In her confirmation hearings Ms. Brooke Rollins who will to become the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in the new administration of President Trump, acknowledged the importance of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to a wide range of stakeholders including the poultry industry, grain farmers and consumers. Secretary Rollins is not expected to be either an epidemiologist or a virologist, but it is hoped that her strong personal qualities, skill and experience as an administrator will lead to a reevaluation of the control and prevention of highly pathogenic avian influenza by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under her control.

The current HPAI epornitic has proceeded unchecked since 2022.  For the edification of the incoming Secretary the box score for 2024 includes approximately 40 million table-egg hens and at least 3 million replacement pullets, 3.4 million commercial meat turkeys and 5 million broilers.  During the month of January 2025 APHIS has presided over the depopulation of close to 5 million laying hens and 0.2 million broilers and turkeys respectively.  Since January 2024 California has lost 52 percent of its flock and the state population of hens is down to 4.4 million. Colorado depopulated 66 percent of its hen population in 2024 with most outbreaks in Weld County leaving the state currently housing a mere 1.3 million laying hens.

The depletion of laying flocks has seriously impacted the supply of eggs with resulting escalation in cost of to consumers and manufacturers.  The National Large white graded loose price increased by 286 percent from $1.62 per dozen during the third week of January 2024 to $6.26 per dozen during the past week. This increase should be compared to the 1.8 percent escalation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food consumed at home as calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For 2024 the CPI for all food was 2.8 percent. It is estimated that during 2022 expenditure on eggs by consumers was higher by approximately $2 per dozen as a result of H5N1 depopulation, costing households an incremental $15 billion.  The impact on consumers’ budgets in 2024 will exceed this figure.

Agriculture economists are bemused by the disparity between the eight percent reduction in the number of producing hens in comparison to the more than threefold increase in price. This denotes exceptional elasticity (despite the hard shells!). Extreme inflation in the price of eggs is a standout among domestic expenditures. High shelf prices have the potential to embarrass the incoming Administration, given pre-election rhetoric on reducing the cost of food to consumers.  Secretary designate Rollins in her hearing noted “We must work with the great men and women of USDA, the stakeholder communities and state leaders to immediately and comprehensively get a handle on the state of animal disease outbreaks.”

The USDA-APHIS has pursued a program of depopulation and in cooperation with state authorities has achieved high levels of efficiency in diagnosing outbreaks, killing and disposal of flocks and managing decontamination with attendant distribution of indemnity and logistics payments.  It is however evident that HPAI will not simply disappear as it did in 2015 when migratory waterfowl ceased shedding the H5N2 strain virus.  Since 2022, an H5N1 virus of clade 2.3.4.4b; D1.1 genotype has effectively become a panornitic, present on six continents.

APHIS is continuing to implement a “stamping out” policy for a disease that is clearly seasonally and regionally if not nationally endemic. This Sisyphean approach is inappropriate, outdated and unrealistic in relation to the epidemiology of the disease. It is evident that HPAI is introduced and disseminated by migratory waterfowl. Blurring of the previous seasonal fall and spring phases may be due to climatic variation but possibly by extension to domestic resident bird and mammal reservoirs.

There is considerable evidence that the application of effective vaccines as an adjunct to biosecurity can suppress the magnitude and financial impact of outbreaks.  A joint report by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control in cooperation with the European Food Safety Agency Panel on Animal Health and Welfare confirmed that vaccinated chicken flocks show an increased ability to withstand exposure and demonstrate reduced viral shedding.

A reluctance to allow limited and strategic immunization of U.S. flocks in the face of continuing outbreaks is difficult to comprehend.  Representatives of APHIS have opined that vaccination would be more expensive than depopulation in regional meetings.  If this is the justification driving opposition to vaccination then the Agency should make public their scientific and economic studies to be evaluated by independent agricultural economists and veterinary health professionals.  Could the reluctance to consider tactical vaccination be an institutional inability to admit that past policy and decisions were wrong and that the current approach to control ignoring vaccination may be inappropriate?  It is evident that there is overt pressure by a segment of the industry to resist introduction of vaccination, even on a regional basis, since this may impact exports. Since outbreaks have recently occurred in major broiler-producing states with resulting embargos, the failure of APHIS to negotiate acceptance of vaccination with controls among importing nations has now become a problem to all segments of the U.S. poultry industry.

