When it comes to Ontario eggs, there’s a popular saying that “it takes a village” to bring them from the farm to the grocery store. Egg farmers are a crucial part of this journey, but many other professionals are also involved in the process. In fact, the egg farming industry has many unexpected careers. You and your students might be surprised just how many key players are involved in egg farming today! Check out our comprehensive lesson plan and video below to learn more.
Where do eggs come from?
Ontario eggs come from one of 500 farm families across the province. These farmers are responsible for caring for hens every day of the year while collecting eggs daily as well. Hens are housed in different barn styles, including enriched colony, free run, or free range barns. Eggs are collected by farmers and sent to a grading station for inspection and sorting about one to two times a week.
The Egg Farming Village
We often associate egg farming with egg farmers, but there are many other professionals who support the industry.
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- Veterinary specialists ensure the health and wellness of laying hens at the farm.
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- Truck drivers support the safe transport of eggs from the farm to the grocery store on a weekly basis.
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- Egg graders receive eggs directly from the farm and are responsible for inspection and sorting into cartons before going to the store.
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- Nutritionists help the public understand the health benefits of eggs.
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- Recipe creators collaborate with egg farmers to come up with delicious egg recipes.
Egg Farming in the Classroom
It takes a village to run a successful egg farming operation, just as it takes a community to provide an enriching learning environment in a classroom. Egg Farmers of Ontario would like to offer your class a detailed lesson plan on careers in egg farming, as well as a video that showcases the various individuals involved in the process of bringing eggs from our farms to your table.
