above 60 percent, nearing $5 a dozen. Major chains are showing diminished or empty shelves, especially when it comes to the cheapest brands. Global factors like avian flu and the Russia-Ukraine war–which has escalated chicken feed prices—show no sign of stopping, and alast week at one of the biggest egg-producing farms in the US resulted in the death of around 100,000 laying hens. But there’s another source where eggs are plentiful, and better all around: farmers markets.
It’s not breaking news that local farms sell superior eggs. But quality and sustainability come at a cost, and when $3 dozens were available from mass producers like Cal-Maine foods, the $6 pasture-raised version may have seemed like an unnecessary splurge. But now, with grocery store prices comparable to what DC-area farmers charge—generally $5 to $9 for a dozen chicken eggs—the barnyard dynamics have changed.
“There are a couple farmers market gateway foods, and eggs are one. It looks different, it tastes different,” says Juliet Glass, spokesperson for FreshFarm, among the largest farmers market organizations in the country. “This is a great opportunity for people who’ve been reluctant to try local eggs to do it.”that slammed the US in January 2022.
“It’s easier for a smaller farm in that sense,” says Celebuski, who sells her eggs for $4 to $7 a dozen, depending on size. And when the laying hens become old birds?When it comes to market-going, the early shopper gets the eggs—currently in shorter supply. Winter is low-season for local egg production—which corresponds with the amount of sunlight—and for many farms, eggs are just a small part of the overall picture. Betsy Pritchard of, who sells eggs for around $6.
“The biggest benefit is supporting a local food source, and making sure you’re doing your part to safeguard that food source in your backyard, says Livingstone. “We’re the ones who’ll be feeding you when those factory farms fail.”of all their suppliers who sell them at the winter markets.