By Ben Thompson, 2nd Generation Egg Farmer. Pearl Valley Farms, Pearl City, IL.

My name is Ben Thompson and I’m a second-generation farmer at Pearl Valley Farms of Pearl City, Illinois. I live the American Dream every day on our farm; it gives me a strong work ethic and a life purpose. With my parents, my wife, Tammy, and my children at my side, we have built and grown our business by staying true to our roots and maintaining an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. I’m so excited about what the future holds, but it also makes me pause and appreciate the years of hard work to get to where we are today.

In the 1970s, my father, Dave Thompson was an elementary school teacher who wanted to teach his students about agriculture, particularly hatching chicks first-hand. Year after year, the flock continued to grow, and in 1987, my father began to turn that flock into Pearl Valley Farms. We ensure our hens receive the highest level of care and the most nutritious diet. This diet not only results in delicious and nutritious eggs, but also calcium-rich manure that we compost to create high-quality fertilizers. Our fertilizer has been so popular that we were able to expand and, in 2015, introduced our organic fertilizer line.

Our commitment to doing what is right for families across the country and for the environment helps us build on our American Dream and continue to grow our farm. We are excited to join other egg farmers who are fulfilling their dreams, as we represent Illinois at the next White House Easter Egg Roll. This annual beloved Easter celebration continues to delight thousands of children and families, creating lifelong memories on the White House South Lawn.

My family and I love what we do, and it’s why we can’t wait to share our passion — and our incredible eggs — with families from across the country. And in turn, we hope as you plan to gather around your table and outside for egg hunts that you know America’s egg farmers send you their very best every day.