Chicken and Eggs - Release

Chickens and Eggs
ISSN: 1948-9064
Released May 24, 2024, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).

April Egg Production Down 1 Percent
United States egg production totaled 8.93 billion during April 2024, down 1 percent from last year. Production included
7.68 billion table eggs, and 1.26 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.16 billion were broiler-type and 97.5 million were eggtype. The average number of layers during April 2024 totaled 375 million, down 2 percent from last year. April egg
production per 100 layers was 2,381 eggs, up 1 percent from April 2023.
Total layers in the United States on May 1, 2024 totaled 371 million, down 4 percent from last year. The 371 million
layers consisted of 305 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 61.8 million layers producing broiler-type
hatching eggs, and 3.86 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on May 1, 2024, averaged
79.3 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from May 1, 2023.
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 4 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2024 totaled 57.7 million, up 4 percent from April 2023. Eggs in incubators totaled
54.1 million on May 1, 2024, down 2 percent from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 249 thousand
during April 2024, up 6 percent from April 2023.
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 2 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2024 totaled 834 million, up 2 percent from April 2023. Eggs in incubators
totaled 738 million on May 1, 2024, up 2 percent from a year ago.
Leading breeders placed 8.18 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during
April 2023, up 1 percent from April 2023.

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2

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents
Average Layers During the Month – United States: 2023-2024............................................................................................. 4
Egg Production During the Month by Type – United States: 2023-2024 ............................................................................... 4
Egg Production During the Month in Dozens by Type – United States: 2023-2024 .............................................................. 4
Average Layers During the Month – United States ................................................................................................................ 5
Total Egg Production During the Month – United States ....................................................................................................... 5
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States: March-April 2023 and 2024 ................................. 6
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States: April-May 2023 and 2024 .................................... 7
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During March 2023 and 2024 ........................................... 8
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During April 2023 and 2024 ............................................. 9
Egg Production by Type – States and United States: March 2023 and 2024........................................................................ 10
Egg Production by Type – States and United States: April 2023 and 2024.......................................................................... 11
Egg Production in Dozens by Type – States and United States: March 2023 and 2024....................................................... 12
Egg Production in Dozens by Type – States and United States: April 2023 and 2024......................................................... 13
Total Layers Molted First Day of the Month by Month – United States: 2023-2024........................................................... 14
Total Layers Molted First Day of the Month – States and United States: April 1 and May 1, 2023-2024........................... 14
Hatchery Production – United States: 2023 and 2024 .......................................................................................................... 15
Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – United States: 2023-2024 .......................................................... 16
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2023-2024 ....................................................................................... 16
Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total –
United States: 2023-2024 ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – United States: 2023-2024 ..................................................... 17
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched – States and United States: April 2023 and 2024.................................................................. 18
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2023-2024 .................................................................................. 18
Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total: 2023-2024............ 19
Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates ...................................................................................................... 19
Statistical Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................ 22

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

3

Average Layers During the Month – United States: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Month

2023

2024

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

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

379,240
375,688
378,859
382,665
384,281
383,839
381,367
380,356
381,649
384,814
387,782
387,517

382,585
377,270
377,126
378,982
375,214

December previous year.

Egg Production During the Month by Type – United States: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Total eggs

Month

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

Table eggs

Hatching eggs

2023

2024

2023

2024

2023

2024

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

9,245.3
9,047.8
8,209.8
9,233.0
9,014.3
9,294.8
8,951.2
9,281.9
9,336.5
9,117.9
9,543.0
9,250.5

9,427.7
9,259.5
8,624.6
9,304.4
8,934.7

7,966.2
7,777.6
7,044.8
7,926.9
7,744.3
7,977.0
7,676.1
7,971.9
8,031.4
7,852.7
8,236.0
7,992.1

8,133.2
7,959.2
7,406.4
8,003.6
7,678.6

1,279.1
1,270.2
1,165.0
1,306.1
1,270.0
1,317.8
1,275.1
1,310.0
1,305.1
1,265.2
1,307.0
1,258.4

1,294.5
1,300.3
1,218.2
1,300.8
1,256.1

December previous year.

