The Price of Organic, Non-GMO, Free-Range, Pasture-Raised Eggs: A Decade in Review
Let’s take a look back at the rollercoaster ride that has been the price range of organic, non-GMO, free-range, pasture-raised eggs over the past decade. From steep spikes to surprising lows, the cost of these nutritious eggs has been influenced by everything from disease outbreaks to shifting consumer habits. Here’s a year-by-year breakdown from 2015-2024 of what happened and why.
2015: $5.00 – $7.00 (Peak Price)
Back in 2015, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak hit hard. Over 50 million birds were lost, causing a massive dip in supply and sending premium egg prices soaring to one of their highest ranges of the decade.
2016: $4.50 – $6.00 (Significant Drop)
The industry bounced back quickly, with producers rebuilding their flocks. This sudden surge in supply pushed prices down, giving consumers some much-needed relief at the checkout counter.
2017: $4.00 – $5.50 (Lowest Price in a Decade)
By 2017, premium eggs were more affordable than they’d been in years. Continued oversupply and efficient production methods kept prices low, making this a great time for egg lovers.
2018: $4.50 – $6.00
Prices crept back up a bit in 2018, thanks to increased demand during the holiday season and some minor production hiccups. It wasn’t drastic, but it marked the start of a slow upward trend.
2019: $4.50 – $6.00
This year was all about stability. Consumer demand held steady, and the industry avoided major disruptions. It was a relatively calm year for premium egg prices.
2020: $5.00 – $6.50
Then came 2020, and everything changed. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in home cooking, which drove up demand for eggs. Add in some supply chain challenges, and prices edged higher.
2021: $5.50 – $7.00
Supply chain woes continued into 2021, and rising feed costs added to production expenses. Premium egg prices reflected these challenges, creeping up once again.
2022: $6.50 – $8.50
Another round of HPAI outbreaks hit in 2022, wiping out millions of egg-laying hens. Combine that with soaring feed and energy costs, and you’ve got a recipe for one of the biggest price jumps in years.
2023: $7.50 – $9.50 (Record High)
Prices hit an all-time high in 2023. The avian flu lingered, feed costs stayed high, and other challenges like facility fires and stricter regulations in states like California added to the strain.
2024: $7.00 – $9.00
While 2024 saw some recovery as producers began rebuilding flocks, prices remained high. Ongoing regional regulations and lingering production issues kept costs elevated, though slightly below the previous year’s peak.
Looking Back
The past decade has shown us just how much can impact the price of premium eggs. Disease outbreaks, supply chain struggles, and rising costs have all played a role, while shifts in demand—from holiday baking to pandemic-induced cooking sprees—have added extra layers of complexity. Here’s hoping the next ten years bring a bit more stability.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the price ranges and major factors for each year:
| Year | Price Range (USD/dozen) | Key Cause |
| 2015 | $5.00 – $7.00 | Avian Influenza outbreak |
| 2016 | $4.50 – $6.00 | Oversupply after flock rebuilding |
| 2017 | $4.00 – $5.50 | Continued oversupply |
| 2018 | $4.50 – $6.00 | Increased seasonal demand |
| 2019 | $4.50 – $6.00 | Stable market dynamics |
| 2020 | $5.00 – $6.50 | COVID-19 pandemic impacts |
| 2021 | $5.50 – $7.00 | Rising feed costs and supply chain issues |
| 2022 | $6.50 – $8.50 | Avian flu outbreak and rising input costs |
| 2023 | $7.50 – $9.50 | Persistent avian flu and regulatory costs |
| 2024 | $7.00 – $9.00 | Slow recovery and regional regulations |
Raising Your Own Chickens: A Sustainable Solution
If you’re tired of keeping up with fluctuating egg prices, raising your own chickens might be the perfect alternative. Backyard chickens not only provide a steady supply of fresh, organic eggs, but they also give you peace of mind about where your food comes from. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Cost Stability: Once you’ve set up a coop and bought the necessary supplies, the ongoing costs of raising chickens can be relatively low compared to constantly shifting market prices for premium eggs.
- Healthier Eggs: Eggs from backyard chickens often have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins compared to store-bought ones, especially when the birds are fed a balanced diet and allowed to roam freely.
- Sustainability: Raising chickens at home reduces your reliance on industrial farming, which can have a significant environmental footprint.
- Fun and Rewarding Hobby: Chickens are surprisingly easy to care for and can be a joy to have around. They’re also great at eating food scraps and turning them into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden.
By investing in a few hens, you can enjoy fresh, healthy eggs while sidestepping the unpredictability of egg prices. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with your food and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Why Scratch and Peck Feeds Is the Best Choice for Your Flock
Feeding your backyard chickens properly is essential for healthy, happy birds and nutrient-rich eggs. Scratch and Peck Feeds is a popular choice among chicken keepers, and here’s why:
- Organic and Non-GMO: Scratch and Peck Feeds are certified organic and free from genetically modified ingredients, ensuring your chickens eat clean, wholesome food.
- Nutritional Balance: Our feed is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to support your chickens’ health and boost egg quality. Not only that, it contains targeted nutrition and ingredients for a happy, healthy flock!
- Transparency and Sustainability: Scratch and Peck is committed to sustainable farming practices and transparent sourcing, so you know exactly what goes into your flock’s feed.
Switching to a high-quality feed like Scratch and Peck not only keeps your chickens thriving but also enhances the nutritional value of the eggs they produce. Happy hens lay the best eggs!
