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EGG‑NEWS.com
Egg Industry News, Comments & More by
Simon M.Shane
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Egg Industry News
REVIEW OF JANUARY 2025 EGG PRODUCTION COSTS.
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02/10/2026 |
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This update of U.S egg-production costs and available prices is provided for the information of producers and stakeholders. Statistical data was unavailable for October and November due to the Federal shutdown. Most January figures are now available and included in this edition.
JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS
- January 2025 USDA ex-farm blended USDA nest-run, benchmark price for conventional eggs from caged hens was 52 cents per dozen, down 70 cents per dozen or 57.3 percent from the December 2025 value of 122 cents per dozen. The corresponding January2024 and 2025 values were respectively $1.72 and $5.82 cents per dozen. For annual comparison, average monthly USDA benchmark price over 2023 was 146 cents per dozen compared to 247 cents per dozen covering 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, as determined by the economy, supply as influenced by flock placements, incidence of HPAI, net exports and the rate of replacement of depopulated pullets and hens and planned depletion. Other considerations include diversion to shell sales from the egg-breaking sector in an interconnected industry.
- Imports of shell eggs continued during the first three quarters of 2025 but with the cumulative negative trade balance attaining 19.9 million dozen shell-equivalents through October. During November the positive trade balance in shell-eggs amounted to 0.3 million dozen. For 2025 through November, U.S. liquid and dried products combined achieved a positive trade balance of 26.3 million case-equivalents with November rising to 10.5 million dozen shell-egg equivalents attributed to shipment of dried egg products mainly to the EU.
- January 2025 USDA ex-farm negotiated USDA nest-run, benchmark price for all categories of cage-free eggs was 63 cents per dozen. The December 2025 value was 110 cents per dozen. The corresponding January 2024 and 2025 values were respectively 380 and 809 cents per dozen.
- 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 important factor influencing pricing is the proportion of shell eggs supplied under cost-plus contracts. A high proportion of available eggs in this category accentuates the upward and downward price trajectory of uncommitted eggs as determined by the price discovery system. Extreme fluctuation is exemplified by high prices prevailing during the 1st quarter of 2025 and low values during December 2025 and 2026 to date. The magnitude of price fluctuation is inconsistent with relatively small changes in production as flocks are replaced or changes in demand.
- The response to highly pathogenic avian influenza as distorted by the price discovery system was the major driver of prices in 2024 and through 2025 due to the high seasonal incidence rates. Approximately 40 million hens and at least 2.0 million pullets were depleted in 2024 with close to an additional 45 million birds, (hens and pullets) in both large complexes and contract farms through 2025. The Fall 2025 losses involved complexes of 3.1 million hens in late September and 2.0 million in early October. During November 570,000 hens producing table eggs were depopulated on 22 farms in close geographic proximity with flock losses averaging 24,000 per event. This suggested the vulnerability of contract producers of cage free eggs with common risk factors including feed supply and egg collection. This situation is a departure from losses involving a few very large complexes evident in the wave of cases during early fall months. This said in January 2.8 million hens among a few large farms occurred followed by the depopulation of 2.2 million hens in Lancaster County, PA in early February.
- 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 75.5 cents per dozen, up 0.7 cents from December 2025 at 75.5 cents per dozen as influenced by feed cost. The December average nest run production cost for other than caged and certified organic hens was estimated by the EIC to be 96.0 cents per dozen up 0.9 cents per dozen from December. 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 2026 USDA benchmark nest-run margin for conventional eggs attained a negative value of 24.2 cents per dozen compared to a positive margin of 116.5 cents per dozen in December 2025. For 2025 the average monthly nest-run production margin attained 172 cents per dozen. Average nest-run monthly margin for 2024 was 170.8 cents per dozen compared to 64.2 cents per dozen in 2023 and 155 cents in 2022.
- January 2026 USDA benchmark nest-run margin for all categories of cage-free eggs was a negative 33.0 cents per dozen compared to a positive margin of 14.9 cents per dozen in December 2025. For 2025 the average monthly nest-run production margin attained 293 cents per dozen. Average nest-run monthly margin over 2024 was 440 cents per dozen compared with 100 cents per dozen in 2023, a year with a relatively low incidence rate of HPAI compared to the preceding and following years.
- The December 2025 national flock (over 30,000 hens per farm) was stated by the USDA to be up by 3.7 million hens (rounded, and a probable undercount) to 293.8 million compared to 290.1 in December. There were approximately 326 million hens before the advent of the H5N1 epornitic in 2022. Approximately 3.5 million hens returned to production from molt during the month together with projected maturation of 26 million pullets, with the total offset by depletion of an unknown number of spent hens. On February 4th USDA estimated the total U.S table-egg production flock at 302.0 million with 296.2 million hens actually in production.
- December 2025 pullet chick hatch of 26.3 million was up 0.3 million, (0.3 percent) from November, inconsistent with an increased industry need to replace depopulated flocks.
- November export data is reviewed in a companion article in this edition. In November 2025 exports of shell-eggs and products combined were up 6.2 percent from October 2025 to 487,800 case equivalents representing the theoretical production of 7.2 million hens. Shell egg exports were down 53.1 percent from October totaling 76,000 cases. Exports were dominated by Canada (45 percent of volume) and the “Rest of Americas” including the Caribbean (46 percent). With respect to 411,000 case-equivalents of egg products, up 38.0 percent from the prior month, importers comprised the E.U (61 percent of volume), Canada (2 percent), “Rest of Americas and the EU (7 percent), Japan, (14 percent), Mexico, (4 percent) collectively representing 90 percent of shipments. Volumes exported are based on the needs of importers, competing suppliers, availability in the U.S. and FOB prices offered.
- For 2025 through November the positive trade balance in all shell and derived egg products attained 6.8 million dozen shell equivalents.
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TABLES SHOWING KEY PARAMETERS FOR JANUARY 2026.
Summary tables for the latest USDA January 2026 costs and unit prices were made available by the EIC on February 10th 2025. Data is arranged, summarized, tabulated and compared with values from the previous January 16th 2025 release reflecting December 2025 costs and production data, as revised and applicable. Monthly comparisons of production data and costs are based on revised USDA and EIC releases.
VOLUMES OF PRODUCTION REFLECTING THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY
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PARAMETER
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JANUARY 2026
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DECEMBER 2025
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Table-strain eggs in incubators
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53.1 million (Jan.)
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52.7 million (Dec.)
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Pullet chicks hatched
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26.3 million (Dec.)
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26.0 million (Nov.)
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Pullets to be housed 5 months after hatch
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23.7 million (May ‘26)
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23.5 million (Apr. ’26)
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EIC December 1st 2026 U.S. total flock projection
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324.0 million (Feb.)
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316.0 million (Jan. ‘26)
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National Flock in farms over 30,000
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293.8 million (Dec.)
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291.2 million (Nov.)
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National egg-producing flock
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307.0 million (Dec.)
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304.0 million (Nov.)
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Cage-free flock excluding organic
Cage-free organic flock
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121.8 million (Jan.)
21.0 million (Jan.)
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120.1 million (Dec.)
20.3 million (Dec.)
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Proportion of flocks post-molt
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10.9% (Dec.)
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10.7% (Nov.)
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Total of hens in National flock, 1st cycle (estimate)
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271.5 million (Dec.)
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267.3 million (Nov.)
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Total U.S. Eggs produced (billion)
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7.82 December 2025
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7.49 November 2025
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Total Cage-Free hens in production
Proportion of organic population
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142.8 million (Jan.)
14.2% Organic
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140.4 million (Dec.)
14.9% Organic
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“Top-9” States hen population (USDA)1
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177.3 million (Jan.)
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188.4 million (Nov.)
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*Source USDA/EIC Note 1. Texas excluded to maintain confidentiality
PROPORTION OF U.S. TOTAL HENS BY STATE, 2025
Based on a nominal denominator of 295 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 relating to sizes of Company flocks
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STATE
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December1
2025
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November
2025
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Iowa
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15.2%
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14.5 %
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Indiana
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12.0%
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11.8 %
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Ohio
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12.9%
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12.3 %
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Pennsylvania
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7.8%
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7.6 %
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Texas (estimate)
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5.0% ?
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4.8 %?
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CA MO UT CO2
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9.6
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10.1 %
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- Values rounded to 0.1%
- MO, 4.7%; CA , 2.2%; CO, 2.2%; CO, 1%.
Rate of Lay, weighted hen-month (USDA) 82.2% December 2025. 81.8 % November 2025
*Revised USDA
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Actual per capita
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Egg consumption 2020
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285.6 (down 7.8 eggs from 2019)
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Actual per capita
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Egg consumption 2021
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282.5 (down 3.1 eggs from 2020)
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Actual per capita
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Egg consumption 2022
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280.5 (down 2.0 eggs from 2021 due to HPAI)
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Actual per capita
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Egg consumption 2023
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278.0 (down 2.5 eggs from 2022)
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Actual per capita
Revised per capita
Projection per capita
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Egg consumption 2024
Egg consumption 2025
Egg consumption 2026
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270.6 (down 7.2 eggs from 2023) attributed to HPAI losses*
259.2 (down 11.4 eggs from 2024) forecast adjusted for HPAI losses , was 261.1 last month but this was aspirational
273.7 (up 14.5 eggs from 2025 assuming restoration of flocks and without HPAI losses)
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*Revised, using data from USDA Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook January 16th 2026 taking into account demand from the food service sector and presumably including the effect of HPAI depopulation and net importation.
EGG INVENTORIES AT BEGINNING OF JANUARY 2026:
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Shell Eggs
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1.95 million cases in January 2026 up 9.0 percent from December 2025
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Frozen Egg
Products
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588,278 case equivalents, up 13.1 percent from December 2025
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Dried Egg
Products
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Not disclosed since March 2020 following market disruption due
To COVID. Moderate levels of inventory are assumed.
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EGGS BROKEN UNDER FSIS INSPECTION (MILLION CASES) December 2025, 6.50 November 2025, 6.61
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Cumulative eggs broken under FSIS inspection 2024 (million cases)
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77.2
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JAN. TO DEC.
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Cumulative 2024: number of cases produced (million)
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257.9
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JAN. TO DEC.
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Cumulative 2024: proportion of total eggs broken
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29.9%
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(30.8% 2022)
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Cumulative eggs broken under FSIS inspection 2025 (million cases)
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79.4
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JAN.-DEC.
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Cumulative 2025: number of cases produced (million)
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245.5
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JAN.-DEC.
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Cumulative 2025: proportion of total eggs broken
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32.3%
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JAN.-DEC.
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EXPORTS NOVEMBER 2025: (Expressed as shell-equivalent cases of 360 eggs).
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Parameter
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Quantity Exported
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Exports:
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October 2025. November 2025
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Shell Eggs (thousand cases)
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162. 76
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Products (thousand case-equivalents)
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297. 411
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TOTAL (thousand case equivalents)*
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459. 487
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*Representing 2.0 percent of National production in November 2025 comprising 16% shell, 84% products.
COSTS AND UNIT REVENUE VALUES1 FOR CONVENTIONAL EGGS FROM CAGED HENS
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Parameter
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JANUARY 2026
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DECEMBER 2025
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4-Region Cost of Production ex farm (1st Cycle)1
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76.2 c/doz
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75.5 c/doz
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Low
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74.0c/doz (MW)
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73.4 c/doz (MW)
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High
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78.7 c/doz (NE)
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77.9c/doz (NE)
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Notes: 1. Excludes SW and West representing an important deficiency
Components of Production cost per dozen:-
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JANUARY 2026
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DECEMBER 2025
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Feed
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34.5 c/doz
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34.9c/doz
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Pullet depreciation
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12.2 c/doz
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11.9c/doz
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Labor (estimate),
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Housing (estimate),
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29.5c/doz
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28.7c/doz
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Miscellaneous and other (adjusted Jan. 2026)
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Ex Farm Margin (rounded to nearest cent) according to USDA values reflecting January 2026:-
52.0 cents per dozen1- 76.2 cents per dozen = -24.2 cents per dozen (December 2025 comparison: 122.0 cents per dozen – 75.5 cents per dozen = 46.5 cents per dozen.
Note 1: USDA Blended nest-run egg price
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JANUARY 2026
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DECEMBER 2025
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USDA
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Ex-farm Price (Large, White)
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52.0 c/doz (Jan.)
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122.0 c/doz (Dec.)
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Warehouse/Dist. Center
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96.0 c/doz (Jan.)
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174.0 c/doz (Dec.)
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Store delivered (estimate)
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101.0 c/doz (Jan.)
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179.0 c/doz (Dec.)
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Dept. Commerce Retail1 National
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271.0 c/doz (Dec.)
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286.0 c/doz (Nov.)
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Dept. Commerce Retail1 Midwest
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N/A. (Dec.)
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N/A (Nov.)
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- Unrealistic USDA values based on advertised promotional prices with few participating stores, non-representative of shelf prices!
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JANUARY 2026
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DECEMBER 2025
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U.S. Av Feed Cost per ton
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$222.97
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$225.36
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Low Cost – Midwest
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$201.36
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$203.73
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High Cost – West
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$260.42
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$263.73
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Differential
Corn/ton 5 regions
Soybean meal/ton 5 regions
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$ 59.06
$172.26
$319.14
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$ 60.00
$174.42
$326.65
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Pullet Cost 19 Weeks
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$4.74 JANUARY 2026
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$4.65 DECEMBER 2025
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Pullet Cost 16 Weeks
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$4.18 JANUARY 2026
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$4.10 DECEMBER 2025
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AVERAGE COSTS AND UNIT REVENUE FOR EGGS FROM CAGE-FREE HENS
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Parameter
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JANUARY 2026
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DECEMBER 2025
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5-Region Cost of Production ex farm (1st Cycle)
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96.0 c/doz
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95.1 c/doz
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Low
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91.7c/doz (MW)
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90.7 c/doz (MW)
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High
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103.5 c/doz (West)
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102.8 c/doz (West)
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Components of Production cost for cage-free eggs, per dozen:-
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JANUARY 2026
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DECEMBER 2025
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Feed (non-organic)
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39.9 c/doz
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40.2 c/doz
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Pullet depreciation
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16.1 c/doz
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15.8 c/doz
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Labor (estimate) plus
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Housing (estimate) plus
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40.0c/doz
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39.1 c/doz
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Miscellaneous and other
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Ex Farm Margin (rounded to cent) according to USDA values reflecting negotiated price for January 2026:-
Cage-Free brown 63.0 cents per dozen1- 96.0 cents per dozen =-33.0 cents per dozen
December 2025:-110.0 cents per dozen1- 95.1 cents per dozen = +14.9 cents per dozen
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JANUARY 2026
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DECEMBER 2025
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USDA
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USDA Average Ex-farm Price1
Gradable nest run2
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173 c/doz (Jan.)
63 c/doz. (Jan.)
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173 c/doz (Dec .)
110 c/doz. (Dec.)
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Warehouse/Dist. Center3
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c/doz (Jan.)
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c/doz (Dec.)
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Store delivered (estimate)
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c/doz (Jan.)
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c/doz (Dec.)
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Dept. Com. Retail4 C-F White
Dept. Com. Retail4 C-F Brown
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254 c/doz (Jan.)
345 c/doz (Jan.)
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263 c/doz (Dec.)
343 c/doz (Dec.)
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Dept. Com. Retail3 Organic
Dept. Com. Retail3 Pasture
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503 c/doz (Jan.)
644 c/doz (Jan.)
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573 c/doz (Dec.)
664 c/doz. (Dec.)
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Contract price, nest-run loose. Range 155 to 210 c/doz. Negligible change since July 2024 and totally unrealistic.
- Negotiated price, loose. Range $0.34 to $1.10 per dozen
- Estimate based on prevailing costs
- Unrealistic USDA values based on promotional prices with few participating stores and non-representative of shelf prices
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Cage-Free* Pullet Cost 19 Weeks
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$5.76 NOVEMBER 2025
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$5.60 DECEMBER 2025
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Cage-Free* Pullet Cost 16 Weeks
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$5.04 NOVEMBER 2025
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$4.94 DECEMBER 2025
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* 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.
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USDA Opposing California Proposition #12
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02/10/2026 |
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Recently, Stephen Vaden, USDA Deputy Secretary, condemned California Proposition #12 as “internal protectionism” and committed to oppose the law established by public ballot. Proposition #12 and Massachusetts Question 3 effectively covering New England states, places restrictions on confinement of poultry and livestock and the sale of products from non-approved facilities. At issue is the use of gestation crates for sows, albeit declining in the proportion of production. This is not a table-egg issue since the industry has successfully transitioned to alternatives to conventional cage housing to supply U.S. demand and specifically for California and states with restrictions on confinement.
The National Pork Producers Council challenged Proposition #12 in a series of actions that terminated in SCOTUS letting stand lower-court support for the legislation. Pork producers through their associations have lobbied strongly for a national housing standard including proposed H.R.4673 (Save Our Bacon law) without success.
It is ironic that pork producers opposed and managed to scuttle the proposed “Egg Bill” that would have established a national standard since they were concerned over a potential “slippery slope” of a federal standard extending from hens to sows. Notwithstanding this disappointment, the egg industry collectively invested in transition to alternative systems including aviaries in addition to contractor and corporate-owned and operated barn-housing to produce cage-free eggs. Over the past three years, the proportion of cage-free hens in the national flock appears to be reaching a plateau at approximately 47 percent of producing hens. Recent data confirms a markedly lower upward trajectory in conversion. A rapid increase from approximately 20 million hens in 2008 to 140 million at the beginning of 2026 occurred with a concurrent decline in caged flocks to 160 million.
Continued opposition to Proposition #12 with respect to restrictions on sows may be moot. Retailers and consumer groups are discriminating against pork products derived from piglets farrowed by sows held in gestation crates on a national basis. Accordingly, many of the large pork producers have converted to group housing for sows. With experience they have overcome management problems albeit requiring investment in new or expanded facilities. This is in common with progressive egg producers responding to market realities. The figurative group housing of sows train left the station over a decade ago and will not return. Producers who retain gestation crates will be forced to sell at a discount or their packers will rely on the export market.
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Immunity to H5N1 Among the Population in British Columbia, Canada
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02/10/2026 |
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A recent article surveyed immunity to N1 neuraminidase in a population in British Columbia, Canada*. Sera was obtained during August 2024 from 575 participants classified among ten age groups from one to 80 years of age. Neuraminidase inhibition antibody titers were assessed by ELISA assay against H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. In assessing N1 titers, 70 percent had detectable antibodies with half of the total yielding a low to moderate value, 32 percent at an intermediate threshold and 17 percent with a high concentration of antibody. The level of antibody was consistent with previous exposure to H1N1 influenza pandemics in cohorts born from 1997 to 2003, many children exposed during the 2009 H1N1 outbreak and among those born before 1947.
The authors concluded that “a substantial proportion of the population has pre-existing anti-N1 against H5N1 with age-related variation”.
It is difficult to reconcile the low rate of infection attributed to H5N1 among workers with intensive exposure during depopulation and decontamination of infected poultry farms. A comprehensive epidemiologic survey of dairy and poultry workers has yet to be published.
It is generally conceded that workers at risk of exposure to H5N1 should be vaccinated against the prevailing seasonal influenza quadrivalent product to minimize the risk, albeit slight, of a recombinant event. It is also suggested that dairy and poultry farm and processing workers should be vaccinated using an available H5N1 vaccine as deployed in Scandinavia for poultry and fur-farm workers.
*Skowronski, D. M., Cross-Reactive H5N1 Neuraminidase Antibodies by Agent Influenza Imprinting Cohorts of the Past Century: Population-Based Sero Survey, British Columbia, Canada J. Infectious Diseases. doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiag 030 (2026)
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Poultry Welfare Alliance Established at IPPE
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02/10/2026 |
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The International Poultry Welfare Alliance (IPWA) established a partnership with the International Egg Foundation (IEF) at the 2026 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE). The objective is to intensify training and support for poultry welfare. The Memorandum of Understanding allows for IPWA to assist the IEF with standards and guides.
Bruce Dooyema, Chairman of the IEF stated, “Through our partnership with IPWA we can apply proven welfare tools in the field while contributing farmer-led insights that help ensure guidance reflecting real-world conditions.”
Dr. Katy Tarrant, Chair of IPWA stated, “We are honored to support the IEF mission and to learn from the regions where these solutions matter most.”
The Memorandum of Agreement presumes coordination between the organizations to assist field outcomes and identify opportunities to modify training in welfare and application of science to improve the standards of housing and management on a global basis.
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CEO of Impossible Foods Relocates
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02/09/2026 |
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Peter McGuinness has departed from Impossible Foods after a four-year tenure. He has accepted a position as CEO of Bel North America, the U.S. subsidiary of the Bel Group of France a major manufacturer of dairy and vegetable-based snacks and RTE foods. McGuinness will be replaced by a troika comprising Jason Gao, Chief Legal and Operating Officer, Meredith Madden, Chief Demand Officer and Robert Haas, Chief Supply Officer.
Impossible Foods is a private company and does not publish financial data. Given the declining sales and growing losses posted by competitor, Beyond Meat (BYND), it is presumed that Impossible Foods is experiencing similar headwinds including shrinking demand and slim margins. Despite eight infusions of venture capital, Impossible Foods Tape D® price declined from approximately $15 in January 2024 to approximately $2 at the beginning of January 2026.
Ten financing rounds from September 6, 2011, to November 23rd, 2021, raised close to $1.7 billion. Investors include Horizons, Khosla, UVS, Temasek, Viking Global and XN Capital, among others. These companies now have little opportunity to recoup their investments given the limited prospects for the company to launch a successful initial public offering.
Both Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat have experienced declining sales both among retail stores and institutions. Tapering demand is due to noncompetitive cost, inferior organoleptic qualities compared to real meat and poultry, the realization that plant-protein products are ultra- processed. These factors are in addition to reduced concern over livestock welfare, sustainability and the environment and an indifference to industry generated hype.
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FDA Reports on 2025 Egg-Farm Registrations
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02/08/2026 |
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The FDA categorizes egg production farms as “small” with 3,000 to 50,000 hens or “large” with more than 50,000 hens. Using this broad but uninformative classification there were 749 new registrations with 634 small farms and 115 large farms in 2025. Although small farms are increasing in number there is proportionality with respect to large farm registrations. In 2021 the ratio of small to large farms was 5.8: 1 with 183 registrations. For the most recent year the ratio was 5.5: 1 with 749 registrations.
The data presented by FDA at the United Egg Producers’ Food Safety Committee on January 26th may be important with respect to assessing demand for inspection services, but the figures are totally meaningless in the context of industry trends and expansion. The classifications of “small” and “large” are far too narrow and should be expanded in relation to hen numbers within each of the existing two categories. A second question relates to the number of total registrations that have increased since 2021 representing a three-fold expansion, without corresponding to the total number of hens. Of particular interest is the increase in small farms from 2024 with a total of 329 units representing five million hens at a hypothetical 15,000 birds per registrant. It is also noted that large farms increased by 115 registrations. Assuming a minimum of 50,000 hens per farm this would represent 5.58 million additional birds.
FDA data confirmed that as of January 2026 there were 4,605 registered farms located in the United States with 3,612 or 78.4 percent classified as small producers. The figures presented do not apparently distinguish between pullet farms and egg production units. Data is, however, consistent with the increase in farms ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 hens established by contract farmers supplying egg packing plants with cage-free, free-range and pasture-housed flocks.

