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This is how Arkansas is being affected by the egg shortage

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Little Rock, Arkansas – Across the country, prices have been rising due to yet another egg shortage. This is all related to the avian flu outbreak that began in 2022 and is currently affecting grocery stores and consumers in Arkansas.

George Brown, a Kroger representative, clarified, “Although you might notice a price difference, know that we are trying our best to keep that price as low as possible.”

The lack of eggs has affected a number of businesses, including Kroger. Some places have even been forced to restrict the quantity of eggs that can be purchased.

“I have seen that in some other cities, but right now that hasn’t been a situation here,” Brown said.

You’ll probably see higher costs in addition to some locations having less supply. Prices at various Kroger locations around town might even vary.

“We can’t really price match from store to store because the prices are set at that store for a reason, for the cost to us and then the cost to you,” he stated.

According to Brown, the price differences are typically only a few cents, but they cannot be matched.

The Department of Agriculture reports that in December, retail egg prices rose by 8.4%. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that egg costs will rise by almost 20% this year.

Bird flu, avian influenza, and other dangerous pathogens returned to the United States in 2022. We’ve had about 108 million birds affected since then,” said Jada Thompson, an associate professor of agribusiness and agricultural economics at the University of Arkansas.

In order to stop the spread to other birds and potentially people, Thompson also described how farmers must lower the bird population.

The consequences of increased bird flu counts are what we are currently witnessing. Therefore, those birds that are not in the system are not laying eggs,” she explained.

Additionally, this has occurred during a period of seasonal demand.

“For Christmas, we have quite high seasonal expectations. Our supply is limited and our demand is high. Higher pricing in the marketplace are what you see,” she added.

Those who intend to purchase eggs for Easter may also be impacted. Regarding the duration of this, there is no conclusive response.

Prices will likely be high, but I hope they will drop again. We’ll see that ebb and flow, I believe,” she remarked.

Don’t worry whether you just bought eggs or if you need to buy some. According to Thompson, the eggs we’re eating are disease-free and safe.

 

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