Chicken and Eggs - Release

Chickens and Eggs
ISSN: 1948-9064

Released October 23, 2015, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA).

Special Note
The increase in Indiana’s layer inventory and egg production reflects updated coverage information. Revisions for months
prior to August 2015 will follow NASS’s normal revision policy as described on page 18. Please contact the Livestock
Branch at (202) 720-3570 or email at hq_sd_lb@nass.usda.gov with any questions or concerns.

September Egg Production Down 8 Percent
United States egg production totaled 7.49 billion during September 2015, down 8 percent from last year. Production
included 6.40 billion table eggs, and 1.10 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.02 billion were broiler-type and 78 million
were egg-type. The total number of layers during September 2015 averaged 333 million, down 8 percent from last year.
September egg production per 100 layers was 2,249 eggs, down 1 percent from September 2014.
All layers in the United States on October 1, 2015 totaled 334 million, down 8 percent from last year. The 334 million
layers consisted of 277 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 54.3 million layers producing broiler-type
hatching eggs, and 3.27 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on October 1, 2015,
averaged 74.6 eggs per 100 layers, down 1 percent from October 1, 2014.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 13 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during September 2015 totaled 49.3 million, up 13 percent from September 2014. Eggs in
incubators totaled 49.9 million on October 1, 2015, up 15 percent from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 222 thousand
during September 2015, down 44 percent from September 2014.
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up Slightly
Broiler-type chicks hatched during September 2015 totaled 761 million, up slightly from September 2014. Eggs in
incubators totaled 608 million on October 1, 2015, down 2 percent from a year ago.
Leading breeders placed 8.57 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during
September 2015, up 18 percent from September 2014.

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2

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents
Average Number of All Layers on Hand During the Month – United States: 2014-2015...................................................... 4
Egg Production During the Month by Type – United States: 2014-2015 ............................................................................... 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 Molt – United States: August-September 2014 and 2015........................ 6
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States: September-October 2014 and 2015 ...................... 7
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During August 2014 and 2015 .......................................... 8
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During September 2014 and 2015 .................................... 9
Egg Production by Type – States and United States: August 2014 and 2015....................................................................... 10
Egg Production by Type – States and United States: September 2014 and 2015 ................................................................. 11
Molted as Percent of All Layers by Month – United States: 2014-2015 .............................................................................. 12
Molted as Percent of All Layers – States and United States: October 1, 2014 and 2015 ..................................................... 12
Hatchery Production – United States: 2014 and 2015 .......................................................................................................... 13
Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – Regions and United States: 2014-2015 ..................................... 14
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2014-2015 ....................................................................................... 14
Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month –
United States: 2014-2016 ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – Regions and United States: 2014-2015 ................................ 15
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched – States and United States: September 2014 and 2015 ......................................................... 16
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2014-2015 .................................................................................. 16
Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total: 2014-2016............ 17
Statistical Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
Regional Listing .................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates ...................................................................................................... 19
Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................ 20

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

3

Average Number of All Layers on Hand During the Month – United States: 2014-2015
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Month

2014

2015

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

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

360,673
359,556
358,967
359,955
360,826
360,383
359,729
360,787
361,731
361,813
362,034
364,017

365,691
363,732
362,338
362,501
358,416
341,647
328,656
328,993
330,868
333,268

December preceding year.

Egg Production During the Month by Type – United States: 2014-2015
[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

2014

2015

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

8,489
8,397
7,551
8,430
8,205
8,428
8,151
8,503
8,491
8,186
8,526
8,411
99,768

8,731
8,540
7,620
8,548
8,209
7,993
7,416
7,674
7,717
7,494

Hatching eggs

2014

2015

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

7,422
7,321
6,579
7,354
7,160
7,336
7,091
7,404
7,394
7,126
7,433
7,353
86,971

7,633
7,428
6,615
7,429
7,113
6,851
6,307
6,527
6,571
6,396

2014

2015

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

1,068
1,077
972
1,077
1,045
1,094
1,060
1,100
1,098
1,060
1,094
1,058
12,803

1,098
1,112
1,006
1,119
1,096
1,142
1,109
1,147
1,146
1,098

December preceding year.

