Expectation Of HPAI & Egg Prices Into 2026

It was one of the first things former USDA chief economist Seth Meyer spoke about with the then new Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins when she arrived in early 2025.

“Within 24 hours, I was meeting her to discuss high path avian influenza," Meyer said.  "So, we started the year with egg prices at the wholesale level, which hit $8.53 at the end of February when she arrived in USDA.”

As far as the HPAI situation as 2025 came to a close.

As Egg Numbers Rebound, Prices Drop

“We haven't seen those same odd December HPAI outbreaks this year, and the industry seems to have taken some action to ensure that there are pullets in place for the New Year,” he said.

Additionally, with USDA safeguards in place to mitigate HPAI outbreaks in commercial poultry operations, Meyer believes if current trends of less HPAI cases continue through the winter, consumers may see significantly lower prices for eggs at Easter time.

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