By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist

Texas hatcheries set fewer eggs this week than last, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS).

There were roughly 60,000 less eggs in incubators last week, down from 16.14 million to 16.09 million. The national count was down more than 2 million, from 226.7 million to 224.3 million. However, both numbers are higher than those from October, and Texas’ numbers have risen two percent since last year.

The number of meat-production chicks placed during the week also decreased, from 12.5 million to 12.2 million. This was the lowest amount of chicks placed in the past six weeks, and the number was down three percent from a year ago.

National numbers also decreased for chicks placed for meat production, down almost 3 million from the previous week, and reaching its lowest point in the month of November.

Click here for more information on U.S. and Texas broiler production.