Chichens and Eggs - Release

Chickens and Eggs
ISSN: 1948-9064

Released March 22, 2012, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).

February Egg Production Up 3 Percent
United States egg production totaled 7.24 billion during February 2012, up 3 percent from last year. Production included
6.25 billion table eggs, and 987 million hatching eggs, of which 914 million were broiler-type and 73 million were eggtype. The total number of layers during February 2012 averaged 338 million, down slightly from last year. February egg
production per 100 layers was 2,140 eggs, up 4 percent from February 2011.
All layers in the United States on March 1, 2012 totaled 339 million, down slightly from last year. The 339 million layers
consisted of 285 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 50.8 million layers producing broiler-type hatching
eggs, and 3.10 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on March 1, 2012, averaged 74.0 eggs
per 100 layers, up slightly from March 1, 2011.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 5 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during February 2012 totaled 39.3 million, up 5 percent from February 2011. Eggs in incubators
totaled 39.3 million on March 1, 2012, down 2 percent from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 238 thousand
during February 2012, down 2 percent from February 2011.
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Down 1 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during February 2012 totaled 705 million, down 1 percent from February 2011. Eggs in
incubators totaled 611 million on March 1, 2012, down 5 percent from a year earlier.
Leading breeders placed 7.03 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during
February 2012, down 1 percent from February 2011.

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2

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents
Average Number of All Layers on Hand During the Month – United States: 2011-2012...................................................... 4
Egg Production During the Month by Type – United States: 2011-2012 ............................................................................... 4
Average Number of Layers During the Month – United States.............................................................................................. 5
All Egg Production During the Month – United States .......................................................................................................... 5
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Forced Molt – United States:
January-February 2011 and 2012 ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Forced Molt – United States:
February-March 2011 and 2012 .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During January 2011 and 2012 ......................................... 8
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During February 2011 and 2012 ....................................... 9
Egg Production by Type – States and United States: January 2011 and 2012...................................................................... 10
Egg Production by Type – States and United States: February 2011 and 2012.................................................................... 11
Forced Molt as Percent of All Layers by Month – United States: 2011-2012 ...................................................................... 12
Forced Molt as Percent of All Layers – States and United States: March 1, 2011 and 2012 ............................................... 12
Hatchery Production – United States: 2011 and 2012 .......................................................................................................... 13
Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators – Regions and United States: March 1, 2011 and 2012 ........................................................ 14
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2011-2012 ....................................................................................... 14
Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month –
United States: 2011-2012 ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators – Regions and United States: March 1, 2011 and 2012 ................................................... 15
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched – States and United States: February 2011 and 2012............................................................ 16
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2011-2012 .................................................................................. 16
Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and
Total: 2011-2012 ................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Statistical Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
Regional Listing .................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates ...................................................................................................... 19
Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................ 19

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

3

Average Number of All Layers on Hand During the Month – United States: 2011-2012
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Month

2011

2012

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

December 1 .........................................................
January ...............................................................
February .............................................................
March ..................................................................
April ....................................................................
May .....................................................................
June ....................................................................
July .....................................................................
August ................................................................
September ..........................................................
October ...............................................................
November ...........................................................
1

343,083
342,266
339,787
340,655
340,896
337,897
336,411
335,799
335,412
335,328
335,884
337,716

338,158
337,618
338,219

December preceding year.

Egg Production During the Month by Type – United States: 2011-2012
[Totals may not add due to rounding. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Month

December 1 ......................
January ............................
February ..........................
March ...............................
April .................................
May ..................................
June .................................
July ..................................
August .............................
September .......................
October ............................
November ........................
During year ......................
1

4

Total eggs

Table eggs

2011

2012

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

7,927
7,833
7,013
7,840
7,617
7,773
7,503
7,732
7,719
7,503
7,783
7,612
91,855

7,932
7,831
7,237

Hatching eggs

2011

2012

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

6,845
6,736
6,022
6,735
6,534
6,651
6,421
6,633
6,644
6,476
6,734
6,605
79,036

6,894
6,786
6,249

2011

2012

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

1,083
1,098
990
1,106
1,083
1,123
1,083
1,100
1,076
1,028
1,050
1,007
12,827

1,038
1,046
987

December preceding year.

