{"id":42315,"date":"2024-12-20T14:02:51","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T20:02:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/?page_id=42315"},"modified":"2026-04-14T16:26:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T21:26:03","slug":"egg-farming-today","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/","title":{"rendered":"Egg Farming Today"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"page-header-block_c64d3eb34e3d3ffe5b15bc0d284e25db\" class=\"content-block page-header  page-header--overlay\">\n\n    \n    <div class=\"page-header__content-wrapper\">\n\n      <div class=\"page-header__content\">\n        <div class=\"page-header__text\">\n          <h1>There\u2019s an egg for everyone.<\/h1>\n                  <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2100\" height=\"963\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-header-lo-2.gif\" class=\"page-header__image\" alt=\"You have options.\" \/>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<style>\n.grid-carousel__cell-content .text-block a {\ncolor: #fff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"image-box-block_cdc51a70063743157ce5502b585af193\" class=\"content-block\">\n\n  \n  <div class=\"image-box  image-box--tall\">\n\n    <div class=\"image-box__image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/farmstory-hands.webp);\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"image-box__text\">\n      <h2 class=\"image-box__headline\">OK, but which egg\u2019s the best?<\/h2><h4>We get this question a lot. Here\u2019s the good news: all of them.<\/h4>\n<p>Seriously, eggs are a miracle of nature. So much utility and versatility in one little package! And with the variety of eggs produced in the U.S., there\u2019s a delicious, nutritious option to fit every need and preference.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-group wp-block-wrapper content-block text-block content-container--lg\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-wrapper content-block text-block content-container--lg \">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Egg farming is a business.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>When you buy the kind of eggs that are right for you and your family, you contribute to egg farmers\u2019 livelihoods. Your purchases also influence how farmers invest in their businesses for future egg production.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>On average, there are about 300 million laying hens in this country\u2014that\u2019s nearly one hen for every American.<sup>1<\/sup> Those birds lay about 96 billion eggs annually.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>That\u2019s <em>billion<\/em> with a \u201cb.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1097\" height=\"761\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-bowl.jpg\" alt=\"illustration of a bowl of eggs. the bowl has the USDA and FDA logos on the side.\" class=\"wp-image-42405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-bowl.jpg 1097w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-bowl-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-bowl-1024x710.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-bowl-768x533.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1097px) 100vw, 1097px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>America\u2019s egg farmers work hard to meet people\u2019s needs, producing enough eggs to feed all the egg lovers in our country and beyond. And, at the same time, the U.S. egg industry sets the standard for egg quality, making responsible choices, and coming up with innovative ways to constantly improve and evolve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>Different egg farmers use <a href=\"#housing\">different methods<\/a>, giving you great options, but every type of egg production requires a combination of two basic things: care and the careful application of agriscience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>The fact that you don\u2019t have to think twice about whether any eggs you choose are wholesome and safe is a direct result of the commitment of the people behind the carton. Those farmers are there every day, looking after their hens, working with the USDA and FDA, and using the best of human know-how and modern technology to deliver top-quality food.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>And <em>that\u2019s<\/em> why we\u2019re so confident when we say, <strong>all eggs are the best egg<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-group wp-block-wrapper content-block text-block content-container--lg\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-wrapper content-block text-block content-container--lg \">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about which egg\u2019s best in terms of nutrition?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for nutrition, you came to the right place! Eggs are so nutritious they\u2019ve even been called \u201cnature\u2019s multivitamin.\u201d<sup>3<\/sup> Now, <a href=\"#faq-eggshell-color\">eggshells can be different colors<\/a> depending on the breed of hen that laid them, and <a href=\"#faq-yolk-color\">some yolks may be a little more yellow or a deeper orange<\/a> than others\u2014you can even get eggs that have higher levels of certain nutrients, such as vitamin D or omega-3s, that have been increased through the hen&#8217;s feed\u2014but all eggs are amazingly nutritious.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p><strong>Eggs are one of the highest quality proteins available.<\/strong> It\u2019s so high that food scientists often use eggs as the standard to assess the protein quality of <em>other<\/em> foods.<sup>4,5<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>You know your body has to have protein\u2014it\u2019s a macronutrient that is essential to maintain health. Well, eggs\u2014<em>real<\/em> eggs, that is\u2014are a \u201ccomplete protein.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1450\" height=\"1645\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/egg-nutrients.png\" alt=\"an egg with a list of nutrients on it\" class=\"wp-image-42368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/egg-nutrients.png 1450w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/egg-nutrients-264x300.png 264w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/egg-nutrients-903x1024.png 903w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/egg-nutrients-768x871.png 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/egg-nutrients-1354x1536.png 1354w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1450px) 100vw, 1450px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>See, protein is made up of amino acids. And some amino acids are called \u201cessential.\u201d They\u2019re the ones\u2014nine to be exact\u2014that your body needs but can\u2019t produce itself, so you have to get them from your food.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>The term \u201ccomplete protein\u201d means a food that has <strong><em>every single essential amino acid in it<\/em><\/strong>, and guess what? Real eggs from real chickens give you all <em>nine<\/em> of those essential amino acids.<sup>6<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>What\u2019s more, the amino acids in eggs are \u201cbioavailable,\u201d meaning that our bodies can readily and fully digest and absorb these amino acids so they can help support things like bone and muscle health.<sup>7,8<\/sup> In fact, eggs are considered one of the most bioavailable sources of protein out there.