#USA #In-Ovo Sexing #NestFresh #Fullerton, California #Humanely Hatched

NestFresh Reaches a New Milestone in Animal Welfare

NestFresh, one of the leading humane egg producers in the United States, has recently announced a significant achievement in its Humanely Hatched™ program. The company has successfully hatched 1.2 million chicks using innovative in-ovo sexing technology, a breakthrough that spares an equal number of male chicks from the unfortunate fate of euthanasia shortly after birth. With expectations to reach a total of 1.5 million by the end of this year, NestFresh is setting a new standard in the egg industry.

The Impact of In-Ovo Sexing Technology

In-ovo sexing technology represents a groundbreaking advancement in the way hatcheries operate. Traditionally, male chicks in the egg industry are culled shortly after hatching because they do not lay eggs. However, with in-ovo sexing, essential information about the chick's gender is determined before hatching, allowing male eggs to be diverted from the hatching process altogether. This technology, developed by Agri Advanced Technologies and implemented in NestFresh's Humanely Hatched™ program, is not only humane but also scalable, promising a shift in the future of egg production.

Jasen Urena, the Vice President of NestFresh, expressed his enthusiasm and the company's commitment to expanding this program: "Two years ago, in-ovo sexing was still a topic met with hesitation within the industry. We firmly believed in its potential as a scalable solution and made a strategic decision to invest in it. Now, with 1.2 million chicks hatched, we are proving that humane innovation on a commercial scale is indeed possible. This is just the beginning; we aim to spare millions of male chicks in the future."

Commitment Across Brands

As part of this new initiative, NestFresh's New Barn Organics, which focuses on regenerative organic agriculture, has transitioned to sourcing 100% Humanely Hatched™ eggs. Not only does this align with the company's commitment to animal welfare, but it also enhances consumer awareness. New Barn Organics' packaging is set to feature the Humanely Hatched™ label, making it easier for consumers to identify and choose eggs produced under this humane standard. The brand aims to have these new eggs available on retail shelves through the remainder of the year.

Meanwhile, another brand under NestFresh, Country Hen, is also gearing up for a complete transition by 2027. This concerted effort across various brands highlights NestFresh's ambitious goal of setting a new benchmark for ethical egg production in the industry.

Consumer Awareness and Animal Welfare

With increasing public attention on animal welfare issues, especially concerning male chick culling, organizations like the ASPCA are vocal advocates for humane practices in the industry. NestFresh eggs are now included in the ASPCA's ShopKind™ guide, which assists consumers in locating humane grocery options. Consumers are encouraged to support this initiative through their everyday purchases, further emphasizing the role that individual choices play in fostering change.

Nancy Roulston, Senior Director of Corporate Policy at the ASPCA, commented on these developments: "The culling of male chicks could soon be a thing of the past thanks to accessible in-ovo sexing technology with a high accuracy rate. This crucial advancement allows us to address a longstanding animal welfare issue. NestFresh is leading by example, implementing clear labeling practices that empower consumers to participate in this change."

Looking Ahead

As NestFresh moves into the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to producing the freshest, most humane, and sustainable eggs possible. Established in 1991, the company was a pioneer in the cage-free movement in the U.S. and has evolved to offer exclusively Free-Range and Pasture-Raised eggs, all sourced from small family farms that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

With the backing of the Certified Humane® standards by Humane Farm Animal Care, NestFresh provides consumers with an ethical choice while pushing the boundaries of innovation in egg production. As they gear up for the next milestone in their Humanely Hatched™ program, the company invites consumers to join them in this transformative journey for a more humane food system. For more information about NestFresh and their initiatives, please visit NestFresh.com.