Eggs in the news...again
Locally the highest price eggs were found in Lava Hot Springs as this picture shows.
Similar to the way the price of a gallon of gas is often used as shorthand for the strength of consumer buying power, the price of a dozen eggs is taking on iconic significance in recent weeks and months. The spike in egg prices over the last several years was often used as a shorthand way of pointing to out of control inflation throughout the economy, and the relative lowering of those prices did correspond with a notable decrease in the prices of consumer goods, especially at the level of grocery staples and commodities.
However, like the price of a gallon of gasoline, the price of a dozens eggs can’t be tied to simply overall economic inflation. Gas prices are affected by everything from weather events to military conflicts in oil-producing countries to announcements of new legislation to driving demands. They provide a useful index of some parts of the economy, but can’t be separated from many exigent factors.
Eggs now live in a similar lane. Recent reports have noted a foreboding uptick in the price of bellwether goods, but most experts have linked the increasing price of eggs to another outbreak of the Avian Flu, which results in the culling of laying hens and the subsequent strain on supply. Some potential uncertainty at the federal agencies tasked with regulating animals products is also injecting some volatility in the sector. In addition, anecdotally the weather has impacted the laying output of smaller scale, non-industrial egg production as well, which means that if you still have an arrangement with a neighbor or friend to supply you with farm-fresh eggs, make sure to stay on good terms with them!
Whether eggs remain an ongoing signal of the country’s economic condition or is just a passing obsession of the news media remains to be seen as the year unfolds. In my Monday route, I have to chance to pass through a number of different local markets, so I decided to get a quick inventory of prices as of this Monday, Jan 27. It is not complete or systematic, and it’s quite likely that the prices may have changed even from then to the Thursday this paper comes out.
Overall, prices around the area are mostly consistent. The lowest price I observed was at the Albertsons in Pocatello, at $5.99/dozen. Trust me, hearing that “the lowest price was at Albertsons” will make anyone who spends time in Pocatello shake their head in disbelief. Prices in Malad and Preston were at bit higher at Thomas’ and Stokes’ charging $6.99. Lallatin’s and Broulim's in Soda Springs were close, with $6.29 and $6.37 respectively. The Grace Market was on the higher end at just over $9 on Monday, but Lava Hot Springs had the highest price (excluding gas stations, which are a whole other story) with a dozen eggs at $10.89, or $16.39 for 18.
I’ll make a weekly check as I make my rounds, and if the price of eggs continues to be a subject of fascination, I’ll make sure to provide updates!
