Category: Uncategorized

By Chris Pierce
2nd Generation Egg Farmer
Heritage Poultry Management Services, Annville, PA

I can remember my two kids hunting for colorful Easter eggs, carefully picking them up and putting them into baskets. Being an egg farmer has a lot of perks. I mean, how many other fathers can say they spend each day creating something that kids chase after with such excitement?

I hold Easter memories near and dear to my heart. Even though my kids are now in college, Easter hasn’t stopped being a tradition in my family and in our rural Pennsylvania community. In fact, it’s our busiest time of year. You see, being an egg farmer isn’t a weekday job. It’s not nine-to-five. It’s seven days a week. The concept of “working hours” doesn’t apply. Even days off can be few and far between, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Feeding people and nourishing families is incredibly gratifying. And that’s exactly why we work so hard.

As the president of Heritage Poultry Management Services in Annville, Pennsylvania, not only do I have hens in my personal care, but I also continue our family business, which my father-in-law started in 1980, into the next generation to provide support to egg farmers across our state. Our goal is to ensure the Pennsylvania egg community continues to provide the highest-quality eggs to Americans. We do that through a daily commitment to animal care, which guides every decision we make. For example, we have a full-time nutritionist on staff to ensure all hens receive the right nutrients in their diet. This is crucial because every flock is different — even the weather can impact their needs. This is one way we deliver the best product possible for people.

We hope that as you enjoy your Easter traditions — from dying eggs, watching children run across backyards hunting for eggs, or coming together over a Sunday brunch — you’ll know that America’s egg farmers work hard to send you their very best every day.

By Brent Nelson
4th Generation Egg Farmer
Nelson Poultry Farms, Manhattan, KS

As a parent, an American and a fourth-generation egg farmer, there’s nothing quite like the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Last April, my wife and I were delighted to take our three children from the Little Apple (Manhattan, Kansas) to the annual event on the South Lawn of the White House. While this marked the first time we were honored to attend this monumental experience, our family ties to the egg industry run deep.

Nearly a century ago, my great grandmother began selling and trading eggs to help put food on the table for her family. It was a humble beginning with chicks hatched in the garage behind the family home in Morganville, Kansas. What started as a personal passion has evolved into both a professional passion as well. Today our family keeps this spirit alive running Nelson Poultry Farms.

It’s a non-stop, challenging and rewarding job. There were times when, like at age 8, helping my dad around the farm, I wasn’t always sure I wanted to be an egg farmer. But coming back to the farm after exploring other unfulfilling industries post-college is a decision I’ve never regretted. And the thought that, one day, my kids could choose to be the fifth generation and continue our family heritage makes me even more excited for the future of agriculture.

We are thrilled to return to the White House Easter Egg Roll, which is a fun, exciting event, especially for my children. But it’s more than that; it’s a celebration of our way of life as egg farmers. And it gives me an immense amount of pride to be included in this beloved annual gathering on the most famous lawn in the country.

We can’t wait to go back, and bring the best of Kansas to Washington, D.C., Just as we do, on Easter and every other day of the year, as dedicated American egg farmers!

By Anthony Demler
3rd Generation Egg Farmer
Demler Brothers Pine Hill Egg Ranch, Ramona, CA

Right off Highway 78 and close enough to San Diego that we can feel the ocean breeze and salt in the air, sits my family’s farm, Demler Brothers Pine Hill.

As a third-generation farmer, I was raised surrounded by agriculture. It was, and still is, a way of life. My grandfather, Edmund Demler, started our family in the egg business and passed the tradition to my father, Kevin Demler, at our San Diego ranch in 1974. The farm was then passed to my brother and me, extending a history that’s ripe with tradition.

Growing up on a farm instilled many life lessons at a young age. Watching my grandfather and father work hard to provide not only for our family, but also provide affordable and nutritious food for families all over the southern west coast has always made me proud to be a Demler. Working on the family farm “when I grow up” was a childhood dream I am now lucky enough to call my life.

