Sources: CGC, AAFC, FCC Economics
In November 2025, national chick placements were up 11.1 percent compared to the same month in 2024. British Columbia also recorded strong growth, with placements rising by 9.7 percent. These figures suggested that the industry was well positioned to meet growing demand heading into 2026.
However, these placement numbers were recorded before major setbacks occurred warns FCC Economics. Avian influenza returned to British Columbia in the fall of 2025, creating biosecurity concerns and disrupting poultry operations. This was followed by severe flooding in December in the Lower Mainland, one of the province’s key poultry production regions. The flooding caused damage to farms and further strained production capacity.
By December, the B.C. Chicken Marketing Board warned of shortages in hatching eggs and chicks. These shortages raise concerns about how much chicken production may be reduced in the province during early 2026. At this stage, the full impact on British Columbia’s output remains unclear.
There is also uncertainty about whether poultry producers in other provinces can increase production enough to offset any losses from British Columbia. If total chicken production falls short of projected demand, particularly at the start of the year, the industry may announce additional production later in 2026 to help stabilize supply and meet consumer needs says FCC Economics.
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