California egg production falling

“The state has grown and grown, and urban encroachment is something that significantly impacts any farmer,” said poultry expert Doug Kuney with the University of California. “As the farmer fights off development, development fights off animal agriculture and all that comes with it.”

According to the USDA, California was once the No.1 producer in the US. However, the number of chickens fell to 19.2 million in 2005, down from almost 40 million birds in the 1970s, when egg production reached highs of over 8.5 billion eggs. The state failed to reach the 5 billion egg mark in 2006 for the first time since 1959.

The amount California producers were paid for eggs has also dropped 37% from 2004 to $182 million in 2005 – the lowest value since 1962, according to the Department of Food and Agriculture.

Consumers concerns are also a major issue. Burger King pledged to begin buying eggs from suppliers that do not keep their animals in cages. Organic products have become a booming business.

The high costs of being in the egg business is also discouraging smaller farms. The increased rules regarding animal welfare have added to high costs, which a small farm cannot sustain.

Kuney predicts egg production in California will fall into the hands of only a few big companies, as smaller farms slowly disappear.