(5MinNewsBreak.com) – In the heartland of America, the surging cost of eggs reflects a dire situation that challenges both consumers and retailers.
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Driven by an aggressive bird flu epidemic and booming holiday demand, the Midwest is experiencing staggering egg price increases.
A vicious bird flu outbreak that began in February 2022 has wreaked havoc on the nation’s poultry industry, resulting in the culling of over 111 million birds.
This rampant disease has severely impacted egg production. With fewer hens laying eggs, supply has drastically diminished, even as demand spikes.
In response, egg prices are soaring.
As of November, the cost of a dozen eggs had skyrocketed from $2.52 at the year’s start to $3.65.
Supermarkets have been accused of inflating these prices well beyond what inflation justifies, compounding the issue for consumers.
The Midwest, in particular, bears the brunt of these increases.
As December unfolds, a dozen eggs now cost about $5.67, overshadowing the previous high of $5.46 set last year.
Karyn Rispoli of Expana points to the “potent combination of avian flu-related production losses and heightened retail demand throughout the holiday baking season” as a driver behind the price hike.
American households, readying for holiday feasts, find themselves caught in a squeeze, WND writes in a report.
As if the flu and holidays weren’t enough, the push for cage-free eggs places additional stress on supplies.
Certain states, like California, have struggled to meet requirements due to flu impacts, increasing the effort needed to redistribute cage-free eggs from other states.
The avian flu is spreading with alarming efficiency, partially attributed to climate-induced disruptions among wild birds.
It strains an already thin industry and threatens to prolong egg supply issues into future years.
U.S. wholesale egg prices are shattering records as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying hens slashes supplies while shoppers buy more to bake Christmas cookies and other holiday treats. https://t.co/ezoiXFx9WL
— Inc. (@Inc) December 20, 2024
The Biden administration has come under fire for high food prices.
Although food inflation has lessened since its peak last year, it’s still a burden on everyday items like eggs.
Many citizens hold the administration accountable, despite global factors at play.
President-elect Trump emphasized reducing grocery prices during his campaign.
While barriers exist, his proposed policies might provide some relief, yet they could inadvertently influence other costs.
Even as feed costs drop, offering minor solace to producers, the egg industry grapples with rebuilding its flocks.
Temporary supply constraints are likely until the birds are restored and laying returns to normal levels.
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