Big Take
Why Eggs Are So Expensive Right Now
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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Quick takeaways
- The bird flu outbreak significantly threatens the egg supply chain, causing potential income losses of 30 to 35 percent for farmers.
- Egg prices have surged to record highs, driven by bird flu, which complicates market dynamics and impacts consumer behavior and restaurants.
Deep dives
Impact of Bird Flu on Poultry Farming
The recent outbreak of bird flu poses a significant threat to poultry farmers, particularly in the egg-laying sector. Small-scale farmers, such as Jim Hayes from Sapbush Hollow Farm, express grave concerns regarding pandemic-like repercussions on their operations, including the drastic measures that would be necessary if the disease infects their flocks. If disease reaches their flocks, state veterinary officers euthanize affected chickens to contain the outbreak, resulting in potential income losses of 30 to 35 percent for affected farmers. These challenges highlight the sense of urgency for farmers to maintain biosecurity measures to protect their hens from infection.
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