Egg Prices Expected to Soar in 2025, Driven by Avian Flu

Issue #194

07 Feb

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 23

🗞️ Egg Prices Expected to Soar in 2025, Driven by Avian Flu

🗞️ Major Power Line Project Advances with Final Environmental Review

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Egg Prices Expected to Soar in 2025, Driven by Avian Flu

Egg prices are projected to reach their highest levels and remain elevated throughout 2025, with the ongoing impact of avian influenza playing a significant role in the cost increase.

While inflation has affected food prices across the board, eggs are seeing one of the sharpest spikes. Data from the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts a 20.3% rise in egg prices this year.

In contrast, pork and veal are expected to increase by 1.5%, dairy products by 1.3%, and fresh fruit by 0.7%.

Local grocery stores and restaurants are already feeling the effects of these rising costs.

Some businesses that use eggs sparingly have reported only minor financial impacts, while others—especially those that rely on eggs for breakfast menus—are facing a more significant challenge. Wholesale egg prices have risen dramatically over the past several months, making it costly for restaurants that purchase eggs in bulk.

At grocery stores in Marshall, the price hikes are evident.

As of Wednesday, a dozen large eggs at Aldi were priced at $4.67, with a limit of two per customer. Pasture-raised eggs cost $6.09.

Hy-Vee listed a dozen large eggs at $4.99, while Walmart, where supplies were running low, priced a dozen white eggs at $4.17 and brown eggs at $5.27. An 18-count carton of large eggs reached $6.16.

This situation mirrors a similar price surge that occurred a few years ago due to avian influenza, which lasted for nearly a year. If trends continue, elevated prices could persist for another six to eight months.

As store-bought eggs become more expensive, some residents have turned to raising their own chickens.

In Fairmont, city ordinances allow up to five chickens per residential lot outside of agricultural zones, though roosters are prohibited. No permit is required, making it difficult to determine if backyard chicken keeping has increased.

Outside city limits, residents are free to own larger flocks.

For those who keep chickens, fresh eggs provide both savings and a sustainable source of food. While egg production tends to slow during the winter, some chicken owners use artificial lighting to maintain output.

However, those raising poultry must remain cautious of avian influenza. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has warned residents to avoid contact with dead birds, particularly waterfowl, to prevent spreading the disease to backyard flocks.

With supply chain disruptions and the continued spread of avian flu, consumers and businesses alike may need to brace for prolonged high egg prices in the months ahead.

Major Power Line Project Advances with Final Environmental Review

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has published the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for a proposed high-voltage transmission line by Xcel Energy. The document, which evaluates potential human and environmental effects along the project’s route, will be accessible at several local libraries.

The Minnesota Energy Connection Project involves a 345-kilovolt transmission line spanning approximately 180 miles. It would link an electrical substation in Sherburne County to a new substation planned near Garvin, impacting multiple counties, including Sherburne, Stearns, Kandiyohi, Wright, Meeker, Chippewa, Yellow Medicine, Renville, Redwood, and Lyon.

Two main route options have been proposed. One would enter Lyon County from the north, passing near Granite Falls, Hanley Falls, and Cottonwood. The other would approach from the east, crossing through Redwood County.

The EIS examines various aspects of the project’s impact, including human settlement, land use, surface water, wildlife, and agriculture. The findings will be considered by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission as it determines whether to approve the project’s certificate of need and route permit.

As part of the review process, an Administrative Law Judge has recommended that the commission grant both the certificate of need and the route permit.

Print copies of the EIS will be available for public review at libraries in Willmar, Montevideo, Canby, Olivia, Redwood Falls, and Marshall-Lyon County.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Friday, February 7th

  • Valentine’s Day Artistry Spa Event at the Iverson Tree Farm in Belview from 4:00 - 7:00 PM

    • Enjoy a night of pampering at this open house style spa event

    • Skincare assessment with suggested regiment, facial, massage, make up tutorial and snacks/refreshments!

    • Only $10 at the door

    • First 25 guests receive a free gift!

Saturday, February 8th

  • Pre-Valentine’s Weekend Comedy Show at The Rock: Dining & Events in Granite Falls at 8:00 PM

    • Special Event with David Harris

  • Wood Lake Fire Department Fish Fry from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Wood Lake Community Club

Thursday, February 13th
Friday, February 14th
Saturday, February 15th

  • It’s Always Summer Somewhere Bingo at Cottonwood Community Center starting at 7:00 PM

    • Nacho Bar or Potato Bar plus Bingo snacks available

  • Lake That Speaks Candlelight Hike at Group Camp 2, Lac qui Parle State Park from 6:30 - 8:30 PM

  • South Western Prairie Outdoors Club Ice Fishing Contest on Wood Lake (4 miles north of the town of Wood Lake) from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    • $20 / person entry fee

Sunday, February 16th

  • Bingo at Echo, MN Community Center starting at 11:30 AM

Saturday, February 22nd

  • 2025 Mustang Gold Rush Raffle at R/A Facility at SMSU social hour starting at 6:00 PM

    • Tickets are $100/ person which includes entry into the event & into the reverse raffle.

    • Enjoy live and silent auctions, along with casino games and a variety of other fun games.

      • The grand prize of $5,000 is awarded to the last remaining raffle ticket holder.

      • $2,000 is awarded to the second remaining ticket holder.

      • 3rd, 4th and 5th remaining ticket holders will each be awarded $1,000.

      • A $100 prize will be awarded seven other times during the raffle.

      • $500 will be awarded for the 350th ticket drawn.

Sunday, February 23rd

  • Brunch at the Wood Lake Community Center from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

    • free will donations

Wednesday, February 26th

  • 2025 State of the City Address at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Upper Conference Center starting at 11:30 AM

    • Tickets are $20 for Chamber Members and $25 for Non-Chamber Members

    • Lunch included

Monday, March 3rd

  • Marshall Area Cancer Support Group Meetings at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall at 6:00 PM

    • For patients, survivors, and caregivers looking for support

Wednesday, March 5th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

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