Decorating and hunting Easter eggs are cherished traditions for many Alabamians, along with the deviled eggs and egg salad that follow. Historically, this high demand has been one of the drivers of table-egg prices nationwide. In the United States, most table-eggs are produced outside of the Southeast, so people in Alabama often see slightly higher prices because of the added transportation costs. Another factor that effects egg prices is production supply. This comes down to two simple questions: how many laying hens are there, and how many eggs are they laying?

Figure 1. Weekly national negotiated loose shell egg price vs. table egg production
Source: USDA AMS L&P Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News

Since early 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has claimed approximately 127 million table-egg laying hens. 2025 was a bad year for HPAI losses, with almost 19 million hens affected. Hen losses caused a tremendous price spike in early 2025, with eggs reaching more than $8 wholesale per dozen. Fortunately, egg production recovered and prices have dropped considerably. Figure 1 shows a side-by-side comparison of egg price and egg production from 2022 to March 2026. Egg prices reached their highest of that timespan in February and March 2025, and egg production hit its low in April 2025.

As of March 2026, there have been two HPAI events in the year, both in Wisconsin. Only 1.5 million table-egg laying hens were affected, and 1.6 million table-egg pullets. The egg supply has also been good, so prices have been favorable, with the current wholesale price averaging around $1.50 per dozen. With Easter approaching, you can expect egg prices to stay in the current range. Most retailers have already stocked up on supplies for Easter, so they will likely hold prices close to current levels throughout the holiday. You may even see some egg sales being touted as a lead-in item. So, let the egg decorating begin!