During Calendar 2025, the FDA in collaboration with state agencies conducted 244 inspections or 5.3 percent of all farms to determine compliance with federal standards for food safety. Of the 244 inspections ten required official action with six warning letters. If this proportion reflects the entire U.S. industry there are theoretically 120 farms that would have qualified for an official warning.
There is no indication of the number of farms with less than 3,000 hens that fly under FDA radar. A unit with of 3,000 hens producing at 75 percent hen-day, could theoretically market 68,000 dozen, representing a potential risk for up to 3,000 consumers or more if restaurants are recipients of contaminated eggs.
Fortunately, epidemiologic data confirms a low incidence rate of Salmonella Enteritidis infection from eggs in the U.S. This is attributed in part to widespread adoption of vaccination, an effective modality not considered by the FDA in framing the Final Rule on Salmonella in Eggs. Thorough cooking to 165 F for 30 seconds to the center of the yolk effectively destroys vertically transmitted Salmonella Enteritidis. Mandatory washing of eggs with approved detergent-disinfectant combinations at an appropriate pH and temperature to destroy shell contamination and the post-packing cold chain are modalities contributing to the low incidence rate of egg-borne salmonellosis.
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USPOULTRY Releases Initial 2026 IPPE Statistics In
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02/08/2026 |
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In a January 29th release, USPOULTRY the co-sponsor of the 2026 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) noted 33,000 registered attendees, 663,000 square feet of exhibit space and 1,385 exhibitors representing records in all three categories. The co-organizers noted, “ despite the weather-related challenges we are really excited about the efforts attendees and exhibitors made to attend IPPE this week.”
In addition to the show floor, there were more than 80 hours of education sessions dealing with sustainability, food safety, industry trends, the International Poultry Scientific Forum, the Latin American Poultry Summit and TECHTalk Program and the new-product showcase.