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Average Layers During the Month – United States
Million layers
345

340

335
2011

2012

330
Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

December previous year

All Egg Production During the Month – United States
Million eggs
7,950

7,750
7,550
7,350
7,150
6,950
2011

2012

6,750
Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

December previous year

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

5

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Forced Molt – United States:
January-February 2011 and 2012
[Totals may not add due to rounding]
Item

2011

2012 as
percent
of 2011

2012

Layers during January
All layers .................................................................................................. 1,000
Table egg type ..................................................................................... 1,000
Hatching egg type ................................................................................ 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ........................................................................ 1,000
Egg-type hatching ............................................................................ 1,000

342,266
284,068
58,198
55,278
2,920

337,618
284,287
53,331
50,441
2,890

99
100
92
91
99

Eggs per 100 layers during January
All layers ............................................................................................... number
Table egg type .................................................................................. number
Hatching egg type ............................................................................. number
Broiler-type hatching ..................................................................... number
Egg-type hatching ......................................................................... number

2,289
2,371
1,887
1,858
2,432

2,319
2,387
1,961
1,929
2,526

101
101
104
104
104

Eggs produced during January
All layers ................................................................................................. million
Table egg type .................................................................................... million
Hatching egg type ............................................................................... million
Broiler-type hatching ....................................................................... million
Egg-type hatching ........................................................................... million

7,833
6,736
1,098
1,027
71

7,831
6,786
1,046
973
73

100
101
95
95
103

Layers on February 1
All layers .................................................................................................. 1,000
Table egg type ..................................................................................... 1,000
Hatching egg type ................................................................................ 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ........................................................................ 1,000
Egg-type hatching ............................................................................ 1,000

340,247
282,245
58,002
55,013
2,989

337,388
283,957
53,431
50,461
2,970

99
101
92
92
99

Eggs per 100 layers on February 1
All layers ............................................................................................... number
Table egg type .................................................................................. number
Hatching egg type ............................................................................. number
Broiler-type hatching ..................................................................... number
Egg-type hatching ......................................................................... number

73.5
76.1
60.8
59.8
79.9

73.4
75.2
63.3
62.2
82.3

100
99
104
104
103

Forced molt layers on February 1
Being molted ......................................................................................... percent
Molt completed ...................................................................................... percent

3.6
20.2

4.8
18.8

133
93

Layers sold for slaughter during January ...................................................... 1,000

14,593

13,459

92

Layers rendered, died, destroyed, composted
or disappeared for any reason during January ........................................... 1,000

7,759

8,504

110

Pullets on February 1 ................................................................................... 1,000

107,964

103,145

96

Pullets added during January 1 ..................................................................... 1,000

21,499

22,082

103

1

6

Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks.

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Forced Molt – United States:
February-March 2011 and 2012
[Totals may not add due to rounding]
Item

2011

2012 as
percent
of 2011

2012

Layers during February
All layers .......................................................................................................... 1,000
Table egg type ............................................................................................. 1,000
Hatching egg type ........................................................................................ 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ................................................................................ 1,000
Egg-type hatching .................................................................................... 1,000

339,787
281,706
58,081
55,073
3,008

338,219
284,553
53,666
50,629
3,037

100
101
92
92
101

Eggs per 100 layers during February
All layers ....................................................................................................... number
Table egg type .......................................................................................... number
Hatching egg type ..................................................................................... number
Broiler-type hatching ............................................................................. number
Egg-type hatching ................................................................................. number

2,064
2,138
1,705
1,676
2,227

2,140
2,196
1,839
1,805
2,404

104
103
108
108
108

Eggs produced during February
All layers ......................................................................................................... million
Table egg type ............................................................................................ million
Hatching egg type ....................................................................................... million
Broiler-type hatching ............................................................................... million
Egg-type hatching ................................................................................... million

7,013
6,022
990
923
67

7,237
6,249
987
914
73

103
104
100
99
109

Layers on March 1
All layers .......................................................................................................... 1,000
Table egg type ............................................................................................. 1,000
Hatching egg type ........................................................................................ 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ................................................................................ 1,000
Egg-type hatching .................................................................................... 1,000

339,296
281,152
58,144
55,124
3,020

339,015
285,134
53,881
50,784
3,097

100
101
93
92
103

Eggs per 100 layers on March 1
All layers ....................................................................................................... number
Table egg type .......................................................................................... number
Hatching egg type ..................................................................................... number
Broiler-type hatching ............................................................................. number
Egg-type hatching ................................................................................. number

73.9
76.6
60.7
59.7
78.5

74.0
76.0
63.3
62.1
82.3

100
99
104
104
105

Forced molt layers on March 1
Being molted ................................................................................................. percent
Molt completed ............................................................................................. percent

3.0
20.1

3.7
19.6

123
98

Layers sold for slaughter during February ............................................................ 1,000

14,695

13,238

90

Layers rendered, died, destroyed, composted
or disappeared for any reason during February ................................................. 1,000

9,082

6,648

73

Pullets on March 1 ............................................................................................... 1,000

106,044

103,541

98

22,004

22,585

103

1

Pullets added during February ........................................................................... 1,000
1

Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks.

