Chicken and Eggs - Release

Chickens and Eggs
ISSN: 1948-9064

Released August 23, 2021, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).

July Egg Production Up 1 Percent
United States egg production totaled 9.39 billion during July 2021, up 1 percent from last year. Production included
8.10 billion table eggs, and 1.28 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.21 billion were broiler-type and 74.7 million were eggtype. The average number of layers during July 2021 totaled 385 million, up 1 percent from last year. July egg production
per 100 layers was 2,439 eggs, down slightly from July 2020.
Total layers in the United States on August 1, 2021 totaled 385 million, up 1 percent from last year. The 385 million
layers consisted of 319 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 62.8 million layers producing broiler-type
hatching eggs, and 2.88 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on August 1, 2021, averaged
78.8 eggs per 100 layers, down 1 percent from August 1, 2020.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 9 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during July 2021 totaled 50.4 million, up 9 percent from July 2020. Eggs in incubators totaled
44.0 million on August 1, 2021, down 5 percent from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 199 thousand
during July 2021, down 32 percent from July 2020.
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Down 1 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during July 2021 totaled 844 million, down 1 percent from July 2020. Eggs in incubators
totaled 718 million on August 1, 2021, up 4 percent from a year ago.
Leading breeders placed 8.62 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during
July 2021, up 5 percent from July 2020.

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2

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Contents
Average Layers During the Month – United States: 2020-2021 ............................................................................................. 4
Egg Production During the Month by Type – United States: 2020-2021 ............................................................................... 4
Egg Production During the Month in Dozens by Type – United States: 2020-2021 .............................................................. 4
Average Layers During the Month – United States ................................................................................................................ 5
Total Egg Production During the Month – United States ....................................................................................................... 5
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States: June-July 2020 and 2021 ...................................... 6
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States: July-August 2020 and 2021 .................................. 7
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During June 2020 and 2021 .............................................. 8
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During July 2020 and 2021 ............................................... 9
Egg Production by Type – States and United States: June 2020 and 2021 ........................................................................... 10
Egg Production by Type – States and United States: July 2020 and 2021 ........................................................................... 11
Egg Production in Dozens by Type – States and United States: June 2020 and 2021 .......................................................... 12
Egg Production in Dozens by Type – States and United States: July 2020 and 2021 .......................................................... 13
Total Layers Molted First Day of the Month by Month – United States: 2020-2021........................................................... 14
Total Layers Molted First Day of the Month – States and United States: July 1 and August 1, 2020-2021 ........................ 14
Hatchery Production – United States: 2020 and 2021 .......................................................................................................... 15
Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – United States: 2020-2021 .......................................................... 16
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2020-2021 ....................................................................................... 16
Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total –
United States: 2020-2022 ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – United States: 2020-2021 ..................................................... 17
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched – States and United States: July 2020 and 2021 ................................................................... 18
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2020-2021 .................................................................................. 18
Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total: 2020-2022............ 19
Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates ...................................................................................................... 19
Statistical Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
Information Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................ 22

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

3

Average Layers During the Month – United States: 2020-2021
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Month

2020

2021

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

December 1 .........................................................
January ...............................................................
February .............................................................
March ..................................................................
April ....................................................................
May .....................................................................
June ....................................................................
July .....................................................................
August ................................................................
September ..........................................................
October ...............................................................
November ...........................................................
1

403,445
401,419
396,916
395,613
392,770
387,045
383,152
381,014
382,184
384,655
386,660
389,355

391,780
393,284
393,963
393,176
390,020
385,575
384,240
384,964

December previous year.

Egg Production During the Month by Type – United States: 2020-2021
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Total eggs

Month

December 1 ................
January ......................
February ....................
March .........................
April ...........................
May ............................
June ...........................
July ............................
August .......................
September .................
October ......................
November ..................
1

Table eggs

Hatching eggs

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

9,790.2
9,690.4
8,946.0
9,538.5
9,096.4
9,120.9
8,831.8
9,317.2
9,352.5
9,057.2
9,505.2
9,327.0

9,610.3
9,530.9
8,595.5
9,543.1
9,209.8
9,383.3
9,046.0
9,388.5

8,583.4
8,470.3
7,793.0
8,299.5
7,894.5
7,883.3
7,625.8
8,063.5
8,096.8
7,838.1
8,250.4
8,119.4

8,356.4
8,260.7
7,439.5
8,248.1
7,942.7
8,065.5
7,780.8
8,103.7

1,206.8
1,220.1
1,153.0
1,239.0
1,201.9
1,237.6
1,206.0
1,253.7
1,255.7
1,219.1
1,254.8
1,207.6

1,253.9
1,270.2
1,156.0
1,295.0
1,267.1
1,317.8
1,265.2
1,284.8

December previous year.

Egg Production During the Month in Dozens by Type – United States: 2020-2021
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Total eggs

Month

2020

Table eggs
2021

2020

Hatching eggs
2021

2020

2021

(1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs)
December 1 ................
January ......................
February ....................
March .........................
April ...........................
May ............................
June ...........................
July ............................
August .......................
September .................
October ......................
November ..................
1

4

815,849.7
807,533.2
745,499.5
794,875.2
758,032.8
760,074.7
735,983.1
776,433.5
779,375.1
754,767.0
792,100.1
777,250.0

800,858.2
794,241.9
716,292.5
795,258.6
767,483.9
781,941.5
753,833.5
782,375.1

715,283.2
705,858.4
649,416.6
691,625.0
657,874.6
656,941.5
635,483.2
671,958.2
674,733.2
653,175.2
687,533.5
676,616.6

696,366.6
688,391.7
619,959.1
687,341.9
661,891.7
672,124.7
648,400.1
675,308.6

100,566.5
101,674.8
96,082.9
103,250.2
100,158.2
103,133.2
100,499.9
104,475.3
104,641.9
101,591.8
104,566.6
100,633.4

104,491.6
105,850.2
96,333.4
107,916.7
105,592.2
109,816.8
105,433.4
107,066.5

December previous year.

