EGG-SCUSE ME FOR ASKING BUT WHY ARE THE PRICES SO HIGH?

By now you've noticed that the prices of eggs, a staple in many homes, have skyrocketed in the past several months.  In fact,  prices are so high that some have been arrested at the southern border for trying to smuggle eggs across the border.

According to KGTV in San Diego, border officials are seeing an increase in egg smuggling.  The law says bringing uncooked eggs from Mexico into the U.S. is illegal and can lead to a fine of up to $10,000.

So why are the prices skyrocketing?  Food distributors say it's because of the bird flu and supply chain issues.  Others think egg producers are just gouging the public.  Here's why some say it is gouging.   A farm agency group says the largest egg producer in the United States saw a 600% jump in profits in the last quarter.  The non profit group, Farm Action has sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission alleging that egg companies are price gouging and using other unfair or deceptive acts or practices. And the groups says the largest producer,  Cal-Maine foods has had no positive avian flu tests on any of its farms.

I did some research and at this time last year we were paying about $1.79 for a dozen large Grade A eggs.  Here are the prices today.

All these prices are Montana prices.  The national average for a dozen eggs is $4:25

Walmart: $5.37.

Target:  $ 5:19 (brown eggs)

Smith's:  $5:29

Albertsons:  $4.99

Super 1: $4.98 (large Double A)

When will prices drop?  Hard to say says a scientist at the Egg Industry Center  at Iowa State University.  They say prices will probably begin to drop when the avian flu dies down.