Extension of HPAI to free-living mammals in contact with infected poultry and dead wild birds emerged as a concern during 2023.  Extensive mortality among marine mammals along the Pacific littoral of South America confirmed that H5N1 can undergo mutation and can become contagious among mammals.  The emergence of H5N1 B13.3 genotype among dairy herds should serve as a warning to the livestock industry. Hogs can serve as mixing vessels for influenza viruses and could contribute to both mutation and drift creating even greater risk for humans.

At present the prospect for emergence of a human epidemic appears minimal.  This said, the consequences would be catastrophic both in terms of public health and to the Nation’s economy as evidenced by the COVID outbreak. Given withdrawal from the WHO and political restraints on federal agencies that support health including the NIH and CDC would place the U.S. in a difficult position should a zoonotic strain of H5N1 emerge.  Prominent virologists in internationally recognized U.S. institutions have raised concerns over possible mutation in the H5 hemagglutinin gene. This was apparent in the two clinical cases in Canada and the U.S. respectively.  To date there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission among the approximately 70 cases contracted from exposure to either dairy cattle or infected flocks of chickens. One prominent researcher characterized this situation as “Only a matter of time”.  A second specialist noted, “At the end of the day I think it’s a numbers game.”  The fact that producers have placed large numbers of susceptible hens on complexes within all four flyways represents a risk for the occurrence of mutation that could contribute to emergence of a zoonotic strain of avian influenza. Effective vaccines that stimulate immunity in populations of commercial poultry are commercially available. Inactivated H5 and H7 DIVA vaccines have been deployed in many nations including Italy, the Netherlands, the PRC, France and our neighbor Mexico.

It is evident that the approach to control of HPAI adopted by APHIS over the past three years has failed.  Vaccination is required for laying hens and turkeys in areas with a history of reocurring infection.  Decisions relating to vaccination should be based on benefit-to-cost studies taking into account risks of infection, the financial impact of losses and trade consideration that may in reality be overstated.  At the very least, workers coming into contact with live poultry and dairy herds should receive both the trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine and an available H5N1 product manufactured in the U.S. The E.U. has imported this vaccine that has been deployed in Finland and will soon be used in the Netherlands.

The extent of losses among laying hens and other commercial poultry and the extensive cost borne disproportionately by the private sector, producers and consumers should result in a reevaluation of policy with regard to vaccination.  The infection is not controlled, and APHIS should accept epidemiologic and financial reality and recognize the zoonotic potential of H5N1virus.

It is axiomatic that HPAI is effectively “the Newcastle disease of the 2020’s”.  At the outset of my professional career during the late 1960’s, Newcastle disease was as catastrophic as avian influenza is today. This disease is no longer a restraint to production given the availability and universal use of vaccines.

Let us hope that Secretary Rollins will stimulate a reappraisal of vaccination against HPAI and effect changes leading to adoption of tactical vaccination as an adjunct to biosecurity.

OVERVIEW

The USDA provided updated projections for the production of corn and soybeans in the February 11^th World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) #657, projecting the 2025 crop. Production values for corn and soybeans were predictably little changed from from the January 2025 edition. Projections of crop size and ending stocks are derived from acreage to be planted,  history of recent crops and with the latest assumptions relating to domestic use and exports.

The February 11^th WASDE report confirmed that the 2025 corn crop will be harvested from 82.9 million acres, (82.7 million acres in 2024). The soybean crop will be harvested from 86.1 million acres, (86.3 million acres in 2024).

The February WASDE yield value for the 2025 corn crop was predicted at 179.3 bushels per acre. By comparison yield was 183.1 bushels per acre in 2024. The projected value for soybean yield was 50.3 bushels per acre compared to 51.7 bushels per acre for the previous crop.

The February USDA projection for the ending stock of corn was down 11.4 percent from December 2024 to 1,540 million bushels. The February USDA projection for the ending stock of soybeans was down 19.2 percent to 380 million bushels.

The February 2024 WASDE projected the corn price for the 2024-2025 market year at an average of 435 cents per bushel. The projected average season price for soybeans was 1,010 cents per bushel. The price of soybean meal was projected to be $310 per ton. Projected commodity prices suggest lower feed costs for livestock and poultry producers. Row crop farmers will experience declining margins or in some areas corn will be below break-even given relative production costs and per bushel prices. It is probable that high support prices will be required if importing nations respond negatively to tariffs proposed by the Administration.