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Average Layers During the Month – United States
Million layers
370
365
360
355
350
345
340
335
330

2014

2015

325
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
8,900
8,700
8,500
8,300

8,100
7,900
7,700
7,500

2014

2015

7,300
Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

December previous year

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

5

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States:
August-September 2014 and 2015
[Totals may not add due to rounding]
Item

2014

2015 as
percent
of 2014

2015

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

361,731
305,415
56,316
53,130
3,186

330,868
272,913
57,955
54,710
3,245

91
89
103
103
102

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

2,347
2,421
1,950
1,918
2,480

2,332
2,408
1,977
1,943
2,558

99
99
101
101
103

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

8,491
7,394
1,098
1,019
79

7,717
6,571
1,146
1,063
83

91
89
104
104
105

Layers on September 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

361,560
305,597
55,963
52,750
3,213

332,124
274,357
57,767
54,579
3,188

92
90
103
103
99

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

75.5
77.8
63.0
62.0
78.8

75.2
77.6
63.6
62.5
82.4

100
100
101
101
105

Molted layers on September 1
Being molted ....................................................................................................... percent
Molt completed .................................................................................................... percent

2.9
18.9

3.4
20.1

117
106

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

16,393

13,469

82

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

7,271

7,449

102

Pullets on September 1 ..............................................................................................1,000

109,413

108,100

99

25,047

23,789

95

Pullets added during August
1

6

1

....................................................................................1,000

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

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States:
September-October 2014 and 2015
[Totals may not add due to rounding]
Item

2014

2015 as
percent
of 2014

2015

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

361,813
306,022
55,791
52,594
3,197

333,268
275,579
57,689
54,456
3,233

92
90
103
104
101

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

2,262
2,329
1,900
1,873
2,346

2,249
2,321
1,903
1,873
2,413

99
100
100
100
103

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

8,186
7,126
1,060
985
75

7,494
6,396
1,098
1,020
78

92
90
104
104
104

Layers on October 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

362,044
306,438
55,606
52,430
3,176

334,375
276,785
57,590
54,319
3,271

92
90
104
104
103

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

75.3
77.4
63.4
62.6
76.5

74.6
76.9
63.1
62.1
79.3

99
99
100
99
104

Molted layers on October 1
Being molted ...................................................................................................... percent
Molt completed .................................................................................................. percent

3.3
19.3

3.4
20.9

103
108

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

15,709

13,832

88

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

7,767

5,932

76

Pullets on October 1 ................................................................................................. 1,000

107,168

109,949

103

Pullets added during September 1 ............................................................................. 1,000

23,334

25,376

109

1

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

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

7

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During August 2014 and 2015
State

Table egg layers in
flocks 30,000 and above

Eggs per 100 for
all layers

All layers

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(eggs)

2015
(eggs)

Alabama .........................
Arkansas .........................
California ........................
Colorado .........................
Connecticut 1 ...................
Florida .............................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa ................................

1,508
3,620
15,429
4,537
2,280
8,185
9,453
4,424
26,532
58,024

1,518
3,761
12,924
4,191
(NA)
8,484
9,753
4,275
26,896
32,601

9,199
12,367
15,837
4,910
2,374
8,608
18,118
4,914
27,524
59,189

9,620
13,215
13,435
4,644
(NA)
8,884
18,553
4,753
27,868
33,752

1,978
2,102
2,349
2,525
2,527
2,323
2,175
2,503
2,347
2,369

2,006
2,051
2,337
2,562
(NA)
2,330
2,188
2,293
2,393
2,278

Maine 1 ............................
Maryland .........................
Michigan .........................
Minnesota .......................
Mississippi ......................
Missouri ..........................
Nebraska ........................
New York ........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio ................................

3,445
2,595
12,757
10,838
1,397
6,712
9,422
4,721
6,073
30,030

(NA)
2,527
12,775
8,232
1,526
6,371
5,754
4,795
6,839
30,825

3,500
2,765
12,974
11,295
5,521
8,951
9,530
5,079
13,709
30,903

(NA)
2,688
12,991
8,690
5,656
8,571
5,862
5,147
14,694
31,677

2,286
2,459
2,551
2,408
2,011
2,402
2,581
2,500
2,108
2,433

(NA)
2,530
2,502
2,348
2,086
2,263
2,559
2,526
2,103
2,424

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

2,238
23,489
2,913
2,519
14,668
4,303
1,292
6,882
4,250

2,345
23,750
2,809
1,403
15,614
4,055
1,123
6,835
3,821

2,377
25,293
4,136
2,661
18,696
4,341
3,105
7,047
5,028

2,484
25,645
4,053
1,545
19,693
4,093
2,839
7,001
4,599

2,692
2,515
2,103
2,443
2,321
2,465
2,158
2,427
2,387

2,657
2,519
2,369
2,524
2,270
2,516
2,078
2,557
2,435

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

12,876

19,030

21,780

28,216

2,231

2,300

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

297,412

264,832

361,731

330,868

2,347

2,332

(NA) Not available.
1
Included in Other States in 2015.
2
Includes data for States not published in this table.

