Retail egg prices have fallen from record highs, but as producers work to rebuild flocks decimated by High Path Avian Flu, USDA livestock analyst Shayle Shagam says there is still a lot of work to do.
This time of year usually draws the highest demand for eggs both commercially and in the home.
“As we move into this period of strong demand, we are looking at relatively tight supplies of eggs. If we look at the most recent information on table eeg production, we’re down about 6% from where we were a year ago. The egg laying flock is also down. It’s down about 4% from last year,” Shagam said.
Right now the average price for a dozen eggs is around $3.50. Just a year ago the same carton cost about $2.41.
Related Stories
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
Seasonal boxed beef softness does not change the tight-supply outlook — leverage remains closer to the farm gate heading into 2026.
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
