Nebraska Eggs

FAQs

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Where does Nebraska get their eggs from?

• Local Nebraska Farms & Regional Producers
• Large-Scale Commercial Farms
• Integrated Poultry Companies
• Specialty and Organic Eggs
• Wholesalers and Distributors
• Neighboring States

The diverse sources allow Nebraska to maintain a steady supply of eggs to meet the needs of its population. The state’s specific regulations related to egg production, as outlined by the Nebraska State Department of Agriculture and Markets, influence how eggs are sourced and produced to meet state and federal standards. To Learn more contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

Top 5 Egg Consuming Cities in Nebraska

There isn’t a specific ranking readily available that lists the top egg-eating cities in Nebraska. However, cities with larger populations, high demand for food services, and a significant number of restaurants and food establishments are likely to consume more eggs. Based on population size and economic activities, the following cities are likely to be the top egg-consuming cities in Nebraska:

1. Omaha

• Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and a major economic hub. It has a significant food service sector, including restaurants, hotels, and institutions, making it the top consumer of eggs in the state.

2. Lincoln

• Lincoln, the state capital and home to the University of Nebraska, has a large student population and an active food service industry. Restaurants, cafeterias, and institutional dining contribute to high egg consumption in the city.

3. Bellevue

• Bellevue, part of the Omaha metropolitan area, has a growing population and a robust restaurant and retail sector, driving substantial egg consumption.

4. Grand Island

• Grand Island is a regional hub in central Nebraska, known for its agriculture and food processing industries. Its population and the food service industry contribute to significant egg consumption.

5. Kearney

• Kearney, home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, has a significant student population and a strong restaurant and hospitality industry, making it one of the top egg-consuming cities in Nebraska.

Looking for reliable, high-quality wholesale egg supply in your city? Contact Eggs Unlimited today for competitive pricing, seamless distribution, and expert logistics support to meet all your egg needs.

What makes eggs from Nebraska compliant?

Eggs from Nebraska are compliant with various regulations and standards set at both federal and state levels, which ensure the quality, safety, and proper handling of the eggs. Key factors that contribute to compliance include:

1. USDA Grading and Inspection

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects and grades eggs based on quality standards. These inspections ensure that eggs meet strict criteria for cleanliness, shell integrity, and internal quality. Nebraska’s eggs that meet these standards carry USDA grading marks such as Grade AA, A, or B.

2. Food Safety and Egg Handling Laws

• Compliance with the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) is mandatory. This federal law regulates the processing, labeling, and inspection of eggs to ensure they are safe for human consumption. It mandates that eggs sold in interstate commerce be pasteurized, cleaned, and properly labeled.
• Additionally, producers must follow FDA guidelines under the Egg Safety Rule, which requires farms to implement measures to prevent contamination, especially by Salmonella Enteritidis, a common egg-borne bacteria.

3. Avian Health Regulations

• Nebraska’s eggs are produced under stringent guidelines that include measures to prevent and manage outbreaks of diseases like Avian Influenza. Flock health is monitored through programs like the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), which certifies that eggs are produced under disease-free conditions.

4. Cage-Free and Organic Certifications

• Many egg producers in Nebraska follow specific standards for cage-free or organic egg production. These certifications ensure that eggs come from hens raised in environments meeting certain welfare and dietary requirements, complying with consumer preferences and state regulations.

5. Environmental and Welfare Compliance

• In response to consumer and regulatory demands, producers may also adhere to guidelines aimed at reducing environmental impacts and improving animal welfare. This can include compliance with sustainability goals or cage-free mandates, as seen in other states like California. Nebraska producers may implement similar practices to meet these evolving standards.

It’s important to note that eggs produced in Nebraska are also subject to federal regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These federal regulations, which cover issues like food safety, are applicable to all eggs sold in the United States.

To ensure that eggs are “Nebraska compliant,” producers and distributors must adhere to these regulations and standards. Consumers can look for the required labeling and packaging information to help determine the quality and safety of the eggs they purchase. To Learn more contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

Who is the largest supplier of eggs in Nebraska?

