By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin's egg farmers had a golden November, cackling out a 39% increase in production compared to the same month last year, according to the latest USDA report. This surge leaves 200 million fresh eggs nestled in cartons across the state, eclipsing not only pre-pandemic levels but also 2021's numbers.
While Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza ruffled feathers in 2022, Wisconsin's poultry producers have rebounded triumphantly. The nationwide picture echoes this resilience, with U.S. egg production climbing 4% to 9.30 billion eggs in November 2023.
The Badger State's flock has grown remarkably, with the average number of laying hens ballooning by 40% compared to last year's November count, reaching a comfortable 7.98 million. While the rate of lay dipped slightly compared to November 2022, it remains robust at 2,510 eggs per 100 hens.
Across the nation, the chicken coop is full, with the total number of hens reaching 389 million on December 1, a 3% increase from 2022. Hen productivity also saw a modest bump, averaging 79.4 eggs per 100 hens per day, up 1% from the previous year.
So, next time you savor a fluffy omelette or bake a cake with golden yolks, remember, Wisconsin's eggs are playing a leading role in America's breakfast bliss. The state's resilient farmers and thriving poultry industry are cracking open a new era of egg abundance, enriching kitchens and breakfast plates nationwide.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-evgenii-leontev
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry