Key facts
- Wholesale egg prices have fallen sharply due to an oversupply of hens.
- Retail egg prices are down 62% from last year, while prices paid to farmers are down 93%.
- Breaker egg prices have fallen to 8 cents per dozen, below production costs.
- The farmer's share of the retail egg dollar has dropped to 37.6 cents in early 2026.
- A decrease in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases has led to increased egg supply.
- Low prices threaten farm profitability and could lead to industry consolidation.
Egg prices have fallen dramatically, with retail prices down 62% and wholesale prices paid to farmers down 93% year-over-year. This sharp decline is attributed to an oversupply of hens, a result of decreased Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks and increased safety precautions by farmers. While consumers are benefiting from lower prices, averaging around $2.50 per dozen, egg producers are facing significant financial strain.
Prices for breaker eggs, used in the liquid egg market, have fallen to as low as 8 cents per dozen, well below production costs. This has led to a record low farmer's share of the retail egg dollar, dropping to 37.6 cents in early 2026, down from 82.8 cents in 2025. Experts warn that prolonged periods of below break-even prices could force farms out of business, contributing to further consolidation within the egg industry.
Historically, egg markets have experienced volatility, particularly since HPAI outbreaks began in 2022. While retail prices reached record highs in 2025 due to shortages caused by the flu, the current situation reflects a rebound in supply. However, with expenses remaining elevated, the falling prices are threatening farm profitability. Some farmers, like Mike Puglisi, have experienced the devastating impact of HPAI, losing a significant portion of their flock, which he described as traumatic.