Projections for world output included in the February 2025 WASDE report, reflect the most recent estimates for the production and export of commodities especially in the Southern Hemisphere with emphasis on Argentine and Brazil. Economists also evaluated the likely impacts from the transition to a La Nina event especially on South America. Hostilities are ongoing in Ukraine following extensive destruction of agricultural infrastructure by the Russian Federation. Production and hence exports of wheat, corn and sunflower from Ukraine will be reduced compared to pre-war averages.

It is accepted that USDA projections for export are also based on the perceived intentions and needs of China. This Nation has sharply curtailed purchases of commodities and especially U.S. soybeans during the current market year despite fiscal stimulus with a projected recovery of the Nation’s economy influencing consumer demand for food and fuel.

The USDA considers world weather patterns in developing projections including the effect of the transition to a La Nina event during the third quarter of 2024.

CORN

Influenced by harvest data for the 2024 corn crop, the 2025 estimated yield and acreage to be planted, the February WASDE Report projected a crop of 14,867 million bushels, compared to 15,413 million bushels for the previous 2024 record harvest. The “Feed and Residual” category was estimated at 5,775 million bushels. The Food and Seed category was unchanged from 2024 at 1,390 million bushels. The Ethanol and Byproducts Category was held at 5,500 million bushels consistent with estimated demand for E-10 and higher blends for driving needs. Projected corn exports were reduced to 2,450 million bushels, based on recent orders, and shipments to China and taking into account the anticipated lower availability of coarse grains from Eastern Europe and the output of producing nations in South America. The anticipated ending stock of corn will be 1,540 million bushels.

The forecast USDA average season farm price for corn in the February WASDE report covering the 2025 crop was 435 cents per bushel. At 16H00 EST on February 11^th after the noon release of the WASDE the CME spot price for corn was 483 cents per bushel, up 6.1 percent from the quotation on December 10^th and up 11.0 percent from the February USDA projection.

December 2025 WASDE #657 Projections For The 2025 Corn Harvest:

1 metric ton = 39.368 bushels

Average Farm Price: 435 cents per bushel.

SOYBEANS

Influenced by harvest data for the 2024 corn crop, the 2025 estimated yield and acreage to be planted, the February WASDE Report projected the soybean crop to be 4,366 million bushels, based on a yield of 50.7 bushels per acre from 86.1 million acres harvested. Crush volume was held from the December WASDE report at 2,410 million bushels despite increased industry capacity and a projected 0.4 percent increase in the output of soybean meal. Projected exports were maintained at 1,825 million bushels despite the prospect of reduced imports by China. Ending stocks were anticipated to be 380 million bushels, down 19.1 prtcent from the December WASDE report.

There is uncertainty over orders from China for the current market year. This is attributed to competition from Brazil and an assumption of lower requirements for animal feed due to restrictions on pork production by the Central Government of China. The response of China with respect to announced import and punitive tariffs that are predicted to have a negative impact with respect to volume exported and hence lower domestic U.S. prices. Prior to 2018, China, the largest trading partner for U.S. agricultural commodities, imported the equivalent of 25 percent of U.S. soybeans harvested.

The USDA WASDE February projection for the ex-farm price for soybeans for the 2025  harvest was 1,010 cents per bushel. At 16H00 EST on February 11^th following release of the WASDE, the CME spot price was 1,044 cents per bushel, up 4.8 percent compared to the December 10^th quotation and 3.3 percent above the February USDA projection.

February 2025 WASDE #657 Projection for the 2025 Soybean Harvest:-

1 metric ton = 36.74 bushels

Average Farm Price: 1,010 cents per bushel

SOYBEAN MEAL

The projected production of soybean meal from the 2025 soybean crop will be 56.95 million tons, up 0.4 percent from the 2024 crop but inconsistent with the unchanged 2,410 million bushel projected soybean crush volume. Projected production reflects the stagnant demand for biodiesel despite expanded U.S. crushing capacity. Crush volume is driven both by exports and domestic consumption for livestock feed and for soy oil supplying the food and biodiesel segments. The projection of domestic use was 40,225 million tons. Exports were estimated at 17.40 million tons.

The USDA projected the ex plant price of soybean meal at $310 in the February WASDE as an average for the season based on supply and demand considerations. USDA predicted an unchanged ending stock of 450,000 tons representing 0.8 percent of supply.

At market close on February 11^th the CME spot price for soybean meal was $297 per ton, down 1.4 percent compared to the December 10^th CME quotation and 4.2 percent lower than the December WASDE projection of $310 per ton.