In 2027 the IPPE will take place from January 26 to 28 in the Georgia World Conference Center.
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Establishment of Poultry Industry Food Safety Council
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02/08/2026 |
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A collaboration among industry associations representing broilers, eggs, turkeys and ducks has resulted in establishing the Poultry Industry Food Safety Council (PIFSCo) to serve as a central clearinghouse for research and dissemination of data relating to food safety and related issues.

The Chair of PIFSCo, Kevin Atkins noted, “Food safety is the foundation of consumer trust and the key to the long-term successful industry.” He added, “Through PIFSCo we are bringing together the best science expertise and industry collaboration to rise the standard of food safety from farm to fork.” A new website www.pifsco.org will incorporate:-
- Sharing of best practices for food safety
- Membership and participation information
Kim Rice vice-chairman of PIFSCo stated that “By uniting stakeholders across the poultry industry sectors we will help ensure consistent standards, rapid knowledge-sharing and a stronger foundation for continuous improvement.”
PIFSCo is supported by the American Egg Board, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, United Egg Producers and USPOULTRY and includes representation by 50 companies and allied industry partners.
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ADM Settles With SEC
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02/08/2026 |
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Previously EGG-NEWS reported on restatement of segment earnings by Archer-Daniels Midland Company (ADM) dating back to 2014. Sales and contribution by the Nutrition Segment apparently were misstated by applying creative bookkeeping. When discrepancies were disclosed, the CFO Vikram Luthar was suspended and subsequently resigned. With realization of the implications of the deviation from accepted accounting practice, ADM cooperated with the SEC and implemented “significant remedial measures”.
The SEC alleged that adjustments between the Nutrition segment and other business units of ADM were made including retroactive rebates and use of unrealistic intersegment costs to allow the Nutrition segment to meet targets for fiscal 2021 and 2022. Following extensive investigations by the company, forensic auditors and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Company agreed to a settlement of $40 million but did not admit to any wrongdoing. Concurrently the U.S. Department of Justice has closed its investigation. In addition to Luthar his predecessor Ray G. Young previous CFO and Vince Macciocchi president of the Nutrition Segment and chief Sales and Marketing officer were cited by the SEC.
Juan Luciano Chair of the Board and CEO of ADM noted, “We are pleased to put these matters behind the company. These past couple of years have underscored what is core to ADM -incorporating learnings to future strengthen our business.”