My father encouraged me to step away from the farm for college. It was important to him that I have a wide range of experiences and learn as much as I could from others as well as in class. That mindset, in part, inspired me to join the U.S. Marine Corps. We’re also a family business that builds upon the experiences of previous decades and we make sure we stay on top of the latest technology and innovations in our field. A focus on education is important, above all else. So, I attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and completed my degree at Point Loma Nazarene University before returning to the farm.

My brother Alex and I work in tandem to make Demler Brothers the best farm it can possibly be. Living in Ramona, California, has afforded us the opportunity to not only experience a rich farming culture, but also provide the ideal lifestyle for the hens in our care. We also ensure that the farm benefits the Ramona community.

As we approach the Easter season, there is no better time to remember the contributions so many Americans make to this country, celebrated in no small way, at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Many of our service members and their families attend. It’s also the perfect moment to recognize and appreciate traditions, while always looking toward the future with excitement and hope. My brother Alex and I keep that top of mind as we work hard every day on our farm.

By Britta McGuire
3rd Generation Egg Farmer
Sparboe Farms, Litchfield, MN

Work and play. Labor and leisure.

To my grandfather, Bob Sparboe, they were one and the same. He liked to quote a poet, who wrote: “A master in the art of living … always appears to be doing both.”

My mother, sisters and I know exactly what he meant. It can be hard to take a day off. The hens in our care never take a day off from supplying eggs that feed more than 4 million American families. But we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Our Sparboe Farms is a third-generation family-owned business. And now, side by side with my mother and my sisters, I’m proud to be a certified women’s business enterprise reflecting modern agriculture. From our farm, nestled beside one of Minnesota’s famed 10,000 lakes, we oversee, and we also work with other egg farmers in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and Colorado.

But we will take a bit of a break during Easter to travel to Washington, D.C., to join other egg farmers at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll celebration. This famous American tradition began in 1878, and today is one of the largest annual gatherings hosted by the White House.

While this annual event is a fulfilling moment for my family and me, our daily work is what makes this career worthwhile. Following my grandfather’s passing in 2005, my mother, sisters and I did not hesitate to keep this tradition alive because it’s not simply a job; it’s our life. We are fully dedicated to what we do: feeding families and enriching lives.

We’ll be sure to bring the best of Minnesota to our nation’s capital. And as you plan for Easter gatherings and hunt for colorful eggs, please know that egg farmers send you their very best every day.

The nation’s top egg farming states have come together to dish on their favorite holiday recipes representing their home state. Download the cookbook featuring 25 delicious egg recipes, including appetizers, brunch and desserts, that are sure to impress guests at any holiday gathering. Learn how to create tasty twists on regional favorites with these How-To videos available for view or download. Whether baked, deviled, smoked or scrambled – cook your way across America with these favorite hometown recipes.

The Incredible Egg Awards Grants to Four FFA Chapters for Eggcellence

CHICAGO, June 8, 2018 — Today, the American Egg Board (AEB) named the Milan FFA Chapter in Michigan the grand-prize winner of its second annual Incredible! FFA Chapter Contest. The contest, a search for incredible FFA chapters, supports developing future leaders in the agriculture industry by encouraging FFA members to nominate local chapters for a chance to win one of four grants — one for $2,000 and three for $1,500 — to continue their eggcellent work.

“This year, the Incredible! FFA Chapter Contest generated so many amazing entries that it was difficult to select the winners, but we landed on several excellent choices,” shared Anne L. Alonzo, President and CEO of the American Egg Board. “Each entry featured an inspiring story of leadership, enthusiasm for enriching their community and a passion for agriculture. We’re excited to once again provide grant support to chapters that embody the mission and values of FFA”

This year’s recipients of the Incredible! FFA Chapter Contest grants are:

Grand Prize Winner: Milan FFA (Michigan)
Milan FFA is the oldest continuously running chapter in Michigan and is focused on year-round community service. They begin each school year with a hog roast tailgate, celebrate the holiday season by making blankets for the children’s cancer wing at St Joe’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and adopt a family for whom they’ll purchase gifts. In the spring, Milan FFA focuses on food safety with an “Omelet Day” for classes and a Teachers Appreciation Breakfast. They end each year by attending their county Rural Education Day to teach third-grade students about the wonders of agriculture.