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

7

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During January 2011 and 2012
State

Table egg layers in
flocks 30,000 and above

Eggs per 100 for
all layers

All layers

2011

2012

2011

2012

2011

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(eggs)

2012
(eggs)

Alabama .........................
Arkansas .........................
California ........................
Colorado .........................
Connecticut .....................
Florida .............................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa ................................

1,304
3,432
18,979
3,230
2,256
9,165
8,744
4,438
23,091
52,510

1,434
3,439
19,250
4,347
2,244
9,401
8,027
4,199
22,951
50,544

9,626
12,460
19,284
3,613
2,318
9,534
17,545
4,650
23,788
53,349

9,029
11,790
19,598
4,792
2,306
9,715
16,241
4,408
23,640
51,469

1,901
2,014
2,271
2,436
2,330
2,444
2,183
2,473
2,333
2,315

1,960
2,087
2,317
2,421
2,298
2,429
2,229
2,473
2,331
2,324

Maine ..............................
Maryland .........................
Michigan .........................
Minnesota .......................
Mississippi ......................
Missouri ..........................
Nebraska ........................
New York ........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio ................................

3,557
1,997
10,046
9,923
1,452
6,029
9,266
4,063
5,766
27,853

3,507
1,840
10,857
9,599
1,420
5,305
9,054
4,288
5,789
27,716

3,612
2,115
10,207
10,397
6,019
7,651
9,316
4,290
13,451
28,363

3,562
1,957
11,019
10,105
5,579
6,721
9,104
4,516
12,634
28,248

2,381
2,364
2,410
2,318
1,994
2,287
2,480
2,471
2,044
2,316

2,386
2,555
2,523
2,345
2,115
2,410
2,559
2,480
2,090
2,312

Oregon ............................
Pennsylvania ..................
South Carolina ................
South Dakota ..................
Texas ..............................
Utah ................................
Virginia ............................
Washington .....................
Wisconsin .......................

2,123
24,066
3,056
2,351
14,153
3,337
1,098
6,315
4,080

2,172
24,414
3,145
2,370
14,247
3,488
1,248
6,773
4,289

2,276
25,246
4,312
2,391
18,568
3,367
2,818
6,431
4,612

2,313
25,578
4,317
2,410
18,048
3,518
2,957
6,888
4,854

2,504
2,464
2,226
2,384
2,278
2,228
2,129
2,457
2,407

2,594
2,459
2,270
2,365
2,366
2,274
2,063
2,381
2,390

Other States 1 .................

11,828

12,327

20,657

20,302

2,188

2,202

United States ..................

279,508

279,684

342,266

337,618

2,289

2,319

1

8

Includes data for States not published in this table.

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During February 2011 and 2012
State

Table egg layers in
flocks 30,000 and above

Eggs per 100 for
all layers

All layers

2011

2012

2011

2012

2011

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(eggs)

2012
(eggs)

Alabama ..........................
Arkansas .........................
California .........................
Colorado ..........................
Connecticut .....................
Florida .............................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa .................................

1,350
3,244
18,438
3,291
2,171
9,024
8,600
4,339
22,923
52,180

1,423
3,475
19,413
4,348
2,202
9,160
7,973
4,279
23,503
50,231

9,753
12,224
18,744
3,705
2,239
9,374
17,205
4,558
23,656
53,056

9,093
11,917
19,759
4,764
2,270
9,485
16,338
4,485
24,210
51,196

1,682
1,841
2,059
2,105
2,099
2,166
1,970
2,216
2,135
2,086

1,826
1,947
2,181
2,267
2,159
2,161
2,020
2,163
2,127
2,160

Maine ..............................
Maryland ..........................
Michigan ..........................
Minnesota ........................
Mississippi .......................
Missouri ...........................
Nebraska .........................
New York .........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio .................................

