Local Egg Farmers Confront Avian Flu’s Impact as Egg Prices Begin to Drop

Tuesday, March 18, is National Ag Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the hardworking farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers who keep our country fed.

And today, we’re recognizing some of our local egg farmers and the rollercoaster ride they’ve been on as they deal with the threat of avian flu.

The spread of avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has ravaged flocks around the country and around the world, disrupting supply and fuelling higher food prices.

Here in our region, Avian flu was detected on an Ulster County farm in January, resulting in the deaths of all but two birds, then on a Delaware County farm in a flock of 150 chickens, geese, and ducks in February

But— there’s possibly good news for egg farmers and egg consumers – the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows a sharp decline in egg prices.

The drop in wholesale prices is thanks to the absence of major bird flu outbreaks so far in March, which has allowed the nation’s egg supply to start recovering.

Radio Catskill reporter Kimberly Izar spoke to egg farmers and poultry veterinarians to understand how they’re dealing with fluctuating markets and the deadly disease.

Image: Brey’s Egg Farm is a fourth generation family run egg farm in Jeffersonville, NY. Daniel Brey (left), his wife Nancy Brey, and their youngest daughter Vanessa Brey (right) oversee the daily production of 228,000 eggs and the care and feeding of their 350,000 chickens and 50 Herefords. (Credit: Brey’s Egg Farm)