The egg industry is served by multiple large egg producers and distributors within the state. The Nebraska egg market is diverse, with various suppliers and brands competing. Eggs Unlimited is one of the largest egg suppliers and has one of the largest networks in the industry. 

For more information contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com

How much do eggs cost in Nebraska?

The cost of eggs in Nebraska, like in other places, can vary based on several factors, including the type of eggs (conventional, cage-free, organic, free-range, etc.), the brand, the store, the carton sizing, and the region within Nebraska. Common carton sizing in the state:

• A dozen eggs (12 eggs) large white or brown eggs typically in most areas of Nebraska
• 18-count carton of large white or brown eggs
• 15 dozen eggs (180 eggs) in Nebraska, for large white or brown eggs
• 30 dozen eggs (360 eggs) in Nebraska, for large white or brown eggs

Prices can change over time, and regional variations can be significant. To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for eggs in Nebraska, I recommend contacting wholesale suppliers, egg distributors, or checking with local stores or online retailers for bulk purchasing options. Eggs Unlimited can directly put you in touch with these sources for bulk purchasing needs. eusales@eggsunlimited.com

How many eggs are in a case?

The number of eggs in a case can vary depending on the type and size of the eggs, as well as the packaging standards of the producer or distributor. The most common case sizes for chicken eggs in the United States are:

• 5-Dozen Case: There are 5 dozen (60 eggs) in a 5-dozen case.
• 10-Dozen Case: While less common, you might also find 10-dozen cases, which contain 120 eggs.
• 15-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 15 dozen or 180 eggs in a 15-dozen case.
• 30-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 30 dozen or 360 eggs in a 30-dozen case.

Contact Eggs Unlimited today! eusales@eggsunlimited.com

How to sell commercial eggs in Nebraska?

Selling eggs commercially in Nebraska involves a more structured and regulated process, especially if you plan to sell eggs to grocery stores, restaurants, or other commercial entities. Here are 11 steps to sell eggs commercially in Nebraska:

1. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

• Nebraska Egg License: To sell eggs commercially in Nebraska, you need an Egg Handler License from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). This license applies to producers, wholesalers, retailers, and distributors who sell or handle eggs.
• Local Permits: Depending on where you sell eggs (e.g., farmers’ markets, retail stores, wholesale), you may need local permits from your city or county health department.

2. Comply with Federal and State Egg Regulations

• FDA Egg Safety Rule: Nebraska egg producers must follow the FDA’s Egg Safety Rule, which aims to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. This includes:
  • Refrigeration: Eggs must be stored at 45°F or below within 36 hours of being laid and must remain at this temperature until sold.
  • Sanitation: Maintaining sanitary production and handling environments is crucial. This includes regular cleaning of the facility and testing for Salmonella.
• USDA Grading and Inspection: Eggs must be graded according to USDA standards (AA, A, or B) based on quality. Grading is optional but recommended if you are selling eggs beyond state lines or in retail settings.
• Nebraska-Specific Regulations: Nebraska’s Egg Law requires eggs to meet specific quality standards. Key requirements include:
  • Proper labeling: Eggs must be labeled with the name and address of the producer, the grade, size, and pack date, and a sell-by or expiration date.
  • Quality standards: Eggs must be clean, fresh, and properly refrigerated.

3. Egg Storage and Transportation

• Refrigeration Requirements: Eggs must be kept at or below 45°F from collection to the point of sale. This includes during storage, transportation, and retail display.
• Transportation Standards: Ensure eggs are transported in clean, refrigerated vehicles to prevent contamination or spoilage. If transporting eggs across state lines, comply with interstate commerce regulations, including proper labeling and refrigeration requirements.

4. Packaging and Labeling

• Grading and Sorting: Commercial eggs must be graded based on USDA or Nebraska state standards. Eggs are categorized by size (e.g., large, extra-large) and quality (AA, A, or B).
• Proper Labeling: Nebraska requires the following information to appear on egg cartons:
  • Producer’s name and address.
  • Grade and size of the eggs.
  • Pack date.
  • Sell-by or expiration date.
  • Labeling for specialty eggs (e.g., organic, cage-free, or free-range) must meet federal labeling requirements.