Finalist #1: Blue River Valley FFA (Indiana)
Blue River Valley FFA stepped up in a crisis and showed resilience when their teacher’s house caught fire. The students in the chapter kept the program running while their teacher took time to heal and rebuild. Blue River Valley FFA students and their families cared for animals in the school barn, as well as their teacher’s farm animals at home. They did this all while keeping programming going, including hand-delivering eggs to teachers and local stores and increasing sales of eggs and meat to help provide for their chapter.

Finalist #2: Denton-Braswell FFA (Texas)
Denton-Braswell FFA was chartered in late 2017 and is already the largest chapter in the school district. Despite many obstacles, Denton-Braswell FFA, through their motivation and determination, has participated in multiple career and leadership development events. They’ve also built a community garden that will provide quality produce to less fortunate community members at no cost.

Finalist #3: Stanton FFA (Nebraska)
Stanton FFA is recognized for its diversity and community involvement. From tripling the number of members in just two years to rebuilding and reorganizing due to their quick growth, Stanton FFA is dedicated to spreading the word about FFA.

The AEB launched the Incredible! FFA Chapter Contest to celebrate the outstanding efforts of FFA Chapters around the country. As part of the nomination process, AEB asked chapter members to share what made their nominated chapters ‘incredible’ and how grant funds would be used to positively impact their chapter. Entrants were judged based on the chapter’s community impact and the uniqueness of programming advanced by that chapter.

Katherine Brooking, MS, RD: Ladies, did you know that what you grab off the supermarket shelf has the potential to protect your bones, your eyes and may even help you manage your weight? Today we’ve partnered with The Incredible Egg to share with you one of our favorite superfoods for women: eggs.
Julie Upton, MS, RD, CSSD: That’s right Katherine.  Eggs really are an eggcellent choice for women’s health.  One large egg has 70 calories, 13 essential vitamins and minerals and 6 grams of high-quality protein.  And the protein in eggs can help keep you fuller for longer.  For example, this Spinach Ham & Cheese Omelet has 25 grams of protein and keeps me satisfied all morning long.
Katherine: And it’s delicious! And remember when you’re cooking with eggs, don’t toss out the yolk. It’s where you’ll find most of the nutrients, including vitamins D, B12 and more than 40 percent of the egg’s protein.
Julie: They’re also a great choice if you’re pregnant.  One egg provides a quarter of your daily choline needs. That’s a nutrient important for the brain development of your unborn child. They’re also one of the only natural sources of vitamin D – a nutrient that’s important for your bones and immune system.
Katherine: That’s right and egg yolks also provide lutein and zeaxanthin – nutrients that may reduce the risk of cataracts and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.  I baked this Broccoli Quiche in Colorful Peppers and it’s loaded with nutrition.
Julie: That is such a great idea! For the recipes we have here today and for more tips about women’s health and nutrition, visit us at AppforHealth.com.

Katherine Brooking, MS, RD: Ladies, did you know that what you grab off the supermarket shelf has the potential to protect your bones, your eyes and may even help you manage your weight? Today we’ve partnered with The Incredible Egg to share with you one of our favorite superfoods for women: eggs.

Julie Upton, MS, RD, CSSD: That’s right Katherine.  Eggs really are an eggcellent choice for women’s health.  One large egg has 70 calories, 13 essential vitamins and minerals and 6 grams of high-quality protein.  And the protein in eggs can help keep you fuller for longer.  For example, this Spinach Ham & Cheese Omelet has 25 grams of protein and keeps me satisfied all morning long.

Katherine: And it’s delicious! And remember when you’re cooking with eggs, don’t toss out the yolk. It’s where you’ll find most of the nutrients, including vitamins D, B12 and more than 40 percent of the egg’s protein.

Julie: They’re also a great choice if you’re pregnant.  One egg provides a quarter of your daily choline needs. That’s a nutrient important for the brain development of your unborn child. They’re also one of the only natural sources of vitamin D – a nutrient that’s important for your bones and immune system.

Katherine: That’s right and egg yolks also provide lutein and zeaxanthin – nutrients that may reduce the risk of cataracts and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.  I baked this Broccoli Quiche in Colorful Peppers and it’s loaded with nutrition.

