How Shifting Consumer Demand Patterns are Contributing to High Egg Prices

Avian influenza may be the biggest factor driving egg prices higher, but rising consumption and demand for specialty eggs are also playing role

DENVER (February 6, 2025)—U.S. consumers are facing a prolonged period of higher egg prices that will likely extend through the Easter holiday and well into 2025. Rising egg prices and increased volatility in the market are largely attributable to supply challenges brought on by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Since the current outbreak began impacting U.S. poultry farms in 2022, nearly 100 million table egg laying hens have been affected. 

However, HPAI is not the only factor contributing to the supply and demand imbalance driving egg prices higher. Consumer demand for eggs has skyrocketed in recent years, with per capita consumption growing 20% from 2016-2019. Demand has also shifted away from conventional eggs as more consumers are choosing cage-free and other types of specialty eggs – further complicating the supply challenges. As well, nine states have enacted laws that require eggs sold in their states to be from cage-free hens.

According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the increase in overall demand for eggs, combined with the growing preference for specialty eggs, is exacerbating the impact of tight supplies precipitated by HPAI. The confluence of all three factors is prolonging the timeline for bringing egg supply and demand into closer alignment. Until then, retail egg prices will remain elevated. 

“Egg demand was relatively stable in the early 2000s and seasonality played a much bigger role in peak demand periods than it does today,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “While seasonality remains an influencing factor, egg use has grown dramatically over the last 20 years. “Eggs have become a staple item for innovation in quick-service restaurant entrees, and marketing trends like the emergence of all-day breakfast have significantly boosted egg demand.”  

Rising demand for cage-free eggs has also outpaced supply in recent years. Currently, more than 120 million or roughly 40% of the table egg layers in U.S. commercial flocks are housed in cage-free production systems. That compares with just 30 million layers housed in cage-free systems in 2015. While the growth in supply of cage-free eggs has been substantial, more will be needed to adequately meet demand projections. 

Total egg laying hen inventories, including conventionally raised hens, have not been substantially depleted from where they were at the beginning of the HPAI outbreak. Commercial operators who have been impacted have moved swiftly to repopulate hens. Through January 2025, the U.S. egg industry has 8% fewer egg-laying hens than it did two years ago. But HPAI has evolved to become a persistent, year-round threat to production. 

“The last widespread outbreak of HPAI in 2015 was largely seasonal with most cases occurring during the winter and spring migration periods for wild birds,” said Earnest. “That seasonality appears to be gone. During the current outbreak, HPAI has been detected in birds or other species nearly every month since the outbreak began in February 2022.”

Read the report, Surging Egg Prices are Being Driven by More than Bird Flu.

About CoBank

CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 77,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.

CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

2x the Calories, 2.8x the Sodium: Trump’s Diet Under the Microscope

President Donald J. Trump's diet may not be for the faint-hearted, and definitely not for those who try to limit their calories, sodium, sugar and fat intake. 

A newly released analysis from Healthnews reveals that President Donald J. Trump’s daily meal plan may substantially exceed dietary recommendations, especially for his age group.

At 78 years old, President Trump became the oldest person to be inaugurated president. The candidates' age and health were common concerns during the presidential campaign, although most of the criticism was directed at Trump’s initial opponent, former President Joe Biden.

Diet undoubtedly plays an important role in determining health, especially in aging individuals. It is recommended that older adults limit foods high in unhealthy fats and avoid empty calories.

However, the current President seems to be going in the exact opposite direction since his publicly documented food choices—including multiple Big Macs, milkshakes, and significant amounts of Diet Coke—suggest Trump’s daily caloric intake exceeds 4,600 calories, roughly 2.3 times the recommended level for men his age, considering he does not skip breakfast.

The Healthnews team analyzed the nutritional value of Donald Trump’s diet, focusing on a day when he indulges more than usual and includes breakfast, a meal he often skips.

In short, on "feast days," when he doesn't skip breakfast, his meal plan looks like this:

  • Breakfast: Bacon and eggs.
  • Lunch: A very well-done steak with ketchup.
  • Dinner: Two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, and a small milkshake.
  • Snacks: A bag of Doritos.
  • Drinks: 12 Diet Cokes throughout the day.

