Organic Eggs?

I just found this page which rates "organic" egg producers based on chicken-friendliness. Now, I've been buying organic eggs for months, mostly because the industrial chicken complex disgusts me. I figure at least I am doing my part in paying a couple of dollars extra to help the chickens.

I've had my doubts about whether the eggs I'm buying really come from "cage-free" chickens. Well, what do you know I read this link and apparently Eggland's Best organic eggs rate one star...meaning the company just found a way to use the organic label but the chickens are still crammed into industrial cages with little to no outdoor access.

I'm pretty pissed off about this. Some of you may want to consider this if you too are buying "organic" food. As an aside, does anyone know where i can get eggs that ACTUALLY come from chicken-friendly farms?? I swear, once i get a little bit of land I'm going to start raising some backyard chickens.

http://www.cornucopia.org/organic-egg-scorecard/

I've been getting true organic, free range eggs from Stone Run Farms, at the Norton Commons farmers markets on Saturday mornings. They are very nice and happy to talk about their farm operation in Springfield, KY. All of their meats and poultry are excellent. I think the eggs run $3.50 or so a dozen. You can read about their farming practices and get more info at http://www.stonerunfarms.com

I just found this page which rates "organic" egg producers based on chicken-friendliness. Now, I've been buying organic eggs for months, mostly because the industrial chicken complex disgusts me. I figure at least I am doing my part in paying a couple of dollars extra to help the chickens.

I've had my doubts about whether the eggs I'm buying really come from "cage-free" chickens. Well, what do you know I read this link and apparently Eggland's Best organic eggs rate one star...meaning the company just found a way to use the organic label but the chickens are still crammed into industrial cages with little to no outdoor access.

I'm pretty pissed off about this. Some of you may want to consider this if you too are buying "organic" food. As an aside, does anyone know where i can get eggs that ACTUALLY come from chicken-friendly farms?? I swear, once i get a little bit of land I'm going to start raising some backyard chickens.

http://www.cornucopia.org/organic-egg-scorecard/

Jason,

It sounds like what you want is "Pastured Poultry" eggs not necessarily organic. ( Free-range is typically used for beef). Pastured poultry spends a significant amount of it's time out of a cage. Being organic does not mean cage-free- just has to do with the land, feed and medicines it's raised on.
Be wary of "vegetarian diet" eggs- chicken are naturally carnivores ( worms, bugs, etc), so being vegetarian largely means they are caged.

Buying your eggs at any of Louisville's Farmers markets would be a great source for you- you can ask about their practices and get really fresh, great tasting eggs. You can also check ourt sources for pastured poultry and eggs at: http://www.eatwild.com/products/index.html.

Deb

http://www.farmaid.org/site/apps/nlnet/ ... ct=3852207

http://www.fungusamongus.us/BarrFarms/Home.html

Call or email Adam Barr. He is always selling some fantastic looking eggs at the Phoenix Hill Market on Tuesdays. Organic or not, I don't know, but I'd bet they are cage free.

Adam Barr
2440 Popham Rd
Rhodelia, KY 40161
Phone:(859) 608-6458
Email:adam.barr@gmail.com
.

Great,thanks everyone! The surprising thing is the fresh eggs aren't really anymore expensive than the organic ones at the grocery.

[Robin Garr]

In addition to the farmers' markets, Chelsea's eggs from Pleasureville, Ky., are sold at Paul's, Rainbow Blossom, Doll's and Whole Foods. Paul's also has Shelby County (KY) eggs. Far as I know, they meet the no-battery-farm rule. They certainly look and taste great.

Also, ask around your neighborhood. We have a neighbor on the next block who keeps hens in her back yard and sells them to neighbors for $4 a dozen, usually a day or two after they're laid. We KNOW they're not caged. They are fenced in her back yard, though.

Kathy and James Jackson are at both the Bardstown Rd and Bear Grass Creek Farmer's Markets. They have great eggs and seem to be very reasonable (can't remember the price exactly). Would totally recommend them. They do sell out very quickly so you may want to get there early.

Bumping this up, looking for local eggs. I appreciate the information in this thread although some of it may now be out of date. Where are you getting your fresh eggs?

[Robin Garr]

Bumping this up, looking for local eggs. I appreciate the information in this thread although some of it may now be out of date. Where are you getting your fresh eggs?

I'm willing to trust Chelsea's, Ridge Acres and Organic Acres, all variably available at Rainbow Blossom and Paul's. Generally speaking, I assume that the farmers at the various farmers' markets aren't lying about having eggs from their own pastured hens. And I like it best of all when a neighbor has some.

I'm more interested in pastured or cage-free than "organic" when it comes to eggs. I like organic in general and insist on it in milk, where it connotes no antibiotics or recombinant bovine growth hormone, and in soy products because Monsanto. But generally speaking, my main interest is buying local or regional product and avoiding corporate food.

I agree. Organic is not even something I want in an egg, honestly. I just want them fresh and humane.