Poultry market information is from the week of January 18, 2026.
This week, analysts reported that pricing increased for Jumbo and Medium Breasts; Boneless, Skinless thigh meat; and all sizes of wing meat. Analysts expect pricing to continue to climb slightly higher on Breasts, Tenders and Wings through January. They also report that egg sets and placements were up compared to the same time last year. Analysts expect supply to be stable, but demand to continue to increase through the NFL postseason.
Broiler-Type Eggs Set in the
United States Up 2%
Per the weekly USDA Broiler Hatchery report, hatcheries in the United States weekly program set 253 million eggs in incubators during the week ending January 17, 2026, up 2% from a year ago. Average hatchability for chicks hatched during the week in the United States was 79.6%. Average hatchability is calculated by dividing chicks hatched during the week by eggs set three weeks earlier.
Broiler-Type Chicks Placed in the
United States Up 3%
Per the weekly USDA Broiler Hatchery report, broiler growers in the United States weekly program placed 196 million chicks for meat production during the week ending January 17, 2026, up 3% from a year ago. Cumulative placements from the week ending January 1, 2026 through January 17, 2026 for the United States were 392 million. Cumulative placements were up 3 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Whole Chicken & Cut-Up Parts
Analysts report that small bird and larger whole bird overall demand decreased slightly this week, and that pricing also decreased slightly.
Boneless, Skinless Thighs
Analysts report that boneless, skinless thigh meat pricing has increased this week. Spot load offerings of boneless thigh meat are not available, according to analysts. Analysts expect the market to steadily increase during January.
Boneless, Skinless Breasts
& Chicken Tenderloins
Pricing for all sizes of breast meat increased, according to analysts. Spot loads of jumbo breast meat are scarce, with pricing reflecting a tighter market, they reported. Demand by Further Processors and the retail segment for breast meat is steady, they said. Analysts expect the jumbo boneless breast market to rise through January. According to industry analysts, some processors are being challenged with labor shortages and transportation issues.
According to analysts, only small tenders were stable, while jumbo tenders started their seasonal climb, which they expect should continue in the near term. Fresh jumbo spot loads have been uncovered, but discounts have diminished. Frozen products can be sourced, but with less attractive pricing, analysts said. They expect these markets to continue to climb through January.
Wings
Pricing for all wings increased, with jumbo and medium sizes increasing more rapidly, according to analysts. Supplies of spot loads of jumbo and medium fresh wings are very tight, and pricing is competitive, they reported. Analysts also predict that due to medium bird processors taking their bird weights up to a jumbo size, the market will continue to see pressure in terms of consistent fresh medium wing availability. Demand from the retail segment and Further Processors for all sizes of wings is minimal, according to analysts.
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