Julie: That is such a great idea! For the recipes we have here today and for more tips about women’s health and nutrition, visit us at AppforHealth.com.

 
Katherine Brooking, MS, RD: Ladies, did you know that what you grab off the supermarket shelf has the potential to protect your bones, your eyes and may even help you manage your weight? Today we’ve partnered with The Incredible Egg to share with you one of our favorite superfoods for women: eggs.
Julie Upton, MS, RD, CSSD: That’s right Katherine.  Eggs really are an eggcellent choice for women’s health.  One large egg has 70 calories, 13 essential vitamins and minerals and 6 grams of high-quality protein.  And the protein in eggs can help keep you fuller for longer.  For example, this Spinach Ham & Cheese Omelet has 25 grams of protein and keeps me satisfied all morning long.
Katherine: And it’s delicious! And remember when you’re cooking with eggs, don’t toss out the yolk. It’s where you’ll find most of the nutrients, including vitamins D, B12 and more than 40 percent of the egg’s protein.
Julie: They’re also a great choice if you’re pregnant.  One egg provides a quarter of your daily choline needs. That’s a nutrient important for the brain development of your unborn child. They’re also one of the only natural sources of vitamin D – a nutrient that’s important for your bones and immune system.
Katherine: That’s right and egg yolks also provide lutein and zeaxanthin – nutrients that may reduce the risk of cataracts and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.  I baked this Broccoli Quiche in Colorful Peppers and it’s loaded with nutrition.
Julie: That is such a great idea! For the recipes we have here today and for more tips about women’s health and nutrition, visit us at AppforHealth.com.

By Brent Nelson
4th Generation Egg Farmer
Nelson Poultry Farms, Manhattan, KS

What do Kansas, the White House and Easter have in common? You may be surprised to learn that egg farmers from across the country, including from the great state of Kansas, are proudly donating 30,000 farm-fresh eggs to the 2018 White House Easter Egg Roll held on Monday, April 2.

I am Brent Nelson of Nelson Poultry Farms, and for almost 100 years, my family has been in the egg farming business with the goal of helping families put nutritious food on their tables. I am honored to represent Kansas at this annual beloved Easter celebration that continues to delight thousands of children and families, creating lifelong memories on the White House South Lawn.

This iconic tradition dates back to 1878, and today it is one of the largest annual gatherings hosted by the White House. Following the creation of the American Egg Board in 1977, REAL eggs returned to the White House for egg rolling and activities. That same year, America’s egg farmers also presented the first daughter with the first-ever Commemorative Egg. This tradition continues today with an annual presentation to the First Lady of the United States.

Thanks to the American Egg Board, which has donated thousands of real eggs to the White House Easter Egg Roll for decades, families can decorate eggs, sample recipes (like the popular EggPop) and continue the tradition of rolling eggs with wooden spoons across the South Lawn. For us in modern agriculture, it’s an opportunity to educate the next generation on the value of eggs to American society and the journey from hen to home.

The White House Easter Egg Roll has served as a chance for my father Greg Nelson and I to reflect on our long heritage in egg farming. In the late 1920s, my great grandmother, Leda Nelson, acquired incubators to hatch baby chicks in the garage behind the family’s home that were sold locally. Keeping it in the family, Leda passed the family business down to her son and my grandfather, Wilburn Nelson, who took Nelson Poultry Farms to the next level — contracting eggs to the United States Army installation at Fort Riley, Kansas.

The love of farming must run deep in our veins because my father, Greg, joined his father in running an operation in my hometown of Manhattan. Through hard work, dedication and modern technology, we’ve been able to grow Nelson Poultry Farms into the innovative hen and hatching business that it is today.

My family and I love what we do, and it’s why we can’t wait to share our passion with families from across the country at this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll. So, as the event draws near, we’ll be sure to bring the best of Kansas to Washington, DC. And in turn, we hope as you plan for Easter Sunday’s family gatherings, while your children hunt for colorful eggs in the backyard, know that America’s egg farmers care for their hens, their communities and their land every day. Wishing you an incredible Easter and spring from our family to yours.