At the end of the day Luciano was responsible for the irregularities and was aware if not complicit in the financial manipulation. The incident demonstrates the downside of incentive bonuses and may well denote a corporate culture inconsistent with shareholder and stakeholder interests and conformity to standard accounting practices and business ethics. As the Brits would say ADM “has form”.
Luthar still faces SEC accusations of violating antifraud provisions of securities legislation and involvement in “abetting ADM’s violation relating to internal accounting control.” Luthar denies the SEC allegations and has not settled as have Macciocchi and Young who paid civil and disgorgement penalties.
In the weeks following the September 2024 disclosures of irregularities, ADM stock fell 30 percent from $72 to $51subsequently closing on January 29, 2026 at $67 compared to a November 2025 high of $98. Over the past 52 weeks, ADM has traded in a range of $41 to $70 with a 50-day moving average of $61. Operating margin is razor thin at 2.0 percent with a profit margin of 1.4 percent. On a 12-month trailing basis, the return on assets is 1.8 percent and 5.2 percent on equity.
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Administration Suing Michigan Over Cage-Free Requirement
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02/06/2026 |
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The Federal government has filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the State Attorney General over restrictions relating to cage-free housing. In 2019 the legislature of the state revised the Animal Industry Act to ban the sale of eggs from hens confined to conventional cages. The law, duly enacted went into effect at the beginning of 2025 following a six-year transition during which producers invested capital in alternatives systems of housing.
Nancy Barr Executive Director of Michigan Allied Poultry Industries commented, “Our producers are ready, they have spent a lot of time and money getting there but they are committed to cage-free housing.”
The legal action by the Administration would appear to be moot since conversion is a reality and the lawsuit would appear to be a
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Value of Early Detection of HPAI in Effluent Questioned
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02/06/2026 |
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Barnwell Bio has justifiably acquired venture capital funding to detect a range of human and avian pathogens in effluent. The company presented their ability to conduct metagenomic bio-surveillance at the 2026 IPPE. Effluent assay technology has acquired enhanced sensitivity and specificity over the past decade and especially since the advent of COVID, representing an important adjunct to public health. In our industry there are obvious beneficial applications arising from early detection of poultry diseases to enable rapid imposition of quarantines or to initiate therapy if available.
Barnwell Bio surveillance has been used successfully to detect cases of bacterial infections that can be treated expeditiously to reduce losses. The question arises whether the time interval between detection of a pathogen in effluent as compared to conventional diagnostic procedures provides a demonstrable and quantifiable benefit.

It is of concern that the company is promoting the concept of their early detection system to detect and hence control highly pathogenic avian influenza. Since diagnosis of this infection results in mandatory depopulation with appropriate WOAH procedures including quarantine and area surveillance, the justification for application of this technology is questioned. The critical 24 hours between early recognition using “microbiome fingerprinting” and widely applied PCR assay motivated by flock records, clinical evaluation and rapid immunoassay may or may not provide any practical or financial benefit. It is highly probable that a presumptive HPAI positive on an effluent assay would require confirmation by PCR before official federal and state action is taken. As yet Barnwell has not quantified the lead time to diagnose HPAI in large egg production complexes or turkey growing farms, so the claims for benefits are theoretical and as yet unsubstantiated. Even with a 24-to-48-hour lead time, the end result will inevitably be depopulation in the event of HPAI. The only advantage with respect to early recognition of HPAI could be prevention of inter-farm infection within companies operating multiple complexes with biological interconnection.
Obvious benefits are evident with regard to some bacterial diseases that can be treated applying approved antibiotic therapy or even in cases of viral erosive diseases to anticipate secondary bacterial infection. Claims covering HPAI appear speculative at this time.
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Trade in Shell Eggs and Products, January through November 2025
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02/06/2026 |
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The volume of exports of shell eggs and products is conditioned by the domestic needs of importers, price against competitors and regulatory disease and logistic restraints. Imports into the U.S. are determined by domestic needs with reduced supply due to flock depopulation as the principal driving factor during the first nine months of 2025.
USAPEEC data reflecting volume of exports for shell eggs and egg products are shown in the table below comparing 2024 with 2025:-
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PRODUCT
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Jan.-Nov. 2024
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Jan.-Nov. 2025
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Difference
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Shell Eggs
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|
|
|
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Volume (m. dozen)
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75.9
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60.4*
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-15.5 (-20.4%)
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Value ($ million)
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177.5
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250.0
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+72.5 (+40.8%)
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Unit Value ($/dozen)
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2.34
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4.14
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+1.80 (+76.9%)
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Egg Products
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|
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Volume (metric tons)
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23,065
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19,810
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-3,255 (-14.1%)
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Value ($ million)
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105.8
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103.0
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-2.8 (-2.7%)
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Unit Value ($/metric ton)
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4,587
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5,199
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+612 (+13.3%)
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U.S. EXPORTS OF SHELL EGG AND EGG PRODUCTS DURING
JANUARY-NOVEMBER INCLUSIVE IN 2025 COMPARED WITH 2024
*The data published by USDA for shell eggs are slightly different from USAPEEC figures included in this table.
For the eleven-month period Canada was the export destination of 69.7 percent of U.S. shell eggs followed by the Caribbean at 19.9 percent. For egg products the four major importers collectively comprised 79.0 percent of volume with the relative proportions represented by Japan (29.4%); EU, (19.6%); Mexico, (16.1%) and Canada, (15.7%),
According to the USDA Egg Markets Overview, February 6th, shell eggs exported over 11 months attained 52.3 million dozen. This represents the average production of 2.6 million hens or 0.9 percent of the current population of producing hens. All egg products including liquid and dried, attained 66.7 million dozen shell equivalents for a total of 119.0 million dozen shell equivalents over eleven months. Imports over the same period comprised 71.9 million dozen shell eggs for breaking and 40.3 million dozen shell egg equivalents over all product forms for a total of 112.2 million dozen shell equivalents
Net positive trade was therefore 6.8 million dozen shell equivalents
The trade situation during 2026 will be influenced by the needs of importers as influenced by HPAI, an erratic tariff situation, landed price and availability. Since supply has increased in volume with a sharp decrease in domestic price, imports will be curtailed with an expectation of higher exports consistent with a more competitive situation.
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USDA Playing Catchup Over Emergence of NWS
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02/04/2026 |
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New World Screwworm (NWS Cochliomyia hominivorax) has seriously disrupted importation of livestock from Mexico to the U.S., directly impacting the cost of beef to consumers. The infestation that emerged in Guatemala and spread to and then within Mexico imposes a threat to livestock producers in the U.S. states bordering our southern neighbor. On recognition of the problem surveillance and control measures were initiated emphasizing the need for cooperation among USMCA regulators.
Decades ago, the problem of NWS was resolved by releasing irradiated sterile male flies that effectively suppressed and then eliminated populations of the parasite. Applying a “mission accomplished” approach without the necessary surveillance by our southern neighbors resulted in an inevitable reoccurrence of infection. To address the current situation, USDA has reactivated irradiation facilities to produce and distribute sterile male flies that will be effective but over time.
The USDA has issued a request for proposals to upgrade surveillance and control measures. Projects, even if funded and implemented will not have any immediate impact on the current emergency. Secretary Rollins is justified in her comment, “We know we have tried-and-true tools and methods that defeat this pest, but we must constantly look for new and better methods and innovate our way to success”.
The lessons that should be heeded include:
- Constant surveillance is necessary for early detection of the parasite
- Irradiation facilities should be maintained with availability of trained personnel to rapidly respond to outbreaks.
- Cooperation with neighboring nations coupled with financial support will ensure that effective surveillance and control measures are maintained. This is difficult to achieve in an atmosphere of hostility generated by U.S. policies relating to tariffs and immigration that detract from mutual understanding and collaboration.

At the end of the day nature ignores national boundaries and has an immense capacity to adapt to changes in the environment. These include socio-economic factors and global warming that facilitate the northward movement of pests and vectors of pathogens affecting human, animal and avian populations.
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Costco Reports on January 2026 Sales
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02/04/2026 |
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Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) is a bellwether on consumer spending and the willingness of customers to purchase food and household items in bulk and splurge on big-ticket items including appliances, electronics and furniture. On February 4th Costco reported sales for January 2026 covering the four-week period ending February 1st. Sales attained $21.33 billion, up 9.3 percent from the value of $18.51 billion during the corresponding month in 2026.
Same store sales (excluding fuel and foreign exchange) increased 6.8 percent for the U.S.; 8.2 percent for Canada and 2.7 percent for the International warehouse segment. Overall, same-stores sales advanced by 6.4 percent and E-commerce was 33.1 percent higher. International sales were impacted by the advent of the Lunar New Year that was 19 days later than in 2025, beyond the January cut-off. Sales in this segment were depressed by an estimated 4 percent.

