US chicken prices rise further as egg prices decline

US domestic chicken prices continued to climb March 20, despite the US Department of Agriculture's progress in bringing down egg prices.

High egg prices have grabbed national attention, prompting the USDA to release a five-pronged $1 billion plan to combat bird flu on Feb. 26. New York wholesale egg prices have declined to $4.08/dozen as of March 19, down from a peak of $8.59/dozen, the USDA said.

"Egg prices are falling, farmers are getting the relief they need, and we are seeing meaningful progress in the fight against avian flu," US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said March 20.

Domestic chicken prices have yet to see price relief and have instead increased over the same period. USDA data showed the weighted average price for domestic fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts increased 14%, with prices last shown at $2.18/lb on March 14. Prices were up 54% from $1.42/lb price during the same week in 2024.

Beyond the prices posted by the USDA, jumbo BSB was heard offered as high as $2.50/lb from a chicken processor on March 20.

"We currently have no volume to offer and anticipate supplies to be short with no product available for the next two weeks," said a producer.

Related content: Key trends and obstacles in global protein markets