Through the week ending 21 March, U.S. broiler production remains well above year-ago levels, with total headcount surpassing 2.04 billion, a 3.63 percent increase compared to 2025. While overall supply levels continue to expand, the distribution across weight classes further highlights a pronounced shift toward the heavier birds. Different weight classes yield poultry meat for different uses, reflecting market demand, processing needs, and retail specifications.
Under 4.25 lbs – used for smaller retail cuts or specialty markets. 4.26–6.25 lbs – midweight birds common for standard retail chicken cuts. 6.26–7.75 lbs – heavier retail cuts; may be sold as whole birds or deboned for processed products. 7.76 lbs or...
What You Need to Know Today: The U.S. and Iran exchanged strikes, with the U.S. hitting Iranian bridges, energy sites, and military infrastructure. Iran launched a missile into Kuwait that damaged a desalination plant. Crude oil futures surged on heightened Middle East tensions, providing supp...
Congress returned this week from its Fourth of July recess, with another break scheduled for the month of August, to face a busy agenda before adjourning for the August recess. Congress has several priorities, including the National Defense Authorization Act, a potential third reconciliation pa...
There was a time, not so long ago, when you could easily explain U.S. agricultural policy. It was countercyclical and focused on risk management, especially for traditional row crops. There were a few exceptions, like dairy and sugar, which maintained the remnants of supply control. Participati...