Egg Production During the Month in Dozens by Type – United States: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Total eggs

Month

2023

Table eggs
2024

2023

Hatching eggs
2024

2023

2024

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

4

770,441.6
753,983.2
684,150.9
769,416.6
751,191.5
774,566.9
745,933.2
773,491.4
778,041.1
759,825.2
795,249.7
770,874.6

785,641.7
771,624.8
718,716.6
775,366.7
744,558.2

663,850.0
648,133.0
587,067.2
660,575.2
645,358.2
664,750.3
639,674.6
664,324.9
669,283.1
654,392.0
686,333.3
666,008.2

677,766.6
663,266.6
617,200.2
666,966.7
639,883.4

106,591.6
105,850.2
97,083.7
108,841.4
105,833.3
109,816.6
106,258.6
109,166.5
108,758.0
105,433.2
108,916.4
104,866.4

107,875.1
108,358.2
101,516.4
108,400.0
104,674.8

December previous year.

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Average Layers During the Month – United States
Million layers
390

385

380

375
2023

2024

370
Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

December previous year

Total Egg Production During the Month – United States
Million eggs
9,700

9,500
9,300
9,100
8,900
8,700
8,500
8,300

2023

2024

8,100
Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

December previous year

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

5

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States: March-April 2023 and 2024
Item

2023

2024 as
percent
of 2023

2024

Layers during March
Total layers ................................................................................................. 1,000
Table egg type ........................................................................................ 1,000
Hatching egg type ................................................................................... 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ........................................................................... 1,000
Egg-type hatching ............................................................................... 1,000

382,665
315,113
67,552
63,521
4,031

378,982
313,160
65,822
61,976
3,846

99
99
97
98
95

Eggs per 100 layers during March
Total layers .............................................................................................. number
Table egg type ..................................................................................... number
Hatching egg type ................................................................................ number
Broiler-type hatching ........................................................................ number
Egg-type hatching ............................................................................ number

2,413
2,516
1,933
1,888
2,649

2,455
2,556
1,976
1,936
2,624

102
102
102
103
99

Eggs produced during March
Total layers ................................................................................................ million
Table egg type ....................................................................................... million
Hatching egg type .................................................................................. million
Broiler-type hatching .......................................................................... million
Egg-type hatching .............................................................................. million

9,233.0
7,926.9
1,306.1
1,199.3
106.8

9,304.4
8,003.6
1,300.8
1,199.9
100.9

101
101
100
100
94

Eggs produced during March
Total layers ...................................................................................... 1,000 dozen
Table egg type ............................................................................. 1,000 dozen
Hatching egg type ........................................................................ 1,000 dozen
Broiler-type hatching ................................................................ 1,000 dozen
Egg-type hatching .................................................................... 1,000 dozen

769,416.6
660,575.2
108,841.4
99,941.4
8,900.0

775,366.7
666,966.7
108,400.0
99,991.6
8,408.4

101
101
100
100
94

Layers on April 1
Total layers ................................................................................................. 1,000
Table egg type ........................................................................................ 1,000
Hatching egg type ................................................................................... 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ........................................................................... 1,000
Egg-type hatching ............................................................................... 1,000

383,530
315,693
67,837
63,816
4,021

379,491
313,397
66,094
62,193
3,901

99
99
97
97
97

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

78.1
81.5
62.2
60.7
85.9

79.4
82.8
63.5
62.2
84.0

102
102
102
102
98

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

2.3
10.6

1.8
9.2

78
87

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

12,954.3

12,961.5

100

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

11,003.4

10,071.0

92

Pullets on April 1 ............................................................................................. 1,000

129,118

126,661

98

Pullets added during March 1 .......................................................................... 1,000

29,031.1

28,702.0

99

1

6

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

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States: April-May 2023 and 2024
Item

2023

2024 as
percent
of 2023

2024

Layers during April
Total layers ................................................................................................................... 1,000
Table egg type .......................................................................................................... 1,000
Hatching egg type ..................................................................................................... 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ............................................................................................. 1,000
Egg-type hatching ................................................................................................. 1,000

384,281
316,319
67,962
63,941
4,021

375,214
309,334
65,880
61,997
3,883

98
98
97
97
97

Eggs per 100 layers during April
Total layers ................................................................................................................ number
Table egg type ....................................................................................................... number
Hatching egg type .................................................................................................. number
Broiler-type hatching .......................................................................................... number
Egg-type hatching .............................................................................................. number

2,346
2,448
1,869
1,825
2,564

2,381
2,482
1,907
1,869
2,511

101
101
102
102
98

Eggs produced during April
Total layers ..................................................................................................................million
Table egg type .........................................................................................................million
Hatching egg type ....................................................................................................million
Broiler-type hatching ............................................................................................million
Egg-type hatching ................................................................................................million

