Egg prices soar to record highs amid reports of a BIRD FLU outbreak

01/27/2025 / By Ramon Tomey

The wholesale price of a dozen eggs hit $5.45 as of Jan. 20, surpassing the previous record of $4.65 set in December 2022.
While some regions are seeing egg prices as high as $8.04 in California and $6.25 in New York, others have reported prices as high as $9 per dozen.
An ongoing outbreak of avian influenza has decimated the nation’s egg-laying hen population, with 15.5 million birds infected in the last 30 days and approximately 20 million egg-laying hens lost in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that New York’s average wholesale price will drop to $2.35 per dozen by the end of 2025, but warns that further outbreaks or supply disruptions could push prices even higher.
Frustrated by the high prices, some consumers are turning to small, local farms or raising their own chickens to ensure a steady supply of eggs, reflecting a broader shift toward self-sufficiency.

The price of eggs has reached unprecedented levels in early 2025, leaving consumers reeling as the cost of a staple food item continues to climb.

According to the latest data from the Urner Barry Egg Index, the wholesale price of a dozen eggs hit $5.45 as of Jan. 20, surpassing the previous record of $4.65 set in December 2022. But for many shoppers, the reality is even starker.

Regional price disparities have pushed the cost of eggs to $8.04 in California and $6.25 in New York, with some retailers charging as much as $9 per dozen. The primary driver behind this surge is an ongoing and devastating outbreak of avian influenza, which has decimated the nation’s egg-laying hen population.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that 15.5 million birds across the Lower 48 have been infected in the last 30 days alone, with approximately 20 million egg-laying hens lost in the fourth quarter of 2024. The agency wrote in a report earlier this month that unlike previous outbreaks, this wave of avian flu has impacted all major production systems, including conventional caged, cage-free and certified organic operations. (Related: Government says “bird flu” responsible for rising egg prices.)

The current spike marks the second major egg price surge since 2022, when avian flu first began wreaking havoc on poultry populations. Since then, over 100 million chickens have been culled due to the disease, leaving the industry struggling to recover.

While the USDA predicts that prices will eventually ease, with New York’s average wholesale price expected to drop to $2.35 per dozen by the end of 2025, the road to recovery remains uncertain. Further outbreaks or supply disruptions could push prices even higher, as egg prices are highly sensitive to market conditions.

Egg shortage spurs shift to local farms and backyard chickens

While the soaring cost of eggs has left many consumers frustrated, some are finding creative ways to secure their supply. With grocery store shelves often empty and purchase limits in place, a growing number of Americans are turning to small, local farms or even raising their own chickens to ensure a steady source of eggs.

Given the widespread impact of the avian flu outbreak as noted in the USDA report, this has prompted some to reconsider their reliance on large-scale commercial egg producers and explore alternative options.

Mom-and-pop farms, which often operate on a smaller scale and may have more resilient biosecurity measures, have become a popular choice for consumers seeking fresh, locally sourced eggs. These farms not only offer a way to bypass the inflated prices at supermarkets but also provide an opportunity to support local agriculture.

For those with the space and resources, raising backyard chickens has also emerged as a viable solution. Building or purchasing a chicken coop can provide households with a sustainable and cost-effective way to produce their own eggs. This trend reflects a broader shift toward self-sufficiency and a desire to move away from what some describe as “toxic food supply chains controlled by mega-corporations.”

As the avian flu crisis continues to disrupt the egg industry, consumers are left grappling with higher prices and limited availability. While the USDA anticipates some relief in the coming years, the path to recovery remains fraught with challenges. In the meantime, the rise in egg prices has sparked a renewed interest in local food systems and self-sufficiency, offering a glimmer of hope for those willing to explore alternative options.

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Watch this video about the ongoing egg shortages and skyrocketing egg prices.

This video is from The 100% Clean Food Lifestyle channel on Brighteon.com.