(DCWatchdog.com) – In a development that will hurt countless American consumers, egg prices in the Midwest are soaring to new heights as a devastating bird flu outbreak converges with increased holiday demand.
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With millions of birds culled since February 2022, the egg-laying chicken population is hitting rock bottom.
A bird flu outbreak has triggered unprecedented egg prices across the Midwest.
An estimated 111 million birds have been slaughtered, severely hindering the egg production industry.
As consumers prepare for holiday celebrations, demand intensifies during this traditionally busy baking season.
In November, egg prices rose by 8.2%, compounding food inflation concerns.
Midwest shoppers are facing $5.67 for a dozen eggs, setting a record high above the previous peak of $5.46 in December 2022.
“[There is a] potent combination of avian flu-related production losses and heightened retail demand throughout the holiday baking season,” commented Karyn Rispoli, Expana’s managing editor for eggs in the Americas, cited by WND.
While the average price dropped from $4.82 in January 2023 to $3.37 by October, it remains higher than October 2022’s $2.07 figure.
The retail industry, including supermarkets like Kroger, faced accusations of exploiting the situation with excessive price hikes beyond inflation rates.
The ongoing crisis coincides with a decreasing U.S. egg-laying flock, dwindling by 3%, which has led to a 4% reduction in egg production.
Cage-free egg supplies are particularly strained, especially in states like California bound by cage-free legislation.
While chicken feed costs have decreased, offering slight relief to poultry farmers, climate change and extreme weather exacerbate the spread of avian flu.
Meanwhile, the egg industry is striving to rebuild flocks, a process that temporarily restricts egg availability.
The current landscape bears resemblance to broader challenges faced by the Biden administration, as many voters hold it accountable for high food prices.
Despite global factors being beyond its control, food inflation remains a significant concern for American families.
President-elect Donald J. Trump highlighted the need to tackle grocery prices during his campaign, acknowledging the complex challenge ahead.
His proposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada could inadvertently impact prices on several products.
An urgent call persists for effective measures to restore stability in egg prices as American consumers brace for yet another surge in cost-of-living during this holiday season.
Bird flu outbreaks, high holiday demand push egg prices up again. Here's what to know https://t.co/q3HoLuI3v1
— Record-Journal (@Record_Journal) December 21, 2024
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