9,014.3
7,744.3
1,270.0
1,166.9
103.1

8,934.7
7,678.6
1,256.1
1,158.6
97.5

99
99
99
99
95

Eggs produced during April
Total layers ........................................................................................................ 1,000 dozen
Table egg type ............................................................................................... 1,000 dozen
Hatching egg type .......................................................................................... 1,000 dozen
Broiler-type hatching .................................................................................. 1,000 dozen
Egg-type hatching ...................................................................................... 1,000 dozen

751,191.5
645,358.2
105,833.3
97,241.5
8,591.8

744,558.2
639,883.4
104,674.8
96,549.8
8,125.0

99
99
99
99
95

Layers on May 1
Total layers ................................................................................................................... 1,000
Table egg type .......................................................................................................... 1,000
Hatching egg type ..................................................................................................... 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ............................................................................................. 1,000
Egg-type hatching ................................................................................................. 1,000

384,996
316,929
68,067
64,055
4,012

370,908
305,255
65,653
61,791
3,862

96
96
96
96
96

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

78.2
81.7
62.3
60.9
84.8

79.3
82.6
63.5
62.3
83.2

101
101
102
102
98

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

2.3
10.6

2.4
8.9

104
84

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

12,544.2

12,206.2

97

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

10,662.3

18,682.6

175

Pullets on May 1 ............................................................................................................... 1,000

132,753

129,628

98

Pullets added during April 1 ............................................................................................... 1,000

30,112.6

26,753.7

89

1

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

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

7

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During March 2023 and 2024
State

Table egg layers in
flocks 30,000 and above

Eggs per 100 for
total layers

Total layers

2023

2024

2023

2024

2023

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(eggs)

2024
(eggs)

Alabama .........................
Arkansas .........................
California ........................
Colorado .........................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa ................................
Kentucky .........................
Maryland .........................

1,381
(D)
11,168
1,248
9,869
6,215
36,316
43,011
(D)
2,317

1,252
(D)
7,722
3,970
9,781
6,498
35,382
42,435
(D)
2,072

11,649
15,291
11,547
1,736
20,264
6,779
37,422
44,804
5,515
2,520

10,854
15,242
8,119
4,458
20,133
7,103
36,314
44,316
5,223
2,289

1,906
2,122
2,376
2,621
2,211
2,396
2,456
2,552
2,209
2,675

1,933
2,159
2,340
2,633
2,156
2,495
2,529
2,599
2,215
2,674

Michigan .........................
Minnesota .......................
Mississippi ......................
Missouri ..........................
Nebraska ........................
New York ........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio ................................
Oklahoma .......................
Oregon ............................

16,563
7,568
(D)
7,392
6,294
5,177
7,049
38,435
(D)
1,951

16,202
6,600
(D)
7,490
7,618
5,093
7,374
37,691
(D)
2,071

16,897
8,042
5,508
13,982
6,898
5,739
15,784
39,658
2,252
2,061

16,523
7,114
5,484
13,864
8,275
5,596
16,121
38,917
2,264
2,181

2,581
2,455
2,164
2,477
2,514
2,589
2,237
2,530
1,949
2,741

2,561
2,505
2,201
2,600
2,493
2,613
2,244
2,546
2,116
2,733

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

22,760
2,495
1,175
(D)
5,963
792
5,533
6,527

23,729
2,270
2,002
(D)
7,032
874
5,400
6,683

25,845
3,789
1,230
23,683
6,003
2,635
5,697
7,645

26,973
3,585
2,057
22,602
7,072
2,554
5,502
7,848

2,528
2,254
2,333
2,277
2,529
2,345
2,607
2,598

2,581
2,223
2,684
2,367
2,486
2,447
2,684
2,650

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

25,648

24,179

31,790

30,399

2,390

2,450

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

299,438

297,436

382,665

378,982

2,413

2,455

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

8

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During April 2023 and 2024
State

Table egg layers in
flocks 30,000 and above

Eggs per 100 for
total layers

Total layers

2023

2024

2023

2024

2023

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(eggs)

2024
(eggs)

Alabama ..........................
Arkansas .........................
California .........................
Colorado ..........................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa .................................
Kentucky ..........................
Maryland ..........................

1,368
(D)
11,016
1,537
9,779
6,162
35,936
43,586
(D)
2,311

1,275
(D)
7,458
3,925
9,747
6,334
35,232
42,845
(D)
2,012

11,726
15,243
11,371
2,025
20,255
6,728
37,073
45,407
5,480
2,511

10,698
15,162
7,841
4,413
20,107
6,974
36,160
44,779
5,135
2,232

1,835
2,067
2,341
2,523
2,130
2,341
2,405
2,462
2,124
2,589

1,855
2,073
2,269
2,506
2,126
2,462
2,463
2,529
2,164
2,585

Michigan ..........................
Minnesota ........................
Mississippi .......................
Missouri ...........................
Nebraska .........................
New York .........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio .................................
Oklahoma ........................
Oregon ............................

