With the recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the U.S. layer flock are adding strain to egg supply chains which still haven’t fully recovered from disruptions by COVID-19. While egg production has stabilized in recent months, it is still well below pre-pandemic levels and egg availability could be limited leading into Easter, according to new research from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.
Current supply pressures coincide with typical in-store grocery features ahead of Easter celebrations. With eggs serving a dual purpose of both decoration and cooking supply, retailers typically rely on eggs as a loss-leader. Market forces result in seasonally higher wholesale values for shell eggs ahead of Easter, but with the tight supply situation now exacerbated by flock reductions, prices are above fundamental ceilings. Consumers are likely to absorb some of the cost increases as they seek to fill their baskets with eggs prior to Easter (CoBank, 2022).
In addition, don’t forget to look around your communities and support local farmers and suppliers!
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