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>That\u2019s what high-quality protein means: all the essential amino acids in a perfect package that our bodies can utilize. Real eggs provide one of the highest quality proteins available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>So, if you want amazing taste, texture, performance, <em>and<\/em> nutrition, <strong>you really can\u2019t pick a wrong egg. It\u2019s just not possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"image-box-block_72de9c78d04ecc1695518ca792e99a55\" class=\"content-block\">\n\n  \n  <div class=\"image-box  image-box--reversed image-box--cornered\">\n\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-hand-carton.jpg\" class=\"image-box__image\" alt=\"a customer picks up a carton of eggs at the grocery story\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-hand-carton.jpg 2121w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-hand-carton-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-hand-carton-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-hand-carton-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-hand-carton-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-hand-carton-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\" \/>\n    <div class=\"image-box__text\">\n      <h2>Yes, <em>and<\/em>\u2026you still have options.<\/h2>\n<h4>You may be thinking, if all eggs are similar, why are different kinds of eggs even available?<\/h4>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>The short answer is because different people want different things. America\u2019s egg farmers offer eggs that use <a href=\"#housing\">different production processes<\/a>, eggs from hens that are fed different diets to give them higher amounts of egg nutrients such as <a href=\"#faq-nutritionally-enriched\">Vitamin D<\/a> or <a href=\"#faq-nutritionally-enriched\">Omega-3<\/a>, eggs from different breeds of hens that lay eggs with <a href=\"#faq-eggshell-color\">different shell colors<\/a>, or with yolks that are little more yellow or a deeper orange than others, and different sizes of eggs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>We think variety is a good thing. And this website exists to celebrate this remarkable food we all love while giving you the information you need to make the most of all your egg options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>Real eggs provide real value and feed millions of real people. This country\u2019s egg farmers are proud to produce a wholesome, versatile food that packs exceptional nutrition into a very small package. In fact, nearly 90% of Americans have bought eggs in the past year, and we think that\u2019s pretty incredible.<sup>9<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"carousel-block_e6136baf1fedb78753cf2af4ca1d55df\" class=\"content-block carousel-block  carousel-block--wide\">\n\n  \n      <div class=\"carousel\">\n      <div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Eggs without added hormones\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>NO hormones. Ever.<\/h3>\n<p>This is important. <strong>America&#8217;s egg farmers never give hormones to their hens or chicks.<\/strong><sup>10,11<\/sup> All animals have naturally occurring hormones, so it\u2019s impossible to say that egg-laying hens are &#8220;hormone-free,&#8221; but they are <em>never given<\/em> hormones. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explicitly prohibits hormone use in all U.S. egg-laying hens and chicks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/farmstory-slide-1-5.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"four eggs on a white background\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/farmstory-slide-1-5.webp 2000w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/farmstory-slide-1-5-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/farmstory-slide-1-5-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/farmstory-slide-1-5-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/farmstory-slide-1-5-1536x1024.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>Antibiotics are used sparingly, responsibly, and safely.<\/h3>\n<p>Egg farmers are egg eaters, too, and we\u2019re not going to feed <em>your<\/em> family anything we wouldn\u2019t feed our own. The vast majority of laying hens never receive antibiotics, but like all animals, chickens can get sick. When necessary, egg farmers are allowed to use two FDA-approved antibiotics to treat and control specific illnesses in their hens.<sup>12<\/sup> The government regularly conducts tests on animal-sourced food products to ensure that they don\u2019t pose a threat to human health. <strong>Zero antibiotics used to treat and control disease in hens have been detected in eggs over the past several years of this testing.<\/strong><sup>12,13<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"a dozen eggs at the grocery check out\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-2.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>What makes egg prices go up or down in the grocery store?<\/h3>\n<p>Most of the things that cause egg prices to increase or decrease are outside the egg farmer&#8217;s control. In fact, egg farmers are price takers, not price makers. Egg prices go up and down\u2014they can be unpredictable and that can be frustrating. This is because eggs are sold on wholesale markets similar to the commodity markets that sell corn and wheat, so, in most cases, egg farmers don\u2019t set the wholesale prices for eggs. Farming can be a tough business, and it\u2019s actually not uncommon for eggs to be sold for near or, in cases, even below what it costs the farmer to produce them.<sup>12<\/sup> The wholesale price of eggs mostly depends on things like supply, customer demand, and supply chain challenges\u2014like when the cost of feed, labor, or transportation go up. Other things, like animal diseases, such as \u201c<a href=\"#faq-hpai\">bird flu<\/a>,\u201d can also impact the egg supply and drive up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ams.usda.gov\/mnreports\/ams_3725.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prices<\/a>.<sup>14,15<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-4.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"a customer picks up a carton of eggs at the grocery story\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-4.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-4-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>So how does egg pricing work?<\/h3>\n<p>Eggs are sold wholesale to customers like grocers, restaurants and food manufacturers (who use them as an ingredient). Those customers ultimately determine the final price you pay for eggs. When the wholesale price goes down or up, that may impact the price the retailer sells those eggs for. Decisions by retailers on how to market eggs as a part of overall store sales and promotions may also impact the store price.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"18 eggs in different natural hues\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-3.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-slide-1-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>The color of the eggshell doesn\u2019t indicate nutritional value.<\/h3>\n<p>Every egg\u2014no matter what color the shell is or how the hen that laid it was raised\u2014has almost identical nutritional content. That is, unless the package says they\u2019re nutritionally enhanced (that\u2019s done by adding special nutrients to chicken feed). Organic eggs can be both white and brown, but contrary to popular opinion, not all brown eggs are organic.<\/p>\n<p>Fun fact: you can tell what color egg a hen will lay by looking at the color of the hen&#8217;s earlobe. Hens with white earlobes lay white eggs, while hens with red or brown earlobes lay brown eggs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div id=\"housing\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"image-box-block_843e05abea5ea7121206db3a3e8b38d8\" class=\"content-block\">\n\n  \n  <div class=\"image-box  image-box--tall\">\n\n    <div class=\"image-box__image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-aerial-farm.jpg);\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"image-box__text\">\n      <h2 class=\"image-box__headline\">How Hens Are Housed<\/h2><p>There are lots of different types of egg farms with different hen housing methods, but they all have one thing in common: the health and wellbeing of the flock is every egg farmer\u2019s top priority.