USDA Raises Broiler Production Forecast for 2025 While Prices Remain Strong
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its September 2025 forecast for broiler production and prices, revealing higher output expectations and continued strength in the poultry market. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski offered key insights into the updated outlook.
“Broiler production has been increasing.
We raised our broiler production forecast this month. It’s based on recent production and hatchery data, up by about 160 million pounds in 2025 and 150 million pounds in 2026.”
The production increase reflects stronger-than-expected performance in recent months, supported by solid hatchery reports. With broiler meat being a staple protein for U.S. consumers and global markets alike, increased output is seen as a response to robust demand both domestically and abroad.
However, rising production is exerting some downward pressure on prices, as noted in the USDA’s latest update.
“And broiler prices, they continue to be strong, although we did reduce our price forecast for broilers by 2.5 cents per pound for 2025 this month and by 3.5 cents per pound for 2026, just based on that increased production, but still relatively strong broiler prices for 2026.”
Despite the slight reduction, broiler prices remain historically high, showing resilience in the face of supply growth.
“We’re looking at about 131 cents per pound. That would be up 2.3 cents per pound year over year.”
The USDA’s outlook highlights the balancing act between increased broiler production and maintaining favorable price points, suggesting that strong consumer and export demand are playing a key role in price stability. Poultry producers, retailers, and global buyers will be watching closely to see if this trend continues through the final quarter of 2025 and into 2026.
For more updates on U.S. livestock production trends and USDA market forecasts, stay tuned to the latest from agricultural economists and USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.