US: Broiler Market Outlook Week 44, November 5, 2024

Average prices for chicken cuttings maintained negative dynamics against the backdrop of a decline in prices for all products.

U.S. egg prices are projected to rise 8.8% in 2024 , driven by the ongoing impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The 2025 egg price increase has been revised higher to 10.5 % , a sharp jump from the 4.7% forecast in September. The USDA noted that HPAI outbreaks have significantly reduced the U.S. layer flock, contributing to higher prices.

While food inflation has eased since the 2022 spike, consumers are unlikely to see much relief in 2025. Despite lower energy costs and stable farm input prices, the USDA warns that macroeconomic policy and service inflation pressures could continue to weigh on food prices . However, with time remaining in the 2025 forecast cycle, future adjustments are possible.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture has euthanized about 1.3 million chickens taken into care after Pure Prairie Poultry went bankrupt. The drastic measure was taken after the state was unable to find buyers for the birds. The situation came after Pure Prairie Poultry, a major Iowa poultry processor, filed for bankruptcy in late September 2024. The company’s financial collapse left 1.3 million broiler chickens on 14 Iowa farms without proper care because Pure Prairie could no longer afford to buy feed for the birds. In response, the Iowa Department of Agriculture sought and received an emergency COURT order to take control of the chickens.

Initially, state officials tried to find alternative solutions for the birds. However, their attempts to find buyers were unsuccessful. Faced with no viable alternatives, the state sought and received permission from a district court judge to euthanize the birds.

 Dynamics of prices and sales volumes of broilers

Average weighted price of broilers by region

Region

Average weighted price, cents/lb

Sales volume (thousand pounds)

Week 43

Week 44

Growth per week,%

Week 43

Week 44

Growth per week,%

Oriental

126.19

126.33

0.1%

5 244

4 813

-8.2%

Central

121.19

121.68

0.4%

1 863

2 119

13.7%

West

140.78

140.88

0.1%

2 955

2 735

-7.4%

Dynamics of prices for chicken cuttings

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