A Year in Review: Handsome Brook Farms’ Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project

In its first year, Handsome Brook Farms’ Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project has made significant strides in reshaping sustainable egg production. Supported by the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant, this initiative is transforming egg farming practices and providing crucial support to family farmers dedicated to implementing regenerative organic agriculture practices.

As a leader in organic, pasture-raised eggs, Handsome Brook Farms continues to prioritize animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and responsible sourcing by working closely with family farmers. This partnership has allowed Handsome Brook to supply nutritious eggs to customers across the country while building a viable future for rural communities.

Innovative Practices, Tangible Results

Over the past year, Handsome Brook Farms successfully onboarded more than 20 dedicated growers into the Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project, collectively producing over 2 million eggs. These growers have adopted forward-thinking practices—like prescribed grazing, energy-efficient lighting, cover cropping, biochar application, and mulching—that bolster soil health, farm resilience, and overall sustainability. Together, these measures are helping to build a climate-resilient farming network that actively reduces its carbon footprint.

Clinton Sauder, an early adopter of the project, was drawn to Handsome Brook Farms due to the company’s success within his local community. After launching his egg farm in New York’s Finger Lakes region, he recognized the transformative impact of this venture not just on his operations, but also on the surrounding area. “I found out about Handsome Brook Farms through word of mouth,” Sauder explains. “A friend of mine has a barn with Handsome Brook. I basically copied his barn layout here for mine.” Clinton’s community connections and the reputation of Handsome Brook Farms have inspired him to embrace sustainable practices.

Sauder’s barn was affixed with an array of efficiency-focused ventilation fans from Handsome Brook’s Climate Smart Organic Egg Project. “I’m really impressed with these ventilation fans,” he says. “They have a magnetic drive motor, which will know when to kick on and off based on the controller and have variable speeds to move the air in and out of the barn depending on the circumstances.” Such innovations improve barn ventilation and temperature control, helping to reduce energy consumption while creating a comfortable, healthy environment for the hens.

Advancing Clean Energy Initiatives

One of the most impactful aspects of Handsome Brook Farms’ initiative has been its commitment to renewable energy. Nine full solar projects have been awarded to participating farms, with installations set to begin by the end of 2024. The renewable energy solutions are designed to help farmers, like Kentucky’s Larry Schmidt, achieve energy independence and significantly lower their emissions. Schmidt explains how this shift has changed his operations: “If it’s not keeping up with the energy demands in June, July, and August when the fans are all on and I’m using a lot of electricity, the power company uses the credits I’ve banked throughout the year. That means it should cover all my electricity bills.”

Improving Soil and Hen Health

Another major project focus is soil and animal health. Cover cropping, for example, provides essential ground cover to prevent erosion and enrich soil nutrition. Schmidt, who also implemented cover cropping with an organic seed blend, observed, “I tried to let it grow up taller than normal this summer, so that it would reseed itself. I’m really pleased to see that the grasses have germinated and begun to fill in the pasture.” Mobile shaders, also funded through the project, placed strategically across the pasture, provide a moving line of shade throughout the day, encouraging hens to explore nutrient-rich pastures while protecting them from harsh sunlight. “Our hens love being out on pasture,” Schmidt notes. “They follow the shade throughout the day.”

For Sauder, the Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project also introduced technologies like the manure scraper system, a state-of-the-art, automated device that cleans waste efficiently. These automated scrapers ensure timely waste removal, significantly enhancing cleanliness and hygiene in the barn. By controlling ammonia levels, the scrapers contribute to a healthier environment for the hens. This addition is part of Sauder’s commitment to producing high-quality eggs while maintaining a sustainable, low-stress environment for his flock.

Partnerships for the Future

The Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project has helped create a network of resilient, sustainable farms ready to face the challenges of climate change. “I feel like the grant is really going to help sustain [the hens],” Schmidt reflects. “As farmers, we want to be proactive and give the hens the best environment to sustain them.” Handsome Brook Farms aims to expand regenerative farming efforts by incorporating tree and shrub establishment, silvopasture systems, and investments in waste management and storage facilities over the coming years. These initiatives are not only an investment in the future of sustainable agriculture but also in the stability and prosperity of small and medium-sized family farms.

By supporting a diverse group of family farmers, Handsome Brook Farms’ Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project is fostering a sustainable food system that balances productivity with environmental health and builds a legacy for future generations. For farmers like Sauder and Schmidt, this project offers a unique chance to innovate and strengthen their operations, creating lasting value they can pass down. Reflecting on his vision, Schmidt shares, “I’ve had an interest in farming for quite some time. I have three daughters, and I really wanted to spend time with them as a father and enjoy the family. And so when I started thinking of opportunities, this one stood out to me as being something we could enjoy together.”

In its second year, Handsome Brook Farms is well-positioned to continue its impact, building on these successes and setting the stage for a more climate-smart, sustainable future in egg farming.