US Poultry Prices Firm Up as Late August 2026 Data Lands

Chicken Prices Move Higher

Chicken prices in the United States rose again in the middle of August 2026. USDA market data for the trading week of August 10 to 14 put the national composite whole bird (WOG) average at 116.49 cents per pound. That was up 2.50 cents from the week before.

At the same time, fewer birds changed hands. Whole bird sales came in near 8.6 million pounds, a little below the 8.8 million pounds traded the previous week. So the price rose even as trading volume eased.

Prices were not the same across the country. The regional gaps were wide, with the West sitting far above the Midwest:

- Western whole body: about 138.02 cents per pound

- Chicago whole body: about 98.56 cents per pound

Cuts and retail demand

Prices for popular cuts held at firm levels. Breast tenders (conventional, fresh) averaged around $3.08 per pound, while whole bagged fryers (conventional, fresh) sat near $1.67 per pound.

Retail interest also picked up. For the period ending August 20, the grocery feature rate rose 7.8% and the activity index climbed 7.1%. The national activity index reached 79,444, up from 74,145 the week before, though still below the 94,175 seen a year earlier. Parts and prepared items stayed the most featured chicken products in stores.

More Chicken and Turkey on the Way

USDA also refreshed its production outlook. A National Agricultural Statistics Service report released on August 12 lifted both chicken and turkey production for 2026, based on recent slaughter and hatchery data. Egg output was trimmed.

The main changes for 2026 were:

- Broiler (chicken) production raised to 49,623 million pounds, up from 49,552 million

- Turkey production raised to 5,100 million pounds, up from 5,056 million

- Egg production lowered to 9,109 million dozen, from 9,117 million

There is an interesting split in the numbers. Weekly spot prices for chicken rose, but USDA still cut its broiler price forecast for the third and fourth quarters. The full-year broiler price was pegged at 119 cents per pound, down from 121.3 cents a month earlier, after prices came in weaker than expected through July. In short, the day-to-day market firmed up while the wider view for the rest of the year softened a little.

Turkey Stays Quiet Before the Holidays

The turkey market was slow in late August. USDA data from August 21 showed frozen turkey prices steady, demand light, and white meat trading weak. Domestic activity was thin overall.

The picture is expected to change as the holiday season nears. USDA raised its turkey price forecast for the rest of 2026 to 170.3 cents per pound, pointing to firmer prices ahead. Eggs are also holding value better than expected, with the 2026 price forecast lifted to 110.6 cents per dozen, up sharply from 96.8 cents a month before.

What Buyers and Sellers Should Watch

For anyone trading US poultry in the coming weeks, a few points stand out:

- Chicken spot prices are firm now, but the full-year forecast points slightly lower, so watch each weekly report closely

- More broiler and turkey supply is coming, which could limit how far prices climb

- Turkey demand is light today but is expected to firm before the holidays

- Retail feature activity is rising, yet it remains below last year, which hints at softer long-term demand

The takeaway is a US poultry market that is active but mixed. Chicken is firm week to week, turkey is waiting for its seasonal push, and growing supply is the main thing that could cool prices later in the year.