Rising demand seen for local farms’ eggs amid nationwide supply challenges, soaring prices

(Update: Adding comments from local farms)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The cost of eggs jumped 10.4% in February from the previous month and are nearly 60% more expensive than a year ago, according to The Associated Press.

Last month, KTVZ News reported on how rising egg prices and limited supply due to the bird flu are affecting local grocery stores and shoppers. We visited seven grocery stores in Bend. Prices varied from a little over $3 to $11 for a dozen eggs.

The challenge of finding eggs in stores has led some shoppers to explore alternative options, such as purchasing from local farms.

Katie Williams, owner of Flying W farm in Tumalo, said Wednesday, "I think what people are seeing is the eggs that are in the stores are now basically the price that you're paying for a farm-raised, fresh-feedm free0range, like cage-free bird."

"So I think people it's a catalyst that they're like, 'Well, I'm going to pay this in the stores. I may as well take that extra step by buying local.'"

Meanwhile, Williams says it's been difficult to find the birds needed to fill her meat orders. The birds that she can typically get delivered in March can't come until August.

"I'm having to really get creative on how we're getting our chicks in to raise those for meat. Because, you know, the chickens lay the eggs, but there's just no chickens," Williams said.

So she's had to reach out to different hatcheries.

"We like to buy local, but it just wasn't there," Williams said.

Elsewhere, Badland Bees and Beaks, a farm in Alfalfa, says they've also noticed a growing interest in their eggs recently.

"It is definitely challenging to keep up with demand — we have more interest than inventory at the moment," said one of the owners, Ann Bernert. "Our flock is very small, with only 11 duck hens and five chicken hens, so we’ve been selling most all that we can produce."

They offer chicken eggs for $5 per dozen and duck eggs for $6.

"We have tried to have our pricing be competitive because as new egg farmers, we don’t want to turn anyone off with too high of prices," Bernert said. "And since prices are so high in grocery stores, I want to make it easy for locals to access locally sourced eggs."

Egg production also tends to slow down during the winter months, but picks up in spring and summer. Williams says they currently collect five to six dozen eggs per week, but in the summer, that number can double to 10 to 12 dozen.

It's important to note hens typically start laying eggs around 5 to 6 months of age, so rebuilding flocks will take time.

"I hope after that, things will go back to normal. I hope next spring it'll be different," Williams said.

She wants to remind people to be kind to their local farmers.

"They're doing everything they can to get you the supply you need," Williams said. "Just be kind when you're communicating with them via Facebook or their own websites, because we're trying so hard."

Both local farms added that they are grateful for the community support.

"I know it’s extra work for the consumer to buy eggs from a local farmer than to just pick them up at the grocery store, so I feel really grateful to all our customers," Bernert said.