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McKenzie Johnson,

JULIAN, Neb. (KLKN) – – Egg rates have actually escalated around the country, with some farm-fresh eggs costing $7 per dozen in Nebraska.

Beth Kernse Krause, co-owner of Al-Be Farm in Julian, said rates might get back at worse this season.

" We have not taken on any new consumers because we don't have enough," she said. "Our supply is too tight."

Avian influenza is most to blame.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska authorities report 3rd case of bird flu in Knox County

Research studies show that 2022 was the most dangerous year in the U.S. for the bird flu.

Kernse Krause stated it was more common in industrial farms, where chickens would have to be killed if they were contaminated.

Chicken deaths have impacted the supply for everyone in the market.

" It's getting harder to come by chicks," Kernse Krause stated. "The hatcheries are offering out. We don't even have our chicks yet for this year."

SEE ALSO: 2,000 birds fill occasion center regardless of hard year with avian influenza

She said the farm has actually been fortunate enough to not need to raise rates, which have actually remained stable at $4.50 per dozen.

Kernse Krause provides credit to her consumers in her small town, along with a dining establishment that purchases up a majority of the eggs Al-Be produces.

She said the farm hasn't lost money but isn't making the growth they had actually prepared for.

And she said if the bird flu hits hard once again this year, things will worsen for Al-Be.

" If we lost all of our birds, we would need to start all over once again at ground absolutely no, that would be no birds whatsoever," Kernse Krause said.

SEE ALSO: Omaha zoo reopens 2 exhibits after no additional cases of bird flu

She stated starting from scratch would be too huge a risk for a little farm like hers.

Kernse Krause stated it can take up to 5 months before they are dependably laying eggs once you get a chick.

" We'll just have to see what happens this year," she stated. "We will be getting our very first batch of chicks here in a couple weeks, which is a couple of weeks behind we normally do."

And considering that numerous hatcheries have raised rates and are behind orders, the prices aren't likely to decrease anytime quickly.

Kernse Krause said it will likely be Labor Day before the farm is producing a steady egg supply.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln Children's Zoo closes multiple exhibitions to avoid spread of bird influenza

Categories: Consumer News, Money, Nebraska News, News, Top Stories

Tags: Al-Be, Al-Be Farm, avian influenza, Avian influenza, Beth Kernse Krause, bird influenza, Chickens, egg rates, eggs, influenza

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