The U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest “Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook” suggests that egg prices may see an Easter price bump this year.

Wholesale egg prices (New York, Grade A large) averaged $1.075/doz. in February, a 1.7% decline from February 2019. However, prices since the beginning of March appear to be strengthening relative to last year. This, USDA economists said, suggests that an Easter price bump is likely.

“In 2019, wholesale prices counter-seasonally declined prior to Easter due to an unmatched oversupply of table eggs. However, in 2020, despite expectations for a slight uptick in first-quarter table egg production relative to 2019, prices appear to have resumed seasonal patterns, suggesting relatively stronger demand,” USDA reported.

Based on recent price movements and expectations for improved demand, USDA revised its first-quarter egg price forecast higher to $1.10/doz. Additionally, slightly higher demand expectations were the basis for increasing the price forecasts for the second, third and fourth quarters to 89 cents, $1.05 and $1.20/doz., respectively.

USDA’s is forecasting for the 202 average egg price at $1.06/doz., a 13% increase over the 2019 average price.