OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Over the past few years, consumers have watched egg prices surge to unprecedented levels. Since 2019, prices have jumped by 170%, with a 15% spike in January alone according to CBS News.
While most people grumble about paying more for their morning omelet, for some, eggs are more than just a breakfast staple — they’re a livelihood.
In Kissimmee, Florida, local egg farmer Wagner has seen demand for his eggs explode. What started as a humble backyard operation with just 12 chickens has grown into a thriving farm with more than 300 egg-producing hens.
But despite his success, he’s feeling the pressure of rising costs.
[RELATED: Can’t find eggs at the supermarket? Try a Central Florida farm]
The egg boom in Florida
Wagner’s farm is a true grassroots operation. He pasture-raises his chickens on his 2.5-acre property, feeding them a mix of corn and table scraps. But keeping up with demand hasn’t been easy.
The sign in front of his farm reads, “Sold Out.”
“I’ve already increased production, but demand has grown three or four times,” Wagner said.
To keep up, Wagner recently purchased 1,000 baby chicks. But the cost of raising them has skyrocketed. When he started in 2020, a baby chick cost about $2. Now, it’s more than $6. That’s three times the price in just four years.
The rising cost of egg production
It’s not just the chicks—everything on the farm is more expensive. Feed prices have surged, forcing Wagner to raise the price of his eggs from $5 per dozen to $8. And while demand remains high, he worries about rising prices in the future.
On top of rising costs, egg farmers are also battling the looming threat of avian flu. While Florida has largely avoided outbreaks, more than 21 million birds have been lost in other states, drastically cutting supply and further driving up prices.
Corporate control and the future of egg prices
While many blame inflation and supply chain issues, Wagner points to another culprit: corporate greed.
“It’s almost a monopoly,” he says. “When you go to the grocery store, you see plenty of brands, but 40% belong to the same company—they just look different.”
As big corporations dominate the market, small farmers like Wagner struggle to compete. He predicts egg prices will continue to rise, with another 50% increase in the next five to ten years.
For now, he remains committed to his farm, his chickens, and his customers. But as the cost of doing business climbs higher, he knows the future of independent egg farming is far from certain.
Would you pay extra to support local egg farmers? Let us know in the comments below!
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