 February 2025  WASDE #657 Projection of Soybean Meal Production and Use

(Quantities in thousand short tons)

Average Price ex plant:  $310 per ton

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRODUCTION COST

The price projections based on CME quotations for corn and soybeans suggest lower feed production costs for broilers and eggs.  Going forward, prices of commodities will be determined by World supply and demand and U.S. domestic yield, use and exports.

For each 10 cents per bushel change in corn:-

• The cost of egg production would change by 0.45 cent per dozen
• The cost of broiler production would change by 0.25 cent per live pound

      For each $10 per ton change in the cost of soybean meal:-

• The cost of egg production would change by 0.35 cent per doze
• The cost of broiler production would change by 0.30 cent per live pound.

WORLD SITUATION

With respect to world coarse grains and oilseeds the February 2025 WASDE Report included the following appraisals by USDA:-

COARSE GRAINS:

“Global coarse grain production for 2024/25 is forecast 1.8 million tons lower to 1.492 billion. This month’s foreign coarse grain outlook is for reduced production, trade, and ending stocks. Foreign corn production is forecast down with declines for Argentina and Brazil. Production is reduced for Argentina reflecting a cut in yield, as heat and dryness during January and into early February reduce yield prospects for early-planted corn in key central growing areas. For Brazil, the corn production forecast is reduced as slow second-crop planting progress in the Center-West lowers yield prospects.

Major global trade changes for 2024/25 include smaller projected corn exports for Brazil, Ukraine, and South Africa. Corn imports are cut for China but raised for Vietnam and Chile. Foreign corn ending stocks are reduced reflecting a reduction for China. Global corn ending stocks, at 290.3 million tons, are down 3.0 million.”

OILSEEDS:

“Global 2024/25 soybean supply and use forecasts include lower production, higher use, and lower ending stocks. Production is reduced for Argentina and Paraguay due to persistent heat and dryness during January. Brazilian soybean production is unchanged at 169.0 million tons. Beneficial weather in the Center-West is boosting soybean prospects, but drier weather in the south accelerated soybean development at the expense of yields”.

“Global soybean crush is raised on higher crush for Brazil. The increase is driven by favorable crush margins, strong biofuel demand, and the pace of soybean meal exports to date. Partially offsetting is lower soybean crush and soybean meal exports for Paraguay on lower supplies. With negligible changes to soybean exports, global ending stocks are reduced 4.0 million tons to 124.3 million on lower stocks for Argentina and Brazil.”

World and U.S. Data Combined for Coarse Grains and Oilseeds:-

*Values rounded to one million metric ton

  (1 metric ton corn= 39.37 bushels)  (“ton” represents 2,000 pounds)

NATURA® STEP AVIARY SYSTEMS

The Big Dutchman NATURA® Step and Step XL aviary systems are state-of-the-art installations designed to optimize flock production and achieve the highest proportion of sellable eggs from a flock. The NATURA® Step and Step XL systems can be retrofitted to existing houses or incorporated into the design of new multi-level buildings. The NATURA® Step configuration comprises a lower tier with feeding and watering, floor access, and perch space, a middle tier with nests and drinkers, and an upper tier with feeding, floor access, and perches.

The NATURA® Step and Step XL are true aviary systems that allow hens access to all levels and the aisles, allowing natural behaviors including foraging, dust bathing, roosting, feeding, and egg laying within the aviary.

The Step concept is based on strategically placed platforms allowing hens to move easily among tiers, compliant with both E.U. and U.S. welfare requirements. The Step configuration of tiers together with the platforms allows hens to alight and turn for ease of access when moving up or down the installation.

NATURA® Step aviary systems offer the potential for maximum return on investment through harmonizing design with the behavioral requirements and genetic potential of flocks.

The NATURA® Step is 108 inches in height and has an overall width of 96 inches. The system incorporates a single row of nests on the middle tier. The NATURA® Step XL is 96 inches in height and has a width of 117 inches with two rows of nests on the middle tier to allow for optimal accessibility.

House equipped with Natura STEP aviary. Even distribution of flock among tiers and aisles

NESTS

Hens enter nests across a staging area equipped with a line of feeders and drinkers. Nests incorporate a patented tilting floor. Before the nest commences the closing sequence, it is raised slightly in the center allowing any eggs on the pad to roll towards the egg belt. To transition to the closed position, the nest floor is rotated through 90° facilitating removal of adherent dirt. In the closed position, hens are excluded from nests to prevent soiling and prevent “broody” hens.