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/how-hens-are-housed\/\" class=\"primary-button\" target=\"_self\">Learn More<\/a>    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"image-box-block_52fc9bb956b5b7afceb58ee5a6bb8f6a\" class=\"image-box-grid content-block  image-box-grid--tall\">\n  \n    <div class=\"image-box-grid__cols image-box-grid__cols--two\">\n        <div class=\"image-box-grid__col\">\n      <div class=\"image-box image-box--gridded\">\n\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farming-story-conventional.jpg\" class=\"image-box__image\" alt=\"Hen housing standard\u00a0\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farming-story-conventional.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farming-story-conventional-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farming-story-conventional-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farming-story-conventional-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <div class=\"image-box__text\">\n          <h3>Standard or Conventional Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>Conventional eggs are the standard eggs you find on the grocery shelf that are simply labeled &#8220;eggs.&#8221;<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/standard-or-conventional-eggs\/\" class=\"primary-button--condensed\" target=\"_self\">Learn More<\/a>        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"image-box-grid__col\">\n      <div class=\"image-box image-box--gridded\">\n\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-cage-free.jpg\" class=\"image-box__image\" alt=\"Cage-free hen housing\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-cage-free.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-cage-free-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-cage-free-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-cage-free-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <div class=\"image-box__text\">\n          <h3>Cage-Free Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>Cage-free hen housing is regulated by the USDA.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/cage-free-eggs\/\" class=\"primary-button--condensed\" target=\"_self\">Learn More<\/a>        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"image-box-grid__col\">\n      <div class=\"image-box image-box--gridded\">\n\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-free-range.jpg\" class=\"image-box__image\" alt=\"Free-range hen housing\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-free-range.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-free-range-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-free-range-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-free-range-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <div class=\"image-box__text\">\n          <h3>Free-Range Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>Free-range production is regulated by the USDA. The chickens are cage free <em>and<\/em> have access to the outdoors.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/free-range-eggs\/\" class=\"primary-button--condensed\" target=\"_self\">Learn More<\/a>        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"image-box-grid__col\">\n      <div class=\"image-box image-box--gridded\">\n\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-pasture-raised.jpg\" class=\"image-box__image\" alt=\"Pasture-raised hen housing\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-pasture-raised.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-pasture-raised-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-pasture-raised-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-pasture-raised-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/>\n        <div class=\"image-box__text\">\n          <h3>Pasture-Raised Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>Pasture-raised eggs are laid by hens who can roam and forage on a maintained pasture area during the day and shelter indoors at night and during poor weather.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/pasture-raised-eggs\/\" class=\"primary-button--condensed\" target=\"_self\">Learn More<\/a>        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"image-box-block_56f0c93724ae90c1335dc3a0d6f17f63\" class=\"content-block\">\n\n  \n  <div class=\"image-box  image-box--tall\">\n\n    <div class=\"image-box__image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/farming-story-common-terms-shifted.jpg);\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"image-box__text\">\n      <h2 class=\"image-box__headline\">Other Common Egg Terms <\/h2><h4>Here are some short definitions for common terms found on egg cartons.<\/h4>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"carousel-block_095fb5e58b68907547f4937e93b77343\" class=\"content-block carousel-block  carousel-block--wide\">\n\n  \n      <div class=\"carousel\">\n      <div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1962\" height=\"1314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-10.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"illustration of egg carton with USDA Organic logo on it\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-10.png 1962w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-10-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-10-1024x686.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-10-768x514.png 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-10-1536x1029.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1962px) 100vw, 1962px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>USDA Certified Organic Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>These are eggs from uncaged chickens with some access to the outdoors that are also fed a completely vegetarian diet consisting of certified organic grain. Although all organic eggs come from uncaged hens with access to the outdoors, just being from free-range or pasture-raised hens doesn\u2019t automatically qualify eggs as organic.<sup>32<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1962\" height=\"1314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-09.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"illustration of egg carton with &quot;omega 3&quot; written on it\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-09.png 1962w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-09-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-09-1024x686.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-09-768x514.png 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-09-1536x1029.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1962px) 100vw, 1962px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>Omega-3 Enriched Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>These are eggs that have higher levels of Omega-3 because the farmer added Omega-3-rich ingredients like flaxseed, algae, or fish oils to the hens\u2019 feed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1962\" height=\"1314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-11.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"illustration of egg carton with &quot;vitamin d&quot; written on it\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-11.png 1962w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-11-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-11-1024x686.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-11-768x514.png 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-11-1536x1029.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1962px) 100vw, 1962px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>Vitamin Enhanced Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>These eggs are laid by hens whose diets are nutritionally fortified and might include things like alfalfa and sea kelp to produce eggs with even more vitamin content.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1962\" height=\"1314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-12.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"illustration of egg carton with &quot;vegetarian&quot; written on it\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-12.png 1962w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-12-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-12-1024x686.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-12-768x514.png 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-12-1536x1029.