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Average Layers During the Month – United States
Million layers
405
400
395
390
385
2020

2021

380
Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

December previous year

Total Egg Production During the Month – United States
Million eggs
9,900
9,700
9,500
9,300
9,100
8,900
8,700
2020

2021

8,500
Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

December previous year

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

5

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States: June-July 2020 and 2021
Item

2020

2021 as
percent
of 2020

2021

Layers during June
Total layers ................................................................................................. 1,000
Table egg type ........................................................................................ 1,000
Hatching egg type ................................................................................... 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ........................................................................... 1,000
Egg-type hatching ............................................................................... 1,000

383,152
318,969
64,183
60,963
3,220

384,240
317,574
66,666
63,643
3,023

100
100
104
104
94

Eggs per 100 layers during June
Total layers .............................................................................................. number
Table egg type ..................................................................................... number
Hatching egg type ................................................................................ number
Broiler-type hatching ........................................................................ number
Egg-type hatching ............................................................................ number

2,305
2,391
1,879
1,847
2,491

2,354
2,450
1,898
1,868
2,534

102
102
101
101
102

Eggs produced during June
Total layers ................................................................................................ million
Table egg type ....................................................................................... million
Hatching egg type .................................................................................. million
Broiler-type hatching .......................................................................... million
Egg-type hatching .............................................................................. million

8,831.8
7,625.8
1,206.0
1,125.8
80.2

9,046.0
7,780.8
1,265.2
1,188.6
76.6

102
102
105
106
96

Eggs produced during June
Total layers ...................................................................................... 1,000 dozen
Table egg type ............................................................................. 1,000 dozen
Hatching egg type ........................................................................ 1,000 dozen
Broiler-type hatching ................................................................ 1,000 dozen
Egg-type hatching .................................................................... 1,000 dozen

735,983.1
635,483.2
100,499.9
93,816.6
6,683.3

753,833.5
648,400.1
105,433.4
99,050.1
6,383.3

102
102
105
106
96

Layers on July 1
Total layers ................................................................................................. 1,000
Table egg type ........................................................................................ 1,000
Hatching egg type ................................................................................... 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ........................................................................... 1,000
Egg-type hatching ............................................................................... 1,000

381,290
316,927
64,363
61,088
3,275

384,889
318,804
66,085
63,246
2,839

101
101
103
104
87

Eggs per 100 layers on July 1
Total layers .............................................................................................. number
Table egg type ..................................................................................... number
Hatching egg type ................................................................................ number
Broiler-type hatching ........................................................................ number
Egg-type hatching ............................................................................ number

77.7
80.7
63.1
62.2
79.9

78.5
81.8
62.9
61.9
85.0

101
101
100
100
106

Molted layers on July 1
Being molted ............................................................................................ percent
Molt completed ......................................................................................... percent

2.4
13.8

2.0
13.5

83
98

Layers sold for slaughter during June .............................................................. 1,000

14,594.1

14,803.4

101

Layers rendered, died, destroyed, composted
or disappeared for any reason during June ................................................... 1,000

14,336.1

11,638.5

81

Pullets on July 1 .............................................................................................. 1,000

123,544

127,005

103

Pullets added during June 1 ............................................................................. 1,000

27,796.9

28,040.6

101

1

6

Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks.

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type and Molt – United States: July-August 2020 and 2021
Item

2020

2021 as
percent
of 2020

2021

Layers during July
Total layers ................................................................................................................... 1,000
Table egg type .......................................................................................................... 1,000
Hatching egg type ..................................................................................................... 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ............................................................................................. 1,000
Egg-type hatching ................................................................................................. 1,000

381,014
316,729
64,285
60,994
3,291

384,964
319,062
65,902
63,040
2,862

101
101
103
103
87

Eggs per 100 layers during July
Total layers ................................................................................................................ number
Table egg type ....................................................................................................... number
Hatching egg type .................................................................................................. number
Broiler-type hatching .......................................................................................... number
Egg-type hatching .............................................................................................. number

2,445
2,546
1,950
1,919
2,528

2,439
2,540
1,950
1,920
2,610

100
100
100
100
103

Eggs produced during July
Total layers ..................................................................................................................million
Table egg type .........................................................................................................million
Hatching egg type ....................................................................................................million
Broiler-type hatching ............................................................................................million
Egg-type hatching ................................................................................................million

9,317.2
8,063.5
1,253.7
1,170.5
83.2

9,388.5
8,103.7
1,284.8
1,210.1
74.7

101
100
102
103
90

Eggs produced during July
Total layers ........................................................................................................ 1,000 dozen
Table egg type ............................................................................................... 1,000 dozen
Hatching egg type .......................................................................................... 1,000 dozen
Broiler-type hatching .................................................................................. 1,000 dozen
Egg-type hatching ...................................................................................... 1,000 dozen

776,433.5
671,958.2
104,475.3
97,541.9
6,933.4

782,375.1
675,308.6
107,066.5
100,841.5
6,225.0

101
100
102
103
90

Layers on August 1
Total layers ................................................................................................................... 1,000
Table egg type .......................................................................................................... 1,000
Hatching egg type ..................................................................................................... 1,000
Broiler-type hatching ............................................................................................. 1,000
Egg-type hatching ................................................................................................. 1,000

380,700
316,516
64,184
60,889
3,295

385,008
319,310
65,698
62,821
2,877

101
101
102
103
87

Eggs per 100 layers on August 1
Total layers ................................................................................................................ number
Table egg type ....................................................................................................... number
Hatching egg type .................................................................................................. number
Broiler-type hatching .......................................................................................... number
Egg-type hatching .............................................................................................. number

79.2
82.5
62.9
61.8
83.2

78.8
82.0
62.7
61.8
83.1

99
99
100
100
100

Molted layers on August 1
Being molted .............................................................................................................. percent
Molt completed .......................................................................................................... percent

1.6
14.7

2.0
13.2

125
90

Layers sold for slaughter during July ................................................................................. 1,000

14,139.0

13,461.7

95

Layers rendered, died, destroyed, composted
or disappeared for any reason during July ...................................................................... 1,000

12,081.1

10,645.0

88

Pullets on August 1 ........................................................................................................... 1,000

122,240

126,077

103

Pullets added during July 1 ................................................................................................ 1,000

25,543.4

25,096.4

98

1

Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks.

