Eggstra! Eggstra!! What's the Labels Mean???

In full disclosure, I stole part of the title from a USDA post. This information is available at https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/eggstra-eggstra-learn-all-about-them

While at my town job, the topic of eggs and labels and nutrition came up. People were asking what made our eggs different. That's kind of a loaded question because what each person holds as "value" may differ. Typically in our culture, "cash is king". Which translates to to, even though there are superior products out there, I'd rather pay as little as I can and that satiates my appetite. Which leads to the contents of this post. I hope you find it informative.

Listed below is an excerpt from the USDA article;

"When strolling down the dairy aisle, you will see that the egg displays are full of several brands, each garnering various grading shields and marketing claims.  Remembering a few key points will help you make an informed and egg-celent choice:

• Grade: Eggs are given grades (AA, A, or B) based on interior quality factors like defects and freshness, and exterior factors reflecting shell attributes.  Grade A eggs have thick whites (Grade AA whites are slightly thicker) which do not spread easily, making them a preferred choice for frying.  Meanwhile, Grade B eggs usually have thinner egg whites, making them ideal for cake mixes and omelets.

• Size: Eggs vary in size (Extra Large, Large, and Medium are the most common sizes in stores) based on their weight.  The size markings on egg cartons tell the minimum net weight for a dozen eggs.  If you are looking for more protein, you should choose a larger sized egg.

• Raising Claims: Many are concerned with the way egg-laying hens are raised.  Here’s a quick definition for some popular claims.  Eggs labeled “cage-free” or “from free-roaming hens” are laid by hens that are allowed to roam in a room or open area, which is typically a barn or poultry house. “Free-range” or “pasture-fed” eggs are produced by hens raised outdoors or with access to outdoors.  In addition to the feed provided, these hens may also eat wild plants and insects.

• Natural: This term simply means that nothing was added to the egg.  All eggs meet this criteria.

• Organic: Eggs marked with the USDA’s National Organic Program label come from uncaged hens that are free to roam in their houses and have access to the outdoors.  The hens are fed an organic diet of feed produced without conventional pesticides or fertilizers."

So if we go by the US(duh) standards, our eggs are actually beyond organic because our hens have "access" to the indoors (mobile shelters) that are always located on organic pastures where no pesticide / herbicide has been used in 8+years, fed locally sourced soy-free organic feed from Reedy Fork Farms in NC https://reedyforkfarm.com/ and always have access to wild plants and bugs that are part of their natural diet.

What about Nutritional Values?

Pastured eggs in comparison to conventional store bought eggs contain...

• Twice as much vitamin E.

• 38% higher vitamin A concentration.

• Twice as much long-chain omega-3 fat.

• 2.5 times more total omega-3 fatty acids.

• Less than half the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3.

For a more in depth look at this, click on the link below. I found it to be a balanced look at the subject of comparison.

https://michaelkummer.com/pastured-eggs-benefits/

We remain private because we can avoid the regulatory agencies that produce the convolution that markets subpar products, while trying to comfort any concern or conviction we may muster up. The issue that I find with regulatory agencies is that I have to first ask the question why are they necessary and have we become dependent on them? I'm not against all regulatory agencies, but when it produces a population that loses it's ability think for themselves and strictly rely upon an agencies approval or disapproval, I have an issue. In my deduction, education is how we combat regulatory dilution and delusion. This is what makes Embrace Farm's heart beat. Educating ourselves and encouraging others to become educated. Whether or not we can help is up to you to decide, maybe you can help educate us! We seem to hold to convictions that a small minority practice and that's okay. Also it's notable that we do the best we can as best we know how at this point. We are ever evolving and learning to do things that honor our Creator. We desire to help you if we can and to offer products if we can. We feel like the weaponizing of our food by way of misinformation is fundamentally wrong and reveals that regulatory agencies have become exploiters more than nurturers. We do what we do, how we do, to combat this. Personally and privately.

We currently have organic pastured whole chickens available. If you are interested, please let me know by calling or texting (864) 901-3734 or order on the website. Membership is required to order.

We will be at the Polk County Winter's Market this Saturday from 10-1 held behind Iron Key Brewery in Columbus, NC. If anyone would like to pick-up there instead of at the farm, let me know!

Your local aspiring steward and aspiring nurturer of the Earth and pastured poultry,

May God bless you and your's,

Gordon