The prices of commodities has shot up in recent years. But, one item’s price has increased by at least two-thirds.
Eggs. Yes. Eggs!
A dozen eggs in the U.S. were valued at $4.25 as of December 2013. This is twice the cost of eggs a year ago. It seems that eggs have become a luxury and are reserved for those who have the buying power to overcome the many factors that cause egg shortages. We now get to the meat of the discussion: Why are eggs so expensive these day?
Why eggs are so expensive
Eggs can be expensive for many reasons. These are:
- According to the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans consumed approximately 278 eggs per year in 2022. This is equivalent to one egg for breakfast some days.
The hens who provide these eggs are a major factor in their supply. The hens’ daily diets of corn, grains, and oats are also important. This has had a significant impact on egg farmers. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has impacted Ukraine’s ability supply grains worldwide, is a major factor in the current inflation.
- Avian Flu: The hens are another factor that has impacted the supply of eggs. After the outbreak of avian flu, a highly contagious illness, in the early 2022s, egg-laying hens in the United States have been drastically reduced. This caused 44 million eggs to die.
Many birds were affected by the flu. To stop the spread of influenza, egg farmers were forced to slaughter any other exposed hens. The farmers may need to recover for many months from the onslaught. These egg farmers will also need to clear out their facilities and bring in new hens. Then, they’ll wait for the eggs to hatch.
- The Demand for Eggs. Finally, egg demand has risen steadily over the past few months. Experts predict that egg prices will continue to rise to decrease the demand, even if it is only a fraction. Many people are now looking for alternative options to eggs in many meals that require them. Some people have gone so far as to raise chickens, but experts warn that it may not be as economical.
