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Local Farms Thrive Amid National Egg Shortage

3/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Suffolk, Virginia, local farms like the Bautistas' are flourishing as residents hunt for affordable eggs amidst a national shortage triggered by avian flu. Remarkably, the Bautistas have kept their prices steady, even as the DOJ probes large egg producers for possible price-fixing amid skyrocketing costs.

History

Historical Context

The current egg shortage in Suffolk, Virginia, reflects a broader trend influenced by avian flu outbreaks, notably the significant H5N2 strain that devastated poultry farms in the U.S. in 2015. Past culling practices and price surges have repeatedly strained local farmers, prompting scrutiny of large producers for potential price-fixing, reminiscent of earlier agricultural crises where small farms struggled against corporate interests.

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Story summary

In Suffolk, Virginia, local farms like the Bautistas' are flourishing as residents hunt for affordable eggs amidst a national shortage triggered by avian flu. Remarkably, the Bautistas have kept their prices steady, even as the DOJ probes large egg producers for possible price-fixing amid skyrocketing costs.

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