The Poultry Market Intelligence Forum, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, at the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), brought together leading experts to examine economic conditions, political uncertainty and evolving sustainability expectations impacting the U.S. poultry and egg industries.

Brian Earnest, economist at CoBank, provided an economic outlook, noting that while the labor market has largely balanced, labor remains a concern—particularly in processing plants and on farms. He also discussed inflation, easing feed costs and continued growth in poultry consumption. Chicken remains the fastest-growing protein, with production expected to increase by 2% in 2026 and broiler output nearing 9.4 billion heads. Earnest remarked on the poultry industry’s shift from commodity markets toward specialization, heavier birds, expanded further processing and rising domestic demand for dark meat. Improved bird performance continues to help the industry navigate labor shortages, higher capital costs and breeder supply challenges.

Christian Richter, principal at The Policy Group, delivered a Washington update, describing the 2026 outlook as “predictably unpredictable” ahead of midterm elections. Key issues include the economy, immigration, trade policy uncertainty and the future of the Farm Bill. Richter emphasized ongoing challenges related to tariffs, federal debt and immigration reform, remarking on their implications for agriculture and labor availability.

The forum concluded with Ryan Bennett, executive director of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs and the International Poultry Welfare Alliance, who outlined emerging sustainability and animal welfare trends. Bennett highlighted the growing influence of corporate buyers, increasing climate and insurance risks and the industry’s shift toward outcomes-based animal welfare focused on bird health, behavior and performance. He noted that sustainability is moving from commitments to operational action across the supply chain.

The Poultry Market Intelligence Forum provided attendees with a forward-looking perspective on the economic resilience, regulatory complexity and sustainability evolution shaping the future of poultry and eggs.