It’s no secret, that eggs are in short supply. Unfortunately for consumers, when demand exceeds supply, prices also go up. The outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in 2024 led to the culling of nearly 1.8 million birds to prevent the spread of the disease. This drastic reduction in laying hens has severely impacted egg production. At Forage Farms we are working hard to increase bird numbers, but it is not a short-term fix.
The egg shortage and high prices may persist for several years, potentially until 2027, due to the time required to rebuild flocks and adjust to new production systems. More outbreaks and depopulations in the marketplace will push the shortage back again.
So, what’s the solution to the egg shortage?
This is a long-term problem that everyone must work on. Killing so many chickens has ruined the industry. Interestingly, no one in Queensland has had a case of avian flu. We are not sure if this is just good luck or perhaps related to our warmer climate. We are hopeful that our model of farming will also protect our hens from the disease.
If you have a small backyard or acreage now is a great time to run a few chooks. Forage Farms will have some retiring birds available in the coming months. At just $10 per bird they still have plenty of laying life in a non-commercial environment and you know they have come from a healthy environment. The added advantage is they will lay immediately. Pullets will cost you between $30 and $50 and you will have to wait three to four weeks for them to start producing eggs.
Who is collecting the price rise?
Not necessarily, farmers – we have increased our price by 8.5 cents per egg in the last 18 months, while shop prices are going up anywhere between 10 cents and 40 cents per egg. One local fruit and veggie shop is selling caged eggs for $15 a dozen and free range for $17! This leads to price wars. Then businesses keep lowering prices to outdo competitors, their profit margins shrink—sometimes to unsustainable levels. Small businesses can’t compete, which ultimately results in them exiting the market and exacerbating the whole problem.
Are you on the search for Forage Farms eggs?
Our chooks have it good, and they are healthy, truly pastured and free-range. Find a stockist near you.
