HPAI Woes: Retail egg prices are on the rise again

After months of declining consumer egg prices, buyers could be facing a sharp increase in costs as prices surge upwards once again.

Retail egg prices are on the rise again after a prolonged period of decline, signaling potential challenges ahead for consumers and producers alike.

Last January, egg prices hit a peak of around $4.80 per dozen, driven largely by the widespread impact of High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI) on poultry flocks across the nation. The resulting shortage in egg production sent prices skyrocketing.

However, recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveals that prices have surged by more than 8% in the past month alone, now averaging $2.92 per dozen compared to $2.28 in February of the previous year.

The current increase in prices can be attributed, in part, to a slightly smaller domestic egg-laying flock, a consequence of the ongoing challenges posed by HPAI. Despite a significant decline in reported cases, the threat of the virus still looms over the poultry industry.

The USDA’s latest report highlights a recent outbreak in South Dakota, where over 31,000 turkeys had to be culled due to the virus. A subsequent case in Oregon affected just ten birds at a single facility.

Related Stories
Rising beef supplies and lower cattle prices, weaker hog markets, and softening dairy prices will shape producer margins heading into 2026.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins signed six MAHA waivers for SNAP in Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
Rural employers are slightly more optimistic, but labor shortages and renewed price pressures continue to limit growth across farm country according to a
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
The FAO Food Price Index for November fell by more than 1 percent in November, marking the third straight month of declines.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
Singer-songwriter and RanchHER Clare Dunn reflects on the importance of National FFA Week, her time in FFA, and her commitment to advocating for agriculture and rural issues.
FFA Western Region Vice President Jael Cruikshank talks about the importance of community service and how National FFA Organization members are making a difference in their communities during National FFA Week.
Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
The debate now matters as much as the policy — market rules and regulatory clarity depend on whether Congress can finish the bill this year.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.