Cracking Open the Carton: The eggs that travel from Missouri farms to around the country
Eggs are a staple of most diets — from scrambled eggs and toast that fuel your morning, to baking holiday desserts. In 2020, 315 million Americans consumed eggs. But how do those eggs get from poultry farms to your table?
Mid-States Specialty Eggs was the eighth largest egg producer in the United States in 2024. Started by Sedalia locals Marion Hostetler and Dale Shrock in 2008, the company has grown to produce eggs for all 50 states — and the eggs start by being grown locally.
Mid-States contracts with local poultry farmers in Missouri and Arkansas. The eggs from these farms are collected by farmers and sent to processing plants where they are washed and sorted into packaging. The company produces eggs sold at retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco and Sam's Club.