The nutritional breakdown of such a diet is the following:

  • Calories: 4,653 kcal
  • Fat: 250 g (Saturated fat: 68 g, Trans fat: 3.9 g)
  • Cholesterol: 830 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 416 g (Fiber: 15 g, Total sugars: 106 g, Added sugars: 79 g)
  • Protein: 184 g
  • Sodium: 6,419 mg
  • Caffeine: 552 mg

Key Micronutrients:

  • Vitamin D: 2.23 mcg
  • Calcium: 1,283 mg
  • Iron: 24 mg
  • Potassium: 3,773 mg

Sodium and calories are off the charts

The number of calories Trump consumes on a day of full eating exceeds the United States dietary guidelines recommendations around 2x, which estimate that men 76 years old and older need around 2,000–2,400 kcal per day, depending on their physical activity level. 

An average American consumes too much sodium, and while Trump is by no means an average guy, his diet is no exception, with 6,419 mg of sodium daily. According to USDA guidelines, men 51 years old and older should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. The current President exceeds the recommended daily sodium intake by around 2.8 times.

To see the full analysis of Donald Trump’s diet, please head over to: https://healthnews.com/news/donald-trump-diet-healthy/

Sommer Ray’s Wellness Brand, Imaraïs Beauty, Launches Nationwide at Target!

The best-selling plant-based wellness brand expands its reach to Target locations nationwide

Los Angeles, CA – February 3, 2025 – Imaraïs Beauty, the innovative plant-based ingestible beauty and wellness brand founded by media personality Sommer Ray and supplement industry veteran Aaron Hefter, is proud to announce its nationwide launch in Target stores and online. Located in the beauty section, customers and fans across the United States will now be able to discover Imaraïs Beauty’s innovative product line in stores.
Integrating the latest developments and ingredients in beauty, plant-based nutrition, and functional foods, Imaraïs Beauty has created a revolutionary approach to beauty and wellness, disrupting the industry with a complete range of ingestible beauty gummies which are PETA-certified vegan, cruelty-free, sugar-free, gelatin-free, gluten-free, and clinically proven. The delicious gummies support a range of beauty, health and wellness goals, including GLOW skincare, CLARITY anti-blemish, DE-PUFF anti-bloating, NOURISH haircare, YOUTH anti-aging, and SUTRA sexual wellness.
High Res Imagery"The launch of Imaraïs Beauty at Target is a dream come true," says Sommer Ray, co-founder of Imaraïs Beauty. "We’ve worked tirelessly to create products that deliver real results with plant-based ingredients, and now we’re making them more accessible than ever. I’m excited for Target shoppers across the country to experience the benefits of ingestible beauty and join our mission to feel confident and radiant from the inside out." "At Imaraïs Beauty, our mission has always been to redefine beauty from the inside out, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our ingestible beauty line to Target stores nationwide. This launch allows our products to be more accessible to everyone, and we’re thrilled to share our innovative approach with Target’s community of beauty and wellness enthusiasts," says Aaron Hefter, Co-Founder of Imaraïs Beauty. To celebrate the launch, the brand will offer opportunities for customers to connect with the brand through live experiential events and digital content featuring Sommer Ray herself. In addition, 2X Gold Medalist & reigning NCAA national college basketball champion Chloe Kitts has joined the team, and Selling Sunset star, Bre Tiesi, has recently joined the team as a Global Ambassador and Investor, set to star in various brand campaigns. Bridging the gap between beauty, lifestyle, health and wellness, Imaraïs Beauty’s arrival at Target’s beauty aisle invites customers nationwide to join the growing community of ingestible beauty enthusiasts. Imaraïs Beauty retails for $24.99 for a one month supply and is now available to shop online and nationwide in stores at Target and on www.target.com, and www.imaraisbeauty.com

Convenience Stores Evolve to Become True Food Destinations

Variety of offerings, private label brands and loyalty programs fuel in-store sales growth

DENVER (January 29, 2025)—Convenience stores are intensifying their focus on foodservice offerings to drive foot traffic, in-store sales growth and frequency of repeat visits. Strong consumer interest in prepared foods, commissary and beverage options has led convenience stores, often referred to as c-stores, to compete much more aggressively with quick service restaurants and fast-food chains. 