Costco advanced in after-hours trading on February 4th after release of the data to $988.50. COST intraday market capitalization was $434.5 billion on February 4th. The share has traded over a 52-week range of $844.06 to $1078.23.
Costco Wholesale Corporation operates 924 warehouses with 634 in the U.S.; 114 in Canada; 42 in Mexico with the remainder in nine other nations.
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Failure of Retailers to Remove Recalled Product from Shelves
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02/04/2026 |
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Bill Marler, a prominent plaintiffs’ attorney with considerable experience in aspects of food safety, noted that containers of ByHeart infant formula are still on the shelves of some supermarkets months after the November 11th 2025 recall. The brand was implicated in an outbreak of infant botulism involving 51 confirmed cases in 19 states.
The recall was justified by demonstrating that the Cl. botulinum Type A in isolates from patients was identical to isolates from product applying whole genome sequencing assay. Further studies implicate organic milk powder, an ingredient in the formula, as the source of contamination.
The FDA should be more aggressive in enforcing recalls, especially since public health is concerned. By the same token retailers should immediately comply with recall notices and remove product to limit exposure to pathogens and foreign material.
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USDA Cage-Free Production Data for January 2026
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02/03/2026 |
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The USDA Cage-Free Report covering January 2026, was released on February 2nd 2026.
The report documented the complement of hens producing under the Certified Organic Program to be 21.0 million (rounded to 0.1 million), up 70,000 hens or 0.3 percent from December 2025. The number of hens classified as cage-free (but excluding Certified Organic) and comprising aviary, barn and other systems of housing apparently increased by 2.2 million hens or 1.9 percent from December 2025 to 121.8 million, attributed to expansion, transition from conventional cages and repopulation of depleted flocks.
Extensive depopulation was carried out as a result of HPAI through January and February 2025 (31 million), but with lower intensity in March (0.2 million) and April (1.0 million) and a single large complex in Arizona during May (3.8 million). Losses reemerged during late September in a caged-bird complex in Wisconsin (3.1 million hens and 250,000 pullets). Additional depopulations occurred in October, (2.2 million); November, 0.5 million; December, (0.2 million); January (1.5 million) and February (1.4 million).
Average weekly production for Certified Organic eggs in January 2026 was up 1.0 percent percent (rounded) compared to December 2025 with a high average weekly production of 83.9 percent. Average weekly flock production for cage-free flocks other than Certified Organic was up 2.5 percent in January 2026, with a high average hen-month production of 82.6 percent. Seasonally placed flocks in anticipation of periods of peak demand increase the availability of cage-free and organic eggs, reflecting pullet chick placements 20 weeks previously.
There is no adequate explanation for the elevated production rates recorded other than the high proportion of young hens reaching peak placed in anticipation of December demand. It is also assumed that almost all cage free flocks are in the first cycle of production with negligible molting contributing to the high average in hen-week values compared to caged hens.

The categorization of U.S. flocks according to housing system for January was unavailable among the assumed 295 million producing hens. The breakdown will be provided when data is released.
Losses attributed to HPAI in 2025 comprised:-
Caged flocks, 24.8 million representing 8.4 percent of a nominal 290 million producing hens
Cage-free flocks, 17.6 million representing 5.9 percent of the national flock
Organic flocks, negligible, >0.1 percent
|
Average Flock Size
(million hens)
|
Average
January 2025
|
*Average
Q3- 2025
|
Average
Q2- 2025
|
Average
Q1 –
2025
|
Average
Q4 –
2024
|
Average
Q3-
2024
|
|
Certified Organic
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21.0
|
20.0
|
20.0
|
20.4
|
20.5
|
20.0
|
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Cage-Free Hens
|
121.8
|
115.6
|
108.4
|
103.4
|
104.5
|
103.9
|
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Total Non-Caged
|
142.8
|
135.6
|
128.4
|
123.8
|
125.0
|
123.9
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*October and November data was not released to compile Q4 average
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Average Weekly Production (cases of 360 eggs)
|
December
2025
|
January
2026
|
|
Certified Organic @ 83.3% hen/day
|
338,683
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341,966 +1.0%
|
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Cage-Free @ 82.1% hen/day
|
1,908,273
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1,955,847 +2.5%
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All Non-Caged @ 82.3% hen/day
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2,246,956
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2,297,813 +2.3%
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On January 2nd 2026 USDA recorded the following National inventory levels expressed in 30-dozen cases (rounded) with the change from December 2025 as a percentage of the total quantity of eggs:-
Commodity shell eggs of all sizes. 1,395,000. (-3.0%)
Commodity breaking stock. 360,800. (-0.4%)
Specialty eggs. 32,400. (+4.9%)
Certified organic eggs. 81,100. (-4.5%)
Cage-Free eggs 438,600. (-1.1%) equivalent to 1.6 days production
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Average Nest Run Contract Price Cage-Free
White and Brown combined for January 2026
|
$1.73/doz.* (unchanged from May 2025)
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|
January 2025 Range:
|
$1.55 to $2.10/doz. (unchanged from May 2025)
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|
FOB Negotiated January price, grade-ready quality, loose nest-run. Price range $0.34 to $1.10 per dozen
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Average January 2026 Value of $0.63/doz. ($1.10/doz. December 2025)
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*Essentially a meaningless value
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Average January 2026 advertisedpromotional National Retail Price C-F, Large Brown
|
$3.45/doz. Jan. 2025 (5 regions)
(Was $3.43/doz. In December 2025)
|
|
USDA Based on 5 ‘Lower 48’ Regions, 937 stores
SW, NW, NE, MW & SC.
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Range $1.99/doz. (NW) to $4.08/doz. (MW)
|
Negotiated nest-run grade-ready cage-free price for January 2026 averaged $0.43 per dozen, down $0.45 per dozen (-51.7 percent) from $0.88 per dozen in December 2025, reflecting a disturbance in balance between demand and supply.
The January 2026 advertised U.S. featured retail price for Large White cage-free eggs over 1,429 ‘Lower 48’ stores in five regions (NW, NE, SW, MW and SC.) was $2.54 per dozen. This compares with 1,657 stores featuring cage-free Large White in December and reflects fewer promotions as the year has progressed, consistent with lower demand and increased production. The January 2026 advertised U.S. featured retail price for Large Brown cage-free eggs over 957 stores in five regions was $3.45 per dozen with a range of $1.99 per dozen in the NW region to $4.08 per dozen in the MW region. The average promotional shelf price was only 2 cents per dozen above December 2025 for this category
The recorded average gradeable nest run price of $0.43 per dozen for brown and white cage-free combined plus a provision of $0.60 cents per dozen for packaging, packing and transport, resulted in a theoretical price of $1.03 per dozen delivered to CDs. The average advertised promotional retail prices of $3.45 per dozen for Brown and $1.46 per dozen for white represented retail margins of 235 percent for featured Brown and 146 percent for White respectively. Fewer promotions were offered for Brown compared to White-shelled cage-free by stores reflecting the balance between supply and demand for the two broad categories. Margins are presumed higher for non-featured eggs including pastured and other specialty eggs at shelf prices attaining in excess of $8.00 per dozen in high-end supermarket chains. Retailers are maximizing margins especially on Certified Organic, free-range and pastured categories restricting the volumes of sales, of all categories ultimately disadvantageous to producers and consumers.
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Sad Passing of Dr. Stanley Kleven
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02/02/2026 |
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Funeral services for the late Dr. Stanley Herbert Kleven were held on Friday January 23rd. Dr. Kleven, born June 24, 1940 was associated throughout his career with the University of Georgia Poultry Disease Research Center.
He was recognized as an international expert in avian mycoplasmosis including detection and control of Mg and Ms. He was the co-author of over 200 peer-reviewed articles and served as a major professor for 17 doctoral-level graduates and a larger number of students earning the Masters degree.
Over his distinguished career Dr. Kleven provided leadership in the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the World Veterinary Poultry Association and the National Poultry Improvement Association. He received the AAAP Special Service Award in 2002 and was inaugural inductee in the Hall of Honor in 2016.
He will be sadly missed for his scientific acumen, collegiality, mentorship and contributions to the industry.
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Private Label Sales Outpace National Brands
|
02/02/2026 |
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According to a report sponsored by the Private Label Manufacturers Association by market research company Circana, dollar sales for private label products attained $282 billion in calendar 2025. This was a 3.3 percent increase over the previous year and compares to the growth in national brands of 1.2 percent.
Unit sales of private label brands grew 0.6 percent. In contrast, national brand unit sales fell by an equivalent amount. The segment with the highest dollar sales among private label products comprised refrigerated items with a 6.1 percent increase followed by beverages at 4.8 percent, frozen items that increased by 2.4 percent and general foods at 1.6 percent.

