The Indicator from Planet Money What the cluck is happening with egg prices?
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Feb 18, 2025 Join a journey to a New Jersey egg farm as hosts uncover the mystery behind skyrocketing egg prices. A severe bird flu outbreak has slashed supply, creating chaos in the market and impacting families everywhere. Discover how this crisis is prompting consumers to stockpile and the agriculture department's measures to combat the outbreak. Dive into the charming world of farm-fresh eggs while learning about cooking safely during these turbulent times. It's a fascinating exploration of food, economics, and community.
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Farm Visit
- Darian Woods visited Cedar Gate Farm in New Jersey to investigate rising egg prices.
- Farmer Brittany Clindenon sells her free-range eggs for $8/dozen, now cheaper than factory farm eggs.
Bird Flu Impact
- Bird flu is the primary driver of rising egg prices, impacting both egg-laying hen numbers and egg production.
- The US lost nearly 20 million hens in January 2024 alone, compounding previous losses from 2022 and 2023.
Worsening Outbreak
- Although the bird flu outbreak began in 2022, the percentage of the total flock lost has increased each year.
- This escalating loss contributes to the continuing rise in egg prices.