Farmers’ Hen House and Kalona’s SuperNatural Eggs
Much has been made of Kalona’s fabulous, fresh, beyond organic milk, the tasty result of our all-natural commitment to small farms and big flavors. But that’s not the only treat our family-run farms here in Iowa have to offer. Some 60 farms that work with our partners at Farmers’ Hen House bring the best eggs in America to you.
Like our milk, eggs are an almost perfect food, high in protein, easily digested, and delicious in an almost infinite number of ways and recipes. And, as with our dairy products, Kalona’s tradition of high-quality feed and extra TLC for our hens means healthier, more flavorful eggs for you and your family, with more vitamin A, vitamin E, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
The USDA National Organic Program has fairly strict requirements for farmers seeking the coveted label. Hens must raised without cages, added hormones, or forced molting, all unfortunately common on factory farms. Antibiotics, usually part of the daily diet in the septic, stacked cages of mass-production henhouses, can only be administered when the flock’s health is threatened.
While “cage-free” and “free-range” hens enjoy the same exercise and healthy vegetarian diet, organic chickens must also be fed only GMO-free, organically raised feed, produced on farms that have been untouched by pesticides or fertilizers for at least three years. Farmers’ Hen House feed “consists primarily of organic corn and soybeans, raised on local Amish and Mennonite farms.” Flax seed may also be added.
Some organic and cage-free growers only follow the letter of the law that requires outdoor access, perhaps providing warehoused hens with a small porch shared by hundreds—or thousands—of their sisters. Farmers’ Hen House suppliers have some of the smallest flocks in the business, and furnish between two and ten square feet per hen of the great outdoors to roam (protected from predators, of course). Comfortable nesting areas, natural lighting, comprehensive health care, and other amenities also set these farms apart.
Most farms are within 10 miles of the processing facilities, small family-owned operations that were producing organic eggs for generations before it became hip. Today, the eggs are inspected, cleaned, and packed by hand, just as they have been for centuries. Even the packaging is made with environmentally friendly materials.
In addition to the USDA certification, Farmers Hen House eggs are accredited by the stricter Global Organic Alliance. They also offer both cage-free and heart-healthy omega-3 enhanced eggs, which are more economical and just as delicious. If you enjoy the occasional double yolk, produced naturally of course, go for the jumbo size.
You can find Farmers’ Hen House eggs at many stores that sell Kalona dairy products; also check their website, with more listings and information about their wonderful farms.
