About Us

Rearing, Quality, and Certification

What is the difference between Free Run, Free Range, and Organic production?

Many customers are often confused by the terminology surrounding “Cage Free” production methods. These terms relate to differences in housing, environmental access, animal husbandry practices, and the type of feed used in rearing poultry and producing eggs.

What constitutes a Certified Organic Egg?

Organic eggs represent a farming choice that prioritizes animal welfare, health, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Certified organic eggs are produced:

• From cage-free hens that are free to range, nest, roost, dust bathe, and socialize.
• In accordance with a written set of standards verified by a third-party certifier.
• From hens fed certified organic grains and oil meals that do not contain animal by-products.
• The organic feed is grown on certified organic land without synthetic pesticides, hormones, steroids, antibiotics, chemical medications, or GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
• Without synthetic pigments.
• In an environment where animal welfare takes higher priority than producing the lowest cost product.
• Hens live on free-range, certified organic land with fresh, clean air, allowing them to express their instinctive behavior.

Do you practice debeaking on your hens?

As a rule, our farming practices do not include the debeaking of our hens. We strive to maintain a low-stress, humane, and calm environment for all flocks, which includes good access to food, water, and fresh air, mitigating the need for debeaking.

In rare cases where stress symptoms develop and hens exhibit persistent destructive behavior, we may consider debeaking as a last resort. This is done with great care and in consultation with advisors and our organic certifier, as we do not want our hens to suffer from self-inflicted behavior.

If debeaking is necessary, preventative action for the next flock may involve a process called beak treatment. This is a painless procedure done on one-day-old chicks where a laser is applied to the tip of the beak, causing it to fall off naturally in a few days. This helps mitigate destructive behavior from recurring.

Are your eggs fertilized?

We maintain a smaller flock of Heritage Hens with which we run roosters, and eggs from this Heritage flock are fertilized. Eggs from our larger production flocks are not fertilized.

Egg Characteristics and Storage

How do white eggs differ from brown eggs?

White-shelled eggs are produced by hens with white feathers and white ear lobes. Brown-shelled eggs are produced by hens with red feathers and red ear lobes. Brown egg layers are generally slightly larger and require more feed.

Why are there differences in yolk color?

Yolk color is dependent entirely on the hen’s diet. While customers perceive a deep yellow yolk as a sign of richness, the reality is that yolk color does not affect the nutritional value or the taste of the egg, a fact proven scientifically. However, we respect that color and texture are important to the eating experience.

• Color Factors: Today, many “deep yellow” yolks, even in non-certified free-range eggs, result from a red pigment (often a synthetic chemical dye) placed in the feed by grading companies to meet consumer expectations (measured on the Roche Scale, where a deep yellow is 9 or 10).
• Our Practices: Because we run multiple large flocks, we cannot always maintain lush green foliage for them to range on throughout the year. Due to recent organic feed price levels, our mix has had a higher proportion of wheat than corn. Reduced corn content decreases yolk yellowness. Corn prices are now decreasing, and we have increased the corn content. This change, combined with the more abundant greens available during summer, will naturally deepen our yolk colors. We may use natural pigments derived from organic paprika and marigolds at certain times of the year if colors fall below consumer expectation.

What are the string pieces in eggs?

The rope-like strands are called chalazae (Ka-Lay-Zee). They are a natural, edible part of the egg, not an imperfection or the beginning of an embryo. Their function is to keep the yolk centered in the thick white.

How should I store my eggs?

Eggs should be stored in their original carton in the refrigerator. They can keep for at least 5 to 6 weeks beyond the pack date. Storing them in the carton is important as eggs can absorb refrigerator odors. Quality loss is insignificant if the eggs are refrigerated immediately after purchase.

Are fertile eggs more nutritious?

Fertile eggs are not more nutritious than non-fertile eggs. They are also more expensive to produce and do not keep as well.

Cooking and Safety

Can I cook my eggs in a microwave?

You can safely scramble, fry, and poach eggs in the microwave. However, you should never cook an egg in its shell in the microwave, as the steam builds up so rapidly that the egg may explode.

How can I tell if an egg is fresh?

To test for freshness, place the egg in a bowl of water:

• A fresh egg will sink.
• A stale egg will float.

How can I tell if an egg is hardboiled?

To check if an egg is raw or hardboiled, simply spin the egg:

• As the internal liquids have set into a solid, a hard-boiled egg will easily spin.
• The moving liquids inside a raw egg will cause it to wobble.