, leading to sharp price increases and reports of shortages. Some stores are limiting purchases as the situation continues.  

 Price dynamics and sales volumes of broilers

Average weighted price of broilers by region

Region

Average price, cents/pound

Sales volume (thousand pounds)

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

Oriental

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

Central

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

West

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

0.7%

Chicken cutting price dynamics

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