By Jamie Martin
Egg prices in 2025 have soared to record highs, leaving consumers and businesses struggling with increased costs. The primary reasons for this surge are the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and inflationary pressures that have impacted the entire food supply chain.
Avian Influenza and Supply Shortages
Eggs remain a staple in households and businesses, and their demand remains relatively unchanged despite rising prices. However, the impact of HPAI on poultry farms has significantly reduced egg supply. Since 2022, over 166 million birds, including 127 million egg layers, have been affected, leading to severe shortages.
“Many small farms grow multiple crops—including fruit and vegetable varieties that do not have crop-specific insurance options—making it more difficult to purchase crop insurance and subsequently, more difficult to collect and report loss data for emergency programs if they are uninsured. We have also heard from our producers that in previous emergency funding assistance programs provided by USDA, applications were burdensome and difficult to navigate,” the Senators wrote.
The national average price for large Grade A eggs reached $4.95 per dozen in January 2025, according to USDA reports. By March, prices had risen further, with a daily national average of $8.15 per dozen. The situation has been worsened by the continued spread of avian flu, affecting over 35 million birds in early 2025 alone.
Farmer Challenges Amid Price Surges
Despite the record prices, farmers are not benefiting significantly. The loss of millions of birds means farms suffer economically, with lengthy recovery periods before they can replenish their stock. Although USDA provides indemnity payments to compensate farmers for losses, these funds do not cover the extended periods without income while farms recover from HPAI outbreaks.
Inflation and Production Costs
Inflation is another major factor pushing egg prices higher. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, egg prices rose by 53% from January 2024 to January 2025. Rising costs for fuel, feed, labor, and other farm necessities have made egg production more expensive, further contributing to high consumer prices.
The combination of HPAI outbreaks and inflation has made egg farming increasingly risky. Farmers must navigate supply challenges, increased costs, and unpredictable disease outbreaks while ensuring eggs remain available to consumers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-evgenii-leontev
Categories: National