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1962px) 100vw, 1962px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>Vegetarian Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>Poultry nutritionists formulate chicken feed, which is generally a mix of corn and soybean meal, but that can have other ingredients, including fish oil. Certified animal nutritionists formulate chicken feed, which is generally a mix of corn and soybean meal. It is also not uncommon for chicken feed to contain some animal-source ingredients, like bone meal, which provide important nutrients like calcium that the hens need. A carton of eggs labeled \u201cvegetarian\u201d means that the chicken was fed a diet that didn\u2019t contain any animal by-products.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1962\" height=\"1314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-13.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"illustration of egg carton with &quot;100% natural&quot; written on it\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-13.png 1962w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-13-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-13-1024x686.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-13-768x514.png 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-13-1536x1029.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1962px) 100vw, 1962px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>100% Natural Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>ALL eggs meet the criteria for 100% natural, which means nothing artificial (e.g., flavorings, brines, coloring) was added to the egg.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1962\" height=\"1314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/web_illustrations_final-16.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"illustration of egg carton with the words &quot;Grade AA&quot; on it\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/web_illustrations_final-16.png 1962w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/web_illustrations_final-16-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/web_illustrations_final-16-1024x686.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/web_illustrations_final-16-768x514.png 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/web_illustrations_final-16-1536x1029.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1962px) 100vw, 1962px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>USDA Grade AA, A, or B Eggs<\/h3>\n<p>Nearly all of the eggs you\u2019ll find in the store are grade \u201cAA\u201d or \u201cA\u201d eggs. \u201cAA\u201d eggs are the highest quality\u2014based on thickness\/firmness of the white and height\/roundness of the yolk, and no abnormalities or exterior blemishes to the shell. \u201cA\u201d are only slightly less high in quality. Grade \u201cB\u201d eggs may not always be the best looking\u2014and they\u2019re not commonly sold in stores\u2014but these are good eggs and they\u2019re often used as an ingredient in other foods.<sup>33<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div><div class=\"carousel__slide\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1962\" height=\"1314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-15-1.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"illustration of egg sizes\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-15-1.png 1962w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-15-1-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-15-1-1024x686.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-15-1-768x514.png 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/web_illustrations_final-15-1-1536x1029.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1962px) 100vw, 1962px\" \/><div class=\"text-block\"><h3>Jumbo, Extra Large, Large, Etc.<\/h3>\n<p>These USDA weight class designations are the most common ones you\u2019ll find in the store. They\u2019re determined by the total weight of a dozen, not by how big an egg looks.<\/p>\n<p>Occasionally, a store will also carry \u201cMedium\u201d eggs, and you may find other sizes outside of the traditional grocery\u2014like at a farmer\u2019s market\u2014such as \u201cSmall\u201d and even \u201cPeewee.\u201d Smaller eggs are laid by young hens that have just begun laying eggs. As the hens mature, their eggs get larger.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-group wp-block-wrapper content-block text-block content-container--lg\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Egg\u2019s Journey to You&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>Here\u2019s a look at what goes into bringing eggs to market.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Egg-Production-Infographic.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"4711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Egg-Production-Infographic.png\" alt=\"infographic titled &quot;Eggs, from hens to homes&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-42393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Egg-Production-Infographic.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Egg-Production-Infographic-122x300.png 122w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Egg-Production-Infographic-417x1024.png 417w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Egg-Production-Infographic-768x1884.png 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Egg-Production-Infographic-626x1536.png 626w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Egg-Production-Infographic-835x2048.png 835w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"image-box-block_0c55aae7aa1f064610a2179681931dbd\" class=\"content-block\">\n\n  \n  <div class=\"image-box  image-box--tall\">\n\n    <div class=\"image-box__image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/farming-story-comparing-proteins-3.webp);\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"image-box__text\">\n      <h2 class=\"image-box__headline\">Eggs Are a Climate-Friendly Food<\/h2><p>If you\u2019ve ever wondered where eggs rank in terms of environmental sustainability compared to other animal- and plant-source proteins, have a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/eggs-are-a-climate-friendly-food\/\" rel=\"noopener\">this chart<\/a>.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/eggs-are-a-climate-friendly-food\/\" class=\"primary-button\" target=\"_self\">View Chart<\/a>    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-wrapper content-block text-block content-container--lg \">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Four Ways Egg Farmers Care for the Environment<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>Being rated one of the most sustainable high-quality proteins doesn\u2019t just happen. It takes careful management of natural resources. The four pillars of egg farmers\u2019 environmental stewardship are <strong>water management, land management, management of greenhouse gas emissions, and management of hen health and care<\/strong>. Eggs are a climate-friendly animal protein,<sup>34,35<\/sup> which means the egg industry puts relatively low pressure on land and water resources, and egg production releases a relatively low amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-silhouette-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"a hand holding an egg silhouetted against the sky\" class=\"wp-image-42399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-silhouette-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-silhouette-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-silhouette-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-silhouette.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-wrapper content-block text-block content-container--lg \">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-globe-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"an illustrated egg with the earth on it\" class=\"wp-image-42397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-globe-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-globe-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-globe-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-globe.