16,500
7,426
(D)
7,343
6,865
5,112
7,118
38,789
(D)
2,021

12,876
6,625
(D)
7,553
7,750
5,048
7,144
37,991
(D)
2,163

16,834
7,908
5,569
13,943
7,457
5,676
15,870
40,021
2,358
2,131

13,197
7,141
5,493
13,838
8,402
5,547
15,883
39,224
2,387
2,273

2,509
2,414
2,045
2,435
2,426
2,546
2,142
2,443
1,874
2,647

2,444
2,425
2,123
2,552
2,414
2,547
2,166
2,481
1,990
2,604

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

22,829
2,405
1,313
(D)
6,055
794
5,476
6,931

23,632
2,741
2,011
(D)
6,823
833
5,435
6,958

25,914
3,696
1,368
23,511
6,095
2,630
5,640
8,059

27,003
4,038
2,066
21,825
6,863
2,556
5,537
8,129

2,452
2,181
2,259
2,244
2,469
2,243
2,523
2,564

2,494
2,261
2,682
2,267
2,448
2,340
2,612
2,517

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

25,586

23,998

31,782

30,311

2,339

2,366

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

300,644

293,610

384,281

375,214

2,346

2,381

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

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

9

Egg Production by Type – States and United States: March 2023 and 2024
[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

2023

2024

2023

2024

2023

2024

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

Alabama ...........................
Arkansas ...........................
California ..........................
Colorado ...........................
Georgia .............................
Illinois ................................
Indiana ..............................
Iowa ..................................
Kentucky ...........................
Maryland ...........................

222.0
324.5
274.3
45.5
448.0
162.4
918.9
1,143.3
121.8
67.4

209.8
329.1
190.0
117.4
434.1
177.2
918.2
1,151.9
115.7
61.2

36.9
(D)
(D)
(D)
249.2
158.4
902.6
1,120.2
(D)
65.9

35.1
(D)
(D)
(D)
235.9
171.9
905.1
1,127.1
(D)
59.5

185.1
(D)
(D)
(D)
198.8
4.0
16.3
23.1
(D)
1.5

174.7
(D)
(D)
(D)
198.2
5.3
13.1
24.8
(D)
1.7

Michigan ...........................
Minnesota .........................
Mississippi ........................
Missouri ............................
Nebraska ..........................
New York ..........................
North Carolina ...................
Ohio ..................................
Oklahoma .........................
Oregon ..............................

436.1
197.4
119.2
346.3
173.4
148.6
353.1
1,003.2
43.9
56.5

423.1
178.2
120.7
360.4
206.3
146.2
361.8
990.7
47.9
59.6

(D)
190.0
(D)
304.2
160.8
(D)
186.8
(D)
(D)
56.5

(D)
170.4
(D)
321.4
192.8
(D)
195.8
(D)
(D)
59.6

(D)
7.4
(D)
42.1
12.6
(D)
166.3
(D)
(D)
-

(D)
7.8
(D)
39.0
13.5
(D)
166.0
(D)
(D)
-

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

653.4
85.4
28.7
539.3
151.8
61.8
148.5
198.6

696.2
79.7
55.2
534.9
175.8
62.5
147.7
208.0

607.9
62.7
28.7
(D)
151.8
28.8
(D)
192.9

645.6
56.5
55.2
(D)
175.8
31.9
(D)
202.2

45.5
22.7
(D)
33.0
(D)
5.7

50.6
23.2
(D)
30.6
(D)
5.8

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

759.7

744.9

680.5

661.5

79.2

83.4

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

9,233.0

9,304.4

7,926.9

8,003.6

1,306.1

1,300.8

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

10

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Egg Production by Type – States and United States: April 2023 and 2024
[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

2023

2024

2023

2024

2023

2024

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

Alabama ............................
Arkansas ...........................
California ...........................
Colorado ............................
Georgia .............................
Illinois ................................
Indiana ..............................
Iowa ...................................
Kentucky ............................
Maryland ............................

