U.S. egg prices have reached a record high of $6.23 per dozen, despite expectations of a drop in retail prices due to a decrease in wholesale prices and no bird flu outbreaks reported at egg farms. The increase in prices is attributed to high demand leading up to Easter. In January and February, price spikes were caused by bird flu outbreaks, which led to the culling of millions of chickens. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a decline in the number of hens laying eggs, affecting the overall egg supply. President Trump attempted to take credit for lower wholesale egg prices but experts believe his focus on strengthening egg farmers’ defenses against the virus will be more beneficial in the long run.
While egg prices started to decrease in mid-March, they still vary across the country due to factors like bird flu outbreaks and state laws requiring cage-free eggs. Prices are expected to decline further in the spring, but scrutiny on large egg producers, including Cal-Maine Foods, has increased. Cal-Maine is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for potential antitrust violations related to egg price increases.
The rise in egg prices has led some consumers to turn to fake eggs for Easter crafts, with craft retailer Michaels reporting strong sales of a plastic egg kit. Overall, there is an expectation that egg prices will eventually come down, especially as the demand for eggs during Easter subsides.
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