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.
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
January 15, 2026 03:04 PM
·
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
January 15, 2026 12:30 PM
·
Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
January 13, 2026 12:46 PM
·
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
January 13, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects on protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
January 12, 2026 02:38 PM
·
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
January 10, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
January 09, 2026 03:36 PM
·