215.2
315.1
266.2
51.1
431.5
157.5
891.7
1,118.0
116.4
65.0

198.4
314.3
177.9
110.6
427.4
171.7
890.7
1,132.4
111.1
57.7

35.4
(D)
(D)
(D)
239.3
153.6
874.2
1,095.5
(D)
63.6

33.4
(D)
(D)
(D)
235.5
166.0
877.7
1,107.6
(D)
56.1

179.8
(D)
(D)
(D)
192.2
3.9
17.5
22.5
(D)
1.4

165.0
(D)
(D)
(D)
191.9
5.7
13.0
24.8
(D)
1.6

Michigan ............................
Minnesota ..........................
Mississippi .........................
Missouri .............................
Nebraska ...........................
New York ...........................
North Carolina ...................
Ohio ...................................
Oklahoma ..........................
Oregon ..............................

422.4
190.9
113.9
339.5
180.9
144.5
339.9
977.7
44.2
56.4

322.5
173.2
116.6
353.1
202.8
141.3
344.0
973.2
47.5
59.2

(D)
183.9
(D)
298.4
169.3
(D)
179.4
(D)
(D)
56.4

(D)
165.7
(D)
316.3
190.2
(D)
184.2
(D)
(D)
59.2

(D)
7.0
(D)
41.1
11.6
(D)
160.5
(D)
(D)
-

(D)
7.5
(D)
36.8
12.6
(D)
159.8
(D)
(D)
-

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

635.3
80.6
30.9
527.6
150.5
59.0
142.3
206.6

673.4
91.3
55.4
494.8
168.0
59.8
144.6
204.6

591.4
58.5
30.9
(D)
150.5
27.1
(D)
200.7

623.0
68.9
55.4
(D)
168.0
29.7
(D)
199.0

43.9
22.1
(D)
31.9
(D)
5.9

50.4
22.4
(D)
30.1
(D)
5.6

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

743.5

717.2

665.7

634.6

77.8

82.6

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

9,014.3

8,934.7

7,744.3

7,678.6

1,270.0

1,256.1

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

11

Egg Production in Dozens by Type – States and United States: March 2023 and 2024
[Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in United States totals]
State

Total production
2023

Table eggs

2024

2023

Hatching eggs
2024

2023

2024

(1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs)
Alabama .........................
Arkansas .........................
California ........................
Colorado .........................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa ................................
Kentucky .........................
Maryland .........................

18,500.0
27,041.7
22,858.3
3,791.6
37,333.3
13,533.3
76,575.0
95,275.0
10,150.1
5,616.7

17,483.3
27,425.0
15,833.3
9,783.3
36,175.0
14,766.7
76,516.7
95,991.7
9,641.7
5,100.0

3,075.0
(D)
(D)
(D)
20,766.7
13,200.0
75,216.7
93,350.0
(D)
5,491.7

2,925.0
(D)
(D)
(D)
19,658.3
14,325.0
75,425.0
93,925.0
(D)
4,958.3

15,425.0
(D)
(D)
(D)
16,566.6
333.3
1,358.3
1,925.0
(D)
125.0

14,558.3
(D)
(D)
(D)
16,516.7
441.7
1,091.7
2,066.7
(D)
141.7

Michigan .........................
Minnesota .......................
Mississippi ......................
Missouri ..........................
Nebraska ........................
New York ........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio ................................
Oklahoma .......................
Oregon ............................

36,341.7
16,450.0
9,933.3
28,858.3
14,450.0
12,383.3
29,424.9
83,600.1
3,658.3
4,708.3

35,258.3
14,850.0
10,058.3
30,033.3
17,191.7
12,183.4
30,150.0
82,558.3
3,991.6
4,966.7

(D)
15,833.3
(D)
25,350.0
13,400.0
(D)
15,566.6
(D)
(D)
4,708.3

(D)
14,200.0
(D)
26,783.3
16,066.7
(D)
16,316.7
(D)
(D)
4,966.7

(D)
616.7
(D)
3,508.3
1,050.0
(D)
13,858.3
(D)
(D)
-

(D)
650.0
(D)
3,250.0
1,125.0
(D)
13,833.3
(D)
(D)
-

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

54,450.0
7,116.7
2,391.6
44,941.7
12,650.0
5,150.0
12,375.0
16,550.0

58,016.7
6,641.6
4,600.0
44,575.0
14,650.0
5,208.3
12,308.3
17,333.4

50,658.3
5,225.0
2,391.6
(D)
12,650.0
2,400.0
(D)
16,075.0

53,800.0
4,708.3
4,600.0
(D)
14,650.0
2,658.3
(D)
16,850.0

3,791.7
1,891.7
(D)
2,750.0
(D)
475.0

4,216.7
1,933.3
(D)
2,550.0
(D)
483.4

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

63,308.4

62,075.1

56,708.5

55,125.2

6,599.9

6,949.9

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

769,416.6

775,366.7

660,575.2

666,966.7

108,841.4

108,400.0

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

12

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Egg Production in Dozens by Type – States and United States: April 2023 and 2024
[Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in United States totals]
State