8

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During September 2014 and 2015
State

Table egg layers in
flocks 30,000 and above

Eggs per 100 for
all layers

All layers

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(eggs)

2015
(eggs)

Alabama ..........................
Arkansas .........................
California .........................
Colorado ..........................
Connecticut 1 ...................
Florida .............................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa .................................

1,508
3,653
15,234
4,359
2,250
8,191
9,550
4,417
26,599
58,415

1,542
3,728
12,935
4,217
(NA)
8,557
9,872
4,426
27,978
32,756

9,147
12,299
15,648
4,732
2,344
8,586
18,151
4,905
27,557
59,550

9,750
13,101
13,453
4,672
(NA)
8,965
18,692
4,903
28,957
33,894

1,924
2,008
2,249
2,473
2,389
2,213
2,116
2,508
2,254
2,317

1,938
1,962
2,297
2,376
(NA)
2,186
2,129
2,386
2,297
2,160

Maine 1 ............................
Maryland ..........................
Michigan ..........................
Minnesota ........................
Mississippi .......................
Missouri ...........................
Nebraska .........................
New York .........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio .................................

3,476
2,585
12,766
10,813
1,422
6,549
9,342
4,701
6,180
30,104

(NA)
2,515
12,554
8,791
1,534
6,657
5,612
4,938
6,711
30,717

3,531
2,754
12,982
11,270
5,457
8,817
9,450
5,053
13,653
30,974

(NA)
2,683
12,771
9,249
5,627
8,825
5,720
5,289
14,392
31,569

2,237
2,360
2,511
2,289
1,942
2,359
2,508
2,434
2,036
2,254

(NA)
2,423
2,490
2,195
2,008
2,176
2,483
2,439
2,091
2,341

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

2,184
23,702
2,996
2,484
14,760
4,432
1,283
6,863
4,344

2,298
23,919
2,960
1,404
15,644
4,157
1,167
6,846
3,977

2,323
25,582
4,214
2,626
18,782
4,470
3,092
7,028
5,121

2,437
25,805
4,212
1,546
19,635
4,195
2,890
7,012
4,754

2,626
2,443
2,088
2,475
2,156
2,371
2,102
2,305
2,304

2,503
2,438
2,255
2,329
2,144
2,408
2,180
2,467
2,335

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

12,857

19,086

21,715

28,270

2,151

2,221

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

298,019

267,498

361,813

333,268

2,262

2,249

(NA) Not available.
1
Included in Other States in 2015.
2
Includes data for States not published in this table.

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

9

Egg Production by Type – States and United States: August 2014 and 2015
[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

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

Alabama ...........................
Arkansas ...........................
California ..........................
Colorado ...........................
Connecticut 1 .....................
Florida ...............................
Georgia .............................
Illinois ................................
Indiana ..............................
Iowa ..................................

182
260
372
124
60
200
394
123
646
1,402

193
271
314
119
(NA)
207
406
109
667
769

38
91
(D)
(D)
(D)
194
224
118
627
1,386

41
90
(D)
(D)
(NA)
202
231
104
647
752

144
169
(D)
(D)
(D)
6
170
5
19
16

152
181
(D)
(D)
(NA)
5
175
5
20
17

Maine 1 ..............................
Maryland ...........................
Michigan ...........................
Minnesota .........................
Mississippi ........................
Missouri ............................
Nebraska ..........................
New York ..........................
North Carolina ...................
Ohio ..................................

80
68
331
272
111
215
246
127
289
752

(NA)
68
325
204
118
194
150
130
309
768

(D)
66
(D)
265
34
(D)
246
(D)
150
(D)

(NA)
66
(D)
197
37
(D)
150
(D)
160
(D)

(D)
2
(D)
7
77
(D)
(D)
139
(D)

(NA)
2
(D)
7
81
(D)
(D)
149
(D)

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

64
636
87
65
434
107
67
171
120

66
646
96
39
447
103
59
179
112

64
612
66
65
(D)
107
35
(D)
(D)

66
619
73
39
(D)
103
27
(D)
(D)

24
21
(D)
32
(D)
(D)

27
23
(D)
32
(D)
(D)

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

486

649

350

507

137

142

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

8,491

7,717

7,394

6,571

1,098

1,146

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
(NA) Not available.
1
Included in Other States in 2015.
2
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

10

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Egg Production by Type – States and United States: September 2014 and 2015
[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

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

Alabama ............................
Arkansas ...........................
California ...........................
Colorado ............................
Connecticut 1 .....................
Florida ...............................
Georgia .............................
Illinois ................................
Indiana ..............................
Iowa ...................................

