Bird Flu Impacting Egg Sales in Northland

Avian Influenza Causing Layoffs and Thousands in Lost Wages

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Farm suppliers and trucking companies are also feeling the consequences of the bird flu.

Processing plants across Minnesota are being idled and have already seen hundreds of layoffs, and $450 thousand in lost wages.

The biggest impact for the consumer is expected to be increased egg prices and decreased supply.

“Since April, the price has gone up from about $1.17 to $1.37 per dozen, so yes, supply has definitely gone down, prices are going up,” said Monica Haynes, Director of Economic Research at UMD. “Because of the length of time that it takes to actually go from egg to producing chicken, it’s just not something that they can quickly produce more, even after the flock recovers,” Haynes added.

Experts say it could take a year for prices to drop to normal.