The focus on offering a wider variety of prepared and ready-to-eat food items is clearly paying off, as c-stores registered record sales in 2023. Those gains are largely attributable to in-store sales, which grew 8% year-over-year in both 2022 and 2023 according to Circana, well ahead of overall inflation numbers for both food at and away from home. While sales appeared to soften in 2024, a Convenience Store News survey found two-thirds of c-store retailers predict total sales per store will grow in 2025.

According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the line between grocery stores, quick-service restaurants and c-stores will continue to blur, intensifying competition across the foodservice and retail grocery spectrum. C-store chains are increasingly viewing QSR and traditional fast-food chains as their chief competition and tailoring their food offerings to match if not exceed competitors’ menu options. 

“Convenience stores have evolved from their gas-fueled beginnings to become true food and beverage destinations,” said Billy Roberts, food & beverage economist with CoBank. “Food service is the future for c-stores, and we expect they’ll continue to emulate their competitors with a greater variety of freshly prepared items, along with more attention to signature menu items and private label products.”  

The emergence of c-stores as formidable destinations for prepared foods hasn’t gone unnoticed by major food manufacturers. Several leading food brands have taken the merger and acquisition route to enter the c-store channel. J.M. Smucker cites c-store distribution as an important reason behind its early 2024 acquisition of Hostess Brands. 

Similarly, Hormel Foods dramatically expanded its c-store penetration with its 2021 purchase of Planters and Corn Nuts brands. Hormel has subsequently leveraged those newfound distribution relationships to bring more of its products to c-stores, including pizza toppings and bacon.

C-store kitchens are seeking quick and easily prepared products. Hormel is among the suppliers that has found c-stores to be something of a testing ground for new flavors and product concepts. For example, the key distinction of Hormel’s Bacon 1 isn’t necessarily flavor but ease for the operator. The fully cooked product heats quickly, enabling c-store operators to easily add bacon to a host of their menu options. 

Customer loyalty programs are also playing a significant role in the success c-stores have had with food sales and repeat visits. Several c-stores have developed loyal followings on a near-nationwide scale. The 2024 Loyalty Trend Report from Paytronix finds at least 80% of c-stores’ loyalty program members in the top half of loyalty transaction visits per store every month. 

“This enthusiasm for loyalty programs will be a tool that c-stores look to sharpen as they attempt to claim more traffic from restaurants, which have seen weak results of late,” said Roberts. 

Read the report, C-stores Evolve from Gas-N-Grub to True Food Destinations.

About CoBank

CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 77,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.

CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

Get ready to pucker up! I am thrilled to announce the launch of Legions TWO brand new, mouth-watering Creatine Gummy flavors: Sour Watermelon and Sour Blue Raspberry! 🎉

Use code: trainitright of 20% off your first order and then for points on your account orders after!
Use code: trainitright of 20% off your first order and then for points on your account orders after!

These new sour flavors are packed with the same great creatine you expect, now with a tangy twist that's perfect for a pre- or post-workout treat.

  • Effective: Delivering 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, supported by 19 peer-reviewed scientific studies showing it boosts muscle and strength gain, improves muscular endurance, reduces muscle damage and soreness, and more.
  • Convenient: Easy to take on the go, no water or mixing required.
  • High-Quality: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients in NSF-certified and FDA-inspected facilities that adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practice standards. They also contain no artificial fillers, food dyes, or other chemical junk, and are analyzed for purity and potency in a state-of-the-art ISO 17025 accredited lab.
  • Backed by Science: Our formula and dose are supported by 19 peer-reviewed scientific studies.
  • Transparent: Total formulation transparency (no proprietary blends).
  • Risk-Free: Backed by our “No Return Necessary” money-back guarantee. If your followers don’t absolutely love our creatine gummies, just have them let us know, and we’ll give a full refund on the spot. No forms or returns necessary.