176
247
352
117
56
190
384
123
621
1,380

189
257
309
111
(NA)
196
398
117
665
732

36
84
(D)
(D)
(D)
185
220
118
603
1,365

40
88
(D)
(D)
(NA)
191
228
112
646
717

140
163
(D)
(D)
(D)
5
164
5
18
15

149
169
(D)
(D)
(NA)
5
170
5
19
15

Maine 1 ..............................
Maryland ............................
Michigan ............................
Minnesota ..........................
Mississippi .........................
Missouri .............................
Nebraska ...........................
New York ...........................
North Carolina ...................
Ohio ...................................

79
65
326
258
106
208
237
123
278
698

(NA)
65
318
203
113
192
142
129
301
739

(D)
64
(D)
252
32
(D)
237
(D)
144
(D)

(NA)
64
(D)
197
36
(D)
142
(D)
158
(D)

(D)
1
(D)
6
74
(D)
(D)
134
(D)

(NA)
1
(D)
6
77
(D)
(D)
143
(D)

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

61
625
88
65
405
106
65
162
118

61
629
95
36
421
101
63
173
111

61
600
68
65
(D)
106
33
(D)
(D)

61
603
72
36
(D)
101
32
(D)
(D)

25
20
(D)
32
(D)
(D)

26
23
(D)
31
(D)
(D)

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

467

628

335

490

132

138

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

8,186

7,494

7,126

6,396

1,060

1,098

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
(NA) Not available.
1
Included in Other States in 2015.
2
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

11

Molted as Percent of All Layers by Month – United States: 2014-2015
[As of the first of the month. Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Month

Being molted
2014
(percent)

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

Molt completed
2015

2014

(percent)
2.7
2.8
2.4
1.9
2.8
3.0
2.6
3.3
2.9
3.3
2.0
1.3

2015

(percent)
2.1
3.3
1.9
2.0
3.1
2.4
2.9
2.7
3.4
3.4

(percent)
18.2
18.0
18.0
17.9
17.7
17.2
18.0
18.0
18.9
19.3
19.9
19.3

18.1
17.9
18.9
18.0
17.7
17.5
18.4
19.5
20.1
20.9

Molted as Percent of All Layers – States and United States: October 1, 2014 and 2015
[As of the first of the month]
State

Being molted
2014

Molt completed
2015

(percent)

2014

(percent)

2015

(percent)

(percent)

Alabama ...............................................
Arkansas ...............................................
California ..............................................
Colorado ...............................................
Connecticut 1 .........................................
Florida ...................................................
Georgia .................................................
Illinois ....................................................
Indiana ..................................................
Iowa ......................................................

0.5
2.5
3.5
5.0
9.0
5.0
4.0
4.0

2.5
2.5
1.0
5.5
(NA)
11.0
1.5
3.5
2.5
6.5

7.5
13.5
31.0
24.5
10.5
35.0
18.5
13.0
26.5
27.0

9.0
17.5
29.0
15.0
(NA)
53.5
16.5
22.5
25.5
31.5

Maine 1 ..................................................
Maryland ...............................................
Michigan ...............................................
Minnesota .............................................
Mississippi ............................................
Missouri ................................................
Nebraska ..............................................
New York ..............................................
North Carolina .......................................
Ohio ......................................................

2.5
3.5
3.5
3.0
0.5
3.5
5.0

(NA)
4.5
2.0
1.5
6.5
1.0
2.0
4.5

5.5
8.0
19.0
12.0
15.5
1.5
7.0
14.5
22.5

(NA)
12.5
15.5
19.0
21.5
9.0
3.5
17.5
23.0

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

6.5
1.0
5.5
6.0
3.5
6.0
2.0

4.5
1.5
2.5
8.0
7.0
2.5
-

12.0
3.5
6.5
15.5
31.5
28.0
16.5
23.0
37.0

13.0
6.5
9.5
13.0
43.0
26.0
19.5
23.5
29.0

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

1.9

1.5

13.1

9.1

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

3.3

3.4

19.3

20.9

- Represents zero.
(NA) Not available.
1
Included in Other States in 2015.
2
Includes data for States not published in this table.