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

7

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During June 2020 and 2021
State

Table egg layers in
flocks 30,000 and above

Eggs per 100 for
total layers

Total layers

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(eggs)

2021
(eggs)

Alabama .........................
Arkansas .........................
California ........................
Colorado .........................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa ................................
Kentucky .........................
Maryland .........................

1,405
(D)
12,772
4,503
9,443
5,670
31,931
46,479
(D)
2,444

1,445
(D)
13,258
4,424
8,452
6,278
33,841
47,002
(D)
2,286

10,750
15,400
13,482
5,011
19,807
6,207
33,149
48,400
5,923
2,643

10,892
17,103
13,922
4,932
19,066
6,816
35,113
48,908
5,377
2,492

1,916
1,951
2,307
2,596
1,963
2,407
2,446
2,398
2,168
2,456

1,898
2,061
2,411
2,496
2,097
2,290
2,491
2,498
2,202
2,464

Michigan .........................
Minnesota .......................
Mississippi ......................
Missouri ..........................
Nebraska ........................
New York ........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio ................................
Oklahoma .......................
Oregon ............................

14,134
7,799
(D)
8,009
7,927
5,086
7,011
32,328
(D)
2,134

14,403
7,608
(D)
7,261
7,383
5,245
7,274
32,959
(D)
1,903

14,429
8,312
5,459
13,162
8,473
5,651
15,729
33,553
2,544
2,305

14,698
8,136
5,373
13,072
8,058
5,798
15,882
34,281
2,195
2,074

2,406
2,275
2,037
2,421
2,003
2,529
2,091
2,320
1,926
2,408

2,486
2,387
2,047
2,397
2,384
2,439
2,084
2,438
1,831
2,445

Pennsylvania ..................
South Carolina ................
South Dakota ..................
Texas ..............................
Utah ................................
Virginia ............................
Washington .....................
Wisconsin .......................

28,104
2,410
2,642
(D)
4,567
857
6,689
6,656

27,170
2,216
1,978
(D)
5,636
826
6,602
6,314

30,723
3,691
2,697
22,368
4,619
2,649
6,853
7,771

29,630
3,494
2,033
22,252
5,688
2,699
6,766
7,451

2,518
2,162
2,458
2,238
2,594
2,337
2,503
2,417

2,490
2,121
2,671
2,300
2,523
2,275
2,408
2,480

Other States 1 .................

25,407

23,936

31,392

30,039

2,324

2,302

United States ..................

303,284

301,208

383,152

384,240

2,305

2,354

(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Includes data for States not published in this table.

8

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced – States and United States: During July 2020 and 2021
State

Table egg layers in
flocks 30,000 and above

Eggs per 100 for
total layers

Total layers

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(1,000 layers)

(eggs)

2021
(eggs)

Alabama ..........................
Arkansas .........................
California .........................
Colorado ..........................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa .................................
Kentucky ..........................
Maryland ..........................

1,359
(D)
12,650
4,102
9,665
5,742
32,111
44,808
(D)
2,436

1,442
(D)
13,364
4,318
8,732
6,376
33,896
47,541
(D)
2,267

10,695
15,732
13,343
4,610
20,031
6,289
33,395
46,705
5,918
2,636

10,884
16,768
14,001
4,826
19,228
6,934
35,134
49,439
5,297
2,463

2,005
2,057
2,424
2,722
2,191
2,544
2,584
2,619
2,268
2,530

1,972
2,072
2,507
2,640
2,163
2,492
2,570
2,591
2,233
2,546

Michigan ..........................
Minnesota ........................
Mississippi .......................
Missouri ...........................
Nebraska .........................
New York .........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio .................................
Oklahoma ........................
Oregon ............................

14,483
7,749
(D)
7,724
8,006
5,078
7,045
32,242
(D)
2,049

14,567
7,505
(D)
7,237
7,530
5,135
7,086
33,272
(D)
1,888

14,778
8,238
5,447
12,869
8,531
5,639
15,637
33,465
2,511
2,220

14,862
8,033
5,374
12,961
8,189
5,699
15,522
34,588
2,487
2,059

2,470
2,452
2,142
2,571
2,327
2,612
2,194
2,557
1,995
2,518

2,570
2,540
2,162
2,450
2,478
2,576
2,181
2,526
1,817
2,671

Pennsylvania ...................
South Carolina .................
South Dakota ...................
Texas ..............................
Utah .................................
Virginia ............................
Washington .....................
Wisconsin ........................

28,359
2,351
2,596
(D)
4,443
777
6,596
6,720

27,800
2,264
1,882
(D)
5,742
688
6,540
5,893

30,973
3,598
2,651
22,335
4,495
2,539
6,761
7,823

30,235
3,509
1,937
22,396
5,794
2,525
6,704
7,022

2,607
2,268
2,659
2,313
2,661
2,312
2,625
2,518

2,592
2,157
2,705
2,338
2,585
2,356
2,609
2,572

Other States 1 ..................

25,214

23,997

31,150

30,094

2,408

2,367

United States ...................

301,044

302,696

381,014

384,964

2,445

2,439

(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Includes data for States not published in this table.

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

9

Egg Production by Type – States and United States: June 2020 and 2021
[Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in United States totals]
State

Total production

Table eggs

Hatching eggs

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

Alabama ...........................
Arkansas ...........................
California ..........................
Colorado ...........................
Georgia .............................
Illinois ................................
Indiana ..............................
Iowa ..................................
Kentucky ...........................
Maryland ...........................