Big News: I’m Officially Partnering with Legion Supplements!

Version 1.0.0

I’m beyond excited to announce that I now have a special code with Legion Supplements, one of the top supplement brands in the fitness industry!

Why Legion?

Legion isn’t just another supplement company. They’re dedicated to creating products backed by science, formulated with clinically effective doses, and made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients. Here’s what makes Legion stand out:

  • No artificial junk: No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
  • Transparency: Every product lists its ingredients and dosages—no proprietary blends, no guessing.
  • Science-driven formulas: Each product is carefully formulated based on research and clinical studies to ensure it delivers real results.
  • Third-party tested: You know exactly what you’re putting into your body.

Why I’m Excited to Partner with Legion

As a fitness coach, kinesiologist, and IFBB Pro, I’ve always been passionate about fueling my body with the best. Legion aligns perfectly with my mission to help others achieve their goals in a healthy and sustainable way. Whether you're aiming to build muscle, improve performance, or boost recovery, their supplements provide the support you need.

What This Means for You

You can now use my exclusive code to save on all your Legion purchases! Keep an eye on my page for recommendations, tips, and reviews of my favorite products from their lineup.

I’m thrilled to partner with a brand that truly cares about quality and results. If you’ve been looking for supplements to take your fitness journey to the next level, Legion is the way to go!

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s crush our goals together!

https://legionathletics.rfrl.co/5e9np - Is my affiliate link to order legion supplements!

You can save 20% on your first order with code: trainitright and then use the code to collect reward points on your following orders!

Alicia Bell - Online Coach
Alicia Bell - Online Coach

After nearly two years of consultations, the federal government announced last week that healthcare practitioners other than doctors, such as nurse practitioners, pharmacists and midwives, can provide medically necessary care and it will be covered by the public healthcare system. 

The changes, which take effect on April 1, 2026, mean more people will have access to care, helping to alleviate pressure on walk-in clinics and emergency rooms. 

Mr. Jankowski warmly welcomed the federal health minister’s decision because it helped to clarify the Canada Health Act and opened the door to the private sector playing a bigger role in helping to improve Canada’s healthcare system with public tax dollars. 

With that said, he is worried about where the provinces will find the funds to pay for the new services, and is concerned existing services could suffer if provinces shift money to fund them. 

My Honest Review of the Oura Ring

As a fitness enthusiast and coach, I’m always on the lookout for tools to optimize performance and recovery. I’ve been using the Oura Ring, and here’s my honest take on its pros and cons. I have had mine for a little over a year. It was originally a gift from a friend who said it is better than the WHOOP. So he gifted me one to prove it to me.

Oura Ring
My Oura Ring

Pros

  • Exceptional Sleep Tracking: The sleep insights are incredibly detailed and accurate. It’s been a game-changer in helping me understand my sleep patterns and recovery.
  • Real-Time HR Monitoring: I love the real-time heart rate feature—it’s helpful for tracking stress and overall health metrics throughout the day.
  • Focus on Holistic Health: The ring gives great indicators for sleep, stress, and readiness, which are vital for maintaining balance, even for athletes like me.
  • Sleek Design: It’s discreet and stylish, which makes it easy to wear all day.

Cons

  • Battery Life: My ring dies every 3–4 days, which feels a bit short for a device designed for continuous wear.
  • Durability: I chose the black ring, and I’ve noticed the surface wearing off over time. If you’re considering this ring, you might want to opt for a different finish to avoid the same issue.
  • Limited Activity Recognition: Unlike the Whoop or Apple Watch, the Oura Ring doesn’t automatically recognize or prompt for activities, which can be frustrating for tracking workouts.
  • App Experience: The app could use a redesign. It feels a bit jumbled, and finding specific stats isn’t as intuitive as it could be.
  • Target Audience: While it’s great for the average person, it feels more general in its approach and less tailored to athletes who need more granular activity tracking.

