Pennsylvania farm reports $40,000 egg theft as prices soar

A Pennsylvania farm is reporting a staggering loss after approximately 100,000 eggs were stolen from a distribution trailer on February 1, 2025. The theft occurred at Pete & Gerry’s Organics in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, with state police from the Chambersburg barracks responding to the report.

Authorities estimate the retail value of the stolen eggs at around $40,000.

According to multiple news sources, the Pennsylvania State Police has reported that the eggs were taken from the back of a distribution trailer at approximately 8:40 p.m.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting PSP Chambersburg at 717-264-5161.

The theft comes at a time when egg prices are already under strain due to the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The outbreak has forced farmers across the country to cull millions of chickens, leading to rising egg prices.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that egg prices will increase by an estimated 20 percent in 2025, far outpacing the expected 2.2 percent rise in overall food prices.

In December 2024, the average price of a dozen eggs hit $4.15 nationwide, reflecting continued volatility in the market. While this remains below the record high of $4.82 seen two years prior, concerns over supply shortages persist. The combination of disease-related losses and increased demand is expected to keep prices elevated throughout the year.

As the ongoing bird flu outbreak continues to drive up egg prices, Waffle House has introduced a 50-cent surcharge per egg on customer orders to offset rising costs. Rather than raising prices across its entire menu, the Georgia-based diner chain has opted for what it calls a “temporary targeted surcharge” in response to the unprecedented increase in egg prices. In a statement, the company acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the shortage, emphasizing that while they hope the situation stabilizes soon, there is no clear timeline for when egg prices might return to normal.

Pete & Gerry’s Organics markets itself as a producer committed to higher farming standards and ethical animal care. The company, which sources eggs from small family farms, has been impacted by the same market pressures affecting the broader egg industry.