Nevada shifts back to cage-free regulations as egg prices drop

Nevada's temporary allowance for the sale of non-cage-free eggs will expire on June 20, 2025. After this date, all eggs sold in the state must once again be sourced from cage-free hens.

The temporary order was issued on February 20, 2025, by Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) State Quarantine Officer Director J.J. Goicoechea to address rising egg prices and limited supplies caused by the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on the egg industry. Since the issuance of the temporary order, egg supplies have increased, and prices have dropped an average of $1.37 per dozen across Nevada.

"Eggs are typically the most cost-effective protein source for food insecure populations," said NDA Director Goicoechea. "When families can't find eggs on the shelf or prices are not attainable, this can leave them without an essential food they depend on."

Nevada initially passed legislation in 2021 requiring all eggs sold in the state to be cage-free. However, due to the challenges posed by HPAI, Assembly Bill 171 was passed and signed during the 83rd Legislative Session. This bill permitted two temporary suspensions of the cage-free regulations for a maximum of 120 days each per calendar year, allowing non-cage-free eggs to be sold in Nevada during those periods.

While HPAI is still of concern to the agriculture industry, impacts to egg supplies are anticipated to reduce as migratory birds will have less impact on egg producers during the summer months.

"At this time, the NDA will not be extending the temporary order," said NDA Director Goicoechea. "Should we see similar impacts to the egg industry in the fall, we will consider another order to carry us through the end of the year. Because only two orders can be issued per calendar year, we want to ensure eggs are available for the holiday season."

As the temporary order comes to an end, the remaining inventory of non-cage-free eggs can continue to be sold. Any eggs sourced after June 20, 2025, must come from cage-free hens.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture

TheNevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada's agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance. The department's $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture's school and community nutrition programs.

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