Egg prices are soaring due to bird flu outbreaks affecting supply chains and production costs
New Jersey: If you’ve noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you’re not alone. Egg prices are hitting record highs, making it tough to enjoy your favorite omelet.
In the New Jersey-New York area, a dozen eggs can cost around $6.25. Over in the Midwest, it’s about $5.75, while California is seeing prices soar to nearly $9!
Some stores in Pennsylvania and Delaware have better deals, with prices ranging from $3.69 to $6.39. But overall, it’s a tough time for egg lovers.
So, what’s causing this egg crisis? Well, it’s mainly due to bird flu. This nasty virus is wreaking havoc on poultry farms, especially in the Midwest, leading to higher production costs.
Farmers are losing a lot of birds to the flu and are even culling entire flocks to stop the spread. This loss means fewer eggs are being produced, which drives prices up.
Plus, farms are spending more on health checks to keep the virus in check, adding to their costs. And even with prices rising, people are still buying eggs like crazy.
The USDA has noted that supply is the biggest issue right now, as the bird flu continues to impact egg production. They’ve even lowered their egg production forecast for the year.
So, brace yourself; it looks like we might be paying more for eggs for a while, possibly even into 2025.
Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Here’s why you are paying more for eggs at grocery stores near you
