Largest Egg Producers In The US By State Revealed
The largest egg producers in the US by state are Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas, which together account for over 45% of the nation's total egg output of approximately 8.3 billion eggs in 2025.
Top States Ranked
Iowa leads with 1.2 billion eggs produced in 2025, supported by over 40 million laying hens as of early 2026 data. This Midwest powerhouse benefits from abundant corn and soybean feeds, making it the unchallenged top producer for decades.
Ohio follows closely at 1 billion eggs, while Indiana produced 924.5 million, both states leveraging strong agricultural infrastructure. Pennsylvania and Texas round out the top five with 689.8 million and 537.4 million eggs respectively.
| Rank | State | 2025 Egg Production (in millions) | % of US Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 1,200 | 14.5% |
| 2 | Ohio | 1,000 | 12.0% |
| 3 | Indiana | 924.5 | 11.1% |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 689.8 | 8.3% |
| 5 | Texas | 537.4 | 6.5% |
| 6 | Missouri | 461.1 | 5.6% |
| 7 | Georgia | 449.5 | 5.4% |
| 8 | North Carolina | 358.1 | 4.3% |
| 9 | Michigan | 354.8 | 4.3% |
| 10 | Arkansas | 332.3 | 4.0% |
Data compiled from 2025 USDA reports shows the top 10 states producing over 65% of US eggs.
- Iowa: Dominates with vast hen populations exceeding 40 million layers.
- Ohio: Known for efficient large-scale farms producing 1 billion+ eggs annually.
- Indiana: Benefits from fertile farmland and transportation hubs.
- Pennsylvania: Steady output from family-run and corporate operations.
- Texas: Growing rapidly due to expanding poultry infrastructure.
Major Producers by State
In Iowa, companies like Fremont Farms of Iowa operate massive facilities with millions of hens. Rose Acre Farms, another key player, has significant presence here despite headquarters elsewhere.
Ohio hosts operations tied to major producers such as Hillandale Farms, which ranks among the top nationally with 20 million hens as of 2022 data. Recent expansions have boosted output further.
Indiana's egg sector features firms like Daybreak Foods with 14.48 million hens reported in older rankings, contributing to its third-place status.
"Three states-Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana-account for one-third of all U.S. egg production, with values exceeding $2 billion each in recent years," noted industry analysts in a 2025 Reddit discussion on production maps.
- Review USDA annual reports for latest hen counts and egg cartons produced.
- Cross-reference with state agriculture departments for local farm data.
- Account for table eggs versus breaker eggs in totals.
- Adjust for avian flu outbreaks, which impacted 2022-2025 production.
- Monitor exports, which rose to 9.8 million cases in 2021.
Historical Trends
Egg production has grown steadily, with US totals reaching 276.6 million 30-dozen cases in 2022, up from prior years despite challenges like bird flu. Iowa has held the top position since at least 2019, producing 17.1 billion eggs that year.
In 2021, top states by hens included Iowa at 48.9 million, far ahead of others. By 2025, consolidation among large producers like Cal-Maine Foods, with 46.78 million hens nationwide, amplified state outputs.
California, once a leader, dropped to 167.3 million eggs in 2025 due to cage-free laws increasing costs. This shift surprised many, as Golden State farms adapted slowly.
Key Companies Nationwide
| Rank | Company | Hens (millions, 2022) | Primary States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cal-Maine Foods | 46.78 | Texas, Mississippi, Alabama |
| 2 | Rose Acre Farms | 27.59 | Indiana, Ohio, Iowa |
| 3 | Hillandale Farms | 20 | Ohio, Pennsylvania |
| 4 | Versova Holdings | 19.95 | Michigan |
| 5 | Daybreak Foods | 14.48 | Indiana |
These firms drive state-level dominance, with Cal-Maine holding 16% market share.
- Cal-Maine: Mississippi-based but spans Texas and others.
- Rose Acre: Multi-state giant boosting Midwest totals.
- Herbruck's Poultry Ranch: Michigan-focused with 8.3 million hens.
Economic Impact
The egg industry generates billions, with Iowa's output valued at $2.48 billion recently. Top five states support thousands of jobs in farming, processing, and transport.
In 2024, USDA recorded 13.4 billion eggs from Iowa alone, highlighting resilience post-pandemic. Export growth to 4.4% of production in 2022 underscores global demand.
Future Outlook
By 2026, production may hit 287.4 million cases, driven by cage-free transitions and tech like automated farms. Iowa's lead persists, but Texas could climb with investments.
"The top 10 states comprise 66.2% of production," per United Egg Producers, emphasizing concentration risks. Sustainability efforts, including better hen welfare, shape the industry.
- Cage-free mandates nationwide by 2026 will raise costs but spur innovation.
- AI monitoring in barns to optimize laying rates.
- Expansion in South like Georgia (449.5M eggs).
- Federal support via farm bills for biosecurity.
- Consumer shift to specialty eggs boosting premiums.
State Spotlights
Texas growth from 6.4 billion in older data to 537.4 million cartons reflects new mega-farms. Pennsylvania's 8.1 billion historical output sustains via Weaver Brothers.
Michigan's 354.8 million ties to Versova's 19.95 million hens. These surprises-non-Midwest risers-diversify supply.
"Iowa, Ohio, Indiana are all in the Midwest and comprise one-third of American egg production," states Eggs Unlimited.
| Year | Total US Production (30-dozen cases, millions) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 287.4 |
| 2022 | 276.6 |
| 2021 | 265.7 |
| 2020 | 269.2 |
Steady rise despite disruptions.
Georgia's 449.5 million eggs mark it as a rising star, fueled by poultry synergies. Nebraska and Alabama follow, ensuring broad distribution.
This concentration may surprise, as coastal states lag despite population density.
Everything you need to know about Largest Egg Producers In The Us By State Revealed
Which State Has the Most Egg-Laying Hens?
Iowa leads with approximately 40.4 million hens as of January 2023, updated figures from 2026 confirm it retains the top spot.
What Percentage of US Eggs Come from the Midwest?
The Midwest, including Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana, produces over 50% of US eggs, with top states alone hitting 37%.
How Has Avian Flu Affected Production?
Outbreaks from 2022-2025 reduced flocks by millions, but top states recovered quickly via repopulation.
Why Do Midwest States Dominate?
Favorable climate, cheap feed from corn/soy, and established infrastructure give them an edge over coastal states.
Which Company Produces the Most Eggs?
Cal-Maine Foods tops with over 46 million hens across southern states.
Is Egg Production Growing?
Yes, from 261.1 million cases in 2022 to projected 287.4 in 2023 and beyond.