206.0
300.5
311.0
130.1
388.9
149.4
810.7
1,160.6
128.4
64.9

206.7
352.5
335.6
123.1
399.9
156.1
874.6
1,221.6
118.4
61.4

35.2
(D)
(D)
(D)
197.5
146.0
796.2
1,136.8
(D)
63.3

34.0
(D)
(D)
(D)
205.4
152.5
858.5
1,197.4
(D)
59.8

170.8
(D)
(D)
(D)
191.4
3.4
14.5
23.8
(D)
1.6

172.7
(D)
(D)
(D)
194.5
3.6
16.1
24.2
(D)
1.6

Michigan ...........................
Minnesota .........................
Mississippi ........................
Missouri ............................
Nebraska ..........................
New York ..........................
North Carolina ...................
Ohio ..................................
Oklahoma .........................
Oregon ..............................

347.1
189.1
111.2
318.7
169.7
142.9
328.9
778.4
49.0
55.5

365.4
194.2
110.0
313.4
192.1
141.4
331.0
835.7
40.2
50.7

(D)
182.1
(D)
282.5
159.2
(D)
169.6
(D)
(D)
55.5

(D)
186.6
(D)
272.8
179.1
(D)
175.5
(D)
(D)
50.7

(D)
7.0
(D)
36.2
10.5
(D)
159.3
(D)
(D)
-

(D)
7.6
(D)
40.6
13.0
(D)
155.5
(D)
(D)
-

Pennsylvania ....................
South Carolina ..................
South Dakota ....................
Texas ................................
Utah ..................................
Virginia ..............................
Washington .......................
Wisconsin .........................

773.5
79.8
66.3
500.5
119.8
61.9
171.5
187.8

737.8
74.1
54.3
511.8
143.5
61.4
162.9
184.8

744.0
57.2
66.3
(D)
119.8
31.1
(D)
181.8

713.0
51.9
54.3
(D)
143.5
30.6
(D)
178.5

29.5
22.6
(D)
30.8
(D)
6.0

24.8
22.2
(D)
30.8
(D)
6.3

Other States 1 ...................

729.7

691.4

657.0

620.0

72.7

71.4

United States ....................

8,831.8

9,046.0

7,625.8

7,780.8

1,206.0

1,265.2

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

10

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Egg Production by Type – States and United States: July 2020 and 2021
[Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in United States totals]
State

Total production

Table eggs

Hatching eggs

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

(million eggs)

Alabama ............................
Arkansas ...........................
California ...........................
Colorado ............................
Georgia .............................
Illinois ................................
Indiana ..............................
Iowa ...................................
Kentucky ............................
Maryland ............................

214.4
323.6
323.5
125.5
438.9
160.0
862.8
1,223.1
134.2
66.7

214.6
347.5
351.0
127.4
415.9
172.8
902.9
1,281.2
118.3
62.7

37.5
(D)
(D)
(D)
242.2
156.3
846.6
1,199.8
(D)
65.1

36.2
(D)
(D)
(D)
217.0
168.8
887.4
1,257.2
(D)
61.3

176.9
(D)
(D)
(D)
196.7
3.7
16.2
23.3
(D)
1.6

178.4
(D)
(D)
(D)
198.9
4.0
15.5
24.0
(D)
1.4

Michigan ............................
Minnesota ..........................
Mississippi .........................
Missouri .............................
Nebraska ...........................
New York ...........................
North Carolina ...................
Ohio ...................................
Oklahoma ..........................
Oregon ..............................

365.0
202.0
116.7
330.8
198.5
147.3
343.1
855.8
50.1
55.9

381.9
204.0
116.2
317.5
202.9
146.8
338.5
873.7
45.2
55.0

(D)
194.8
(D)
292.6
188.4
(D)
181.2
(D)
(D)
55.9

(D)
196.0
(D)
276.9
189.7
(D)
181.6
(D)
(D)
55.0

(D)
7.2
(D)
38.2
10.1
(D)
161.9
(D)
(D)
-

(D)
8.0
(D)
40.6
13.2
(D)
156.9
(D)
(D)
-

Pennsylvania .....................
South Carolina ...................
South Dakota .....................
Texas ................................
Utah ...................................
Virginia ..............................
Washington .......................
Wisconsin ..........................

807.6
81.6
70.5
516.7
119.6
58.7
177.5
197.0

783.6
75.7
52.4
523.7
149.8
59.5
174.9
180.6

777.3
58.9
70.5
(D)
119.6
27.9
(D)
190.7

757.6
53.4
52.4
(D)
149.8
28.4
(D)
174.6

30.3
22.7
(D)
30.8
(D)
6.3

26.0
22.3
(D)
31.1
(D)
6.0

Other States 1 ....................

750.1

712.3

676.9

637.9

73.2

74.4

United States .....................

9,317.2

9,388.5

8,063.5

8,103.7

1,253.7

1,284.8

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

11

Egg Production in Dozens by Type – States and United States: June 2020 and 2021
[Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in United States totals]
State

Total production
2020

Table eggs

2021

2020

Hatching eggs
2021

2020

2021

(1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs)
Alabama .........................
Arkansas .........................
California ........................
Colorado .........................
Georgia ...........................
Illinois ..............................
Indiana ............................
Iowa ................................
Kentucky .........................
Maryland .........................

