What's Up With Eggs?

Isaac Tertel, Perishable Buyer

Charlotte Clement, Marketing Manager

Have you noticed that egg prices skyrocketed over the last couple months? Its because of the Avian Flu. Avian flu outbreaks at conventional egg production facilities (hens living in cages) have significantly reduced egg production. In 2022, over 50 million chickens in the US were slaughtered to prevent the spread of Avian Flu. (Funk, 2022)

Because we do not carry any “conventional” eggs, our supply has not been affected by this shortage. As we see egg prices go up in other stores, ours have remained about the same. However, increased demand may begin to drive up our egg prices soon. One of many great reasons to support small, local, and ethical egg farms is that none of our producers have (yet) been affected by this outbreak.

The beloved egg chart that hangs near our egg cooler. Here folks can learn about farm living conditions, so customers can use their best judgement when purchasing eggs. We carry four types of carefully curated eggs: Deck, Wag, Stiebrs, and Country Eggs.

Ultimately, the egg "crisis" has been demonstrative of the ethical and safety issues associated with commercial farming. Things seem to be going back to normal in larger grocery stores as the egg supply strain is healing, but nothing has changed about the practices and conditions in major egg production facilities.

As long as conventional farms continue to prioritize profit and output above all else, their supply will be particularly susceptible to outbreaks and other disasters. Consider buying local to source ethically produced eggs, mitigate the environmental impact of eating animal products, and support your farmer!