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Better All the Time<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>For the past 50 years, America\u2019s egg farmers have been working hard at reducing the industry\u2019s carbon footprint and water and feed consumption, and it shows. Working together, the egg industry\u2019s been able to cut greenhouse emissions by 71%, water use by 32%, and feed consumption by more than half.<sup>20<\/sup> But egg farmers will never stop looking for better, more sustainable and productive ways to do things. Every year, egg farmers are applying some of the best new ideas coming out of universities, the tech world, and egg farms themselves to improve all aspects of the egg production business.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-wrapper content-block text-block content-container--lg \">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Today\u2019s Productivity Would\u2019ve Been Hard to Imagine 50 Years Ago<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>By using the best of human know-how and modern technology, egg farmers produce enough eggs to feed our whole nation of 335 million people! That kind of productivity would\u2019ve been unimaginable just a few decades back. We can credit major breakthroughs in animal nutrition, breeding, disease prevention, housing, and equipment with the safe, abundant supply of eggs we enjoy today. But what\u2019s really gotten us to this point is egg farmers\u2019 dedication to constant advances in how they farm and care for the environment and their hens. It\u2019s a commitment to improvement that\u2019s been generations in the making and is permanently ingrained in this industry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-modern-egg-farm-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"inside today's egg farm\" class=\"wp-image-42398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-modern-egg-farm-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-modern-egg-farm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-modern-egg-farm-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-modern-egg-farm.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"accordions-block-block_181f5533ff41d2940cc3d0fada224fe7\" class=\"content-block accordions-block \">\n\n  <h2 class=\"accordions-block__headline\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>  <div class=\"accordion-group\"><h3 class=\"accordion-group__headline\"><span>Hormones<\/span><\/h3><div class=\"accordion-group__items\"><dl class=\"faq js-faq\">\n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Do farmers give hormones to egg-laying hens?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>No. America&#8217;s egg farmers do not give hormones to their hens <strong><em>or<\/em><\/strong> chicks. In fact, using hormones with egg-laying hens and chicks has been banned by the U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration (FDA) for more than half a century. Because all animals have naturally occurring hormones, we can\u2019t say hens are &#8220;hormone-free&#8221;, but they\u2019re never given hormones. Also, according to FDA regulations, no additives or colors can ever be added to eggs.<sup>10,11,36<\/sup><\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        <\/dl><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group\"><h3 class=\"accordion-group__headline\"><span>Antibiotics<\/span><\/h3><div class=\"accordion-group__items\"><dl class=\"faq js-faq\">\n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Do egg farmers use antibiotics?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Egg farmers use antibiotics sparingly, responsibly, and safely.<\/p>\n<p>Even though egg farms are designed and maintained to keep hens in good health, chickens\u2014like all animals\u2014can occasionally get sick. When that happens, the farmer can opt to treat the hen with an FDA-approved antibiotic that targets the specific illness. There are two antibiotics the FDA has approved for use in treating and controlling illness in laying hens, and there are strict regulations around their use to ensure that they won\u2019t have any negative impact on human health.<sup>12<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>The vast majority of laying hens never receive antibiotics.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/do-egg-farmers-use-antibiotics\/\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        <\/dl><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group\"><h3 class=\"accordion-group__headline\"><span>Hen Housing<\/span><\/h3><div class=\"accordion-group__items\"><dl class=\"faq js-faq\">\n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >What kind of egg production is best? <\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>One way of egg farming is not better than another\u2014they\u2019re just different approaches for how to balance productivity, cost, use of natural resources, and hen care. Each type of hen housing has different challenges when it comes to the health and safety of the hens, the impact on the environment, and affordability of eggs. When you\u2019re standing at the egg case in your grocery store, you have options\u2014and the more you know about them, the easier it is to decide which eggs are right for you.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >What does \u201ccage-free\u201d mean?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Cage free means that the hens aren\u2019t in cages, but it doesn\u2019t mean that the chickens are running around outside. On cage-free egg farms, hens live inside barns where they have protection from predators (like foxes, weasels, and hawks) and extreme weather. They have the freedom to move around the barn with other hens and have food, water, scratch areas, perches, and nests they can use. This type of environment is also referred to as \u201cfree roaming.\u201d Ten states have passed cage-free laws or regulations, usually requiring a minimum of 1 square foot of floor space per hen excluding space allocated for nesting boxes.<sup>28<\/sup> Some people mistakenly describe cage-free barns as &#8220;crowded,&#8221; without understanding that the birds have more than enough space to engage in their natural behaviors. The hens do, however, tend to flock. \u201cBirds of a feather&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cage-free housing is more cost-intensive for farmers than caged housing because it\u2019s more labor intensive to collect eggs and because hens can get injured more easily. Maybe you\u2019ve heard of \u201cthe pecking order\u201d? It\u2019s natural that, when hens are sharing space, they often peck each other to establish social order.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >What does \u201cfree range\u201d mean?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Free-range chickens, like cage-free chickens, can roam around inside a building, room, or open area where they have nesting space and perches. But, unlike eggs labeled \u201ccage free,&#8221; free-range hens also have access to the outdoors. This means that free-range hens may have a more diverse diet when they can forage for wild plants and insects. Of course, being outside the barn also means that the birds are more susceptible to predator attacks and extreme weather. The size of the outdoor space for free-range farming isn\u2019t regulated and varies between farms and the space, itself, might be pasture or a yard with a gravel or a concrete surface. Certified Humane\u00ae defines \u201cfree range\u201d as having at least 6 hours of outdoor access and a minimum of two square feet of outdoor space per bird.<sup>29,30<\/sup><\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >What does \u201cpasture raised\u201d mean?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Pasture-raised eggs are laid by hens that can roam and forage on a maintained pasture during the day and that shelter indoors at night and during poor weather. Pasture-raised hens tend to have the most space per hen of any housing environment, though this is not regulated. They also have a more diverse diet, since they\u2019re able to forage for bugs, grass, and plants that supplement their primary diet of chicken feed. Pasture-raised eggs usually cost more because this housing environment is labor intensive for the farmer and requires more land, with smaller flocks and a lower volume of eggs and significant loss of birds to predators. \u00a0While the pasture-raised label is not regulated by the USDA, third-party certifications like \u201cCertified Humane Pasture Raised\u201d have specific requirements they verify. Being \u201cpasture-raised\u201d is not the same thing as being \u201c<a href=\"#faq-organic\">organic<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >What\u2019s the difference between free-range and pasture-raised eggs?