GREEN BAY, Wis (WFRV) - The price of eggs in Wisconsin has reached new heights, with producers and consumers both feeling the effects of a significant shortage.  Avian influenza, or bird flu outbreaks have led to a reduction in the number of chickens available for egg production, causing a ripple effect throughout the state. Appleton’s Department of Public Health opens ‘Milk Depot’ to help pediatric patients in need Nancy A. Kellner, the manager of Kellner Back Acres, an organic egg producer, explained how these outbreaks have impacted their farm. "In September of 2024, we were supposed to get a new flock of 1,000 birds, but because of the bird flu, they didn’t have the birds," Kellner said. "So, we didn’t get a new flock until November, so that set us behind with egg production." For suppliers like Kellner Back Acres, if you can't get your new flock of birds you have to rely on older birds to lay eggs. Colder temperatures and older birds may slow the laying process down. "That set us behind with egg production because the old birds didn’t lay as many so it set us back a couple of months through the holidays," Kellner said. The demand for organic eggs has surged as fewer eggs are available, making it even harder for producers to meet the needs of consumers. At local grocery stores, the rising price of eggs is having a noticeable effect. Woodman's Dairy Section Manager Shaun Konran described the challenges faced by retailers. “With everything that’s been going on with the eggs lately, you got S&R that’s been raising prices lately. It’s been kind of hard," Konran said, "So we’ve been trying to order a little bit of the Phil’s right here, which are a little bit cheaper, so hopefully that helps.” Konran added that the ongoing bird flu crisis has probably only made matters worse. "I’m going to go with it because of the bird flu," Konran said. "Eggland’s Best had to kill or go through their cycle of chickens twice last year. Then with Milos being out now, it’s just kind of pounding on everything." The increase in prices is a direct result of a limited supply of eggs. Kellner remains hopeful that things will improve soon as new flocks arrive, but the situation has caused significant disruption for both producers and consumers. City of Appleton continues trend of yearly decreases in crime since 2020, down 33% in 2024 “Usually in January after the first of the year, things slow down. This week our orders doubled so I don’t know when it will slow down,” Kellner said. As the egg shortage continues, it’s uncertain when prices will return to normal. But for now, Wisconsin residents can expect to pay more for eggs as producers work to catch up on production.