Broiler hatchery numbers continued their trend above year ago levels last week.

The USDA says there were 244.852 million eggs in incubation, up slightly on both the week and the year, with the average hatchability improving fractionally to 79.1%.

189.572 million chicks entered meat production, a little bit below the previous week, but 1% above a year ago, with those birds heading to market around mid-summer.

The USDA’s next broiler production projection is out June 12th.

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