12

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Hatchery Production – United States: 2014 and 2015
Item

2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014

(1,000)

(1,000)

(percent)

Egg-type
Eggs in incubators on October 1 ..............................................................................
Chicks hatched during September ...........................................................................
Chicks hatched January through September ............................................................

43,275
43,722
394,354

49,913
49,272
420,174

115
113
107

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

394
2,805

222
3,140

56
112

Broiler-type
Eggs in incubators on October 1 ..............................................................................
Chicks hatched during September ...........................................................................
Chicks hatched January through September ............................................................

620,095
757,650
6,869,843

608,453
760,797
7,027,523

98
100
102

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

7,253
61,446

8,573
64,084

118
104

1
2

2015 includes pullet chicks hatched March 2014 through February 2015.
2015 includes pullet chicks hatched June 2014 through February 2015.

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

13

Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – Regions and United States: 2014-2015
[See regional listing on page 19]
September 1
Region

2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014

(1,000 eggs)

(1,000 eggs)

(percent)

October 1
2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014

(1,000 eggs)

(1,000 eggs)

(percent)

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

5,868
8,496
11,876
4,679
5,746
5,069

7,824
8,668
13,417
5,068
6,455
5,764

133
102
113
108
112
114

5,525
9,491
10,695
5,626
5,649
6,289

8,458
9,406
13,286
5,259
7,456
6,048

153
99
124
93
132
96

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

41,734

47,196

113

43,275

49,913

115

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2014-2015
[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

2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

44,458
40,986
44,233
45,703
49,146
44,006
42,297
39,803
43,722
44,468
36,544
42,980

44,174
43,091
50,077
49,595
47,652
46,868
42,582
46,863
49,272

99
105
113
109
97
107
101
118
113

2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

44,458
85,444
129,677
175,380
224,526
268,532
310,829
350,632
394,354
438,822
475,366
518,346

44,174
87,265
137,342
186,937
234,589
281,457
324,039
370,902
420,174

99
102
106
107
104
105
104
106
107

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month –
United States: 2014-2016
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Month

2014

2015

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

270
243
235
243
224
172
275
251
394
369
150
248

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

3,074

1

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

2015 as
percent
of 2014

Pullet chicks hatched

(1,000 chicks)

2015

(percent)

270
309
346
219
235
320
267
166
222

2016

(1,000 chicks)
100
127
147
90
105
186
97
66
56

(1,000 chicks)

2,947
2,955
2,863
2,987
3,206
3,178
3,074
3,074
3,140
3,251
3,227
3,238

3,386
3,378
3,293
3,121

For September 2015, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched March 2014 through February 2015. 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 on the First of the Month – Regions and United States: 2014-2015
[See regional listing on page 19]
September 1
Region

2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014

(1,000 eggs)

(1,000 eggs)

(percent)

2014

October 1
2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014

(1,000 eggs)

(1,000 eggs)

(percent)

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

14,063
14,084
30,653
247,529
311,683
21,311

14,326
14,318
30,269
243,660
310,728
22,911

102
102
99
98
100
108

13,837
13,290
29,314
240,684
302,003
20,967

13,364
13,791
29,352
234,901
297,036
20,009

97
104
100
98
98
95

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

639,323

636,212

100

620,095

608,453

98

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

15

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched – States and United States: September 2014 and 2015
During September
State

January-September

2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014
(percent)

2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014
(percent)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

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

102,690
77,411
15,606
4,463
122,305
28,052
13,642
26,141
63,422
30,574

101,242
79,631
17,118
4,377
119,533
28,901
13,734
28,085
62,598
29,722

99
103
110
98
98
103
101
107
99
97

930,865
683,859
144,246
39,881
1,099,588
250,524
125,352
244,912
573,852
274,039

951,975
707,668
153,798
39,117
1,100,437
256,086
125,478
255,444
585,867
268,310

102
103
107
98
100
102
100
104
102
98

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

73,287
23,647
15,885
17,577
51,641
23,223

72,346
23,628
16,820
18,734
52,714
22,682

99
100
106
107
102
98

666,157
215,598
141,682
157,182
475,175
214,687

687,679
212,998
146,673
173,308
496,444
212,034

103
99
104
110
104
99

39,963

40,288

101

373,061

391,669

105

19 States 1 ...........................................

729,529

732,153

100

6,610,660

6,764,985

102

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

28,121

28,644

102

259,183

262,538

101

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

757,650

760,797

100

6,869,843

7,027,523

102

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: 2014-2015
[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

