The price of eggs has seen a dramatic rise recently, and it’s no surprise given the combination of avian flu outbreaks and shifting consumer preferences towards more egg-based diets. With nearly 58 million birds affected by the flu, and the demand for eggs climbing as people reduce their meat consumption, egg prices have surged, impacting both households and small businesses.
One local business feeling the crunch is Sweet Anna’s Bakery in Dallas, North Carolina. Owner Courtney Johnson was struggling with the increased cost of eggs and other ingredients, which led her to raise prices at her bakery. However, a unique solution came in the form of a fifth-grader named Rylen Robbins.
Rylen, who keeps 21 chickens, found himself with a surplus of eggs. His family, overwhelmed by the daily production of 18 to 19 eggs, decided to sell the extras. Rylen’s father shared the availability of these eggs on social media, which caught Johnson's attention.
“I saw his post about having extra eggs, and with the rising prices, I decided to reach out,” Johnson told Fox & Friends. “I asked if he could supply me with as many eggs as he could.”
This unexpected partnership soon began to bear fruit. Rylen was able to offer Johnson eggs at a significantly lower price than store-bought ones. While Johnson previously paid around $2.42 for five dozen eggs, she now sees store prices at $6 to $7 per dozen. Rylen's eggs, however, were priced at a more affordable $3 per dozen.
Despite the overall trend of egg prices beginning to decrease, they remain high, and Johnson continues to seek ways to manage costs without further hiking up her prices. The arrangement with Rylen, though unusual due to his young age, has proven beneficial for both parties.
Interestingly, Johnson and Rylen’s families have a history together. Johnson has previously made birthday cakes and other treats for the Robbins family, adding a personal touch to their business relationship. Through this arrangement, Rylen is not only supporting Sweet Anna’s Bakery but also helping keep costs manageable for the broader community.