Peggy Davies, president of the Private Label Manufacturers Association noted a shift in consumer priorities primary based on cost and availability with an appreciation by consumers that private label products offer equivalent quality and health properties compared to national brands.
Notwithstanding the growth in private brands, Eggland’s Best continues to grow in both sales volume and maintains price in a fluctuating market for generic eggs. This is based on substantiated nutritional claims, with health implications and supported by a marketing program incorporating mainstream and social media.
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What Constitutes a “Processed Food”
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02/02/2026 |
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The recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2025-2030 discourages consumption of “processed foods”. The emphasis on protein including eggs is a vindication for our industry that has undergone unjustified criticism over cholesterol content in past decades.
The question now arises as to what constitutes “processed foods.” Various definitions have been applied but without consideration of the implications for the manufacturers of packaged products. Applying the broadest descriptor, “processing” includes any alteration of a food from the natural state through heating, pasteurizing, mixing, milling, freezing or canning. Within reason, these processes are essential to manufacture food products, preserve nutrient quality or to make them available to consumers. With respect to additives, some preservatives have been shown to be both beneficial and innocuous. Many ‘unpronounceable additives’ disfavored by purists are in fact nutrients and contribute to or are essential to health.
In a move to reject all additives in pursuit of a clean label, activists motivated by either naïve sincerity or outright mendacity risk throwing out the baby with the bath water.
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USPOULTRY Annual Awards
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02/02/2026 |
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During the USPOULTRY chairman's reception at the 2026 International Poultry Expo Awards were presented for service to the industry:-
USPOULTRY Workhorse of The Year

- Mike Levengood, VP Animal Care Officer and Farmer Relationship Advocate at Perdue Farms was named Workhorse of the Year.
Nath Morris president of USPOULTRY noted, “It is great honor to present this distinguished award to Mike in recognition of his dedicated service to the both the poultry and egg industries and USPOULTRY.” Morris added, “Mike has made a lasting and meaningful impact on both the industry and our association.”
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USPOULTRY Lamplighter Awards:

- Joel Brandenberg, retired president of the National Turkey Federation for expanding marketing effort, strengthening export partnerships benefiting turkey producers and processors.
- Bill Kinross publisher of Food Processing and Meeting Place
- Kim Rice of Rose Acre Farms with responsibilities for food safety, regulatory compliance and laboratory operations.
- Dr. Angie Siemens a food safety expert and consultant with numerous industry responsibilities with producers including Smithfield Foods and Oscar Meyer.
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- Gwen Venable Executive VP of Expo and Communication Services for USPOULTRY and the driver for the Poultry Expo. She is active in strategic communication marketing and public relations.
- Dr. Jeanna Wilson affiliated with the University of Georgia, Department of Poultry Science is an internationally recognized specialist in broiler breeder management and aspects of flock production and incubation.
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Commenting on the recipients of the 2026 Lamplighter Awards, Jonathan Cade of Hy-Line International and outgoing president of USPOULTRY noted, “The dedication to service of this year’s Lamplighter Award recipients has been invaluable in driving the poultry industry forward. We value their contribution and we sincerely appreciate their service to the industry.”
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Election of 2026 Officers for USPOULTRY
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02/02/2026 |
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The following were elected to executive positions on the Board of Directors of USPOULTRY during the 2026 IPPE:

• Bill Griffth, Chief Operations Officer for Peco Foods was selected as the Chairman
• Dr. Alice Johnson of Butterball LLC was elected Vice-chair
• Kevin McDaniel of Wayne-Sanderson Farms as named Treasurer
• John Wright of Fieldale Farms was elected Secretary
• Jonathan Cade of Hy-Line International will serve as the Immediate-past Chairman
In commenting on the slate of officers, Nath Morris president of USPOULTRY stated, “With the
experience and guidance these officers bring to our organization, the future of USPOULTRY is in excellent hands and I look forward to their leadership in helping to shape our organization over the next year.”
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Bröring Electronic Egg to be Demonstrated at IPPE 2026
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01/21/2026 |
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After three years of intensive development, Bröring Technology GmbH has introduced their electronic egg that identifies points of potential shell damage in conveying product from nests to graders. The innovation will be demonstrated on Booth B4062
The Bröring electronic egg is unique in providing a real-time color display. Interaction of the egg with the sides of conveyers, corners, junctions and transition points that result in damage results in activation of LEDs visible through the transparent “shell”. Surface impacts that could damage shells are denoted by a red color. A green color indicates acceptable, non-damaging force with intermediate shock resulting in an amber display. This unique visible real-time feature allows observers to rapidly identify problem areas along the conveyer line in order to effect adjustments or repairs.

The Bröring unit simulates an egg in size and weight and continuously logs stress by time and hence location, registering the intensity of G forces and shocks (jerks, impacts, vibration and acceleration) that can result in invisible but cumulative damage and extending to obvious cracks. Data recording forces in three axes are stored by the egg, to be retrieved and exported to compatible devices using iOS, Android®, Windows®, macOS and iPadOS.
Applications for the U.S. market include:
- Large in-line complexes with up to three million hens can benefit from the Bröring electronic egg. These operations through design and layout have long conveyors from the elevators to the packing plant. Maintenance teams could justify an electronic egg to regularly monitor alignment of conveyors including corners and junctions where damage occurs. It is considered justifiable for any in-line aviary or cage complex to own and operate an electronic egg especially with hens held in as many as ten free-standing cage houses or multi-level units.
- Owners of a number of small complexes that may not exceed can reduce losses using the Bröring electronic egg. Technical and service personnel can conduct diagnostic or quality-control procedures at monthly intervals or as indicated by an increase in downgrading due to shell cracks.
- Operators of packing plants receiving eggs from contractors can monitor the equipment used by suppliers. On farm equipment including conveyors and farm packers may be defective. In addition the Bröring electronic egg can identify problems in transport and handling during loading on the farm.
- Suppliers of egg conveying installations in the EU use the Bröring electronic egg to certify initial operation during commissioning and thereafter during warranty and service visits.

