Slate News What Next TBD | Cracking the Egg Crisis
Mar 2, 2025
Join Dr. Jada Thompson, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas specializing in agricultural economics, as she dives into the egg crisis that's captured national attention. Discover why egg prices skyrocketed from $2 to over $9 due to a bird flu outbreak and the challenges within the poultry industry. She also discusses biosecurity measures, the controversial practice of culling flocks, and how vaccination strategies may shape the future of egg prices. A fascinating journey into the economics of one of nature's most essential foods!
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Egg Inelasticity
- Eggs are inelastic goods, meaning demand doesn't decrease much when prices rise.
- Shrinkflation doesn't apply to eggs; consumers see drastic price changes directly.
Egg Market Dynamics
- Wholesale egg prices, usually set by contracts, influence retail prices.
- The wholesale market operates like an auction, with demand driving price fluctuations.
Bird Flu Impact
- Bird flu, or HPAI, has a high mortality rate in chickens (75-95%).
- This mass mortality significantly impacts egg supply.