The poultry industry has encountered significant challenges in recent years, including rising production costs, disease outbreaks, and the resulting flock losses. These pressures have contributed to substantial price volatility, shifts in consumer preferences, and fluctuations in flock productivity.

In recent years, poultry prices have experienced varying responses to these industry pressures. Whole chicken prices increased steadily by nearly 18% from $1.84/lb in January 2023 to $2.17/lb in May 2026. In contrast, boneless chicken breasts have declined 16% during the same period, reaching a low of $3.99/lb in January 2026. Egg prices peaked in March 2025 at $6.23/dozen, but decreased steadily to $2.19/dozen in May ...