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- Cal-Maine Foods Approves $40 Million for Cage-Free Expansion
Cal-Maine Foods Approves $40 Million for Cage-Free Expansion
Slice of Agriculture Team
October 09, 2024
Key Highlights:
$40 million investment approved for cage-free production expansion.
New facilities include five cage-free layer houses in Florida, Georgia, Utah, and Texas.
1.0 million additional cage-free hens expected by late summer 2025.
Conversion of former Tyson Foods facilities to shell egg production underway.
1.2 million free-range hens planned by fall 2025 in Missouri.
Source: Business Wire
Notable Quote:
"We are pleased to announce these new expansion projects, which support our strategy to increase our free-range production in line with customer demand and expanding state requirements for cage-free eggs. The additional capacity will further enhance our ability to serve our growing customer base. As we continue to expand our operations, we remain committed to being the most efficient and sustainable producer of fresh shell eggs."
Our Take:
Cal-Maine Foods' latest $40 million investment signals a strategic shift toward meeting the growing demand for cage-free eggs in response to consumer preferences and evolving state regulations. The expansion of cage-free production capacity, alongside the conversion of Tyson's former facilities in Missouri, positions Cal-Maine Foods as a leader in the transition to more sustainable egg production methods. With the promise of a 1.0 million-hen increase by summer 2025, this move not only enhances production capabilities but also aligns with the company's broader commitment to sustainable practices, catering to a market increasingly focused on animal welfare and quality.