Broiler hatchery numbers continue to point to tighter chicken supplies in early 2024.

The USDA says 231.052 million eggs were placed into incubators last week, 4% below a year ago, while the average hatchability improved slightly, remaining around 80%.

184.577 million chicks were moved into meat production, 3% under last year, with cumulative placements for the year to date 1% behind 2022.

The USDA is projecting higher broiler production in 2024 with the next estimate out January 12th.

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