The NATURA® Step is equipped with a single wide egg belt. The NATURA® Step XL has two parallel wide belts allowing for clean storage during periods of non-collection. Transport to the elevators is smooth and supports shell integrity. Belts are fabricated from polypropylene and will withstand high loading for prolonged functional life.

An optional belt can be installed on each side of the nest area to collect the small number of eggs laid on the floors of the system.

EGG TRANSPORT

The EGGTRAX™ transfer unit gently moves eggs from the collection belt through a short transfer conveyor using pressure fingers to maintain shell integrity. The EGGCELLENT™ elevator is designed for high-volume collection. The design incorporates interlocking plastic components to optimize the yield of sellable eggs.

Double collecting belt arrangement  below nest tier of Natura STEP XL ensures smooth and rapid transfer of eggs to elevators

FEEDING

Both Step systems incorporate the proven CHAMPION™ Chain feeding system equipped with an extra-wide trough with a lip designed to reduce feed wastage. The NATURA® Step has a single circuit on each of the lower and upper tiers with an optional circuit above the upper tier. The NATURA® Step XL is equipped with a circuit on the lower tier and two circuits on the upper tier.

WATER SUPPLY

Nipple drinker lines are installed on the lower tier and above the entrance to nests on the middle tier. Stainless steel nipples deliver water 360º, and units are equipped with drip cups.

LIGHTING

Flexibility in the management of the flock and regulation of production is attained with lighting above the aisles, within and under each row.

MANURE HANDLING

The NATURA® Step aviary is designed to encourage hens to face towards the aisle while roosting, directing manure to the collection belt contributing to dry litter in the aisles and low levels of ammonia.

The top and bottom tiers are equipped with polypropylene manure belts with the option of ventilation to reduce moisture content. With correct operation, the system can maintain low levels of ammonia and freedom from fly infestation.

Additional information about these systems is available by clicking on the Big Dutchman logo at the top of this article. Design projections for either retrofits or new houses are available from regional sales representatives or an authorized Big Dutchman distributor.

This update of U.S egg-production statistics, costs and prices is sponsored by Big Dutchman USA for the information of producers and stakeholders

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

• January 2025 USDA ex-farm blended USDA nest-run, benchmark price for conventional eggs from caged hens was 582 cents per dozen, up 158 cents per dozen or 37.2 percent from the December 2024 value of 424 cents per dozen. The corresponding December 2023 and 2024 values were respectively $3.23 and $1.72 cents per dozen. For annual comparison, average monthly USDA benchmark price over 2023 was 146.0 cents per dozen compared to 247 cents per dozen for 2024. Stock levels and prices prior to the onset of flock depletions due to HPAI indicated a relative seasonal balance between supply and demand. Future nest-run and wholesale prices will be largely dependent on consumer demand for shell eggs and products and the rate of replacement of pullets and hens depleted due to HPAI. Other considerations include diversion to shell sales from the egg-breaking sector in an interconnected industry.
• Fluctuation in wholesale price is attributed in part to the amplification of upward and downward swings associated with the commercial benchmark price-discovery system in use. An additional factor influencing pricing is the proportion of shell eggs supplied under cost-plus contracts that accentuates the upward and downward price trajectory of uncommitted eggs. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is currently the major driver of price with a high incidence rate. Approximately 40 million hens and at least 2.0 million pullets were depleted in 2024 with close to 15 million in 23 complexes year to date.
• January 2025 USDA average nest-run production cost for conventional eggs from caged flocks over four regions (excluding SW and West), applying updated inputs was up 2.3 percent from December 2024 to 76.1 cents per dozen. The January average nest run production cost for other than caged hens was estimated by the EIC to be up 2.0 percent to  95.3 cents per dozen. Approximately 60 cents per dozen should be added to the USDA benchmark nest-run costs to cover processing, packing material and transport to establish a realistic cost value as delivered to warehouses.
• January 2025 USDA benchmark nest-run margin for conventional eggs attained a positive value of 505.9 cents per dozen compared to a positive margin of 349.6 cents per dozen in December 2024. Average nest-run monthly margin for 2024 was 170.8 cents per dozen compared to 64.2 cents per dozen over 2023 and 155 cents in 2022.
• January 2025 USDA benchmark nest-run margin for cage-free eggs attained a positive value of 713.7 cents per dozen compared to a positive margin of 672.6 cents per dozen in December 2024. Average nest-run monthly margin over 2024 was 440 cents per dozen compared with 100 cents per dozen in 2023, relatively unaffected by HPAI compared to the preceding and following years.
• The December 2024 national flock (over 30,000 hens per farm) was stated by the USDA to be down 3.7 million hens (rounded and a probable over-count) to 307.6 million compared to the revised November 2024 value of 311.3 million and 326 million before the advent of HPAI in 2022. Approximately 3.5 million hens returned to production from molt in December together with projected maturation of 26 million pullets, with this number offset by depletion of an unknown number of spent hens.
• December 2024 pullet chick hatch of 24.2 million was down 0.2 million chicks from November 2024.
• December 2024 exports of shell eggs and products combined were up 35.1 percent from November to 439,000 case equivalents representing the theoretical production of 5.8 million hens. Canada and the Caribbean nations represented 97 percent of shell egg exports of 278,000 dozen. Japan, Canada and Mexico collectively represented 71 percent of exports of egg products amounting to 161,000 case equivalents. Volumes shipped are based on the needs of importers, competition, availability in the U.S. and FOB prices offered.

