Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., the Jackson, MS based company, is the largest producer and marketer of shell eggs in the United States. In the 2017 fiscal year, they sold approximately 1,031.1 million dozen shell eggs. In 2014, Cal-Maine sold over one billion dozen eggs in one year.
Recently, two of TPF staff members, had the privilege of getting a behind the scenes look at the day-to-day operations of the Cal-Maine facility in Searcy, AR.
When you think of what a typical day in an egg processing plant would be, what comes to mind? I know for me, this experience was one I will never forget. From someone who does not have an extensive background in agriculture, experiencing the hard work that goes on each day in these facilities was an invaluable educational opportunity.
From the pullet to the hen houses all the way to the packaging of the eggs, we experienced it all! The Searcy location supplies the pullets for all three Cal-Maine plants in Arkansas. While watching the eggs come through the processing plant on conveyor belts, I was amazed at how efficient and thorough the processing was for each egg and package. As the eggs enter the plant from the hen houses, it is washed and weighed for proper packaging. There are many moving parts that work together to make the production process run smoothly and efficiently.
At full production, 1 million eggs are processed in the Cal-Maine Searcy location each day with an average of less than 1 percent of loss per day. With this amount of production, it would not be possible without the work of several individuals. When you think of a holiday or special occasion, we are often reminded of those who make sacrifices on these days. Those who work in this industry are no exception. In order to ensure safety, sustainability, and production, Cal-Maine operates 365 days of the year.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to see hands-on how eggs are processed right here in Arkansas and what this industry does on a daily basis for not only our state but others across the nation! Special thanks to Tim Thompson, Vice President of Operations and Matthew Ball, Plant Manager at Cal-Maine, Inc., for an “Eggscellent” day!
Story By: Lauren Sanders, Marketing Coordinator, The Poultry Federation
Photo: Left to right, Holly Rogers, Marketing & Business Development Director at TPF, Matt Ball, Plant Manager at Cal-Maine-Searcy along and Lauren Sanders, Marketing Coordinator at TPF.