- Poultry health diagnosticians can use the Bröring electronic egg to investigate high levels of downgrades due to shell cracks with special reference to aviary housing. Data provided by the Bröring electronic egg is frequently combined with the results from the Bröring Egg Shell Strength instrument to ascertain the causes of shell downgrades.
- Suppliers of grader installations can identify defects in conveying with specific reference to transition to the receiving table.
- Primary breeders, research and educational institutions have applications for the Bröring electronic egg.
To determine the return on investment from the Bröring electronic egg, a landed cost of $3,000 is assumed. The annual cost of operation including fixed items (depreciation, interest and fixed maintenance) would amount to $810 per year. The unit cost of an evaluation would depend on frequency of use. Assuming 24 assays per year, the unit cost would be an inconsequential $35 per survey.
The impact of shell damage can be assessed on an individual farm basis and would depend on production volume and obviously the differential between nest run value for saleable eggs and breaking stock. Assuming a value for nest run at $1.00 per dozen and breaking stock at $0.70 per dozen, the loss due to a cracked egg would be $0.30 per dozen. A complex holding one million hens would produce 800,000 eggs per day. For each one percent downgrade, the complex would lose 8,000 potentially salable eggs each day or 666 dozen. The loss for each one percent of production that cannot be packed would be approximately $200 per day or $73,000 per year.
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If the electronic egg can identify defects in the conveying system or in transport or at entry onto the grader at a cost of $30 for the equipment plus the time expended by a technician, and if repairs or adjustments are made, the return is infinite. Improperly designed or installed aviaries and conveying equipment, can result in downgrades due to cracks in excess of five percent of production. This is especially the situation in old flocks and during summer when respiratory alkalosis results in deterioration of shell integrity. Eggs from older hens and during extremes of temperature are susceptible to shell damage.
Dr.-Ing. Stefan Bröring will be present on Booth B4062 at the IPPE to demonstrate the innovation that is now used extensively in western Europe with benefits for packers, independent producers who are paid on the basis of salable eggs and for larger operations intent on optimizing shell quality and margin.
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Click here for video |
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REVIEW OF DECEMBER 2025 EGG PRODUCTION COSTS
|
01/17/2026 |
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This update of U.S egg-production costs and available prices is provided for the information of producers and stakeholders. Statistical data was unavailable for October and November due to the Federal shutdown. Most December figures are now available in this January edition. November cost and price updates provided by the EIC are included in this review for trend comparisons.
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
- December 2025 USDA ex-farm blended USDA nest-run, benchmark price for conventional eggs from caged hens was 122 cents per dozen, down 59 cents per dozen or 32.6 percent from the November 2025 value of 181 cents per dozen. The corresponding December 2023 and 2024 values were respectively $1.56 and $4.24 cents per dozen. For annual comparison, average monthly USDA benchmark price over 2023 was 146 cents per dozen compared to 247 cents per dozen covering 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, as determined by the economy, supply as influenced by flock placements, incidence of HPAI, net imports and the rate of replacement of depopulated pullets and hens and planned depletion. Other considerations include diversion to shell sales from the egg-breaking sector in an interconnected industry.
- Imports of shell eggs continued during the first three quarters of 2025 with the cumulative negative trade balance attaining 19.9 million dozen shell-equivalents through October. During October the positive trade balance in shell-eggs amounted to 7.7 million dozen. For 2025 through October, U.S. liquid and dried products combined achieved a positive trade balance of 15.9 million case-equivalents with October rising to 5.2 million dozen shell-egg equivalents.
- December 2025 USDA ex-farm negotiated USDA nest-run, benchmark price for all categories of cage-free eggs was 110 cents per dozen. The November 2025 value was 147 cents per dozen. The corresponding December 2023 and 2024 values were respectively 287 and 551 cents per dozen.
- 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 important factor influencing pricing is the proportion of shell eggs supplied under cost-plus contracts. A high proportion of available eggs in this category accentuates the upward and downward price trajectory of uncommitted eggs as determined by the price discovery system. Extreme fluctuation is exemplified by high prices prevailing in the 1st quarter of 2025 and low values during December 2025 and January 2026. The price differential does not reflect relatively small changes in available production or presumed demand.
- The response to highly pathogenic avian influenza as distorted by the price discovery system was the major driver of prices in 2024 and through 2025 due to the high seasonal incidence rates. Approximately 40 million hens and at least 2.0 million pullets were depleted in 2024 with close to an additional 45 million birds, (hens and pullets) in both large complexes and contract farms through 2025. The Fall 2025 losses involved complexes of 3.1 million hens in late September and 2.0 million in early October. During November 570,000 hens producing table eggs were depopulated on 22 farms in close geographic proximity with flock losses averaging 24,000 per event. This suggested the vulnerability of contract producers of cage free eggs with common risk factors including feed supply and egg collection. This trend is a departure from losses involving a few very large complexes evident in the wave of cases during early fall months.
- December 2025 USDA average nest-run production cost for conventional eggs from caged flocks over four regions (excluding SW and West), applying updated inputs was 75.5 cents per dozen, down 0.2 cents from November 2025 at 75.7 cents per dozen as influenced by feed cost. The December average nest run production cost for other than caged and certified organic hens was estimated by the EIC to be 95.1 cents per dozen down 0.2 cents per dozen from November. 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.
- December 2025 USDA benchmark nest-run margin for conventional eggs attained a positive value of 46.5 cents per dozen compared to a positive margin of 105.3 cents per dozen in November 2025. Year to date the average monthly nest-run production margin has attained 172 cents per dozen. Average nest-run monthly margin for 2024 was 170.8 cents per dozen compared to 64.2 cents per dozen in 2023 and 155 cents in 2022.
- December 2025 USDA benchmark nest-run margin for all categories of cage-free eggs was 14.9 cents per dozen compared to a positive margin of 40.9 cents per dozen in November 2025. Through December the average monthly nest-run production margin attained 293 cents per dozen. 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 2025 national flock (over 30,000 hens per farm) was stated by the USDA to be up by 4.2 million hens (rounded, and a probable undercount) to 290.1 million compared to 285.9 in August. There were approximately 326 million hens before the advent of the H5N1 epornitic of HPAI in 2022. Approximately 3.5 million hens returned to production from molt during the month together with projected maturation of 23 million pullets, with the total offset by depletion of an unknown number of spent hens. On January 14th USDA estimated the total U.S table-egg production flock at 300.0 million with 293.4 million actually in production.
- November 2025 pullet chick hatch of 26.0 million was down 2.7 million (-9.4 percent) from October, inconsistent with an increased industry need to replace depopulated flocks.
- October export data is reviewed in a companion article in this edition. In October 2025 exports of shell-eggs and products combined were up 26.4 percent from September 2025 to 459,200 case equivalents representing the theoretical production of 6.8 million hens. Shell egg exports totaling 162,000 cases were dominated by Canada (80 percent of volume) the “Rest of Americas” including the Caribbean (6 percent). With respect to 297,000 case- equivalents of egg products, importers comprised the E.U (26 percent), Canada (16 percent of volume), “Rest of Americas and the EU (each 20 percent), Japan, (24 percent), Mexico, (7 percent) collectively representing 79 percent of shipments. Volumes exported are based on the needs of importers, competing suppliers, availability in the U.S. and FOB prices offered.
- For 2025 through October the negative trade balance in all shell and derived egg products attained 4.1 million dozen shell equivalents.
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TABLES SHOWING KEY PARAMETERS FOR DECEMBER 2025.
Summary tables for the latest USDA December 2025 costs and unit prices were made available by the EIC on January 16th 2025. Data is arranged, summarized, tabulated and compared with values from the previous December 9th 2025 release reflecting November 2025 costs and production data, as revised and applicable. Monthly comparisons of production data and costs are based on revised USDA and EIC values.
VOLUMES OF PRODUCTION REFLECTING THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY
|
PARAMETER
|
SEPTEMBER 2025
|
DECEMBER 2025
|
|
Table-strain eggs in incubators
|
55.0 million (Sept.)
|
52.7 million (Dec.)
|
|
Pullet chicks hatched
|
28.7 million (Aug.)
|
26.0 million (Nov.)
|
|
Pullets to be housed 5 months after hatch
|
23.3 million (Feb. ‘26)
|
23.5 million (Apr. ’26)
|
|
EIC 2026 December 1st U.S. total flock projection
|
316.7 million (Sept.)
|
316.0 million (Jan. ‘26)
|
|
National Flock in farms over 30,000
|
285.9 million (Aug.)
|
290.1 million (Nov.)
|
|
National egg-producing flock
|
299.0 million (Aug.)
|
300.0 million (Jan. ‘26)1
|
|
Cage-free flock excluding organic
Cage-free organic flock
|
116.6 million (Sept.)
20.0 million (Sept.)
|
120.1 million (Jan. ‘26.)
20.3 million (Jan. ‘26)
|
|
Proportion of flocks post-molt
|
11.9% (Sept)
|
10.9% (Dec.)
|
|
Total of hens in National flock, 1st cycle (estimate)
|
253.4 million (Aug.)
|
267.3 million (Jan.‘26.)
|
- From USDA Weekly Shell-egg Demand Indicator January 14th 2026
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Total U.S. Eggs produced (billion)
|
7.59 August 2025
|
7.44 DECEMBER 2025
|
|
Total Cage-Free hens in production
Proportion of organic population
|
136.6 million (Sept.)
14.6% Organic
|
140.4 million (Jan. ‘26)
14.8% Organic
|
|
“Top-9” States hen population (USDA)1
|
141.8 million (Aug.)
|
188.4 million (Dec.)
|
*Source USDA/EIC Note 1. Texas excluded to maintain confidentiality
PROPORTION OF U.S. TOTAL HENS BY STATE, 2025
Based on a nominal denominator of 300 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
|
STATE
|
AUGUST1
2025
|
November
2025
|
|
Iowa
|
15.3%
|
14.5 %
|
|
Indiana
|
12.2%
|
11.8 %
|
|
Ohio
|
12.5%
|
12.3 %
|
|
Pennsylvania
|
8.0%
|
7.6 %
|
|
Texas (estimate)
|
8.3% ?
|
4.8 %?
|
|
CA, MO, UT ,CO
|
|
11.1 %
|
- Values rounded to 0.1%
Rate of Lay, weighted hen-month (USDA) 81.5 September 2025. 81.8 % November 2025
*Revised USDA
|
Actual per capita
|
Egg consumption 2020
|
285.6 (down 7.8 eggs from 2019)
|
|
Actual per capita
|
Egg consumption 2021
|
282.5 (down 3.1 eggs from 2020)
|
|
Actual per capita
|
Egg consumption 2022
|
280.5 (down 2.0 eggs from 2021 due to HPAI)
|
|
Actual per capita
|
Egg consumption 2023
|
278.0 (down 2.5 eggs from 2022)
|
|
Actual per capita
Revised per capita
Projection per capita
|
Egg consumption 2024
Egg consumption 2025
Egg consumption 2026
|
270.6 (down 7.2 eggs from 2023) attributed to HPAI losses*
259.2 (down 11.4 eggs from 2024) forecast adjusted for HPAI losses , was 261.1 last month but this was aspirational
273.7 (up 14.5 eggs from 2025 assuming restoration of flocks and without HPAI losses)
|
*Revised, using data from USDA Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook January 16th 2026 taking into account demand from the food service sector and presumably including the effect of HPAI depopulation and net importation.
EGG INVENTORIES AT BEGINNING OF DECEMBER 2025:
|
Shell Eggs
|
1.59 million cases in December up 12.6 percent from September 20251
|
|
Frozen Egg
Products
|
519,444 case equivalents, up 0.8 percent from September 2025
|
|
Dried Egg
Products
|
Not disclosed since March 2020 following market disruption due
To COVID. Moderate levels of inventory are assumed.
|
EGGS BROKEN UNDER FSIS INSPECTION (MILLION CASES) October 2025, 7.03 November 2025, 6.58
|
Cumulative eggs broken under FSIS inspection 2024 (million cases)
|
77.2
|
JAN. TO DEC.
|
|
Cumulative 2024: number of cases produced (million)
|
257.9
|
JAN. TO DEC.
|
|
Cumulative 2024: proportion of total eggs broken
|
29.9%
|
(30.8% 2022)
|
| |
|
|
|
Cumulative eggs broken under FSIS inspection 2025 (million cases)
|
72.8
|
JAN.-NOV.
|
|
Cumulative 2025: number of cases produced (million)
|
205.6
|
JAN.-NOV.
|
|
Cumulative 2025: proportion of total eggs broken
|
32.5%
|
JAN.-NOV.
|
EXPORTS OCTOBER 2025: (Expressed as shell-equivalent cases of 360 eggs).
|
Parameter
|
Quantity Exported
|
|
Exports:
|
October 2025
|
|
Shell Eggs (thousand cases)
|
162
|
|
Products (thousand case-equivalents)
|
297
|
|
TOTAL (thousand caseequivalents)*
|
459
|
*Representing 2.2 percent of National production in OCTOBER 2025 comprising 35% shell, 65% products.
COSTS AND UNIT REVENUE VALUES1 FOR CONVENTIONAL EGGS FROM CAGED HENS
|
Parameter
|
NOVEMBER 2025
|
DECEMBER 2025
|
|
4-Region Cost of Production ex farm (1st Cycle)1
|
75.7 c/doz
|
75.5 c/doz
|
|
Low
|
73.7c/doz (MW)
|
73.4 c/doz (MW)
|
|
High
|
77.7 c/doz (NE)
|
77.9c/doz (NE)
|
Notes: 1. Excludes SW and West representing an important deficiency
Components of Production cost per dozen:-
| |
NOVEMBER 2025
|
DECEMBER 2025
|
|
Feed
|
35.0 c/doz
|
34.9c/doz
|
|
Pullet depreciation
|
12.0 c/doz
|
11.9c/doz
|
|
Labor (estimate) plus
|
|
|
|
Housing (estimate) plus
|
28.7c/doz
|
28.7c/doz
|
|
Miscellaneous and other (adjusted May 2023)
|
|
|
Ex Farm Margin (rounded to nearest cent) according to USDA values reflecting December2025:-
122.0 cents per dozen1- 75.5 cents per dozen =46.5 cents per dozen (November 2025 comparison: 181.0 cents per dozen – 75.7 cents per dozen = 105.3 cents per dozen.
Note 1: USDA Blended nest-run egg price
| |
|
NOVEMBER 2025
|
DECEMBER2025
|
|
USDA
|
Ex-farm Price (Large, White)
|
181.0 c/doz (Nov.)
|
122.0c/doz (Dec.)
|
| |
Warehouse/Dist. Center
|
236.0 c/doz (Nov.)
|
174.0c/doz (Dec.)
|
| |
Store delivered (estimate)
|
242.0 c/doz (Nov.)
|
179.0 c/doz (Dec.)
|
| |
Dept. Commerce Retail1 National
|
349.0 c/doz (Nov.)
|
286.0 c/doz (Dec.)
|
| |
Dept. Commerce Retail1 Midwest
|
N/A. (Nov.)
|
N/A (Dec.)
|
- Unrealistic USDA values based on advertised promotional prices with few participating stores, non-representative of shelf prices!
| |
NOVEMBER 2025
|
DECEMBER 2025
|
|
U.S. Av Feed Cost per ton
|
$226.50
|
$225.36
|
|
Low Cost – Midwest
|
$205.31
|
$203.73
|
|
High Cost – West
|
$265.32
|
$263.73
|
|
Differential
Corn/ton 5 regions
Soybean meal/ton 5 regions
|
$ 60.01
$170.70
$341.51
|
$ 60.00
$174.42
$326.65
|
|
Pullet Cost 19 Weeks
|
$4.66 NOVEMBER 2025
|
$4.65 DECEMBER 2025
|
|
Pullet Cost 16 Weeks
|
$4.10 NOVEMBER 2025
|
$4.10 DECEMBER 2025
|
AVERAGE COSTS AND UNIT REVENUE FOR EGGS FROM CAGE-FREE HENS
|
Parameter
|
NOVEMBER 2025
|
DECEMBER2025
|
|
5-Region Cost of Production ex farm (1st Cycle)
|
95.3 c/doz
|
95.1 c/doz
|
|
Low
|
91.1c/doz (MW)
|
90.7 c/doz (MW)
|
|
High
|
103.1 c/doz (West)
|
102.8 c/doz (West)
|
Components of Production cost for cage-free eggs, per dozen:-
| |
NOVEMBER 2025
|
DECEMBER 2025
|
|
Feed (non-organic)
|
40.5 c/doz
|
40.2 c/doz
|
|
Pullet depreciation
|
15.8 c/doz
|
15.8 c/doz
|
|
Labor (estimate) plus
|
|
|
|
Housing (estimate) plus
|
39.0c/doz
|
39.1 c/doz
|
|
Miscellaneous and other
|
|
|
Ex Farm Margin (rounded to cent) according to USDA values reflecting negotiated price for December 2025:-
Cage-Free brown 110.0 cents per dozen1- 95.1 cents per dozen =14.9 cents per dozen
November 2025:- Not disclosed
| |
|
NOVEMBER 2025
|
DECEMBER 2025
|
|
USDA
|
USDA Average Ex-farm Price1
Gradable nest run2
|
173 c/doz (Nov.)
c/doz. (Nov.)
|
173 c/doz (Dec .)
110 c/doz. (Dec.)
|
| |
Warehouse/Dist. Center3
|
c/doz (Nov.)
|
c/doz (Dec.)
|
| |
Store delivered (estimate)
|
c/doz (Nov.)
|
c/doz (Dec.)
|
| |
Dept. Com. Retail4 C-F White
Dept. Com. Retail4 C-F Brown
|
c/doz (Nov.)
c/doz (Nov.)
|
263 c/doz (Dec.)
343 c/doz (Dec.)
|
| |
Dept. Com. Retail3 Organic
Dept. Com. Retail3 Pasture
|
562 c/doz (Nov.)
675 c/doz (Nov.)
|
573 c/doz (Dec.)
664 c/doz. (Dec.)
|
- Contract price, nest-run loose. Range 155 to 210 c/doz. Negligible change since July 2024 and totally unrealistic.
- Negotiated price, loose. Range $0.40 to $1.90 per dozen
- Estimate based on prevailing costs
- Unrealistic USDA values based on promotional prices with few participating stores and non-representative of shelf prices
|
Cage-Free* Pullet Cost 19 Weeks
|
$5.66 NOVEMBER 2025
|
$5.60 DECEMBER 2025
|
|
Cage-Free* Pullet Cost 16 Weeks
|
$4.95 NOVEMBER 2025
|
$4.94 DECEMBER 2025
|
* 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.
|
Advance announcement of PEAK in Mid-April
|
01/16/2026 |
|
The 2026 Peak Exhibition organized by the Midwest Poultry Federation will take place over April 14 through 16 in the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The program will include the progressively-expanding tradeshow incorporating TED talks. Other program activities will comprise educational sessions, entertainment coupled with fellowship and collegial interaction.
|
Stability of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus in Milk
|
01/15/2026 |
|
Shortly after the emergence of bovine influenza H5N1 it was determined that the virus was sensitive to pasteurization but remained stable in raw milk at 4C for an extensive period. A recent study* showed that virus demonstrated enhanced thermal stability in milk derived from infected udders compared to milk from noninfected cows subjected to spiking. Raw milk from infected cows remained infectious for five weeks when stored at 4C with only a two-log reduction in titer. Virus could be detected in stored milk applying PCR assay for up to 22 weeks.
In contrast virus isolates from infected cows when spiked into raw milk from healthy cows yielded virus for only two weeks. Five other influenza viruses spiked into milk from healthy cows showed a similar rapid decay rate.

