Why egg prices are increasing yet again
The price of eggs is on the rise once again, primarily due to significant bird flu outbreaks among egg-laying chickens. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, egg prices have increased by 28.1% over the past year, with the average price for a dozen large, grade-A eggs reaching $3.20 in August. Since January 2022, over 100 million birds, including wild aquatic birds and both commercial and backyard flocks, have been infected with bird flu. A recent outbreak at two chicken farms in Colorado, coupled with rising consumer demand, has led to higher prices, causing sticker shock for many shoppers.
While bird flu is the primary factor driving up egg prices, inflationary pressures also play a role. Higher costs for fuel, packaging, labor, and feed can contribute to the overall expense of producing eggs, which is then passed on to consumers. Emily Metz, president of the American Egg Board, notes that egg farmers are largely at the mercy of market conditions and have little control over pricing. Demand for eggs has remained high, even during typically lower consumption periods like summer. Experts suggest that if bird flu outbreaks continue, particularly as bird migration seasons approach, egg prices may rise further, especially around the holidays when demand for baked goods increases. However, there is some optimism as wholesale egg prices have recently dropped by 30%, indicating potential relief for consumers in the near future.
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