US chicken industry ramps up chick production amid falling prices, Pilgrim's Pride profit slumps

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that during the week ended July 25, 2026 producers incubated 254 million broiler eggs, a 2 % rise from the same period a year earlier, and housed 195 million chicks, also up 1 % YoY. Cumulatively, 5.70 billion chicks were housed from January 10 to July 25, 2026, a 2 % increase over the previous year, as the sector seeks to restore chicken meat supplies and ease price pressure.

Pilgrim's Pride, the JBS‑controlled U.S. chicken company, posted a second‑quarter net profit of $13.2 million, down 96.3 % from the prior year’s $356 million. Net revenue fell 2.8 % to $4.626 billion and adjusted EBITDA dropped 47.6 % to $360 million. The firm cited persistent low chicken prices caused by oversupply, while noting improved margins versus the previous quarter due to productivity gains and a $75 million investment announced in June to expand capacity at its Georgia plant. CEO Fabio Sandri said demand remained steady but the pricing environment remained challenging.