U.S. egg production is trending downward.
A recent production report shows a 2% drop this July compared to the same time last year with totals reaching over 9 billion eggs.
The reason behind the drop is high path avian flu. Birds culled due to the disease have impacted egg-laying hen numbers with numbers declining by approximately 8 million birds. That drop is now impacting egg prices in a big way, according to a USDA livestock analyst.
“What we have seen is wholesale prices that were about $2.57 in July for the New York egg price that we track going up to about $4.14 yesterday,” Shayle Shagam explains.
The wholesale market saw a 60% price hike in just a months time; however, when you compare that number to a year ago prices, whole eggs are selling at 236% more.
Shagam expects to see the size of the laying flock increase next year, increasing production and lowering egg prices for consumers.
Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
February 12, 2026 12:16 PM
·
The USDA opened a new sterile fly-dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in South Texas to prevent a potential outbreak of New World screwworm and protect the small U.S. cattle herd.
February 12, 2026 10:47 AM
·
February 12, 2026 10:14 AM
·
American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
February 11, 2026 02:24 PM
·
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
February 11, 2026 01:32 PM
·
The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.
February 11, 2026 11:05 AM
·
