Michigan legislation aims to ease economic pressures on farmers and consumers by rolling back cage-free egg requirements.
Theis Pushes to Repeal Cage-Free Egg Mandates Amid Rising Prices
LANSING, Mich. — Senator Lana Theis (R-Brighton) introduced legislation on Thursday to repeal Michigan’s cage-free egg mandates, aiming to alleviate burdens on farmers and reduce costs for consumers grappling with record-high egg prices. The legislation, Senate Bill 28, seeks to repeal state requirements that eggs sold in Michigan originate from cage-free systems and remove mandates for producers to adopt cage-free practices.
Theis cited soaring egg prices and supply disruptions caused by the spread of bird flu as key reasons for the proposed rollback. Egg prices increased by 36.8% over the past year, reaching as high as $9 per dozen in some areas.
“In 2024 alone, over 40 million egg-laying hens were lost nationwide due to bird flu, with Michigan accounting for 6.5 million of those losses, or 16.5% of the national total,” Theis said. “The added burden of cage-free mandates only worsens the situation for consumers and farmers.”
Cage-Free Mandates Linked to Supply Chain Challenges
Michigan is one of just five states, alongside California, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon, requiring all eggs sold within the state to come from cage-free systems. While proponents argue that cage-free systems improve animal welfare, critics highlight unintended consequences, including heightened vulnerability to diseases like avian influenza (H5N1).
“Cage-free systems require birds to roam freely in open spaces, increasing their exposure to pathogens,” Theis explained. “When wild bird droppings contaminate these environments, the virus spreads rapidly, forcing farmers to cull entire flocks and exacerbating supply chain issues.”
Professor Chad Hart, an agricultural economist at Iowa State University, noted that states with cage-free mandates are more susceptible to outbreaks due to the nature of their production systems.
Economic Strain on Farmers and Consumers
Cage-free egg production is inherently more costly, requiring increased investment in labor, housing, and operations. These expenses, passed on to consumers, have driven prices higher, creating additional economic strain during a period of rising inflation.
“We cannot promise this legislation will immediately lower egg prices,” Theis acknowledged. “But we can remove one of the factors contributing to financial strain on both farmers and families.”
Expert Predictions: Egg Prices Likely to Climb Further
The bird flu epidemic shows no signs of abating, with experts predicting that egg prices could climb another 20% in 2025. Professor Patrick Penfield from Syracuse University’s School of Management warned that the nine to 12 months required to rebuild flocks after a culling would prolong disruptions in the egg market.
Theis emphasized that the bill is designed to give Michigan farmers the flexibility to adopt systems that best suit their needs, helping stabilize the egg supply. “This is a commonsense solution to help Michigan farmers recover while making it easier for families to afford a basic staple,” she said.
Broader Implications of the Legislation
The repeal of cage-free mandates could set a precedent for other states facing similar challenges, sparking debate over the balance between animal welfare, public health, and economic sustainability.
“Michigan’s farmers are among the hardest-working people in the state,” Theis said. “We owe it to them, and to every Michigander struggling at the grocery store, to address the issues driving up costs and creating shortages.”
Next Steps for Senate Bill 28
The legislation, introduced as Senate Bill 28, will be formally read in the Michigan Senate and referred to committee on January 28. The debate is expected to draw significant attention from agricultural groups, consumer advocates, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
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