If you’ve been to the supermarket lately, you’ve probably noticed something odd about your regular grocery run—empty egg shelves or skyrocketing prices. From scrambled breakfasts to egg-topped salads, the humble egg is a kitchen staple in Australian homes. But lately, it’s been harder to find and harder to afford. So, what’s behind this egg shortage, and when will it end?

Why Is There an Egg Shortage in Australia?

The egg shortage currently facing Australia is the result of a mix of long-standing issues, rapid changes in the agricultural sector, and unforeseen global events. Here’s a breakdown of the major factors driving the shortage:

1. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
   One of the biggest contributors to the egg shortage has been the widespread outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) in poultry farms across Australia. Since late 2021, the virus has ravaged poultry flocks, with an estimated 3 million birds culled to prevent further spread. Farms in key egg-producing states like Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria were hit particularly hard, leading to a sharp decline in egg production.
   
   While the bird flu outbreaks have slowed down in some areas, they’ve left a lasting impact on the supply chain, with farms struggling to rebuild their flocks. This disruption has contributed to both a decrease in supply and higher production costs.
   
   
2. Rising Feed Costs
   Another significant factor driving up egg prices is the rising cost of chicken feed. Grains like wheat, corn, and soy—essential ingredients in poultry feed—have seen price hikes of up to 50% over the past couple of years. Global supply chain disruptions, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and adverse weather conditions (including droughts and floods), have all contributed to this increase.
   
   With higher feed prices, it has become more expensive for farmers to raise chickens, and many are passing these increased costs on to consumers. This has led to higher prices for both eggs and chicken products, putting pressure on the entire poultry industry.
   
   
3. Labor Shortages
   The agriculture sector, like many industries in Australia, has also faced labor shortages, particularly since the pandemic. Poultry farms have struggled to find enough workers to manage day-to-day operations, including feeding, collecting, and packaging eggs. These staffing shortages have impacted production capacity and further strained supply.
   
   
4. Consolidation of the Industry
   In recent years, there has been a trend toward consolidation in the Australian egg industry, with larger farms taking over much of the market share. While this has allowed some producers to weather the storm, smaller, independent farms have been hit hardest. As these smaller farms close down or scale back their operations, it further reduces overall egg supply.

How Bad is the Egg Shortage?

The egg shortage is significant enough that it has made national headlines. Consumers have reported seeing gaps on supermarket shelves or paying higher prices at the checkout. Depending on where you live, you might be paying anywhere from $6 to $9 for a dozen eggs, with prices climbing even higher in certain regions.

Some supermarkets have also started implementing purchasing limits, allowing customers to buy only a certain number of egg cartons per visit to help manage supply. The shortage has affected both free-range and cage-free eggs, although the impact has been particularly acute on certain brands.

When Will the Egg Shortage End?

The million-dollar question: when will this egg shortage end? Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer. While supply chain disruptions are starting to ease and some areas are recovering from avian flu outbreaks, there are a few key factors that will determine how quickly things return to normal.

1. Rebuilding Flocks: It will take time for farmers to rebuild their egg-laying flocks after the culling caused by avian flu. Poultry take time to mature and begin laying eggs, so it could take several months—if not a year or more—for production levels to fully recover.

2. Feed Prices: The cost of chicken feed, which remains high, will continue to impact both the cost and availability of eggs. While some factors like grain shortages might ease over time, feed prices may remain elevated for the foreseeable future, especially if global disruptions persist.

3. Industry Adaptation: As the egg industry adapts to these challenges, there may be shifts in production practices, such as more farmers moving toward larger-scale operations to cut costs or invest in biosecurity measures to protect against disease outbreaks. These adjustments could help stabilize supply, but they may also come with their own set of challenges for smaller, independent farmers.

For consumers, the egg shortage may last for several months—or even longer—depending on how quickly the industry can recover.

And now for some good news…

Amid the ongoing egg shortage across Australia, there’s some good news that’s worth cracking open: premium egg brands like Organigrow and Ellerslie Farms don’t seem to be as heavily impacted by the disruptions plaguing the industry. While many larger commercial producers have faced challenges like avian flu, rising feed prices, and labor shortages, brands that focus on sustainable, local farming are proving to be a bit more resilient.

By supporting smaller, local producers, you’re not just getting high-quality eggs with a clear conscience—you’re also helping to support the backbone of Australia’s agricultural community. These brands were accessed at my local farmer’s market this morning. Another reason to shop local.

But what about breakfast?

Eggs might be the classic go-to breakfast protein, but as many of my patient’s know, it’s not necessarily optimal each and every day. Now, with the current shortage, it’s a good time to explore some tasty alternatives that’ll keep you full and fueled throughout the morning – and I have a whole host of patients that will attest to it. If you’re confused about what to do next, feel free to book an appointment and we can discuss your options moving forward.

In the meantime, we’ll have to ride out the scramble, adjust our shopping habits, and wait for a return to normalcy on the egg shelves.