Have you noticed that the price of eggs went up recently? I thought at first it was a holiday thing–grocery stores looking to cash in on holiday baking. Turns out, it is largely in part due to a new Californian standard set into effect on January 1st. Eggs sold in California will now have to come from chickens that have at least 116 square inches of floor/cage space. And while that still doesn’t sound like much to me, it is apparently double what chickens have previously had.
So why are we seeing the higher costs? Well, long story long, it breaks down like this: As the result of the new standards, egg producers in California have decreased their flock size, as increasing their space would be too costly. Sooooo, egg production IN California has gone down by about 23% over the past two years {other factors contribute as well}. The lowered production has increased demand, and farmers all over the country have found that they can comply with California’s new standards and then charge Californian grocers a premium for the eggs. The result is that the shortage drives prices up for all of us. According to the article I read, prices have increased between 35-70% in California.
So, while eggs are still a fairly inexpensive source of protein, it looks like egg prices will be on the rise for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the ladies will be able to stretch their legs a little more, so I guess, while still a small step, it might be a step in the direction of more humane and natural food production processes.
Have egg prices gone up in your neck of the woods?
~Mavis
Ashley says
Interesting! A dozen regular large eggs was $3.09 at my grocery store a couple weeks ago, so I’ve been buying them at gas stations. They are only $1.29-$1.69 there, but they are sometimes sold out.
Tina says
I understand the need for more humane practices but I also think a lot of this is to have more control and raise prices on the consumer as well as put heat on independent farmers. Just my opinion.
Madam Chow says
I agree. A lot of this legislation is passed under the guise of animal welfare, but there are other motivations behind the legislation. See Tc’s post below.
anaika says
Organic eggs are 8 bucks per dozen here. Free range, non organic cost about 4 bucks. Thank goodness were are zoned for chickens. They save us a bundle!
Nancy says
I live in California in a small town and egg prices here are $4 dollars for a dozen eggs(not organic). Thankfully I have a small backyard flock and we will be adding more hens to it so we can get more eggs and never run out and have a few extra for the neighbors.
Tc says
I have 19 hens and I am in CA and used to sell my organic pastured eggs to our local co op (3-4 dozen a week), The new CA legislation also states that I cannot now sell my eggs to the co op as I am not a wholesaler and do not have that license. The co op is bummed as my eggs sold quickly for $7.49 a dozen. They knew they were very fresh and raised properly and fed organic lay pellets which do cost a lot extra. Strange thing is I can sell to restaurants and to the public but not another store who will resell them. The big producers want to hog it all.
NOw I have to find local buyers for my egss, it was not a money maker but it did help with the costs of the food, bedding etc.
My local ag department said they will not be stopping there they will make it harder and harder for small local producers, this is what is putting the price of food up.
Marcia says
That’s really too bad. If you were in Santa Barbara, I’d buy them from you!
Regulations are good, but some of them are coming from the big guys, which is not good.
tc says
Yes the new regulations are better for the chickens it is just the other parts they slipped in there like not allowing us to sell to a store that re sells them as if someone selling 3-5 dozen a week is going to encroach on the large farmers who sell their eggs for less but don’t pasture them. I just don’t have enough to go to a farmers market and it isn’t cost effective as you have to purchase a stall, rent the space etc. your time and more. If I had 20 dozen a week it might be different but I don’t and I certainly don’t want to deal with the mountains of paperwork you need to get a re sellers license and inspections and the like, I don’t have time for it.
Wish some of you lived near me so you could buy from me, I am in San Luis Obispo not too far from Santa Barbara. I guess I will have to eat more eggs now. it certainly wasn’t a money maker for me, just a hobby that helped toward the cost of the chicken food and bedding but I do love my chickens and spoil them rotten.
The manure is great for the garden that is for sure.
Marcie says
Holy cow, yes! Paid $5.99 for 1 1/2 dozen at Safeway last week. Saw $3.99 for same at another store this week. Should’ve waited! If we were residing here permanently, I’d definitely be getting my own chicks.
Kathleen says
Oh. My. Time to get serious about keeping chickens! We can keep them here, and ours would have plenty of free range bugs to dine on, plus kitchen scraps. And as a gardener, their manure would be gold for the vegetable garden!
Marcia says
Yep, I’ve noticed it too. We eat a LOT of eggs.
Cliff Hawley says
I’m from California. I’m definitely happy about the new regulations and if it means out of state producers are going to make life better for their chickens so much for the better. I have a friend who raises organic free range eggs and he does really well at the local farmer’s market.
Sue says
I favor barter. Don’t sell your eggs, give them away… To people to have other stuff to give back. No money changes hands, and rules about selling don’t apply, because you’re not selling them, you’re giving them. And coincidentally your recipients are giving you salad greens/handmade socks/carpentry help/car repair/whatever.
Tc says
I agree with you on barter as I do that whenever I can however, I don’t have anyone so far who is interested in bartering what I need but I will certainly look into it. more. I have very simple needs and the only thing I really need on a regular basis is house cleaning help so a couple of dozen eggs wouldn’t buy me much of that but I will see if I can barter for flowers and other plants, I have enough vegetables and fruits.
It is just frustrating that big business puts so many restrictions.
Donna B. says
Holy Cow!!!! No wonder everyone I know is wanting my eggs. We only have 8 hens. Enough for my family and a few to sell to offset fed costs.
Minsara says
Do you want to keep a rooster.Then buy a No-Crow Rooster Collar at http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/chickens/No-Crow-Rooster-Collar-p1580.aspx.