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Free-range and pasture-raised eggs are both laid by hens that have access to the outdoors. They eat chicken feed and can also forage for insects and wild plants. The main difference between them is that free-range chickens are kept in a barn with access to the outdoors, while pasture-raised chickens are raised on an open pasture with access to shelter.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\"  id=\"faq-organic\">What does \u201cUSDA Certified Organic\u201d mean?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>All USDA Certified Organic eggs come from uncaged chickens with some access to the outdoors, but there\u2019s more to this designation than just the type of hen housing that\u2019s used. For eggs to be certified organic, they must also be from hens that are fed an organic diet of feed that\u2019s produced without conventional pesticides or fertilizers.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >What\u2019s an \u201cenriched colony\u201d?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Enriched colony is a type of hen housing that isn\u2019t very common in the U.S. Odds are you won\u2019t see it on a carton label, but some farms do use this specific style. Enriched-colony hens live in small groups in larger cages that include \u201cenrichments\u201d like perch space, dust bathing, or scratch areas. Being raised in smaller groups helps reduce the hens&#8217; natural \u201cpecking order\u201d aggressions that can lead to injuries, but the hens are still caged, so they don\u2019t move freely around the barn.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >What are standard or conventional white or brown eggs?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>These eggs are laid by hens living in cages that serve as nesting spaces. The cages are designed to make it easy to care for the hens and collect their eggs. Chickens can be aggressive, pecking each other to establish social order, and the cages significantly reduce that. Cages also allow for better sanitation and make it easier for farmers to monitor each hen\u2019s health. However, these cages don\u2019t afford the hens room to roam around or fully spread their wings and they don\u2019t have access to the outdoors or engage in natural behaviors like dust bathing or foraging. Specific standards for caged hen housing are set by third-party certification programs and by state laws. More than 90% of U.S. egg production falls under a United Egg Producers (UEP) certification program.<sup>37<\/sup> UEP certification for conventional housing specifies 6-7 hens per cage and 67-86 sq inches per hen.<sup>27<\/sup><\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Is the egg industry working to end the practice of raising hens in cages?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>For every type of egg you find in the store, providing excellent care for the hens that laid them is that egg farmer&#8217;s priority\u2014these birds are their livelihoods\u2014and America\u2019s egg farmers are committed to providing whatever kinds of eggs people want and are willing to buy.<\/p>\n<p>In partnership with their business customers (grocers, restaurants, and food manufacturers) and to comply with changes to some state laws, many egg farmers have already or are currently transitioning their farms to expand the supply of cage-free eggs. Converting to or building new cage-free barns is the single largest investment an egg farmer will ever make, and farmers are making these investments responsibly and in line with actual consumer demand. In fact, the cage-free supply has increased by more than 430% in the past decade,<sup>38<\/sup> and today there are more than enough cage-free eggs available to meet consumer and customer demand.<sup>38,39,40<\/sup> At the current rate of growth, cage-free eggs will remain plentiful in the coming years for anyone who wants them.<sup>41<\/sup><\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Why are some hens raised inside? Isn\u2019t it better for hens to be raised outside?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Each type of hen housing has its own benefits and challenges when it comes to the health and safety of the hens, the impact on the environment, and affordability of eggs. The benefits of raising hens outdoors are obvious\u2014fresh air, sunshine, grass for foraging and generally more room to move around and engage in natural behaviors. But there are also significant benefits to raising hens inside. For instance, the farmer can keep them safe from extreme weather, possible introduction of diseases (like <a href=\"#faq-hpai\">bird flu<\/a>), and predators (like hawks and foxes)\u2014and it\u2019s easier (i.e., less labor-intensive) to collect their eggs. Farmers who raise chickens inside can also keep their hens cool in hot climates and warm in cold climates, and it\u2019s easier to see when a hen is sick and needs veterinary attention.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Shopping the egg case is confusing with all the different terms that are used. How do I know which eggs are the best choice for me? <\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>There are a lot of options when it comes to eggs, and we consider that a big benefit to people who eat eggs. Not only are eggs abundant in this country, but having different types to choose from means you can select exactly the right egg for you based on your own budget and priorities. Whether you choose the eggs with the lowest price, those with a particular designation like <a href=\"#faq-organic\">organic<\/a>, or prefer the eggs that come from hens that aren\u2019t caged and live outdoors, they\u2019re all there for you. We\u2019ve created this website to help you understand the terminology you see on egg cartons so that you can decide what features and benefits matter most to you. Whichever eggs you choose, you should know that all eggs produced by America\u2019s egg farmers have a very similar combination of nutritional benefits. Not only are all eggs nutrient-rich, but unless they\u2019ve been enhanced (as with Omega-3 being added to the hens\u2019 feed so that the eggs they lay contain Omega-3), all eggs have the same essential nutrients, which, in addition to high-quality protein, include phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and all essential trace elements including copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        <\/dl><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group\"><h3 class=\"accordion-group__headline\"><span>Eggshell Color<\/span><\/h3><div class=\"accordion-group__items\"><dl class=\"faq js-faq\">\n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\"  id=\"faq-eggshell-color\">What does the color of an eggshell mean?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Different breeds of hens lay eggs with different color eggshells. The color of the shell\u2014brown or white, for example\u2014doesn\u2019t indicate that the egg inside has different nutrients or even a different taste profile than an egg with a different color shell. All eggs are virtually identical in taste and nutritional value.<sup>42<\/sup> Usually, white hens lay white eggs and red or brown hens lay brown eggs, which are the two most common colors of eggshell. However, different breeds of chicken lay cream, pink, blue, green, or speckled eggs, which have the same nutritional content unless the package says they are nutritionally enhanced.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\"  id=\"faq-yolk-color\">Why do some eggs have a darker yolk?