US Turkey egg inventory falls to lowest level in 36 years

USA – As of June 1, 2024, the number of turkey eggs in U.S. incubators plummeted to its lowest mark since 1988, according to the latest data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS). 

The report revealed that the inventory of turkey eggs was at 22.8 million, a notable decline compared to previous years. 

For context, there were 26.1 million turkey eggs in incubators on the same date in 2022, and the figure dropped further to 28.1 million in 2023. 

Additionally, the ERS noted an 18% decrease in poultry placements year-over-year, with only 20.6 million poults placed in June 2024. 

This represents the lowest placement figure since early 2023, when February saw just 19.8 million poults.

Despite these significant reductions, the ERS has largely dismissed the role of avian influenza in the current egg shortage. 

The recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were predominantly reported after June 1. 

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) identified only four turkey breeder farms affected in 2024, with three cases involving 42,500 breeder birds confirmed in late July. 

Another flock of 14,100 poultry, although not specified by type, was reported on May 2. 

APHIS also confirmed an earlier case of HPAI in a flock of 6,800 breeder hens on May 21. 

Despite these outbreaks, ERS’s data indicates that avian influenza’s impact on the declining egg numbers has been minimal.

This decline in egg inventory is expected to result in a reduction of fresh whole turkeys available for Thanksgiving. 

However, consumers should still find sufficient frozen turkey options in stores.

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