17,166.6
25,041.6
25,916.6
10,841.7
32,408.4
12,450.0
67,558.4
96,716.6
10,699.9
5,408.3

17,225.0
29,375.0
27,966.7
10,258.4
33,325.0
13,008.3
72,883.2
101,799.9
9,866.7
5,116.7

2,933.3
(D)
(D)
(D)
16,458.4
12,166.7
66,350.0
94,733.3
(D)
5,275.0

2,833.3
(D)
(D)
(D)
17,116.7
12,708.3
71,541.6
99,783.3
(D)
4,983.3

14,233.3
(D)
(D)
(D)
15,950.0
283.3
1,208.4
1,983.3
(D)
133.3

14,391.7
(D)
(D)
(D)
16,208.3
300.0
1,341.6
2,016.6
(D)
133.4

Michigan .........................
Minnesota .......................
Mississippi ......................
Missouri ..........................
Nebraska ........................
New York ........................
North Carolina .................
Ohio ................................
Oklahoma .......................
Oregon ............................

28,925.0
15,758.4
9,266.7
26,558.3
14,141.7
11,908.3
27,408.3
64,866.7
4,083.4
4,625.0

30,450.0
16,183.4
9,166.7
26,116.6
16,008.3
11,783.3
27,583.3
69,641.7
3,350.1
4,225.0

(D)
15,175.0
(D)
23,541.7
13,266.7
(D)
14,133.3
(D)
(D)
4,625.0

(D)
15,550.0
(D)
22,733.3
14,925.0
(D)
14,625.0
(D)
(D)
4,225.0

(D)
583.4
(D)
3,016.6
875.0
(D)
13,275.0
(D)
(D)
-

(D)
633.4
(D)
3,383.3
1,083.3
(D)
12,958.3
(D)
(D)
-

Pennsylvania ..................
South Carolina ................
South Dakota ..................
Texas ..............................
Utah ................................
Virginia ............................
Washington .....................
Wisconsin .......................

64,458.3
6,650.0
5,525.0
41,708.3
9,983.3
5,158.3
14,291.7
15,650.0

61,483.4
6,175.0
4,525.0
42,650.0
11,958.3
5,116.7
13,575.0
15,400.0

62,000.0
4,766.7
5,525.0
(D)
9,983.3
2,591.6
(D)
15,150.0

59,416.7
4,325.0
4,525.0
(D)
11,958.3
2,550.0
(D)
14,875.0

2,458.3
1,883.3
(D)
2,566.7
(D)
500.0

2,066.7
1,850.0
(D)
2,566.7
(D)
525.0

Other States 1 .................

60,808.3

57,616.8

54,750.0

51,666.7

6,058.3

5,950.1

United States ..................

735,983.1

753,833.5

635,483.2

648,400.1

100,499.9

105,433.4

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

12

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Egg Production in Dozens by Type – States and United States: July 2020 and 2021
[Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in United States totals]
State

Total production
2020

Table eggs

2021

2020

Hatching eggs
2021

2020

2021

(1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs) (1,000 dozen eggs)
Alabama .........................
Arkansas ........................
California ........................
Colorado .........................
Georgia ..........................
Illinois .............................
Indiana ...........................
Iowa ................................
Kentucky .........................
Maryland .........................

17,866.7
26,966.7
26,958.4
10,458.3
36,574.9
13,333.4
71,900.0
101,925.1
11,183.3
5,558.3

17,883.4
28,958.4
29,250.0
10,616.7
34,658.3
14,399.9
75,241.6
106,766.7
9,858.3
5,225.1

3,125.0
(D)
(D)
(D)
20,183.3
13,025.0
70,550.0
99,983.4
(D)
5,425.0

3,016.7
(D)
(D)
(D)
18,083.3
14,066.6
73,950.0
104,766.7
(D)
5,108.4

14,741.7
(D)
(D)
(D)
16,391.6
308.4
1,350.0
1,941.7
(D)
133.3

14,866.7
(D)
(D)
(D)
16,575.0
333.3
1,291.6
2,000.0
(D)
116.7

Michigan .........................
Minnesota .......................
Mississippi ......................
Missouri ..........................
Nebraska ........................
New York ........................
North Carolina ................
Ohio ................................
Oklahoma .......................
Oregon ...........................

30,416.7
16,833.4
9,725.0
27,566.7
16,541.7
12,274.9
28,591.7
71,316.7
4,175.0
4,658.3

31,825.0
17,000.0
9,683.3
26,458.3
16,908.3
12,233.4
28,208.4
72,808.3
3,766.7
4,583.3

(D)
16,233.4
(D)
24,383.3
15,700.0
(D)
15,100.0
(D)
(D)
4,658.3

(D)
16,333.3
(D)
23,075.0
15,808.3
(D)
15,133.4
(D)
(D)
4,583.3

(D)
600.0
(D)
3,183.4
841.7
(D)
13,491.7
(D)
(D)
-

(D)
666.7
(D)
3,383.3
1,100.0
(D)
13,075.0
(D)
(D)
-

Pennsylvania ..................
South Carolina ................
South Dakota ..................
Texas .............................
Utah ................................
Virginia ...........................
Washington ....................
Wisconsin .......................

67,300.0
6,800.0
5,875.0
43,058.3
9,966.7
4,891.7
14,791.6
16,416.6

65,300.1
6,308.3
4,366.7
43,641.7
12,483.3
4,958.3
14,575.0
15,050.0

64,775.0
4,908.3
5,875.0
(D)
9,966.7
2,325.0
(D)
15,891.6

63,133.4
4,450.0
4,366.7
(D)
12,483.3
2,366.6
(D)
14,550.0

2,525.0
1,891.7
(D)
2,566.7
(D)
525.0

2,166.7
1,858.3
(D)
2,591.7
(D)
500.0

Other States 1 .................

62,508.4

59,358.3

56,408.3

53,158.3

6,100.1

6,200.0

United States ..................

776,433.5

782,375.1

671,958.2

675,308.6

104,475.3

107,066.5

- Represents zero.
(D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.
1
Not published separately to avoid disclosing individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

13

Total Layers Molted First Day of the Month by Month – United States: 2020-2021
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Being molted

Month

Molt completed

2020

2021

2020

2021

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

January .................................................
February ...............................................
March ....................................................
April ......................................................
May .......................................................
June ......................................................
July .......................................................
August ..................................................
September ............................................
October .................................................
November .............................................
December .............................................