Total production
2023

Table eggs

2024

2023

Hatching eggs
2024

2023

2024

(1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs)
Alabama .........................
Arkansas ........................
California ........................
Colorado .........................
Georgia ..........................
Illinois .............................
Indiana ...........................
Iowa ................................
Kentucky .........................
Maryland .........................

17,933.3
26,258.3
22,183.4
4,258.3
35,958.2
13,125.0
74,308.3
93,166.7
9,700.0
5,416.6

16,533.3
26,191.7
14,824.9
9,216.7
35,616.6
14,308.4
74,225.0
94,366.7
9,258.3
4,808.3

2,950.0
(D)
(D)
(D)
19,941.6
12,800.0
72,850.0
91,291.7
(D)
5,300.0

2,783.3
(D)
(D)
(D)
19,625.0
13,833.4
73,141.7
92,300.0
(D)
4,675.0

14,983.3
(D)
(D)
(D)
16,016.6
325.0
1,458.3
1,875.0
(D)
116.6

13,750.0
(D)
(D)
(D)
15,991.6
475.0
1,083.3
2,066.7
(D)
133.3

Michigan .........................
Minnesota .......................
Mississippi ......................
Missouri ..........................
Nebraska ........................
New York ........................
North Carolina ................
Ohio ................................
Oklahoma .......................
Oregon ...........................

35,200.0
15,908.3
9,491.7
28,291.7
15,075.0
12,041.7
28,325.0
81,475.0
3,683.3
4,700.0

26,875.0
14,433.4
9,716.6
29,425.0
16,900.0
11,775.0
28,666.7
81,100.0
3,958.3
4,933.4

(D)
15,325.0
(D)
24,866.7
14,108.3
(D)
14,950.0
(D)
(D)
4,700.0

(D)
13,808.4
(D)
26,358.3
15,850.0
(D)
15,350.0
(D)
(D)
4,933.4

(D)
583.3
(D)
3,425.0
966.7
(D)
13,375.0
(D)
(D)
-

(D)
625.0
(D)
3,066.7
1,050.0
(D)
13,316.7
(D)
(D)
-

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

52,941.7
6,716.7
2,575.0
43,966.7
12,541.6
4,916.6
11,858.4
17,216.7

56,116.7
7,608.3
4,616.7
41,233.3
14,000.0
4,983.3
12,050.0
17,050.0

49,283.3
4,875.0
2,575.0
(D)
12,541.6
2,258.3
(D)
16,725.0

51,916.7
5,741.6
4,616.7
(D)
14,000.0
2,475.0
(D)
16,583.3

3,658.4
1,841.7
(D)
2,658.3
(D)
491.7

4,200.0
1,866.7
(D)
2,508.3
(D)
466.7

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

61,958.3

59,766.6

55,475.0

52,883.3

6,483.3

6,883.3

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

751,191.5

744,558.2

645,358.2

639,883.4

105,833.3

104,674.8

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

13

Total Layers Molted First Day of the Month by Month – United States: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Being molted

Month

Molt completed

2023

2024

2023

2024

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

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

1.4
2.0
2.5
2.3
2.3
2.2
1.7
2.1
2.2
2.2
1.6
1.8

1.7
2.1
1.9
1.8
2.4

11.5
10.6
10.0
10.6
10.6
10.3
11.3
10.6
10.6
10.2
10.6
10.0

9.8
9.4
9.3
9.2
8.9

Total Layers Molted First Day of the Month – States and United States:
April 1 and May 1, 2023-2024
Being molted
State

Molt completed

April 1

May 1

April 1

May 1

2023

2024

2023

2024

2023

2024

2023

2024

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

Alabama ...............................................
Arkansas ...............................................
California ..............................................
Colorado ...............................................
Georgia .................................................
Illinois ....................................................
Indiana ..................................................
Iowa ......................................................
Kentucky ...............................................
Maryland ...............................................

