By Blake Jackson
A recent report by the USDA revealed a positive trend in the U.S. egg industry, with both national and Wisconsin-specific production figures experiencing growth in January. Wisconsin's egg production reached 199 million eggs in January, reflecting a significant 15% increase compared to the same month in 2023. This upswing aligns with the national trend, as overall U.S. egg production climbed 2% to reach 9.27 billion eggs.
An increase in the average number of hens laid in Wisconsin is attributed to the state's rise in egg production. The state's January 2024 hen population reached 7.55 million, marking a 14% year-over-year increase. While the number of eggs laid per individual hen remained relatively stable at 2,632 per 100 hens, the overall production increase is a direct result of the larger flock size.
Nationally, the average number of hens laying also witnessed a modest rise, reaching 377 million in January. Similar to Wisconsin, egg production per hen across the U.S. followed a comparable pattern, with a 2% increase compared to January 2023.
This report highlights a promising outlook for the U.S. egg industry, with both production and flock size demonstrating growth in January. These trends suggest a potential continuation of this positive momentum in the coming months.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-evgenii-leontev
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry