May 15, 2025

Egg Prices Down 12.7 Percent in April

U.S. retail egg prices dropped from the record-high prices they hit earlier this year. Government data released on Tuesday showed the average price of a dozen Grade A eggs declined to $5.12 last month after reaching a record $6.23 in March. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it was the first month-to-month drop in egg prices since October 2024. The Associated Press said the average price of eggs dropped 12.7 percent, the steepest drop since the monthly decline in March 1994. The April average price for a dozen large eggs was 79 percent higher than during the same month last year, when the price averaged $2.86 a dozen. Experts say the price of eggs should continue to fall for various reasons, including a drop in consumer demand that typically happens after Easter. Fewer outbreaks of H5N1 at commercial poultry operations have also helped to stabilize the country’s egg supply. 
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Production Expenses Forecast Above 20-Year Average

Farm sector production expenses are the costs of all inputs used to produce farm commodities, which directly affect farm profitability. In total, these expenses, including those associated with operator dwellings, are forecast to decrease by $13.4 billion, or 2.9 percent, from $463.8 billion in 2024 to $450.4 billion in 2025 inflation-adjusted dollars. This follows a projected decline of $20.9 billion, or 4.3 percent, from 2023 to 2024. Lower spending on feed is forecast to account for more than half the decrease in total expenses over the years. However, the forecast declines in expenses in 2024 and 2025 are expected to be less than the increases in 2022 and 2023. That will keep production expenses above the average from 2004 through 2023. Total cash expenses are also forecast to fall in 2024 and 2025, yet will remain above average. In 2025, they’re projected to be seven percent above the 2004-2023 average.
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ASA President Testifies on Supply Chain Concerns for U.S. Soy

American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland testified before the Senate Finance Committee during a hearing on trade and supply chains. “Our industry has been developing the Chinese market since 1982, when the U.S. soy industry opened an international marketing office in Beijing,” Ragland said during testimony. “To put that in perspective, that’s four years before I was born.” He also said the farm economy is in a much different place than it was during the first trade war, and farmers are very concerned that a prolonged trade war with global trading partners will cause U.S. farmers to be forced out of business. The recent 90-day pause on the 155 percent tariff rate on goods to China and a temporary drop to 34 percent don’t alleviate soy farmers’ concerns. They’re hoping further negotiations will quickly clear tariff and non-tariff barriers. “There’s no offset for a drop in Chinese soy demand,” he added.
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Push for a Fly Facility to Eradicate Screwworm

As the threat posed by the New World screwworm rises, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined its state affiliates in urging Congress to pass the “Stop Screwworms Act.” The legislation would fund a new sterile fly facility in the U.S. that would help protect both livestock and human health from the New World screwworm. Under the sterile insect eradication technique, millions of sterile flies are released into the environment where they breed with wild flies, ultimately creating no new offspring. “To protect American agriculture, NCBA strongly supports the creation of a new sterile fly facility within the U.S.,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. Due to the New World screwworm’s continued push north through Mexico, the urgency to create a new sterile fly facility in the U.S. has increased dramatically. NCBA also supported the USDA’s recent decision to close the southern border to Mexican livestock shipments. 
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Growth Energy Applauds Conclusion of 45Z Credit in Tax Proposal

The House Ways and Means Committee’s inclusion of an extension of the 45Z clean fuel production credit is drawing appreciation from U.S. ag groups. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition is one of those groups favoring the move and responded to the news of the credit’s possible extension. “Sustainable aviation fuel is a key solution for strengthening U.S. energy dominance, driving investment in rural economies, and positioning the United States as a global leader in SAF production,” said SAF Coalition Executive Director Allison Graab. “The SAF Coalition is grateful to the Ways and Means Committee for supporting the extension of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit through 2031.” The Coalition urges Congress to pass the extension to reinforce U.S. energy dominance and unleash the full economic potential of America’s heartland. “This critical legislation provides long-term certainty for SAF producers, incentivizes private sector investment, and builds out a robust domestic supply chain,” Graab added.
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USDA’s Summer Grilling Food Safety Guidelines

As people kick off the summer by firing up the grill and serving food at a cookout, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service shares some tips to keep their celebrations safe. “Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we are cooking outdoors and handling food in warmer temperatures,’ says Dr. Denise Eblen. Some of the key recommendations include cleaning grill surfaces with soap and water and making sure old residue is scraped off. Preventing cross-contamination is another key recommendation that includes using separate plates, cutting boards, and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Never place cooked food on plates that held any raw meat, poultry, or seafood. It’s important to cook food to a safe temperature. APHIS reminds you that color is not a reliable indication of doneness. Use a food thermometer to ensure food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature. 
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