2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

772,825
694,277
771,618
750,447
783,136
764,412
785,896
789,582
757,650
762,311
732,978
795,846

792,176
711,223
791,109
772,833
809,044
787,193
804,756
798,392
760,797

103
102
103
103
103
103
102
101
100

2014

2015

2015 as
percent
of 2014

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

772,825
1,467,102
2,238,720
2,989,167
3,772,303
4,536,715
5,322,611
6,112,193
6,869,843
7,632,154
8,365,132
9,160,978

792,176
1,503,399
2,294,508
3,067,341
3,876,385
4,663,578
5,468,334
6,266,726
7,027,523

103
102
102
103
103
103
103
103
102

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and
Total: 2014-2016
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

Month

2014

2015

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

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

6,470
7,239
6,790
6,710
7,600
7,094
6,212
7,436
7,253
6,823
7,591
6,795

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

84,013

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

8,077
9,068
8,702
8,122
9,470
9,021
7,916
9,413
9,228
8,288
9,540
8,649

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

105,494

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

2015 as
percent
of 2014

Pullet chicks hatched

(percent)

6,959
7,921
7,160
6,995
7,541
7,790
7,428
7,907
8,573

108
109
105
104
99
110
120
106
118

8,382
9,546
8,875
8,358
9,409
9,785
9,907
10,040
10,810

104
105
102
103
99
108
125
107
117

2015

2016

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

62,018
61,999
62,220
62,804
63,157
63,509
63,514
63,763
64,084
64,150
64,933
65,038

65,575
66,180
66,496
68,274

1

For September 2015, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched June 2014 through February 2015.
2
United States production of intended placements worldwide.

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
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 500 contractors, independent egg producers, and pullet only operations are
contacted each month. Data for broiler hatchery estimates are collected weekly from all broiler-type hatcheries that hatch
at least one million chicks a year. Data for egg-type hatchery estimates are collected monthly from all egg-type hatcheries
that hatch at least 50,000 chicks a year.
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 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 1.8 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the final estimate will not be above or below the
current estimate of 333 million layers by more than 1.8 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 that the difference will not
exceed 3.1 percent.

18

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
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 .........................................

1.8

3.1

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

1.9

3.2

5,101
(million)

37
(million)

122

1

10,344

Months
Below latest

Above latest

(number)

(number)
21

3

21

3

(million)
271

Egg-Type Regional Listing
North Atlantic:
East North Central:
West North Central:
South Atlantic:
South Central:
West:

Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania.
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin.
Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri.
Florida, Georgia, Virginia.
Alabama, Mississippi, Texas.
California, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon.

Broiler-Type Regional Listing
North Atlantic:
East North Central:
West North Central:
South Atlantic:
South Central:
West:

New York, Pennsylvania.
Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin.
Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri.
Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia.
Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas.
California, Oregon, Washington.

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.
Molted Layers is the same data series as the previously published Forced Molt Layers. Nomenclature changed as of
January 2015.

Chickens and Eggs (October 2015)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

19

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
Alissa Cowell-Mytar – Cold Storage ........................................................................................................ (202) 720-4751
Aaron Cosgrove – Egg Products, Poultry Slaughter, Trout Production ................................................... (202) 690-3237
Heidi Gleich – Broiler Hatchery, Chicken Hatchery ................................................................................ (202) 720-0585
Tom Kruchten – Census of Aquaculture .................................................................................................. (202) 690-4870
Kim Linonis – Layers, Eggs ..................................................................................................................... (202) 690-8632
Sammy Neal – Catfish Production, Mink, Turkey Hatchery, Turkeys Raised ......................................... (202) 720-3244
Joshua O’Rear – Honey ............................................................................................................................ (202) 690-3676

Access to NASS Reports
For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following ways:
 All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web site: http://www.nass.usda.gov
 Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e-mail subscription. To set-up this free
subscription, visit http://www.nass.usda.gov and in the “Follow NASS” box under “Receive reports by Email,”
click on “National” or “State” to select the reports you would like to receive.
For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Agricultural Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540,
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: nass@nass.usda.gov.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for
employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where
applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's
income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program
or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or
employment activities.)
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or
call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the
form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of
Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at
program.intake@usda.gov.