ORLANDO, Fla. – Grocery stores are restricting eggs and raising prices as national farms grapple with persistent bird flu outbreaks and the rising cost of feed.
For Central Florida’s egg farmers, their chickens are revving up for egg-laying season, and they are trying to meet the demand.
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“There’s no way all of us put together can supply the community with all the eggs they need, but we can certainly supplement,” said Christina Cissna with Happy Feet Hatchery in Eustis.
Chickens don’t lay eggs at consistent rates year-round, so that combined with heightened demand means there are fewer farm fresh eggs. During the “molting season,” between October and January, hens produce fewer eggs. Farmers say that will change as we move into the spring and summer.
The farmers we spoke with say they’re getting bombarded with calls for eggs, and some are even bringing in more hens to increase their inventory.
At Princess Flock Farm in Kissimmee, Wagner Krohling says he sells a dozen eggs for $8 with a Saturday pickup, and people buying eggs online are already seeing a delay. He’s also purchased 1,000 chicks to raise for egg laying, with the hope of having a large stock for the summer.
At Red Acre Farm in Marion County, Andrew Smith says he is bringing in 350 more hens that should be laying eggs in the next three to five weeks.
For now, most Central Florida farms ask that people call ahead for availability. Many sell at farmers' markets, co-ops and on websites, while others have roadside farm stands.
Eggs at the farms we spoke to are ranging between $5 and $10 a dozen.
The Central Florida area has several farms that produce eggs for sale, many of them free-range or pasture-raised.
Free-range chickens spend more time outside and may have a more natural diet of bugs and plants in addition to feed. Pasture-raised chickens also have a more natural diet, but according to Humane Farm Animal Care guidelines they are also supposed to have more outdoor space to roam in compared to free-range chickens.
Some farms have also begun selling chicks so people can have backyard flocks for eggs at home.
Krohling says he’s begun offering chicken-raising classes.
Classes are also available through the University of Florida’s Agricultural Extension.
“The more people who are raising their own hens and eating their own eggs, the better the population will be,” Krohling said.
If you can’t get to the farm, Central Florida has several farmers' markets and co-ops that help farmers sell their eggs.
You can find farmers' market listings through the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Florida Farmers’ Market Association.
In Orange County, Farmacy and 4Roots sells Lake Meadow Naturals and Le Koope eggs online and at markets.
In Seminole County, Wild Hare Natural Market in Longwood sells eggs from local farms.
In Lake County, The Harvest Market in Clermont also sells local eggs.
You can also find farmers for all kinds of products through Florida Farm Finder. This group helps connect farmers with vendors and customers, hosts events, and provides up-to-date info on seasonality through its website and Facebook group.
Find farms that sell eggs by county below.
Lake County
2026 Lewis Road, Leesburg, FL 34748
This relatively new farm sells free-range chicken, duck and quail eggs along with vegetables and fruit.
Eggs can be bought online, or at their farm store on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can also call ahead to pick up eggs throughout the week. Chicken eggs sell for $6 a dozen.
The farm also has a 10-week subscription service and hosts events like goat yoga.
35703 Huff Road, Eustis, FL 32736
Happy Feet Hatchery has been open since 2017. They breed fancy chickens for egg laying and also sell eggs.
Christina Cissna uses her Facebook page to provide updated inventory and also education on raising chickens.
Eggs go for $5 a dozen. To buy, call the farm ahead of time. Cissna says her roadside farm stand will also be open, and people can buy eggs there in the next few weeks.
4322 Lake Erie Road, Groveland, FL 34736
This Groveland farm sells eggs along with fresh whole chicken and Thanksgiving turkeys. They have a wait list currently for eggs, but as inventory increases that will change.
Pasture-raised eggs are $7 a dozen.
The farm offers egg pickup by appointment and updates its Facebook page for availability.
It is also working with Offbeat Acres and the Groveland Exchange for pickups.
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Marion County
Located between Ocala and Belleview, Red Acre Farm sells eggs, along with whole chicken and pork for consumption.
Andrew Smith says his farm, which he’s run for almost three years, sells eggs from organically fed, pasture-raised hens.
The farm primarily supplies eggs for several markets and stands, including Ocala Market, Osteen’s, and Brown and Brown Farms.
However, on Friday any extra eggs are put up for sale via the website. Those eggs are $10 a dozen.
You can get updated information via the farm’s Facebook page.
Orange County
1144 Taylor Creek Road, Christmas, FL
Christmas Mills sells small-batch roasted coffee, stone-ground corn meal and grits, and baked and canned goods. However, in the last few months, they’ve also begun selling eggs.
Penny Beile says the farm has a stand on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Their cage-free eggs sell for $6 a dozen. you can check for availability on their Facebook page.
10000 Mark Adam Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
Lake Meadow Naturals provides eggs to some of the best restaurants in town, and you can buy them for your home. The eggs are cage-free and available at the farm’s Ocoee store, and at other farms and markets around Central Florida.
You can see pictures and a video of how the eggs are processed on the Lake Meadow Naturals website. Chicken egg prices through their website start at $8 a dozen, depending on size and type.
The farm also sells beef, chicken, pork, lamb, goat and bison, along with other farm-fresh products, online and at their market.
Osceola County
2527 Princess Way, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Princess Flock sells pasture-raised eggs. The farm has a pickup period on Saturdays only and also does delivery and subscription plans.
Wagner Krohling says eggs picked up from the farm are $8 a dozen. pickup is Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, and you should call the farm ahead of time for availability.
Krohling also sells chickens for backyard flocks and hosts a class on raising chickens. More information is on the Princess Flock website or through Facebook.
Seminole County
1700 Marsh Street, Oviedo, FL
This small farmstead outside Oviedo offers eggs for $5 a dozen. They are by appointment only, you call ahead to pick up at 407-489-7430.
The farm also sells baby chicks for backyard flocks, and offers interactive farm tours.
Volusia County
This DeLand farm offers pasture-raised eggs for $7 a dozen and chicks for backyard flocks.
The farm has eggs two to three times a week, and egg pickup is by appointment only. You can contact the farm at 386-748-2564 for more information, and be sure to check Facebook for the latest availability.
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