Through the week ending 21 March, U.S. broiler production remains well above year-ago levels, with total headcount surpassing 2.04 billion, a 3.63 percent increase compared to 2025. While overall supply levels continue to expand, the distribution across weight classes further highlights a pronounced shift toward the heavier birds. Different weight classes yield poultry meat for different uses, reflecting market demand, processing needs, and retail specifications.
Under 4.25 lbs – used for smaller retail cuts or specialty markets. 4.26–6.25 lbs – midweight birds common for standard retail chicken cuts. 6.26–7.75 lbs – heavier retail cuts; may be sold as whole birds or deboned for processed products. 7.76 lbs or...
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...