3,564
1,984
10,126
9,968
1,467
5,980
9,309
4,076
5,887
26,964

3,535
2,052
11,149
9,474
1,372
5,259
9,176
4,302
5,768
27,439

3,619
2,114
10,298
10,445
5,991
7,568
9,359
4,307
13,528
27,477

3,590
2,177
11,323
9,975
5,420
6,692
9,226
4,531
12,613
27,972

2,211
2,129
2,224
2,011
1,803
2,088
2,244
2,275
1,863
2,089

2,284
2,297
2,349
2,105
1,937
2,137
2,320
2,295
1,895
2,131

Oregon ............................
Pennsylvania ...................
South Carolina .................
South Dakota ...................
Texas ..............................
Utah .................................
Virginia ............................
Washington .....................
Wisconsin ........................

2,219
23,846
3,137
2,308
14,033
3,420
1,150
6,343
3,992

2,128
24,111
3,144
2,331
14,513
3,526
1,213
6,867
4,345

2,356
25,050
4,423
2,348
18,395
3,450
2,894
6,459
4,552

2,281
25,296
4,290
2,371
18,396
3,556
2,906
6,982
4,924

2,207
2,224
1,990
2,129
2,033
2,058
1,762
2,214
2,175

2,455
2,313
2,121
2,193
2,158
2,109
1,927
2,206
2,214

Other States 1 ..................

11,813

12,239

20,638

20,181

1,972

2,051

United States ...................

277,146

279,950

339,787

338,219

2,064

2,140

1

Includes data for States not published in this table.

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

9

Egg Production by Type – States and United States: January 2011 and 2012
[Totals may not add due to rounding. Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in
United States totals]
State

Total production

Table eggs

Hatching eggs

2011

2012

2011

2012

2011

2012

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

Alabama ...........................
Arkansas ...........................
California ..........................
Colorado ...........................
Connecticut .......................
Florida ...............................
Georgia .............................
Illinois ................................
Indiana ..............................
Iowa ..................................

183
251
438
88
54
233
383
115
555
1,235

177
246
454
116
53
236
362
109
551
1,196

30
83
(D)
(D)
(D)
227
214
112
542
1,223

35
84
(D)
(D)
(D)
231
198
106
539
1,180

153
168
(D)
(D)
(D)
6
169
3
13
12

142
162
(D)
(D)
(D)
5
164
3
12
16

Maine ................................
Maryland ...........................
Michigan ...........................
Minnesota .........................
Mississippi ........................
Missouri ............................
Nebraska ..........................
New York ..........................
North Carolina ...................
Ohio ..................................

86
50
246
241
120
175
231
106
275
657

85
50
278
237
118
162
233
112
264
653

(D)
49
(D)
233
35
(D)
231
(D)
138
(D)

(D)
48
(D)
228
36
(D)
233
(D)
138
(D)

(D)
1
(D)
8
85
(D)
(D)
137
(D)

(D)
2
(D)
9
82
(D)
(D)
126
(D)

Oregon ..............................
Pennsylvania ....................
South Carolina ..................
South Dakota ....................
Texas ................................
Utah ..................................
Virginia ..............................
Washington .......................
Wisconsin .........................

57
622
96
57
423
75
60
158
111

60
629
98
57
427
80
61
164
116

55
601
74
57
(D)
75
28
(D)
(D)

58
607
77
57
(D)
80
28
(D)
(D)

2
21
22
(D)
32
(D)
(D)

2
22
21
(D)
33
(D)
(D)

Other States 1 ...................

452

447

312

322

141

126

United States ....................

7,833

7,831

6,736

6,786

1,098

1,046

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Includes data for States not published in this table.

10

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Egg Production by Type – States and United States: February 2011 and 2012
[Totals may not add due to rounding. Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in
United States totals]
State

Total production

Table eggs

Hatching eggs

2011

2012

2011

2012

2011

2012

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

Alabama ............................
Arkansas ...........................
California ...........................
Colorado ............................
Connecticut .......................
Florida ...............................
Georgia .............................
Illinois ................................
Indiana ..............................
Iowa ...................................

164
225
386
78
47
203
339
101
505
1,107

166
232
431
108
49
205
330
97
515
1,106

26
72
(D)
(D)
(D)
199
190
98
493
1,094

31
77
(D)
(D)
(D)
200
175
94
502
1,090

138
153
(D)
(D)
(D)
4
149
3
12
13

135
155
(D)
(D)
(D)
5
155
3
13
16

Maine ................................
Maryland ............................
Michigan ............................
Minnesota ..........................
Mississippi .........................
Missouri .............................
Nebraska ...........................
New York ...........................
North Carolina ...................
Ohio ...................................

