The Journal.

Eggs Are Still Expensive. Is This Company to Blame?

150 snips
May 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Patrick Thomas, WSJ's agriculture reporter, dives into the controversy surrounding Cal-Maine, the major player in the U.S. egg market. With soaring egg prices linked to a national shortage and bird flu, many blame the company for profiting during this crisis. Thomas reveals insights from a visit to their production facilities, examining their biosecurity measures and ethical concerns over price gouging. The podcast also discusses ongoing investigations into their pricing strategies amid public outrage and market dynamics.
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INSIGHT

Egg Consumption and Bird Flu Impact

  • Americans eat about one egg per day, roughly matching a hen's daily production. - Bird flu has caused death of 150 million chickens, driving egg prices to historic highs.
ANECDOTE

Tour of Cal-Maine Facility

  • Patrick Thomas toured a Cal-Maine egg facility housing 750,000 hens in enclosed barns. - These metal barns keep hens isolated to prevent infection, crucial during bird flu outbreaks.
ANECDOTE

Meet Sherman Miller, CEO

  • Sherman Miller started as an intern and is now Cal-Maine's CEO. - He deeply embodies the company's culture and defends its response to the bird flu crisis.
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