March 17, 2008

Rising feed costs fuel US egg price hikes

US egg prices have steadily been rising, partly due to the increase of chicken feed and energy costs.

The USDA reported that in January the retail price for a dozen large eggs averaged at US$2.18, a 35-percent rise against 2007 when eggs were sold US$1.55 a dozen.

Jim Jurmu, co-owner of Wuollet Bakery, said prices of baked goods at the store are going up about 10 percent on high egg and wheat prices.

However, US egg producers in general have not expressed complaints as they are optimistic that high prices will continue throughout 2008.