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Cracking the Egg Crisis
Mar 2, 2025
Dr. Jada Thompson, an agricultural economics expert from the University of Arkansas, dives into the causes behind skyrocketing egg prices. She explains how a bird flu outbreak decimated poultry, leading to severe supply shortages. The discussion also touches on the strategies used to manage the crisis, including culling and biosecurity measures, and highlights the unusual price discrepancies between eggs and chicken. Dr. Thompson offers insights into the future of egg pricing and the challenges that lie ahead for the industry.
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Quick takeaways
- The avian flu significantly reduced egg production, impacting supply and driving prices higher due to classic supply and demand dynamics.
- Long-term contracts in the egg market and various influencing factors contribute to sustained retail price increases amidst current supply shortages.
Deep dives
The Impact of Bird Flu on Egg Prices
The ongoing avian flu outbreaks, particularly the highly pathogenic avian influenza, have significantly impacted the egg supply by causing mass mortality rates among chickens. Estimates indicate that between 2024 and early 2025, around 68 million birds have been affected by this disease, which severely diminishes egg production. As many layers in the poultry industry are lost, the demand for eggs remains high among consumers who rely on them as staple food products, leading to sharp price increases. Thus, with a drastic reduction in supply, prices soar, emphasizing the classic economic principles of supply and demand in action.
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