Eggs: Will the Prices Keep Going Up?

I went shopping at Tops last week, aware of the rising prices at stores across the city and the nation. When I reached the egg counter, I stood there for a moment, debating whether to make the purchase. In the end, I bought two dozen eggs because I enjoy them for breakfast—scrambled or boiled, with toast and a glass of orange juice. I must admit, the prices gave me pause, but I ultimately decided not to let the cost deter me from something I enjoy. However, for families with multiple children, this decision is far more difficult, especially when factoring in the cost of other necessities.

Shoppers must compare prices and use coupons when possible. Egg prices vary from store to store, and even at the same counter, I noticed different price points. Smaller eggs were slightly cheaper, but I threw caution to the wind and bought the ones I prefer. They were a bit more expensive, but as the saying goes—you only live once.

This experience brought back memories of my grandfather, James Samuel Felts, a self-sufficient farmer in Alabama. Born in 1886, he passed away in 1956 when I was about ten years old. I remember attending his funeral with my mother, who often took us to visit his farm during the summers. We traveled by train from Buffalo’s old central terminal, heading south for our break from school. My grandparents raised 12 children, with my mother being one of the eldest.

Visiting my grandfather’s farm was an eye-opening experience. He grew nearly every vegetable imaginable—beans, corn, peas, and even peanuts. I was fascinated to learn that peanuts grew underground. A pecan tree stood in the front yard, and shaking its branches would send pecans tumbling down. A fig tree grew on the side of the house, and he also raised cows, pigs, and watermelons. Fresh milk from the cows was always available.

But what I remember most were the chickens. As children, we would feed them buckets of shelled corn in the backyard. My grandfather’s barn housed a steady supply of eggs, ensuring fresh breakfasts daily—no need to buy them from a store.

Standing at the egg counter last week, these memories flooded back. Farmers today are struggling to keep their farms afloat. The cost of maintaining them is rising, from feed prices to operational expenses. These increased costs inevitably reach consumers. In today’s economy, prices seem to climb daily, and eggs are just another casualty.

We can only hope for lower prices in the coming months. Until then, enjoy your breakfast however you can!