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>The color of an egg yolk depends on the hen\u2019s diet. Recently, there\u2019s been a trend toward people wanting yolks with a deeper orange color, which is often achieved by adding marigold petals or red pepper to the chicken feed. Whether dark orange, light orange, or pale creamy color, the color of the yolk does not affect the egg&#8217;s basic nutritional value, with the exception of the presence of pigments called carotenoids. Carotenoids are what produce the bright yellow, red and orange colors in plants, vegetables and fruits. Most egg yolks in the U.S. are bright yellow or yellow-orange due to the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin that typically come from the corn in the hens\u2019 diet.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >What colors are normal on the inside of an egg?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>A variation in color and appearance on the inside of different eggs is generally normal. Here\u2019s an explanation of what you might see.<sup>43<\/sup><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>A cloudy egg white<\/strong> indicates the egg is very, very fresh. The cloudiness is due to naturally occurring levels of carbon dioxide when an egg is laid.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The white, cordlike strands of egg white<\/strong> are called the chalazae. The chalazae anchor the yolk in place, and the more visible they are, the fresher the egg is. Chalazae don\u2019t interfere with the cooking or beating of the white and so they don\u2019t need to be taken out.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lighter or darker yellow yolks<\/strong> are influenced by pigments in hen feed. Hens fed wheat and barley produce eggs with lighter color yolks, and hens fed green plants, corn, and alfalfa produce eggs with darker color yolks. The yolk color doesn\u2019t indicate hen health or significant nutritional differences, and it doesn\u2019t have any relationship to egg quality, flavor, cooking characteristics, or shell thickness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A red spot near the yolk indicates a blood or meat spot.<\/strong> This is caused by the rupture of a small blood vessel around the yolk at the time of ovulation, or the presence of tissue when the egg is being formed. These eggs are completely safe to eat with proper cooking.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A green ring on a hard-cooked yolk<\/strong> is the result of overcooking. The green color is caused by sulfur and iron compound reactions on the yolk surface. Hard-cooked eggs can also have black or brown spots on the albumen (egg white) from overcooking or burning. Discoloration due to overcooking doesn\u2019t impact food safety and these eggs are safe to eat.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spoiled eggs are indicated by off-color egg whites (and often a bad smell).<\/strong> Most egg whites are clear, but if an egg white is pink or iridescent it\u2019s an indication of spoilage due to Pseudomonas bacteria. The egg may also be spoiled if the egg white is greenish, so don\u2019t eat an egg that has those tints to it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        <\/dl><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group\"><h3 class=\"accordion-group__headline\"><span>Environment<\/span><\/h3><div class=\"accordion-group__items\"><dl class=\"faq js-faq\">\n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Are eggs considered a sustainable food?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Yes, they are. America\u2019s egg farmers take the stewardship of their land extremely seriously and are constantly improving farming and egg production practices to minimize environmental impact. The World Resources Institute ranked egg production as having a \u201clow environmental impact\u201d in line with plant-based proteins and lower than other animal-source proteins except fish.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >How does egg production impact the environment?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Eggs are a \u201cclimate-friendly protein.\u201d America\u2019s egg farmers carefully manage water, land, and emissions, as well as hen health and habitation\u2014all factors that contribute to the sustainability of eggs. Careful oversight of these resources has made eggs one of the most sustainable and accessible high-quality animal proteins. Over the past 50 years, the egg industry has reduced its environmental footprint by improving every single aspect of the egg production process\u2014from increased feed efficiency to improvements in hen housing and manure management. Egg farms now use less water and energy on a daily basis and release fewer emissions than ever before. Due to innovation and advancements, it only took 18% more hens to meet the demands of a U.S. population that grew a whopping 72% over the same 5-year period.<sup>20<\/sup><\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >How is the egg industry minimizing its environmental impact?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>A landmark study by the Egg Industry Center located at Iowa State University comparing U.S. egg production in 2010 to the industry in 1960 showed that America\u2019s egg farmers have made a lot of progress in reducing their environmental footprint, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 71%, water use by 32%, and feed consumption by more than half.<sup>20<\/sup><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Feed efficiency<\/strong> plays a big role in reducing environmental impact. Because of advancements in nutrition and bird breeding, young hens now require 48% less food during the rearing period than they did in 1960, and laying hens require less feed. For some perspective, using 1960 technology to produce the 2010 egg supply would have required 78 million more hens, 1.3 million more acres of corn, and 1.8 million more acres of soybeans.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Advancements in hen housing,<\/strong> such as improved building ventilation, temperature control, better lighting, and a more secure housing environment protect hens from disease-carrying wildlife. Egg farmers across the country adopted the techniques that proved the most effective in keeping hens healthier and enabling them to produce more eggs. Also, advancements in preventative medicine to eliminate avian diseases have made a big difference in egg farmers\u2019 ability to keep their hens healthy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Manure management<\/strong> has played a role in minimizing the egg industry\u2019s environmental footprint. The vast majority of manure from laying hens is recycled into crop production where it provides the nutrients plants need to grow, contributes to healthy soils, saves energy, and reduces farmers\u2019 use of commercial (i.e., chemical) fertilizer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        <\/dl><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group\"><h3 class=\"accordion-group__headline\"><span>Egg Nutrition<\/span><\/h3><div class=\"accordion-group__items\"><dl class=\"faq js-faq\">\n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >How do I know an egg is safe?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Everybody in the industry is vigilant about egg safety. Not only do farmers\u2019 livelihoods depend on their ability to produce consistently safe food, but the USDA and FDA set rigorous standards and conduct regular testing to ensure that this country produces some of the safest and highest quality eggs in the world.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Are certain types of eggs more nutritious than others?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>All eggs, regardless of color or how the hen is raised, have basically the same nutritional content unless the package says they are <a href=\"#faq-nutritionally-enriched\">nutritionally enhanced<\/a>. All eggs are nutrient-rich and the nutrient content of eggs is pretty much the same regardless of shell color (white or brown), grade (AA, A, or B), or how they are raised (organic, free-range, or conventional). When in doubt, always check the Nutrition Facts label on the carton.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Is it healthier if I avoid the egg yolk?