First-generation farmer Kevin Jarosinski tends to the chickens on his farm in Buffalo Township on Sept. 17. Jarosinski taught himself how to farm. He raises 1,500 chickens a year and also handles 24 hogs and 10 beef cattle annually on his 10-acre farm. Butler Eagle File Photo

While Butler County shoppers scrambled to prepare for the holiday weekend, a nationwide egg shortage may have affected how some residents put together their holiday meals.

According to Consumer Price Index data, the cost of eggs has increased by nearly 50% from this time last year.

Local grocery store employees, farmers and bakers suggest it might take months for egg production to return to normal rates.

“I would say we are at a record high right now,” said Eric Shiever, vice president at the Butler Farm Market. “It’s probably up 50% since the low over the summer. My jumbo eggs are $7.69 a dozen right now, which is the highest egg prices here.”

Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza have so far this year led to the deaths of about 58 million birds, which includes about 10 million chickens, the deadliest outbreak in U.S. history, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

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