U.S. broiler sets and placements continued their faster than 2023 pace last week.

The USDA says there were 244.765 million eggs in incubators, slightly lower than the previous week, but up 1% from last year, with average hatchability improving slightly, while remaining around 79%.

188.807 million chicks entered meat production, also a little bit lower than the prior week but modestly higher than a year ago, implying a larger supply when those birds head to market this summer.

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