By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin's egg industry clucked its way to a productive March in 2024, according to the latest report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Encouraging signs emerged across the board, with egg production rising 4% compared to March 2023. This translates to a total output of 207 million eggs for the month.
The growth in production appears to be fueled by a slight increase in the number of laying hens in the state. The average number of hens on hand in March 2024 reached 7.81 million, representing a 2% year-over-year increase.
Furthermore, the hens themselves seem to be laying at a slightly more efficient rate. The average number of eggs laid per 100 hens rose by 2% compared to March 2023, reaching 2,650 eggs per hundred hens.
Taken together, these statistics paint a positive picture for Wisconsin's egg industry. The rise in production suggests an expansion within the sector, while the improved laying rate per hen indicates increased efficiency. These factors likely contribute to a stronger and more productive egg industry in the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-evgenii-leontev
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry