AZ Plans Temporary Fix for Egg-Price Killing “Cage Free” Bill

Egg prices are rising so fast in Arizona that I swear, every time I buy a carton, I expect to find at least one golden egg inside. I'm constantly surprised the carton is only full of run-of-the-mill, ordinary eggs.

Is it too on the nose to point out that the bird flu is running amok like a chicken with its head cut off?

Okay. That's too weird, even for me. With egg prices skyrocketing beyond all imagination, new legislation in our state could push egg prices even higher.

How High Is Too High for Egg Prices in Arizona?

This raises a question: how high do egg prices need to climb before they cost TOO much, and sales drop through the floor?

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Last year, after pressure from animal rights groups, the Arizona Department of Agriculture implemented a rule that mandates all egg-laying hens on farms with 20,000 or more birds be cage-free by 2026.

Why are Arizona Egg Prices Surging, but Not Chicken Prices?

The bird flu has already required farmers to cull millions of egg-laying hens. While the mandate was delayed until next year, refactoring henhouses is still required to meet this requirement. This takes time and could cost farmers money they can scarcely afford right now.

Which will (say it with me) drive the price of eggs up even more.

Legislation to Halt the Legislation

There's a new bill in the works that might halt the requirement. Arizona's lawmakers are pushing to delay the cage-free requirement, citing the skyrocketing price of eggs.

The bird flu has already wreaked havoc on poultry farms, causing egg shortages and driving prices through the roof. Some places have seen prices more than double.

California Fires Causing Surge of Panic Buying & Shortages in AZ

The federal government predicts egg prices could rise by 41% this year alone. Imagine paying around $10 for a dozen eggs, like consumers in California. Rules just like this have contributed to inflated prices in that state.

We're compassionate in Arizona, but if farmers can't sell their eggs because they cost too much, they won't be able to sustain their farms - the price of eggs will become irrelevant.

Sources: Tucson.com | Daily Independent | Arizona News | AZDA.gov | USDA.gov