1.7
2.3
1.7
1.3
3.5
4.6
2.4
1.6
2.3
2.3
1.2
1.1

2.2
1.8
1.6
1.4
2.5
2.3
2.0
2.0

11.9
12.0
12.3
12.1
11.0
11.8
13.8
14.7
14.0
14.7
15.4
14.9

14.0
14.4
14.7
14.1
12.8
12.8
13.5
13.2

Total Layers Molted First Day of the Month – States and United States: July 1 and August 1, 2020-2021
Being molted
State

July 1

Molt completed
August 1

July 1

August 1

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

Alabama ...............................................
Arkansas ...............................................
California ..............................................
Colorado ...............................................
Georgia .................................................
Illinois ....................................................
Indiana ..................................................
Iowa ......................................................
Kentucky ...............................................
Maryland ...............................................

0.5
2.5
1.5
0.5
2.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
6.0
-

0.5
1.5
0.5
2.5
1.0
2.0
1.0
2.0
-

0.5
0.5
2.0
1.5
1.5
2.5
0.5
3.0
-

0.5
1.5
1.5
2.0
1.0
5.5
-

5.5
11.0
7.0
6.0
9.0
4.0
13.5
15.0
2.5
-

4.5
14.0
8.0
7.0
11.0
3.0
12.0
11.0
-

4.5
13.0
7.5
6.0
10.5
3.0
13.0
15.5
8.0
-

4.5
13.5
7.5
8.5
11.0
2.5
11.5
10.5
-

Michigan ...............................................
Minnesota .............................................
Mississippi ............................................
Missouri ................................................
Nebraska ..............................................
New York ..............................................
North Carolina .......................................
Ohio ......................................................
Oklahoma .............................................
Oregon ..................................................

1.0
4.0
7.0
1.0
2.0
4.0
3.5
-

3.5
2.0
2.5
3.5
1.5
2.5
6.5
-

1.0
2.0
3.0
1.0
2.0
1.5
3.5
-

1.5
1.0
1.0
2.0
2.0
2.5
-

1.0
20.0
23.5
2.0
36.5
5.5
6.0
19.0
6.5
1.0

3.0
8.0
18.0
8.5
0.5
3.5
14.0
15.0
-

1.5
19.5
24.0
2.0
40.0
6.0
7.5
20.5
9.5
1.0

2.0
6.5
19.0
11.0
1.0
4.5
12.5
13.0
5.0
-

Pennsylvania ........................................
South Carolina ......................................
South Dakota ........................................
Texas ....................................................
Utah ......................................................
Virginia ..................................................
Washington ...........................................
Wisconsin .............................................

1.0
6.0
8.5
2.5
4.5
-

3.0
5.0
5.5
-

3.0
4.0
2.5
-

3.5
3.0
5.0
4.5
2.0
-

6.5
19.5
44.5
16.5
12.0
23.5

2.0
19.0
3.5
56.0
23.5
16.5
23.0

6.0
20.0
48.0
17.5
14.0
23.5

2.0
19.0
3.5
56.0
26.5
17.0
18.0

Other States 1 .......................................

2.9

2.9

3.8

3.5

16.4

23.2

17.7

23.8

United States ........................................

2.4

2.0

1.6

2.0

13.8

13.5

14.7

13.2

- Represents zero.
Includes data for States not published in this table.

1

14

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Hatchery Production – United States: 2020 and 2021
Item

2020

2021

2021 as
percent
of 2020

(1,000)

(1,000)

(percent)

Egg-type
Eggs in incubators on August 1 ...............................................................................
Chicks hatched during July ......................................................................................
Chicks hatched January through July .......................................................................

46,242
46,140
372,569

43,998
50,370
386,852

95
109
104

Pullets hatched during July for intended placements:
Hatchery supply flocks ...........................................................................................
Cumulative potential placements 7-18 months earlier 1 ..........................................

294
2,872

199
3,610

68
126

Broiler-type
Eggs in incubators on August 1 ...............................................................................
Chicks hatched during July ......................................................................................
Chicks hatched January through July .......................................................................

687,521
850,772
5,787,037

718,177
844,328
5,791,070

104
99
100

Pullets hatched during July for intended placements:
Hatchery supply flocks ...........................................................................................
Cumulative potential placements 7-15 months earlier 2 ..........................................

8,235
74,341

8,623
74,246

105
100

1
2

2021 includes pullet chicks hatched January 2020 through December 2020.
2021 includes pullet chicks hatched April 2020 through December 2020.

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

15

Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – United States: 2020-2021
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Item

2020
(1,000)

January ....................................................................................................................
February ..................................................................................................................
March .......................................................................................................................
April .........................................................................................................................
May ..........................................................................................................................
June .........................................................................................................................
July ..........................................................................................................................
August .....................................................................................................................
September ...............................................................................................................
October ....................................................................................................................
November ................................................................................................................
December ................................................................................................................

2021 as
percent
of 2020

2021
(1,000)

47,563
50,382
49,101
57,435
49,502
50,029
46,093
46,242
47,296
46,624
44,601
53,170

(percent)

50,735
53,521
59,970
55,684
53,802
51,073
50,532
43,998

107
106
122
97
109
102
110
95

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2020-2021
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
By Months
Month

January .....................
February ...................
March ........................
April ..........................
May ...........................
June ..........................
July ...........................
August ......................
September ................
October .....................
November .................
December .................

