Mississippi Poultry Industry Sees Rise in Production Value for 2025
The Mississippi poultry sector has experienced a slight uptick in production value, driven primarily by increased broiler production and strengthening egg prices. For the year 2025, the estimated production value of the state’s poultry industry reached an impressive $3.73 billion, marking a 2.3% increase from 2024.
A Continued Dominance in Agriculture
For the 31st consecutive year, the poultry industry has maintained its position as the leading agricultural commodity in Mississippi. “This increase in value is directly tied to the growth in broiler production that Mississippi has experienced,” stated Jonathan Moon, a poultry specialist at the Mississippi State University Extension Service. The boost in broiler production has led to an influx of high-quality poultry meat entering the market, thereby driving up the overall production value.
Production Figures and Market Dynamics
In 2025, Mississippi produced a staggering 752 million broilers, placing the state sixth in national broiler production. Additionally, it ranks 20th in egg production across the United States.
The poultry industry’s overall value consists mainly of two segments: broilers and eggs. The estimated value of broilers is approximately $3.38 billion, reflecting a modest 1% increase compared to last year. In contrast, the estimated value for eggs is projected at $351 million, a notable 15% rise from 2024.
Factors Influencing Egg Production Value
Josh Maples, an agricultural economist at MSU Extension, pointed out that the value surge in the egg segment resulted from both increased production numbers and stronger prices early in the year. “In December 2024, egg prices were almost double their current state due to the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which severely reduced the number of layer hens nationwide,” he explained.
As the supply of eggs has stabilized compared to the previous year, Maples anticipates that prices will likely continue to decrease into the next year. However, the threat of HPAI remains. “Roughly 40 million egg-laying chickens were lost to HPAI nationwide in 2025, with 30 million of those losses occurring in January and February,” he noted.
Managing Outbreaks and Biosecurity Measures
Mississippi has been relatively fortunate, as it faced just one outbreak of HPAI in 2025. In March, over 47,000 broilers in a Noxubee County poultry farm had to be euthanized due to HPAI detection. According to federal policy, infected flocks must be culled to prevent widespread transmission. Moon reflected on this situation, stating, “While zero outbreaks would be ideal, experiencing just one is a relatively positive outcome, given the circumstances.”
Despite the sporadic nature of HPAI, its threat is a constant concern for the industry. “This ongoing risk drives regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and Mississippi poultry producers to continuously assess and enhance their biosecurity measures,” Moon added.
Challenges Facing Producers
Alongside biosecurity concerns, poultry producers in Mississippi, like others in agriculture, face several economic challenges, including rising utility costs, insurance, labor expenses, and financial charges. Nonetheless, the dedication and resilience of producers and integrators in Mississippi remain robust.
“Mississippi’s poultry producers and integrators are a formidable force—skilled, resilient, and committed to excellence,” Moon remarked.
The Future of Mississippi Poultry
Mississippi is home to six broiler integrators, including Tyson Foods, Peco Foods, Koch Foods, Amick Farms, Mar-Jac Poultry, and Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Additionally, Cal-Maine Foods, based near Jackson, stands as the nation’s largest table egg producer.
Following poultry in Mississippi’s agricultural standings are forestry, with a production value of $1.47 billion, and soybeans, valued at $1.01 billion.
Source: Mississippi State University Extension
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