

Why Eggs Are So Expensive Right Now
18 snips Feb 21, 2025
Joe Weisenthal, co-host of the Odd Lots podcast, dives into the economic turmoil of rising egg prices, driven largely by the bird flu outbreak. He discusses the emotional toll on small-scale farmers, including the tough decisions around culling livestock. The conversation touches on government interventions, pricing dynamics, and how restaurants are being affected, with some adding surcharges to cope with costs. Weisenthal sheds light on the intricate challenges facing poultry farmers and the broader implications for the economy.
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Egg Stockpiling and Guilt
- Joe Weisenthal stocked up on eggs anticipating price increases.
- Tracy Alloway feels guilty enjoying eggs due to their rising cost and scarcity.
Bird Flu's Impact on Egg Prices
- Egg prices hit record highs, with a 15% jump in January.
- Bird flu is the primary driver, unlike previous price hikes influenced by general inflation.
Egg Price Setting
- Egg prices are set through a complex system involving an egg board, wholesalers, and retailers.
- While farmers may have fixed contracts, retailers have more flexibility in adjusting retail egg prices.