16

Cumulative

2020

2021

2021 as
percent
of 2020

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

52,727
48,148
56,212
61,015
52,790
55,537
46,140
50,007
49,989
50,597
48,042
51,765

50,882
52,273
62,319
59,877
57,332
53,799
50,370

97
109
111
98
109
97
109

2020

2021

2021 as
percent
of 2020

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

52,727
100,875
157,087
218,102
270,892
326,429
372,569
422,576
472,565
523,162
571,204
622,969

50,882
103,155
165,474
225,351
282,683
336,482
386,852

97
102
105
103
104
103
104

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Intended Placements of Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total –
United States: 2020-2022
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

2020

2021

(1,000 chicks)
January ......................................
February .....................................
March .........................................
April ............................................
May ............................................
June ...........................................
July .............................................
August ........................................
September ..................................
October ......................................
November ...................................
December ...................................

265
482
322
243
233
373
294
370
201
197
169
461

Annual total ................................

3,610

1

Cumulative potential placements
relative to current supply
flocks 7-18 months earlier 1

2021 as
percent
of 2020

Pullet chicks hatched

Month

(1,000 chicks)
279
202
327
266
306
288
199

2021

(percent)

2022

(1,000 chicks)
105
42
102
109
131
77
68

(1,000 chicks)

3,352
3,391
3,567
3,482
3,480
3,451
3,610
3,624
3,344
3,349
3,372
3,445

3,360
3,265

For July 2021, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched January 2020 through December 2020. The 7-18 months represent the first laying cycle.
Molting and additional laying cycles will increase the cumulative potential placements.

Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators on the First of the Month – United States: 2020-2021
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
Item

January ...................................................................................................................
February ..................................................................................................................
March ......................................................................................................................
April .........................................................................................................................
May .........................................................................................................................
June ........................................................................................................................
July ..........................................................................................................................
August .....................................................................................................................
September ...............................................................................................................
October ...................................................................................................................
November ................................................................................................................
December ................................................................................................................

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

2020

2021

2021 as
percent
of 2020

(1,000)

(1,000)

(percent)

714,799
716,942
718,746
692,345
662,186
701,760
700,673
687,521
691,508
665,148
664,550
706,563

712,232
703,515
710,502
717,361
717,718
720,441
714,769
718,177

100
98
99
104
108
103
102
104

17

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched – States and United States: July 2020 and 2021
During July
State

January-July

2020

2021

2021 as
percent
of 2020
(percent)

2020

2021

2021 as
percent
of 2020
(percent)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

Alabama .................................................
Arkansas .................................................
Delaware ................................................
Florida .....................................................
Georgia ...................................................
Kentucky .................................................
Louisiana ................................................
Maryland .................................................
Mississippi ..............................................
Missouri ..................................................

119,426
84,304
17,612
4,284
124,524
27,025
11,999
29,850
66,020
31,944

118,449
85,485
17,150
4,185
120,486
26,629
11,547
28,830
62,780
33,934

99
101
97
98
97
99
96
97
95
106

820,324
578,307
119,828
29,718
849,180
185,444
84,979
200,157
447,073
221,236

815,989
584,845
119,015
29,179
824,064
185,557
81,699
195,990
430,323
229,535

99
101
99
98
97
100
96
98
96
104

North Carolina .........................................
Oklahoma ...............................................
Pennsylvania ..........................................
South Carolina ........................................
Texas ......................................................
Virginia ....................................................
California, Tennessee,
and West Virginia ..................................

89,281
24,143
23,469
20,714
64,826
23,724

87,827
25,387
23,475
20,471
64,266
23,525

98
105
100
99
99
99

598,234
178,765
154,585
137,109
435,577
153,747

611,731
173,213
160,142
137,653
440,813
160,058

102
97
104
100
101
104

44,884

44,147

98

311,116

309,170

99

Other States 1 .........................................

42,743

45,755

107

281,658

302,094

107

United States ..........................................

850,772

844,328

99

5,787,037

5,791,070

100

1

Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched by Month – United States: 2020-2021
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
By Months
Month

January ...................................................
February .................................................
March ......................................................
April ........................................................
May .........................................................
June ........................................................
July .........................................................
August ....................................................
September ..............................................
October ...................................................
November ...............................................
December ...............................................

18

Cumulative

2020

2021

2021 as
percent
of 2020

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

860,517
806,947
861,074
771,589
807,648
828,490
850,772
837,852
809,563
805,553
783,152
848,536

849,965
759,210
841,946
821,223
850,810
823,588
844,328

99
94
98
106
105
99
99

2020

2021

2021 as
percent
of 2020

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

(percent)

860,517
1,667,464
2,528,538
3,300,127
4,107,775
4,936,265
5,787,037
6,624,889
7,434,452
8,240,005
9,023,157
9,871,693

849,965
1,609,175
2,451,121
3,272,344
4,123,154
4,946,742
5,791,070

99
97
97
99
100
100
100

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and
Total: 2020-2022
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]

2020

2021

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

United States placements ................
January ........................................
February ......................................
March ..........................................
April .............................................
May .............................................
June ............................................
July ..............................................
August .........................................
September ...................................
October ........................................
November ....................................
December ....................................

7,482
8,135
8,547
8,161
8,188
8,074
8,235
8,211
9,708
8,072
7,796
7,801

Annual total .....................................

98,410

Total placements 2
January ........................................
February ......................................
March ..........................................
April .............................................
May .............................................
June ............................................
July ..............................................
August .........................................
September ...................................
October ........................................
November ....................................
December ....................................

9,022
9,581
10,183
9,700
9,860
9,713
9,726
9,902
11,729
9,975
9,324
9,177

Annual total .....................................

117,892

Cumulative potential placements
relative to current supply
flocks 7-15 months earlier 1

2021 as
percent
of 2020

Pullet chicks hatched

Month

(percent)

8,095
8,245
8,232
8,110
8,708
9,546
8,623

108
101
96
99
106
118
105

9,811
9,954
9,996
9,908
10,148
11,179
10,079

109
104
98
102
103
115
104

2021

2022

(1,000 chicks)

(1,000 chicks)

72,886
73,590
73,660
74,741
75,331
74,992
74,246
74,180
74,237
74,395
74,270
74,767

74,605
75,156

1

For July 2021, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched April 2020 through December 2020.
2
United States production of intended placements worldwide.

Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates
Total Layers includes both table egg and hatching egg flocks regardless of size.
Intended Placements are reported by leading breeders. Coverage may not be 100 percent. Includes expected pullet chicks
from eggs sold during the preceding month at the rate of 125 pullet chicks per case of 30 dozen eggs.
Molted Layers is the same data series as the previously published Forced Molt Layers. Nomenclature changed as of
January 2015.

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

19

Statistical Methodology
Survey Procedures: Primary data for the Chickens and Eggs report are from weekly and/or monthly questionnaires sent
to producers. An attempt is made to collect information for layer and egg estimates from each known contractor and
independent producer who has at least 30,000 table egg layers, flocks of hatchery supply layers, or pullet only operations
with at least 500 pullets. Coverage for operations with less than 30,000 table egg layers are estimated each month based
on data reported in December. Approximately 500 contractors, independent egg producers, and pullet only operations are
contacted each month. Data for broiler hatchery estimates are collected weekly from all broiler-type hatcheries that hatch
at least one million chicks a year. Data for egg-type hatchery estimates are collected monthly from all egg-type hatcheries
that hatch at least 50,000 chicks a year.
Estimating Procedures: Sound statistical methodology is employed to derive estimates from the reported data. All data
are analyzed for unusual values. Data from each operation are compared to their own past operating profile and to trends
from similar operations. Data for missing operations are estimated based on similar operations or historical data. NASS
regional field offices prepare these estimates by using a combination of survey indications and historic trends. Individual
State estimates are reviewed by the Agricultural Statistics Board for reasonableness.
For chicken hatcheries, chicks hatched consist of all chicks of domesticated breeds including males and chicks destined
for hatchery supply flocks and research purposes. Eggs set are eggs in incubators for the purpose of hatching. The
relationship of egg-type chicks hatched to chicken inventory and poultry marketings are carefully monitored. The
disposition of egg-type chicks hatched prior to placement into the laying flock can vary significantly, which can make
comparisons to changes in layer inventory inconsistent over time. Broiler chicks placed are specifically for meat
production. Intended placement data reported by leading breeders include pullet chicks expected from eggs sold the
preceding month. The breeders in this report account for a large percentage of replacement pullets for hatchery supply
flocks. Production of replacement pullets by these breeders indicates the number of pullets available to hatchery supply
layer flocks several months before the pullets will actually move into the laying flocks. “Hatchery Supply Flocks” include
all generations of layers which could lay eggs to supply a hatchery. This includes the generations of parents, grandparents,
great-grandparents, pedigree, etc. Also included are research flocks, vaccine flocks, and specific pathogen-free flocks. The
broiler cumulative potential placements are a moving total of the intended placements 7-15 months earlier. The egg-type
cumulative potential placements of 7-18 months earlier represent the first laying cycle. Molting and additional laying
cycles will increase the cumulative potential placements of egg-type hatching flocks.
Revision Policy: The previous month's estimates are subject to revision if late reports or corrected data indicates a
different level. Additionally, revisions after the monthly report will be made at the end of the marketing year and
published in the annual reports of Chickens and Eggs Summary and Hatchery Production Summary. Estimates will also be
reviewed for chickens and eggs after data from the 5-year Census of Agriculture are available. No revisions will be made
after that date.
Reliability: Estimates are based on a census of all known contractors and independent producers who have at least 30,000
table egg layers, flocks of hatchery supply layers, pullet only operations with at least 500 pullets, or operating hatcheries
and therefore, have no sampling error. However, estimates are subject to errors such as omission, duplication, and
mistakes in reporting, recording, and processing the data. While these errors cannot be measured directly, they are
minimized through strict quality controls in the data collection process and a careful review of all reported data for
consistency and reasonableness.
To assist in evaluating the reliability of the estimates in this report, the “Root Mean Square Error” is shown for selected
items in the following table. The “Root Mean Square Error” is a statistical measure based on past performance and is
computed using the differences between first and final estimates. The “Root Mean Square Error” for total layers over the
past 24 months is 0.2 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 that the final estimate will not be above or below the
current estimate of 385 million layers by more than 0.2 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 that the difference will not
exceed 0.4 percent.

20

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Reliability of Layer and Egg Estimates
[Based on data for the past 24 months]
Item

Root mean
square error
(percent)

Difference between first and latest estimate

90 percent
confidence
level

Average

Smallest

Largest

(percent)

(1,000)

(1,000)

(1,000)

Total layers .....................................

0.2

0.4

Eggs ...............................................

0.3

0.5

722
(million)

Chickens and Eggs (August 2021)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

19.9

34
(million)
0

2,273

Months
Below latest

Above latest

(number)

(number)
19

5

19

5

(million)
65

21

Information Contacts
Listed below are the commodity specialists in the Livestock Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service to
contact for additional information. E-mail inquiries may be sent to [email protected]
Travis Averill, Chief, Livestock Branch ......................................................................................................... (202) 692-0069
Jean Porter, Head, Poultry and Specialty Commodities Section ..................................................................... (202) 690-3223
Holly Brenize – Poultry Slaughter ............................................................................................................. (202) 720-0585
Alissa Cowell-Mytar – Cold Storage, Capacity of Refrigerated Warehouses .......................................... (202) 720-4751
Liana Cuffman – Catfish and Trout, Mink, Census of Aquaculture ......................................................... (202) 720-8784
Fatema Haque – Turkey Hatchery, Turkeys Raised ................................................................................. (202) 720-3244
Derron Martin – Chicken Hatchery, Egg Products .................................................................................... (202) 690-3237
Seth Riggins – Honey, Honey Bee Colonies ............................................................................................ (202) 690-4870
Autumn Stone – Layers, Eggs .................................................................................................................. (202) 690-3676
Takiyah Walker – Broiler Hatchery........................................................................................................... (202) 720-6147

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