EggWire
Markets/PricesSeverity 2September 1, 2026

USDA August 2026 Cage-Free Egg Report: Flock Tops 150 Million

USDA's August 2026 cage-free report shows FOB wholesale prices of $1.73/dozen for contract large and $0.85 for negotiated large. Total cage-free flock reached 150,651,175 hens with an 83.2% lay rate; certified organic hens numbered 22,022,775 at an 84.3% lay rate.

Why it matters: Wide contract-negotiated gap ($1.73 vs. $0.85/dozen) signals producers should watch spot-market softness as cage-free flock supply expands past 150 million hens.

Sources

Reported by: USDA Monthly Cage-Free Shell Egg Report

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