H5N1 virus derived from infected cows showed slightly higher thermal stability in milk compared to spiked samples in milk from noninfected cows. From a practical standpoint, pasteurization inactivated virus at 63C for five minutes or at 72C for 30 seconds.
The authors noted that milk derived from infected cows could serve as a vehicle of infection as evidenced by the occurrence of clinical symptoms in farm workers contaminated with infected milk. This has obvious implications for disposal of contaminated milk. The authors could not provide a hypothesis relating to the enhanced thermal stability and persistence of viability in milk from contaminated udders compared to virus in spiked raw milk from non-infected cows.
* Guan, L. et al Stability of avian influenza (A-H5N1) virus to milk from infected cows and virus-spiked milk N.Engl.J.Med 2025: 393:2271-2273 (2025)
|
Annualized Inflation Rate at 2.7 Percent
|
01/15/2026 |
|
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2025 released on January 13th was unchanged from 2.7 percent in November. This said, the accuracy of the monthly figures may have been distorted by the October federal shutdown. The food-at-home category was up 2.4 percent compared to food- away-from home category at 4.1 percent, reflecting escalation in labor, packaging costs and overhead. Cereals and Bakery products were up 1.5 percent. The Meats, Poultry, Fish + Eggs segment was up 3.9 percent. Within this category, eggs were definitely not a contributor to inflation, given the relatively low wholesale prices that prevailed during December and as compared to 2024. Margins imposed by retailers evidently contributed to unjustified high cost to consumers. As noted, food inflation in December was in excess of the headline CPI. Frozen fish + seafood was up 8.6 percent.

An economist at a major rating agency noted, “Inflation is still uncomfortably high with staples, and necessities remaining elevated. The headline December CPI reading was influenced by a 3.4 percent decline in the price of gasoline. This reflects lower crude prices passed on through the refining infrastructure. Piped gas service was the outstanding increase at 10.8 percent compared to December 2024. This was attributed to high demand during a cold period in relation to regional availability and restraints on distribution. Other categories influencing the CPI included nonalcoholic beverages at 5.1 percent, vehicle maintenance repair (5.4 percent) and tobacco products at 6.8 percent.

Many of the items with a high rate of inflation, including roasted coffee at 17 percent reflect the effect of tariffs that to date have been largely absorbed by importers and distributors. It is possible that goods inflation will become more apparent later in the first quarter of 2026 as predicted in public comments by voting members of the Federal Reserve FOMC. This has implications for establishing interest rates.
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