Cage-Free Price Parity?
October 2025
Cage-Free Laws Newsletter
Since 11 states have passed or will soon pass cage-free rules for the egg industry, the amount of cage-free eggs in the US flock has dramatically increased over the last ten years. As a result of the increased supply to meet this consumer demand, the price of cage-free eggs has also lowered. Read more about this historic price convergence below.
Cage-Free Laws Research Team Support
We are interested in learning more about egg farmers and suppliers, and surveying them on cages, cage-free transitions, bird flu, and more. If you’re interested in participating, send us an email (info@cagefreelaws.com). Also, if you have any questions about cage-free laws and how they’ll impact your business, please reach out.
Cage-Free News
California Egg Farmers Association Defends Prop 12
In 2008, the egg industry in California pushed back on imposed minimum space requirements for farm animals only within the state. Today, CEFA defends the strongest animal welfare law amidst a federal lawsuit.
Mainer Applauds Cage-Free Laws Across Country
Support for cage-free laws gathers strength even in states without those laws, as the cage-free supply grows. “Producers across the country have adapted to cage-free and crate-free systems to meet market demand. States like Arizona, Michigan, and Colorado have followed with similar reforms, showing that stronger animal welfare standards can open new markets and drive innovation.”
Cage-Free and Caged Egg Price Parity
As the U.S. cage-free flock grows to all-time highs in August 2025, price differences between cage-free eggs and caged eggs have disappeared. As seen below in the graph, in early 2025 consumers experienced a steep price increase due to bird flu. This temporary price surge for all egg types leveled off as Spring began and as bird flu related culls slowed.
American Egg Board Shares Cage-Free Egg Progress
In their flagship 2025 report, the American Egg Board cites Nielsen data to show that cage-free eggs are the largest growing segment with a 16.6% increase. Free-range eggs posted an 8% increase and pasture raised eggs grew an eye-catching 30%. Lastly, conventional eggs volume sales and growth decreased by 8.8%.
Summer Lull in HPAI Ends
After months of inactivity, bird flu ravaged a 3 million egg laying hen facility in Wisconsin. The state veterinarian, Darlene Konkle, said, “There’s more opportunities for the virus to spread in the spring and fall when wild birds are migrating. The virus is widespread in wild birds and that’s caused outbreaks among poultry flocks and dairy herds.”
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We aim to make cagefreelaws.com a resource for industry professionals so please let us know what topics would be most helpful to address in subsequent editions. Thank you.
To learn more about the current state laws concerning extreme animal confinement, and your legal responsibilities as a business selling eggs or egg products, visit www.cagefreelaws.com
