Wholesale egg prices hit record highs last year, and so did cases of High Path Avian Flu with more than 43 million egg-laying hens taken out by the virus here in the U.S.
According to USDA, in the final weeks of December 2022, weekly egg inventories were down 29 percent compared to the start of the year and prices hit a high of $5.37 a dozen. Since then, the egg-laying flock has recovered as APHIS reports a sharp decline in cases this year.
As a result, wholesale egg prices have also fallen, hitting just 89 cents in the first week of May this year. At the end of June, egg inventories were around 24 percent higher than the lowest levels seen last year with the average price for a dozen eggs hovering around $1.23.
The department is expecting wholesale egg prices to level off as demand falls in the summer with consumers baking less often.
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
January 09, 2026 11:00 AM
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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.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
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Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
January 07, 2026 06:00 PM
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Long-term demand uncertainty is reshaping specialty crop strategies as producers adapt to fewer, older consumers.
January 07, 2026 08:01 AM
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Seasonal boxed beef softness does not change the tight-supply outlook — leverage remains closer to the farm gate heading into 2026.
January 07, 2026 06:00 AM
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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.
January 06, 2026 12:21 PM
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