80
45
229
210
108
158
210
98
252
574

82
50
266
210
105
143
214
104
239
596

(D)
44
(D)
203
32
(D)
210
(D)
128
(D)

(D)
49
(D)
202
31
(D)
214
(D)
121
(D)

(D)
1
(D)
7
76
(D)
(D)
124
(D)

(D)
1
(D)
8
74
(D)
(D)
118
(D)

Oregon ..............................
Pennsylvania .....................
South Carolina ...................
South Dakota .....................
Texas ................................
Utah ...................................
Virginia ..............................
Washington .......................
Wisconsin ..........................

52
557
88
50
374
71
51
143
99

56
585
91
52
397
75
56
154
109

50
537
68
50
(D)
71
22
(D)
(D)

54
564
71
52
(D)
75
26
(D)
(D)

2
20
20
(D)
29
(D)
(D)

2
21
20
(D)
30
(D)
(D)

Other States 1 ....................

409

414

283

296

126

118

United States .....................

7,013

7,237

6,022

6,249

990

987

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Includes data for States not published in this table.

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

11

Forced Molt as Percent of All Layers by Month – United States: 2011-2012
[As of the first of the month. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Being molted

Month

2011
(percent)

January .................................................
February ...............................................
March ....................................................
April ......................................................
May .......................................................
June ......................................................
July .......................................................
August ..................................................
September ............................................
October .................................................
November .............................................
December .............................................

Molt completed
2012

2011

(percent)
2.8
3.6
3.0
2.6
3.0
3.8
3.5
3.6
3.2
3.9
2.5
1.7

2012

(percent)
2.8
4.8
3.7

(percent)
21.2
20.2
20.1
20.0
20.0
19.5
19.6
19.5
20.3
20.4
21.2
21.1

19.9
18.8
19.6

Forced Molt as Percent of All Layers – States and United States: March 1, 2011 and 2012
[As of the first of the month]
Being molted

State

2011

Molt completed
2012

(percent)

2011

(percent)

2012

(percent)

(percent)

Alabama ...............................................
Arkansas ...............................................
California ..............................................
Colorado ...............................................
Connecticut ...........................................
Florida ...................................................
Georgia .................................................
Illinois ....................................................
Indiana ..................................................
Iowa ......................................................

2.0
4.0
2.5
10.0
4.0
1.5
5.5
3.0
5.0

2.0
2.5
3.5
3.0
9.0
6.5
3.0
2.5
6.5
5.0

5.0
10.5
28.0
18.0
7.5
34.5
18.5
31.0
25.0
32.0

8.5
9.0
28.5
16.5
8.0
30.5
13.0
25.0
32.5
31.0

Maine ....................................................
Maryland ...............................................
Michigan ...............................................
Minnesota .............................................
Mississippi ............................................
Missouri ................................................
Nebraska ..............................................
New York ..............................................
North Carolina .......................................
Ohio ......................................................

2.0
0.5
5.5
2.0
4.5
0.5
0.5
4.5

3.5
3.5
1.0
5.5
4.5
2.5
4.0

33.0
17.0
19.0
10.5
19.0
3.5
11.5
17.0
15.5

11.0
16.0
21.0
11.5
21.0
2.0
10.0
16.0
12.0

Oregon ..................................................
Pennsylvania ........................................
South Carolina ......................................
South Dakota ........................................
Texas ....................................................
Utah ......................................................
Virginia ..................................................
Washington ...........................................
Wisconsin .............................................

1.5
2.0
4.0
2.5
5.0
4.5
4.5

9.5
1.0
2.0
9.0
5.5
4.0
3.0
2.5
-

19.0
9.5
16.5
29.5
19.0
36.0
17.0
30.5
29.5

31.5
6.0
18.0
13.0
16.5
36.5
12.0
35.5
31.0

Other States 1 .......................................

3.0

4.0

15.0

18.1

United States ........................................

3.0

3.7

20.1

19.6

- Represents zero.
1
Includes data for States not published in this table.

12

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Hatchery Production – United States: 2011 and 2012
Item

2011

2012

2012 as
percent
of 2011

(1,000)

(1,000)

(percent)

Egg-type
Eggs in incubators on March 1 .................................................................................
Chicks hatched during February ..............................................................................
Chicks hatched January through February ...............................................................