0.5
1.0
1.0
2.5
1.5
5.0
1.5
4.5
1.5
-

0.5
1.5
0.5
4.5
1.5
4.0
1.5
2.0
3.0
1.0

0.5
1.0
2.5
2.0
5.0
1.0
3.5
2.0
-

2.5
2.5
1.0
2.0
1.0
2.5
2.0
3.0
3.0
1.0

3.0
9.0
5.5
5.0
24.5
7.0
8.5
4.0
-

4.5
9.0
3.5
6.5
12.5
23.5
5.5
6.0
15.0
1.0

2.5
9.0
4.0
1.0
6.5
21.5
7.0
9.5
4.5
-

5.0
9.5
4.0
5.5
12.5
22.5
4.5
6.5
17.0
1.0

Michigan ...............................................
Minnesota .............................................
Mississippi ............................................
Missouri ................................................
Nebraska ..............................................
New York ..............................................
North Carolina .......................................
Ohio ......................................................
Oklahoma .............................................
Oregon ..................................................

1.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
3.0
0.5
0.5
3.5
4.0
3.0

2.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
1.0
1.5
1.0
2.0

1.0
1.5
2.0
3.0
2.5
0.5
2.5
6.0
1.5

3.0
1.5
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.0
1.0
3.5
2.0

2.5
6.5
13.5
3.5
1.0
1.5
8.0
6.5
19.0
-

7.5
1.0
13.0
5.0
1.0
1.5
4.0
6.0
3.5
-

2.5
6.0
11.0
3.5
1.5
1.5
6.5
7.5
16.0
2.0

10.5
1.0
13.0
5.0
1.5
1.5
4.5
6.0
3.0
0.5

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

0.5
3.0
1.5
3.0
5.5
2.0
2.0

0.5
3.5
4.0
5.5
4.0

1.0
2.5
2.0
5.0
4.5
3.0
1.0

0.5
5.0
8.0
6.0
3.0

1.0
19.5
4.5
53.0
16.0
10.0
7.0

1.0
4.0
2.5
37.5
13.5
2.5
7.0

1.0
15.5
3.5
52.5
17.5
8.5
5.0

0.5
4.5
2.5
33.0
17.0
2.0
7.0

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

2.5

2.8

4.2

3.5

21.7

20.3

21.6

19.5

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

2.3

1.8

2.3

2.4

10.6

9.2

10.6

8.9

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

14

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Hatchery Production – United States: 2023 and 2024
Item

2023

2024

2024 as
percent
of 2023

(1,000)

(1,000)

(percent)

Egg-type
Eggs in incubators on May 1 ....................................................................................
Chicks hatched during April .....................................................................................
Chicks hatched January through April ......................................................................

55,316
55,737
217,510

54,075
57,722
222,497

98
104
102

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

234
2,779

249
2,710

106
98

Broiler-type
Eggs in incubators on May 1 ....................................................................................
Chicks hatched during April .....................................................................................
Chicks hatched January through April ......................................................................

725,627
819,250
3,274,737

738,132
833,837
3,321,090

102
102
101

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

8,117
74,146

8,179
76,848

101
104

1
2

2024 includes pullet chicks hatched October 2022 through September 2023.
2024 includes pullet chicks hatched January 2023 through September 2023.

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

15

Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – United States: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Month

2023
(1,000)

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

2024 as
percent
of 2023

2024
(1,000)

47,397
50,524
54,338
55,509
55,316
55,576
49,550
48,943
49,972
50,376
46,863
50,232

(percent)

49,087
52,490
56,378
55,417
54,075

104
104
104
100
98

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Monthly
Month

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

16

Cumulative

2023

2024

2024 as
percent
of 2023

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

50,776
52,233
58,764
55,737
59,081
58,377
50,918
52,791
51,149
51,173
48,468
48,753

53,237
54,920
56,618
57,722

105
105
96
104

2023

2024

2024 as
percent
of 2023

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

50,776
103,009
161,773
217,510
276,591
334,968
385,886
438,677
489,826
540,999
589,467
638,220

53,237
108,157
164,775
222,497

105
105
102
102

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total –
United States: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

2023

2024

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

197
230
201
234
260
199
196
255
270
249
199
219

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

2,709

1

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

2024 as
percent
of 2023

Pullet chicks hatched

Month

(1,000 chicks)
206
236
198
249

2023

(percent)

2024

(1,000 chicks)
105
103
99
106

(1,000 chicks)

2,919
2,886
2,805
2,779
2,778
2,774
2,777
2,713
2,667
2,669
2,695
2,686

2,667
2,697
2,703
2,710
2,708
2,707
2,709
2,718
2,724
2,721
2,736

For April 2024, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched October 2022 through September 2023. 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 – United States: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Month