Final Thoughts
The Oura Ring is a solid choice if you’re looking to optimize sleep and stress management. It’s not perfect—especially for someone with a high-performance lifestyle—but it’s a great tool for gaining insights into your overall health.

If you’re considering getting an Oura Ring, you can save 10% by using my referral link:
👉 Click here for your Oura Ring discount!

Let me know your thoughts if you decide to get one! 😊

Alicia Bell IFBB Figure Pro
Alicia Bell - IFBB PRO

4 Benefits of Electrolytes

As a coach and kinesiologist, I often emphasize the importance of proper hydration and nutrition for optimal performance. One essential aspect of this is ensuring adequate electrolyte intake. Electrolytes—including sodium chloride, magnesium, and potassium—are minerals with an electrical charge that play a crucial role in our overall health. Here’s how they can benefit you:

Hydration:

Sodium plays a vital role in hydration—where sodium goes, water follows. Many people focus solely on drinking plain water but neglect electrolytes, which are essential for retaining hydration and maintaining balanced cell function. If you’re drinking plenty of water but still experiencing headaches or fatigue, it might be time to incorporate electrolytes into your routine. I also suggest aiming for 3-4L of water per day to ensure you’re staying properly hydrated.

On my coaching site, Train It Right, I often recommend personalized hydration strategies to help clients stay energized and perform at their best. By adding the right electrolytes to your plan, we can ensure your body functions optimally.

Stress Management:

Stress can wreak havoc on your body, and electrolytes, especially magnesium, are key to managing its effects. Known as the “anti-stress mineral,” magnesium helps regulate the body’s stress response. For my clients navigating high-stress periods, I often incorporate magnesium-rich foods and supplements to support their overall well-being.

Headache & Brain Fog Relief:

Headaches and brain fog can often be linked to an electrolyte imbalance. Magnesium and potassium are particularly helpful for addressing these issues. Through my coaching programs, I provide tailored recommendations to ensure you’re meeting your electrolyte needs, improving both mental clarity and physical performance.

Bloat Support:

Bloating can be frustrating, especially when it’s tied to hormonal shifts. Electrolytes can help by reducing water retention. I recommend options with lower sodium for those experiencing bloating during specific phases of their cycle. Together, we can create a plan that keeps you feeling light and confident.

Let’s Optimize Your Nutrition

Electrolytes are a vital part of achieving your fitness and health goals. If you’re ready to take your performance to the next level, let’s work together to customize a plan that meets your unique needs. Visit Train It Right to learn more about my coaching services and how I can help you train smarter, not harder.


A huge thank you to GoFit for sending me the Revolve Roller! Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using it regularly, and I’m absolutely loving the results. It’s been a game-changer for my recovery, helping me target tight muscles and improve mobility with ease. I’m so grateful for this amazing addition to my routine and highly recommend it to anyone looking to level up their recovery game. Thanks again, GoFit, for creating such an innovative and effective product!

Watch me try it out HERE!

This revolutionary roller lets YOU customize your recovery. Check out the Benefits of Foam Rolling + A Game-Changing Upgrade!

Foam rolling isn’t just a fitness trend it is a powerful tool for recovery and performance. Here’s why you should make it a part of your routine with the new GOFIT roller:

✨ Improves Circulation: Enhances blood flow, delivering nutrients and oxygen to your muscles.
✨ Releases Tension: Targets and relieves tight knots and trigger points.
✨ Boosts Recovery: Reduces soreness after workouts, helping you bounce back faster.
✨ Increases Flexibility: Prepares your muscles for optimal performance during workouts.

💡I LOVE THE REVOLVE Massage Roller!


✔️ Features 9 Adaptive Massage Rings in three sizes.
✔️ Offers superficial to deep tissue compression.
✔️ Adjustable ridged patterns target circulation and trigger point release.

How It Works:
Slide rings on and off to create limitless configurations tailored to YOUR needs. From pre-workout warm-ups to post-workout recovery, it’s the ultimate recovery tool!

Huge thanks to GoFit Fitness Equipment for sending me this innovative roller to review and try!