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Not if you care about getting the best nutrition. Everyone values the protein in egg whites, but if you don\u2019t eat the yolk you\u2019re really missing out. Nearly half of an egg\u2019s protein and most of its vitamins and minerals\u2014including choline which supports a healthy brain\u2014are found in the yolk.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Is the amount of cholesterol in an egg a problem?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>No. Cholesterol in food does not impact your body\u2019s cholesterol like we once thought.<sup>44<\/sup> Extensive research has shown that eggs do not increase heart disease risk.<sup>45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52<\/sup> In fact, the American Heart Association recommends eggs as a part of a healthy diet for healthy adults.<sup>53,54<\/sup> There are exceptions, of course, due to heredity or other factors, so it&#8217;s important to always consult your doctor if you&#8217;re concerned about cholesterol or heart health.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\"  id=\"faq-nutritionally-enriched\">What are nutritionally enriched eggs?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Enriched eggs have greater amounts of certain nutrients than are normally found in eggs. Some people are willing to pay a little more for eggs that have extra Vitamin D or Omega 3, and if the farmer adds these nutrients to the hen feed (which costs the farmer more to do), that hen\u2019s eggs will contain higher levels of those nutrients than normal. For instance, Omega-3 eggs are produced by hens fed a diet that includes ingredients like flaxseed.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >What makes an egg organic?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Just like other certified organic foods, organic eggs must meet specific standards. \u201cCertified Organic\u201d is a USDA designation. It tells you that the farmers have used designated methods, practices, and substances in producing and handling crops, livestock, and processed agricultural products. Organic eggs are eggs from chickens not raised in cages that have some access to the outdoors <em>and<\/em> that are fed only organic feed. Certified organic eggs are labeled \u201cantibiotic-free\u201d because the farmers don\u2019t use any antibiotics at any time in the chicken\u2019s life.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        \n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Why do egg prices at the grocery store go up? <\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>Affordable, quality food matters to everyone, and for the incredible protein quality and nutrition they deliver, eggs are always a good deal. That said, farmers don\u2019t usually set the price of their eggs. Eggs are priced on wholesale markets, similar to the commodity markets for corn and wheat, which means you may see temporary changes in egg prices due to supply and demand volatility and factors that affect the farm. There are even times when the price of eggs is so low that the farmer doesn\u2019t make a profit. Like any other sector of the economy, egg farming can be impacted by inflation or experience supply chain challenges that you may see reflected in egg prices at the grocery store. Sometimes, animal diseases like avian influenza (<a href=\"#faq-hpai\">bird flu<\/a>) or other unusual circumstances can impact prices, too.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        <\/dl><\/div><\/div><div class=\"accordion-group\"><h3 class=\"accordion-group__headline\" id=\"faq-hpai\"><span>HPAI <\/span><\/h3><div class=\"accordion-group__items\"><dl class=\"faq js-faq\">\n        <dt class=\"accordion__term faq__question js-faq-question\">\n          <span class=\"accordion__toggler\" >Should I be concerned about the avian Influenza (\u201cbird flu\u201d)?<\/span>\n        <\/dt>\n\n        <dd class=\"accordion__definition faq__answer js-faq-answer text-block\">\n          <p>No. The USDA and the CDC have confirmed that avian influenza (bird flu) is a low risk to food safety and public health.<\/p>\n<p>There isn\u2019t any evidence that bird flu can be transmitted through properly handled and fully cooked eggs and poultry and the possibility of eggs from infected poultry making it into the retail market is low, due to safeguards in place, which include testing of flocks and federal inspection programs.<\/p>\n<p>The health and safety of their hens is every egg farmer\u2019s top priority. Working closely with state and federal government authorities, U.S. egg farmers maintain stringent biosecurity measures to keep the disease\u2014which is carried by wild birds\u2014off their farms and their birds safe.<\/p>\n        <\/dd>\n\n        <\/dl><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p>All of the information on this website has been reviewed and verified as accurate by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/egg-farming-today-references\/\">References<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Egg farming is a business. When you buy the kind of eggs that are right for you and your family, you contribute to egg farmers\u2019 livelihoods. Your purchases also influence how farmers invest in their businesses for future egg production. On average, there are about 300 million laying hens in this country\u2014that\u2019s nearly one hen [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-42315","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Egg Farming Today - American Egg Board<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Egg Farming Today - American Egg Board\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Egg farming is a business. When you buy the kind of eggs that are right for you and your family, you contribute to egg farmers\u2019 livelihoods. Your purchases also influence how farmers invest in their businesses for future egg production. On average, there are about 300 million laying hens in this country\u2014that\u2019s nearly one hen [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"American Egg Board\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-14T21:26:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/farmstory-egg-bowl.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/egg-farming-today\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/egg-farming-today\\\/\",\"name\":\"Egg Farming Today - American Egg Board\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/egg-farming-today\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/egg-farming-today\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/farmstory-egg-bowl.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-12-20T20:02:51+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-14T21:26:03+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/egg-farming-today\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/egg-farming-today\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/egg-farming-today\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/farmstory-egg-bowl.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/farmstory-egg-bowl.jpg\",\"width\":1097,\"height\":761,\"caption\":\"illustration of a bowl of eggs. the bowl has the USDA and FDA logos on the side.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/egg-farming-today\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Egg Farming Today\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"American Egg Board\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"American Egg Board\",\"alternateName\":\"AEB\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/IncredibleEgg_animatedlogo_v2.gif\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/IncredibleEgg_animatedlogo_v2.gif\",\"width\":140,\"height\":93,\"caption\":\"American Egg Board\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.incredibleegg.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Egg Farming Today - American Egg Board","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/egg-farming-today\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Egg Farming Today - American Egg Board","og_description":"Egg farming is a business. 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