TABLES SHOWING KEY PARAMETERS FOR JANUARY 2025.

Summary tables for the latest USDA January 2025 flock statistics, costs and unit prices made available by the EIC on February 10^th 2025 are arranged, summarized, tabulated and compared with values from the previous January 2025 release reflecting December 2024 costs and production data as applicable. Monthly comparisons of production data and costs are based on revised USDA values.

VOLUMES OF PRODUCTION REFLECTING THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY

*USDA Revised

• Revised USDA/EIC Note 1. Texas excluded to maintain confidentiality  

PROPORTION OF U.S. TOTAL HENS BY STATE, 2024                                                                   

Based on a nominal denominator of 290 million hens in flocks over 30,000 covering 95 percent of the U.S complement.

USDA has amended inclusion of specific states in regions and eliminated Texas data to protect confidentiality of Company flock

Sizes

1. Values rounded to 0.1% 

Rate of Lay, weighted hen-week (USDA)   81.8% January 2025.    82.2% December 2024

*Revised USDA

*Revised, using data from USDA Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook January 16^th 2025 taking into account demand from the food service sector and presumably including the effect of HPAI depopulation.

EGG INVENTORIES AT BEGINNING OF January 2025:

EGGS BROKEN UNDER FSIS INSPECTION (MILLION CASES)                                                                                   December  2024, 6.34     November  2024,  6.60*               

EXPORTS DECEMBER 2024: (Expressed as shell-equivalent cases of 360 eggs).

*Representing 2.0 percent of National production in December 2024 (1.3% shell, 0.7% products).                    

COSTS AND UNIT REVENUE VALUES¹ FOR CONVENTIONAL EGGS FROM CAGED HENS

Notes:   1. Excludes SW and West 

Components of Production cost per dozen:-

Ex Farm Margin (rounded to nearest cent) according to USDA values reflecting JANUARY 2025:-

                                                         582.0 cents per dozen¹- 76.1 cents per dozen = 505.9 cents per dozen         (December 2024 comparison:   424.0 cents per dozen – 74.4 cents per dozen  = 349.6 cents per dozen.

Note 1:  USDA Blended nest-run egg price

1. Unrealistic USDA prices based on promotional prices with few participating stores non-representative of shelf prices!

COSTS AND UNIT REVENUE FOR EGGS FROM CAGE-FREE HENS

* USDA Revised

Components of Production cost for cage-free eggs, per dozen:-

Ex Farm Margin (rounded to nearest cent) according to USDA values reflecting negotiated price for JANUARY 2025:-

Cage-Free brown     809.0 cents per dozen¹- 95.3 cents per dozen =  713.7 cents per dozen

December  2024      766.0 cents per dozen -  93.4 cents per dozen =  672.6 cents per dozen  

1. Contract price, nest-run loose. Range 135 to 235 c/doz. unchanged since July and totally unrealistic.

1. Negotiated price, loose. Range $6.00 to $8.98 per dozen
2. Unrealistic USDA prices based on promotional prices with few participating stores non-representative of shelf prices!

* Conventional (non-organic) feed

Feed prices used are the average national and regional values for caged flocks. Excludes Organic feeds with prices substantially higher than conventional.