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.
Recent USDA reports show a steady feedlot supply despite growing consumer demand for beef, ahead of typical seasonal summer trends.
March 25, 2026 03:22 PM
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Bigger flocks are rebuilding egg and poultry supply.
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Tight supplies are driving stronger early-year cattle prices.
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As spring migration ramps up, USDA officials warn farmers about rising bird flu risks and urge stronger biosecurity measures. Resources are available through APHIS to help protect livestock.
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Herd growth and exports supporting dairy outlook.
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APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
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