US Egg Prices Plummet Ahead of Easter

Egg prices in the United States have fallen dramatically, decreasing by 60% compared to last year’s record highs. This welcome change makes filling Easter baskets and preparing Passover Seder plates more affordable for consumers.

Bird Flu's Impact and Recovery

Elevated retail prices during the first five months of 2025 were largely attributed to a widespread bird flu outbreak. The highly contagious disease forced farmers to cull entire flocks of egg-laying hens. However, a decline in cases during the latter half of the year helped to restore egg supplies, according to Mark Jordan, Executive Director of LEAP Market Analytics.

Flock Replenishment and Imports

While the bird flu continues to affect U.S. poultry flocks, with a rise in infected flocks in March, farmers have been actively rebuilding their populations. The number of egg-type chicks hatched in the U.S. increased by 8% between July 2024 and July 2025 – the first substantial increase since the outbreak began in 2022.

The Trump administration’s decision to import nearly 1 billion eggs last year also contributed to lower prices, though import levels have since normalized. The U.S. also reduced its egg exports to bolster domestic availability.

Challenges for Farmers

Despite the benefits for consumers, the plummeting egg prices present challenges for farmers. They are struggling to recoup costs as prices fall. Additionally, rising feed costs, including corn and soybean meal, exacerbated by the Iran war, are adding to their financial strain.

Cost of Production

“Farmers are no strangers to volatility. It’s part of the business. But in recent months, many have been selling eggs at or below the cost of production,” stated Emily Metz, President and CEO of the American Egg Board.

Key Statistics

  • $2.50: Average U.S. price for a dozen eggs in February.
  • 315.8 million: Number of egg-laying hens in the U.S. as of March 1 (8% higher than last year).
  • 205.7 million: Number of chickens and other birds that died or were culled due to bird flu since February 2022.
  • 5.22 million: Number of chickens and other birds affected by bird flu in March 2026 (more than double March 2025).
  • $1.05: Average cost for farmers to produce a dozen eggs (excluding labor and transportation).

As of late March, the national average wholesale price of eggs was $1.17 per dozen.