Egg Price Hike 4: Egg Prices and the Farmer

Depopulation. We’ve already identified in this 5-part series on egg prices that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a huge factor in the current rise to egg prices. Part of that is because of the impact it has on flocks. The U.S. primary control strategy for HPAI, defined by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), is de-population. When HPAI is detected, entire flocks are destroyed to prevent the virus from spreading. With a mortality rate near 100%, this is considered the most humane and effective control method, though it results in substantial losses for farmers.

According to market intel shared by the American Farm Bureau, USDA APHIS offers an indemnity program that compensates growers for poultry and eggs destroyed due to HPAI. However, this indemnity does not cover the costs associated with the long recovery period. It can take up to a year for a farm to clean, restock, and raise new chicks to egg-laying age, and during this time, farms often operate without income. Beyond the financial burden, the loss of an entire flock is a traumatic experience for farm families.

For more, visit https://www.fb.org/market-intel/egg-prices-continue-setting-records