Green Tree Farm

More About Green Tree Farm CODE 216

Green Tree Farm is located in Elizabethtown, PA, and has been producing eggs for Sauder’s since the 1940’s.  The farm is now owned by Lynn & Sara Royer, and they intend to continue with the egg business. They also have dairy cattle and grow crops, and have added new chicken houses and dairy cattle barns. Lynn loves being a farmer, especially the day-to-day challenges. Darrell Baum is their flock manager, and has worked for Lynn since the Royers bought the farm. The eggs they provide are from traditional hens.

A traditional egg farmer typically operates within a conventional housing system, often referred to as a “caged” system. This method is the foundation of the modern egg industry, designed to provide the most efficient and affordable source of protein for a growing population. In this setting, the farmer focuses on a highly controlled environment where temperature, light, and nutrition are precisely managed to ensure maximum bird health and food safety.

Key Aspects of Traditional Farming

• Climate Control: Sophisticated ventilation systems keep the barn at a consistent, comfortable temperature year-round, protecting the hens from extreme weather and predators.
• Automated Care: Most traditional farms use automated belts to collect eggs immediately after they are laid, keeping them clean and crack-free while minimizing human contact.
• Nutritional Precision: Farmers work with nutritionists to provide a balanced diet of fortified grains (usually corn and soy), ensuring the hens get exactly the vitamins and minerals they need for strong shells and high-quality yolks.
• Biosecurity: Because the birds are housed indoors, traditional farmers can maintain strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of diseases like Avian Flu, which can be more prevalent in outdoor-access systems.

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