(VitalNews.org) – Millions of Americans will feel financial pain as egg prices in the Midwest have surged to unprecedented levels, thanks to a devastating bird flu outbreak combined with the holiday baking demand.
See the tweet below!
The epidemic has forced the culling of millions of birds, triggering a significant shortage in egg supplies.
With soaring prices, Americans are being hit hard as they seek eggs for seasonal baking.
The outbreak began in February 2022, leading to the slaughter of over 111 million birds, severely impacting egg production.
As a result, the U.S. egg-laying flock decreased by about three percent, causing a four percent drop in egg production.
High demand during November and December exacerbates the price increases.
October’s average price for a dozen eggs in U.S. cities was $3.37, down from $4.82 in January 2023, yet up from the previous October’s $2.07.
Accusations of supermarkets, like Kroger, raising egg prices beyond inflation levels have surfaced.
The current price rates in the Midwest stand at about $5.67 per dozen, surpassing the previous high of $5.46 from December 2022.
“[There is a] potent combination of avian flu-related production losses and heightened retail demand throughout the holiday baking season,” stated Karyn Rispoli, Expana’s managing editor for eggs in the Americas, cited by WND.
Cage-free egg supplies have been particularly hard-hit, notably in states like California.
Expansion of cage-free requirements to other states looms in the future, heightening supply chain concerns.
Compounded by climate change and extreme weather, wild bird displacement aggravates the spread of avian flu, suggesting a longer-term impact on the industry.
While the egg industry is working to rebuild the flock, temporary shortages persist.
Interestingly, the cost of chicken feed has decreased significantly, offering some relief to the poultry farmers and indicating potential future stabilization.
However, the broader impact on food inflation remains a persistent issue for the economy.
“You can’t have your holiday baking, your pumpkin pie, your stuffing, without eggs,” said the Egg Board’s president and chief executive officer Emily Metz, cited by Global News.
The ongoing bird flu outbreak, coupled with seasonal demand, pressures both producers and consumers alike.
As food inflation remains a critical topic in the political landscape, many voters blame the Biden administration for high grocery prices despite global factors.
President-elect Donald J. Trump focused on reducing these costs during his campaign, acknowledging, however, how “hard” it could be to achieve.
🥚📈 Bird flu drives US egg prices to record highs ahead of Christmas
Tickers of interest: $CME
Full Story → https://t.co/z2o9V0N4iW
Egg prices have surged due to an intensifying bird flu outbreak, slashing supply as holiday demand peaks. Wholesale prices in the Midwest hit… pic.twitter.com/jS1o0x5c0p
— PiQ (@PiQSuite) December 20, 2024
Copyright 2024, VitalNews.org