39,975
37,336
78,702

39,322
39,300
79,577

98
105
101

Pullets hatched during February for intended placements:
Hatchery supply flocks ...........................................................................................
Cumulative potential placements 7-18 months earlier 1 ..........................................

244
3,168

238
2,936

98
93

Broiler-type
Eggs in incubators on March 1 .................................................................................
Chicks hatched during February ..............................................................................
Chicks hatched January through February ...............................................................

642,437
708,724
1,489,847

610,618
705,113
1,456,983

95
99
98

Pullets hatched during February for intended placements:
Hatchery supply flocks ...........................................................................................
Cumulative potential placements 7-15 months earlier 2 ..........................................

7,107
63,283

7,025
63,934

99
101

1
2

2012 includes pullet chicks hatched August 2010 through July 2011.
2012 includes pullet chicks hatched November 2010 through July 2011.

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

13

Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators – Regions and United States: March 1, 2011 and 2012
[See regional listing on page 19]
Region

2011

2012

2012 as
percent
of 2011

(1,000 eggs)

(1,000 eggs)

(percent)

North Atlantic ......................................................................
East North Central ..............................................................
West North Central .............................................................
South Atlantic ......................................................................
South Central ......................................................................
West ...................................................................................

4,463
8,346
7,889
5,336
5,473
8,468

4,359
7,976
8,723
3,812
5,838
8,614

98
96
111
71
107
102

United States ......................................................................

39,975

39,322

98

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2011-2012
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
By months
Month

January .....................
February ...................
March ........................
April ..........................
May ...........................
June ..........................
July ...........................
August ......................
September ................
October .....................
November .................
December .................

14

Cumulative

2011

2012

2012 as
percent
of 2011

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

41,366
37,336
43,974
43,429
43,305
39,313
37,405
41,564
40,298
37,845
37,508
38,879

40,277
39,300

97
105

2011

2012

2012 as
percent
of 2011

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

41,366
78,702
122,676
166,105
209,410
248,723
286,128
327,692
367,990
405,835
443,343
482,222

40,277
79,577

97
101

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month –
United States: 2011-2012
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Month

2011

2012

(1,000 chicks)
January ......................................
February .....................................
March .........................................
April ............................................
May ............................................
June ...........................................
July .............................................
August ........................................
September ..................................
October ......................................
November ...................................
December ...................................

220
244
253
287
196
302
234
311
252
266
218
277

Total ...........................................

3,060

1

Cumulative potential placements
relative to current supply
flocks 7-18 months earlier 1

2012 as
percent
of 2011

Pullet chicks hatched

(1,000 chicks)

2011

(percent)

263
238

2012

(1,000 chicks)
120
98

(1,000 chicks)

3,292
3,168
3,130
3,161
3,054
3,027
2,981
2,974
2,922
2,915
2,970
2,936

2,920
2,936
2,994
2,995
3,091
3,046
3,060
3,103
3,097

For February 2012, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched August 2010 through July 2011. The 7-18 months represent the first laying cycle. Molting
and additional laying cycles will increase the cumulative potential placements.

Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators – Regions and United States: March 1, 2011 and 2012
[See regional listing on page 19]
Region

2011

2012 as
percent
of 2011

2012

(1,000 eggs)

(1,000 eggs)

(percent)

North Atlantic ......................................................................
East North Central ..............................................................
West North Central .............................................................
South Atlantic .....................................................................
South Central ......................................................................
West ...................................................................................

12,620
12,097
28,779
239,341
326,142
23,458

12,443
12,951
28,495
233,027
301,712
21,990

99
107
99
97
93
94

United States ......................................................................

642,437

610,618

95

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

15

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched – States and United States: February 2011 and 2012
During February
State

January-February

2011

2012

2012 as
percent
of 2011
(percent)

2011

2012

2012 as
percent
of 2011
(percent)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

Alabama ..............................................
Arkansas ..............................................
Delaware .............................................
Florida ..................................................
Georgia ................................................
Kentucky ..............................................
Louisiana .............................................
Maryland ..............................................
Mississippi ...........................................
Missouri ...............................................