5. Market and Distribution Channels

• Retail Sales: Eggs can be sold through retail outlets such as grocery stores, supermarkets, or specialty shops. Establishing contracts with local grocery chains or independent retailers is a common way to distribute eggs.
• Wholesale Distribution: Eggs can also be sold to restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and foodservice companies. Wholesale contracts can provide a stable demand and sales volume.
• Farmers’ Markets and Direct Sales: If you’re a smaller producer, you can sell your eggs directly to consumers at farmers’ markets. Even in direct sales, eggs must meet Nebraska’s labeling and refrigeration requirements.

6. Cage-Free and Specialty Egg Compliance

• Cage-Free, Free-Range, and Organic Certifications: If you are producing or marketing cage-free, free-range, or organic eggs, you need to follow specific production and labeling standards.
  • Cage-Free: Hens must have room to roam and not be confined to cages.
  • Organic Certification: If selling organic eggs, you must meet USDA organic standards, which require that hens are fed organic feed and have access to the outdoors. The eggs must also be certified by a USDA-accredited certifier.

7. Maintain Biosecurity and Health Standards

• Biosecurity Measures: Egg producers in Nebraska must adhere to strict biosecurity practices to prevent diseases like Avian Influenza. These practices include limiting farm access, maintaining cleanliness, and monitoring flock health regularly.
• Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Inspections: Be prepared for inspections by the NDA, which will check for compliance with safety, storage, and handling standards.

8. Set Competitive Pricing and Contracts

• Pricing Strategy: Determine the price of your eggs based on market conditions, local demand, and your production costs. Understanding Nebraska’s egg market trends can help you set competitive prices.
• Contracts with Buyers: Establish contracts with local retailers, food service companies, or distributors to secure regular demand for your eggs. Long-term contracts can help stabilize your sales and ensure a reliable revenue stream.

9. Marketing and Promotion

• Branding: Use local branding strategies to highlight the quality and freshness of your eggs. If you’re producing specialty eggs (like organic or cage-free), promote these attributes to attract health-conscious consumers.
• Promotion at Farmers’ Markets: If you sell at farmers’ markets, emphasize the benefits of buying fresh, local eggs to attract customers. Many consumers are drawn to eggs that are produced locally and sustainably.

10. Monitor Egg Market Trends

• Stay informed about local and national trends in the egg market, such as changes in consumer preferences (e.g., demand for organic or cage-free eggs) or disruptions caused by diseases like Avian Influenza. Monitoring these trends will help you adapt your strategy to stay competitive.

11. Consult an Industry Expert: Eggs Unlimited is one of the leading suppliers of eggs in Nebraska. Contact us today! https://www.eggsunlimited.com/contact/ 

Selling eggs commercially in Nebraska requires a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, food safety, and the commercial distribution process. It’s advisable to work closely with relevant government agencies and seek expert advice to ensure your commercial egg business operates legally and successfully. Contact Eggs Unlimited today! eusales@eggsunlimited.com 

Nebraska EGG CERTIFICATIONS

The United Egg Producers (UEP) has developed guidelines for conventional hen housing. To qualify as UEP-certified, processors are subject to site visits, where they must verify that their hens meet UEP guidance. Eggs from certified farms may have a UEP label on their packaging. Eggs Unlimited offers UEP-certified products, along with USDA-certified conventional eggs and non-UEP production.

WHY EGGS UNLIMITED?

Eggs Unlimited is one of the leading global suppliers of conventional eggs. We have the experience and market knowledge to help save our customers time and money. We work with some of the largest egg producers, retailers, distributors, foodservice organizations, QSRs, and processors in the US and around the world. They trust us to provide competitive prices and take care of logistics from pickup to delivery. 

We act as an extension of our customers’ procurement or sales teams, creating value, providing solutions, and delivering on time and in full. The company is built on family values, and we strive to work harder than anyone in the industry to service the needs of our customers.

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR LOCAL Nebraska EGG STRATEGY!

Get in touch with the Eggs Unlimited Sales team to discover all your conventional egg options. 

Call: 888-554-3977

E-mail: eusales@eggsunlimited.com.