By Blake Jackson
According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Wisconsin’s chicken and egg production in 2024 saw slight increases despite a small drop in the number of layers.
The state’s average number of layers on hand in 2024 was 7.76 million, a slight decrease from the previous year. However, egg production per layer increased by 1%, with each layer producing an average of 313 eggs.
Total egg production in Wisconsin reached 2.43 billion eggs, also up 1% compared to 2023. This growth reflects steady improvements in efficiency, despite the reduction in the number of layers.
As of December 1, 2024, the total inventory of all chickens in Wisconsin (excluding commercial broilers) was 10.3 million, an increase of 4% from the previous year.
The value of these chickens rose significantly by 11%, reaching $69.1 million, up from $62.4 million in December 2023.
Looking at the chicken inventory trends from 2020 to 2024, the number of chickens on Wisconsin farms has fluctuated. In 2020, there were 10.2 million chickens, which decreased to 8.8 million in 2021, but rebounded to 10.3 million by the end of 2024. Similarly, the value of chickens has risen, reflecting positive growth in the poultry industry in the state.
This data highlights the resilience and growth of Wisconsin’s poultry sector, driven by efficient production practices and increased demand.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-evgenii-leontev
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry