Egg prices in California have reached unprecedented levels, with some areas reporting costs as high as $9 per dozen. This surge is largely attributed to the ongoing impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, which has significantly disrupted egg supply across the United States.
The price escalation in California is particularly notable. While the national average for a dozen Grade A large eggs hovers around $3.20, in California, the average price for a carton of white cage-free eggs has hit $5.11. However, in certain regions, consumers are seeing prices nearly double that amount.
The bird flu outbreak, which began in 2022, has led to the death or culling of millions of egg-laying hens, drastically reducing egg production. This has been compounded by seasonal demand spikes, especially around holiday periods, and the ongoing challenges with rebuilding poultry flocks.
Despite some recovery in egg production after previous outbreaks, the persistent spread of bird flu has kept egg prices high. According to experts, the situation could persist into 2025 if HPAI continues to affect poultry farms.
Inflation and increased production costs, including labor, fuel, and feed, have also played roles in the price hike. These factors have not only affected egg prices but have contributed to the overall rise in grocery costs.
The economic impact of these high egg prices has been significant for both producers and consumers. For producers, the cost of recovery from bird flu outbreaks, coupled with feed and labor cost increases, has been substantial. For consumers, the price at the checkout has led to adjustments in household budgets, with many seeking alternatives or reducing egg consumption.
Efforts are ongoing to control the spread of bird flu, including stringent biosecurity measures on farms. However, the full recovery of the egg market to pre-outbreak levels seems distant, with experts suggesting that without a significant reduction in HPAI cases, prices might remain elevated.
In response to these high prices, some communities have seen the rise of local initiatives like community markets providing free eggs to help alleviate the burden on low-income families, particularly those dependent on programs like WIC, which covers eggs for millions in California.
As California grapples with these elevated egg prices, the situation underscores broader issues of food supply chain resilience in the face of disease outbreaks and economic pressures.
Article generated from corporate media reports.
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