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

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

2023

2024

2024 as
percent
of 2023

(1,000)

(1,000)

(percent)

719,047
718,941
723,237
724,738
725,627
730,868
723,632
724,529
715,277
691,799
684,281
719,818

717,762
720,254
731,745
738,053
738,132

100
100
101
102
102

17

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched – States and United States: April 2023 and 2024
During April
State

January-April

2023

2024

2024 as
percent
of 2023
(percent)

2023

2024

2024 as
percent
of 2023
(percent)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

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

119,026
84,063
18,546
4,073
120,534
21,765
11,776
27,332
58,181
33,112

120,029
87,362
18,435
3,841
123,324
26,873
12,089
26,609
60,359
30,772

101
104
99
94
102
123
103
97
104
93

478,648
332,337
73,040
16,064
479,577
86,519
45,632
111,421
233,680
132,503

480,728
343,906
75,055
15,571
490,715
100,449
48,007
107,897
240,808
123,279

100
103
103
97
102
116
105
97
103
93

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

84,021
24,302
23,780
19,215
62,393
19,790

84,570
20,139
27,265
20,122
65,088
18,736

101
83
115
105
104
95

337,123
96,909
93,285
76,519
245,612
87,167

344,345
77,681
109,936
80,002
257,119
77,024

102
80
118
105
105
88

44,802

47,073

105

177,634

185,020

104

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

42,539

41,151

97

171,067

163,548

96

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

819,250

833,837

102

3,274,737

3,321,090

101

1

Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Monthly
Month

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

18

Cumulative

2023

2024

2024 as
percent
of 2023

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

845,295
763,358
846,834
819,250
848,804
830,427
848,539
853,148
816,558
817,285
789,700
849,463

844,298
788,774
854,181
833,837

100
103
101
102

2023

2024

2024 as
percent
of 2023

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

846,059
1,608,653
2,455,487
3,274,737
4,123,541
4,953,968
5,802,507
6,655,655
7,472,213
8,289,498
9,079,198
9,920,549

844,298
1,633,072
2,487,253
3,321,090

100
102
101
101

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and
Total: 2023-2024
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

2023

2024

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

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

8,010
7,706
8,991
8,117
8,643
9,710
8,519
8,242
8,910
8,011
8,207
9,649

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

102,715

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

9,320
9,298
10,625
9,776
10,040
11,427
9,887
9,993
10,515
9,426
9,489
11,061

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

120,857

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

2024 as
percent
of 2023

Pullet chicks hatched

Month

(percent)

7,436
8,197
9,419
8,179

93
106
105
101

8,968
9,620
11,042
9,932

96
103
104
102

2023

2024

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

76,325
75,295
74,989
74,146
73,568
72,731
72,593
72,668
71,906
72,188
72,769
73,732

75,299
76,516
77,096
76,848
76,849
77,350
78,008
77,327
76,881
76,590
76,250

1

For April 2024, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched January 2023 through September 2023.
2
United States production of intended placements worldwide.

Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates
Total 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 (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

19

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
regional 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.
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 total layers over the
past 24 months is 0.7 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the final estimate will not be above or below the
current estimate of 375 million layers by more than 0.7 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 that the difference will not
exceed 1.2 percent.

20

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Reliability of Layer and Egg Estimates
[Based on data for the past 24 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)

Total layers .....................................

0.7

1.2

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

0.7

1.1

2,190
(million)

Chickens and Eggs (May 2024)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

50

72
(million)
6

5,209

Months
Below latest

Above latest

(number)

(number)
13

11

13

11

(million)
130

21

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@usda.gov
Travis Averill, Chief, Livestock Branch ......................................................................................................... (202) 692-0069
Vacant, Head, Poultry and Specialty Commodities Section
Holly Brenize – Poultry Slaughter ............................................................................................................. (202) 720-0585
Liana Cuffman – Catfish and Trout, Mink, Census of Aquaculture ......................................................... (202) 720-8784
Fatema Haque – Turkey Hatchery, Turkeys Raised ................................................................................. (202) 720-3244
Derron Martin – Chicken Hatchery, Egg Products .................................................................................... (202) 690-3237
Seth Riggins – Honey, Honey Bee Colonies ............................................................................................ (202) 690-4870
Shulonda Shaw – Cold Storage, Capacity of Refrigerated Warehouses ................................................... (202) 720-3240
Autumn Stone – Layers, Eggs .................................................................................................................. (202) 690-3676
Takiyah Walker – Broiler Hatchery........................................................................................................... (202) 720-6147

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