In this article, we will be looking at the 20 states that produce the most eggs in the US. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the global eggs market, you can go directly to 5 States That Produce the Most Eggs in the US.
Global Eggs Market: An Analysis
The increasing global population and the surge in demand for protein-rich foods are driving the growth of the global eggs market. According to a report by The Business Research Company, the global egg market was estimated to have reached a value of $269.48 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2024 to 2028 to reach a value of $386.75 billion by the end of the forecasted period. In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region was the largest market while the North American region was the second largest. The United States and China are the two countries with the highest egg consumption. The US is also the largest poultry-producing country in the world.
Technological advancements are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Major players in the global eggs market are increasingly adopting big data analytics, robotics, and other technologies to increase productivity in egg production, contributing to market growth.
The growth of the food service industry is expected to influence the global eggs market positively during the forecast period. Rapid development in the food service segment with the introduction of new and innovative dishes that use eggs in creative ways and the rise of surging demand for bakery and confectionary products are key factors fueling market growth.
Prominent Companies Shaping the Eggs Market
The global eggs market is fragmented, with many regional players focusing on various strategies, including product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and expansion, to increase their profitability and market share in various regions around the world. Some of the biggest corporations that are influencing the eggs market are McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD), Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM), and Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POST).
Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POST) is an American consumer packaged goods holding company that holds a group of food businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, food service, and food ingredient categories. It owns and operates Michael Foods, among other brands. Michael Foods processes and distributes potato and egg products. It is one of the largest processors of value-added eggs in the US. Michael Foods supplies its products to both food service and retail markets. On February 1, Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POST) reported strong earnings for the fiscal first quarter of 2024. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.69, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.59. The company’s revenue for the quarter grew by 25.51% year-over-year and amounted to $1.97 billion, ahead of market consensus by $45.27 million.
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM) is an American fresh egg-producing company. It is one of the largest producers and distributors of fresh shell eggs in the US. On December 29, 2023, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase a broiler processing plant, hatchery, and feed mill in Dexter, Missouri. These facilities were recently shut down by Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN). Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM) plans to repurpose these assets for the production of eggs and egg products. Initially, the company will transform the broiler processing plant into an egg grading facility. In connection with this transaction, the company also aims to collaborate with some of Tyson Foods, Inc.’s (NYSE:TSN) former contract farmers to transform their operations to support Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:CALM) cage-free, free-range, or pasture-raised egg production operations.
Millennials, known for their conscious consumer choices, are increasingly shifting towards ethical and sustainable egg production systems, with a growing preference for cage-free eggs driven by concerns for animal welfare and health implications. On February 6, McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD), one of the most valuable restaurant companies in the world, announced that it has achieved its goal of sourcing 100% cage-free eggs in the United States. In 2015, the company decided to fully transition to purchasing cage-free eggs in the US by 2025. By working together with egg farmers and suppliers in the US, McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) has achieved its goal two years ahead of the original timeline. The US-based company purchased nearly 2 billion eggs in 2023. This move reflects McDonald's Corporation’s (NYSE:MCD) dedication to prioritizing the health and welfare of animals within its supply chain. It also aligns with evolving consumer expectations and preferences for ethically sourced food products.
Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the eggs market, let’s take a look at the 20 states that produce the most eggs in the US.
20 States That Produce the Most Eggs in the US
Methodology
In this article, we have listed the 20 states that produce the most eggs in the US. To collect data for our list, we consulted the 2023 Chickens and Eggs Annual Summary report published by the United States Department of Agriculture. We used data obtained for the latest year in their dataset, published in February 2024. This database provided us with estimates on the production of eggs in US states for the year 2023. We used the data available to rank the 20 states that produce the most eggs in the US in ascending order of their egg production.
20 States That Produce the Most Eggs in the US
20. Kentucky
Egg Production (2023): 1.4 Billion
Kentucky is a landlocked state in the Southeastern region. It ranks among the top 20 states that produce the most eggs in the US. According to recently reported data, Kentucky produced 1.4 billion eggs in 2023.
19. Washington
Egg Production (2023): 1.74 Billion
The State of Washington is one of the top egg-producing states in the US. Located in the Pacific Northwest region, it has been nicknamed The Evergreen State. In 2023, Washington produced 1.74 billion eggs.
18. New York
Egg Production (2023): 1.75 Billion
The state of New York, located in the Northeastern region, ranks 18th on our list of states that produce the most eggs in the US. New York is one of the most populated states in the United States. The state of New York produced 1.75 billion eggs in 2023.
17. Utah
Egg Production (2023): 1.86 Billion
Utah is a landlocked state in the Western United States. It is known for its national parks and stunning natural landscapes. As one of the largest egg-producing states in the US, Utah produced 1.86 billion eggs in 2023.
16. Illinois
Egg Production (2023): 1.88 Billion
Illinois is a state in the Midwest region that has been nicknamed The Prairie State. According to recently reported data, Illinois produced 1.88 billion eggs in 2023.
15. Nebraska
Egg Production (2023): 2.23 Billion
Nebraska, in the Midwest, ranks among the top 15 states that produce the most eggs in the US. Nebraska is known for its vast prairies and spacious farmlands. It is also home to a thriving agriculture industry. In 2023, Nebraska produced 2.23 billion eggs.
14. Minnesota
Egg Production (2023): 2.36 Billion
Minnesota, in the Upper Midwestern region of the US, is a major producer of turkey, chicken, and eggs. As one of the top egg-producing states, Minnesota produced 2.36 billion eggs in 2023.
13. Wisconsin
Egg Production (2023): 2.39 Billion
Wisconsin is a state in the Upper Midwestern region of the US. In 2023, Wisconsin produced 2.39 billion eggs. Known as America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin is also a major dairy-producing state.
12. Alabama
Egg Production (2023): 2.57 Billion
Alabama is a state in the Southeastern US that ranks 12th on our list of states that produce the most eggs in the US. According to recently reported data, Alabama produced 2.57 billion eggs in 2023.
11. California
Egg Production (2023): 3.2 Billion
California, nicknamed “The Golden State”, is known for famous landmarks such as the Hollywood sign and the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also home to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, cliff-lined beaches, and redwood forest. In 2023, California produced 3.2 billion eggs.
10. Arkansas
Egg Production (2023): 3.86 Billion
Arkansas is a landlocked state in the South Central region that ranks among the top 10 states that produce the most eggs in the US. In 2023, Arkansas produced 3.86 billion eggs. It is also one of the largest chicken-producing states in the US.
9. Missouri
Egg Production (2023): 4.14 Billion
Missouri is a state in the Midwestern region of the US that produces a variety of agricultural products including corn, soybeans, cotton, rice, beef, pork, dairy products, poultry, and eggs. In 2023, Missouri produced 4.14 billion eggs.
8. North Carolina
Egg Production (2023): 4.16 Billion
North Carolina is a Southeastern US state where turkey and chicken farms have grown rapidly. As one of the top egg-producing states, North Carolina produced 4.16 billion eggs in 2023.
7. Michigan
Egg Production (2023): 4.96 Billion
Michigan, a state in the upper Midwestern US, is home to a thriving and diverse agriculture sector. According to recently reported data, Michigan produced 4.96 billion eggs in 2023.
6. Georgia
Egg Production (2023): 5.19 Billion
Georgia is a Southeastern US state that is known for its mountains, coastal beaches, and farmland. In 2023, Georgia produced 5.19 billion eggs. It ranks 6th on our list of states that produce the most eggs in the US.
