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Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the U.S., is investing $40 million to expand its cage-free egg production. The company plans to build five new cage-free layer houses in Florida, Georgia, Utah, and Texas, replacing retired cage facilities. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2024, with an additional 1 million cage-free layer hens expected by late summer next year.
In addition, Cal-Maine will expand cage-free production in Dexter, Missouri, by repurposing a former Tyson Foods plant for shell egg production. The company has commitments with local growers to add another 1.2 million free-range hens by fall 2025, with further capacity expansions planned.
Sherman Miller, Cal-Maine’s president and CEO, stated, “We are pleased to announce these new expansion projects to meet customer demand and state requirements for cage-free eggs.”
Egg producers are transitioning to cage-free operations as states prepare to ban conventional housing by 2026. Cage-free egg production has grown significantly in the past decade, with cage-free hens accounting for 40% of the U.S. flock in March 2024, up from 5% in 2012. However, recent outbreaks of high pathogenic avian influenza have impacted supply and led to price increases in California.
Cal-Maine has seen increased profits as a result of the tighter egg supply, with first quarter sales nearly doubling compared to the previous year. The company reported a 20% increase in sales of specialty eggs, including organic and cage-free products.
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Lara Heller graduated from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands with a degree in New Media and Communication. During her studies, she specialized in digital media, social media strategies, and content creation. She participated in various digital media projects during her university years, focusing particularly on online journalism and media ethics. After graduation, Lara started working as a content strategist at one of Europe’s leading digital media agencies, where she developed campaigns that strengthened the digital presence of numerous international brands.