101,042
78,596
13,498
4,345
109,647
24,989
11,292
25,155
62,689
26,132

97,030
70,855
11,502
4,519
109,902
26,250
12,107
25,383
62,805
27,674

96
90
85
104
100
105
107
101
100
106

211,262
165,063
28,663
9,052
231,224
51,116
23,662
52,716
132,983
55,515

201,629
146,378
23,634
9,409
228,712
54,232
24,766
52,712
129,352
57,422

95
89
82
104
99
106
105
100
97
103

North Carolina ......................................
Oklahoma ............................................
Pennsylvania .......................................
South Carolina .....................................
Texas ...................................................
Virginia .................................................
California, Tennessee,
and West Virginia ...............................

65,891
23,042
13,306
17,864
49,290
19,939

69,876
23,561
13,072
17,787
51,075
21,181

106
102
98
100
104
106

138,201
48,164
27,812
37,784
107,430
41,468

143,910
47,907
27,197
37,109
104,917
43,501

104
99
98
98
98
105

36,734

35,826

98

77,883

74,896

96

...........................................

683,451

680,405

100

1,439,998

1,407,683

98

Other States 2 ......................................

25,273

24,708

98

49,849

49,300

99

United States .......................................

708,724

705,113

99

1,489,847

1,456,983

98

19 States

1

1

States in the weekly hatchery production estimating program.
2
Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2011-2012
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
By months
Month

January .....................
February ...................
March ........................
April ..........................
May ...........................
June ..........................
July ...........................
August ......................
September ................
October .....................
November .................
December .................

16

Cumulative

2011

2012

2012 as
percent
of 2011

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

781,123
708,724
793,957
779,859
806,574
768,173
770,368
760,882
721,214
717,354
704,103
760,188

751,870
705,113

96
99

2011

2012

2012 as
percent
of 2011

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

781,123
1,489,847
2,283,804
3,063,663
3,870,237
4,638,410
5,408,778
6,169,660
6,890,874
7,608,228
8,312,331
9,072,519

751,870
1,456,983

96
98

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and
Total: 2011-2012
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Month

2011

2012

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

United States placements
January ...................................
February .................................
March .....................................
April ........................................
May ........................................
June .......................................
July .........................................
August ....................................
September ..............................
October ...................................
November ...............................
December ...............................

6,989
7,107
7,058
7,044
7,721
7,211
6,444
7,233
6,657
6,289
6,890
6,438

Annual total ................................

83,081

Total placements 2
January ...................................
February .................................
March .....................................
April ........................................
May ........................................
June .......................................
July .........................................
August ....................................
September ..............................
October ...................................
November ...............................
December ...............................

8,548
8,782
9,023
8,944
9,612
9,225
8,131
8,700
8,546
7,938
8,489
8,279

Annual total ................................

104,217

Cumulative potential placements
relative to current supply
flocks 7-15 months earlier 1

2012 as
percent
of 2011

Pullet chicks hatched

(percent)

6,673
7,025

95
99

8,201
8,818

96
100

2011

2012

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

62,996
63,283
63,250
63,751
63,990
64,558
64,656
64,820
63,576
63,506
63,875
64,283

64,366
63,934
63,578
63,464
62,764
62,547
61,927
61,556
60,860

1

For February 2012, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched November 2010 through July 2011.
2
United States production of intended placements worldwide.

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

17

Statistical Methodology
Survey Procedures: Primary data for the Chickens and Eggs report are from weekly and/or monthly questionnaires sent
to producers. An attempt is made to collect information for layer and egg estimates from each known contractor and
independent producer who has at least 30,000 table egg layers, flocks of hatchery supply layers, or pullet only operations
with at least 500 pullets. Coverage for operations with less than 30,000 table egg layers are estimated each month based
on data reported in December. Approximately 650 contractors, independent egg producers, and pullet only operations are
contacted each month. All known hatcheries, approximately 300, are contacted for information on a weekly and/or
monthly basis.
Estimating Procedures: Sound statistical methodology is employed to derive estimates from the reported data. All data
are analyzed for unusual values. Data from each operation are compared to their own past operating profile and to trends
from similar operations. Data for missing operations are estimated based on similar operations or historical data. NASS
field offices prepare these estimates by using a combination of survey indications and historic trends. Individual State
estimates are reviewed by the Agricultural Statistics Board for reasonableness. Individual hatchery data are summed to
State, regional, and United States totals.
For chicken hatcheries, chicks hatched consist of all chicks of domesticated breeds including males and chicks destined
for hatchery supply flocks and research purposes. Eggs set are eggs in incubators for the purpose of hatching. The
relationship of egg-type chicks hatched to chicken inventory and poultry marketings are carefully monitored. The
disposition of egg-type chicks hatched prior to placement into the laying flock can vary significantly, which can make
comparisons to changes in layer inventory inconsistent over time. Broiler chicks placed are specifically placed on feed for
meat production. Intended placement data reported by leading breeders include pullet chicks expected from eggs sold the
preceding month. The breeders in this report account for a large percentage of replacement pullets for hatchery supply
flocks. Production of replacement pullets by these breeders indicates the number of pullets available to hatchery supply
layer flocks several months before the pullets will actually move into the laying flocks. “Hatchery Supply Flocks” include
all generations of layers which could lay eggs to supply a hatchery. This includes the generations of parents, grandparents,
great-grandparents, pedigree, etc. Also included are research flocks, vaccine flocks, and specific pathogen-free flocks. The
broiler cumulative potential placements are a moving total of the intended placements 7-15 months earlier. The egg-type
cumulative potential placements of 7-18 months earlier represent the first laying cycle. Molting and additional laying
cycles will increase the cumulative potential placements of egg-type hatching flocks.
Revision Policy: The previous month's estimates are subject to revision if late reports or corrected data indicates a
different level. Additionally, revisions after the monthly report will be made at the end of the marketing year and
published in the annual reports of Chickens and Eggs Summary and Hatchery Production Summary. Estimates will also be
reviewed for chickens and eggs after data from the 5-year Census of Agriculture are available. No revisions will be made
after that date.
Reliability: Estimates are based on a census of all known contractors and independent producers who have at least 30,000
table egg layers, flocks of hatchery supply layers, pullet only operations with at least 500 pullets, or operating hatcheries
and therefore, have no sampling error. However, estimates are subject to errors such as omission, duplication, and
mistakes in reporting, recording, and processing the data. While these errors cannot be measured directly, they are
minimized through strict quality controls in the data collection process and a careful review of all reported data for
consistency and reasonableness.
To assist in evaluating the reliability of the estimates in this report, the “Root Mean Square Error” is shown for selected
items in the following table. The “Root Mean Square Error” is a statistical measure based on past performance and is
computed using the differences between first and final estimates. The “Root Mean Square Error” for all layers over the
past 24 months is 0.3 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the final estimate will not be above or below the
current estimate of 338 million layers by more than 0.3 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 that the difference will not
exceed 0.6 percent.

18

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Reliability of Layer and Egg Estimates
[Based on data for the past twenty-four months]
Item

Difference between first and latest estimate

Root mean
square error

90 percent
confidence
level

Average

Smallest

Largest

(percent)

(percent)

(1,000)

(1,000)

(1,000)

All layers .........................................

0.3

0.6

Eggs ...............................................

0.3

0.5

918
(million)

25
(million)

19

1

Months
Below latest

Above latest

(number)

(number)

2,138

19

5

19

5

(million)
39

Regional Listing
North Atlantic:

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, Vermont.

East North Central:

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin.

West North Central: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota.
South Atlantic:

Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia.

South Central:

Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas.

West:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon,
Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates
All Layers includes both table egg and hatching egg flocks regardless of size.
Intended Placements are reported by leading breeders. Coverage may not be 100 percent. Includes expected pullet chicks
from eggs sold during the preceding month at the rate of 125 pullet chicks per case of 30 dozen eggs.

Information Contacts
Listed below are the commodity specialists in the Livestock Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service to
contact for additional information. E-mail inquiries may be sent to nass@nass.usda.gov
Dan Kerestes, Chief, Livestock Branch .......................................................................................................... (202) 720-3570
Bruce Boess, Head, Poultry and Specialty Commodities Section .................................................................. (202) 720-4447
Cody Brokmeyer – Poultry Slaughter, Turkey Hatchery, Turkeys Raised .............................................. (202) 690-3237
David Colwell – Cold Storage .................................................................................................................. (202) 720-8784
LaKeya Jones – Catfish Processing, Catfish Production, Trout Production,
Census of Aquaculture, Honey, Egg Products, Mink ......................................................................... (202) 720-0585
Kim Linonis – Layers, Eggs ..................................................................................................................... (202) 690-8632
Miste Salmon – Broiler Hatchery, Chicken Hatchery .............................................................................. (202) 720-3244

Chickens and Eggs (March 2012)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

19

Access to NASS Reports
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